Our Trust and Board

Linda is a secondary school principal with 18 years’ experience. She has led three schools and is currently Principal of Golden Bay High School and co-leads Kāhui Ako ki Mohua.

Before moving to Golden Bay, Linda ran a leadership consultancy business that supported secondary school leaders in transforming educational experiences for students, especially in post-earthquake Christchurch. This passion for best meeting the needs of students in a rapidly changing environment is also reflected in her governance portfolio, including two terms as a Director of Network for Learning Ltd and nine years on the Lincoln University Council.

FCA, BCom (Hons), Dip Tchg, CMInstD

Catherine is a Chartered Accountant Fellow (FCA) and a chartered member of the Institute of Directors. She has experience in the public sector, corporate business and education, in both senior management and governance roles. Catherine currently has her own consultancy business which focuses on professional and executive education, strategy development and business restructuring.

She has held governance roles in a variety of organisations and, in addition to Core Education Charitable Trust, is currently an Independent Director with New Zealand Young Farmers and a trustee with Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Trust and the CSO Foundation.

Cadence Kaumoana (Waikato, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Maniapoto) has an extensive background in the education sector having worked across government, iwi and secondary and tertiary fields for over 20 years. Cadence comes with extensive executive leadership experience including the previous CEO for the Maniapoto Māori Trust Board, and is the CEO for the Public Health Association of New Zealand.

Cadence is an award winning academic and an experienced governance Director having served as Chair, Deputy Chair, Trustee and Director across a number of organisations. Cadence has contributed to the United Nations indigenous education forum which followed with a visit from the UN to Aotearoa to progress growth in the education sector for indigenous learners.

Cadence is committed to ensuring positive outcomes for all learners, especially Māori and Pacific learners, and currently holds a number of other governance roles focused on empowering through education.

Josh Wharehinga (Māhaki, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou, Te Arawa, Ngāti Wai) describes himself as ‘first and foremost, a father’ to his six young adults. Born and raised in Gisborne, Josh’s upbringing was typically ‘gang related’ which he attributes to helping shape his worldview, how he approaches being a dad and his work in the community.

Josh’s background is in education, social work and driving community initiatives. Josh is a three term elected councillor and is currently the Deputy Mayor of the Gisborne District. Josh’s current roles include the Deputy Chair of the District Health Board, and board memberships for VOYCE Whakarongo Mai and Lytton High School.

Josh has an extensive governance background formerly holding positions on Te Mana Whakahaere – the board for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Te Maruata Roopu Whakahaere – the Māori advisory board to Local Government New Zealand, and the Audit and Risk committee of Local Government New Zealand.