My name is Mike Cole and I am a business owner, and I am the current Chair of the Board.  I have been on the Board for around 8 years and have overseen the building of financial stability and improving our property portfolio to provide modern spaces for our students and staff to operate within. My children came to the school and my focus will remain on getting buildings built/refurbished and maintaining our financial stability. 

Kia ora koutou. As a parent of a Spotswood College student I see first hand how incredibly passionate, dedicated and committed the team at our kura is to prepare our tamariki for their future. I've joined the school board three years ago as a parent rep to give back to the school, to be involved on a governance level and would love to continue this mahi going forward. I have extensive board experience and worked as a CEO in the charitable sector for the past 13 years. Originally from Germany, I feel very lucky to call Taranaki home since 2008 and to raise our family here.

Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Rangitumau te māunga.Ko Ruamahanga te awa.Nō Wairarapa ahau.Ko Ginni tōku ingoa. My name is Ginni (Virginia) Douglas. Whilst not originally from Taranaki, it is very much home for my husband, three kids and me now. My eldest daughter is at Spotswood College, and I have been really impressed by the rich experiences she has had at Spotwood and would love to contribute back to the school by being on the BOT. I’d like to give back at a strategic level to our school community. I believe school and community are an important part of the foundation for our children as they develop and grow in their teenage years.I am a qualified lawyer, having worked both in New Zealand and the UK. Currently I am the Chief Risk Officer at Nelson Building Society. I work remotely most of the time but regularly travel to Nelson. Both through my work and my other governance roles, I understand the special role and responsibilities of trustees. I have been on the board of Ōmata School for the past 6 years and the parent representative on the Committee at Ngāmotu Kindergarten (where all our kids went too) for 3 years; was on the Board of a National Citizens Advice service in the UK and in my work I regularly attend Board meetings. I would bring all this experience to the role, as a well as an understanding of school policies and passion for the value of education. Thank you for considering me for your BOT representative.

Kia ora koutou! I am seeking re-election to the School Board as a parent and finance professional who is passionate about supporting the success and wellbeing of all ākonga. We have two sons currently attending Spotswood, in Year 9 and Year 12, and over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Board.  I understand the responsibilities of governance and the importance of the strategic decisionmaking that supports our principal, staff, and rangatahi. I am a Chartered Accountant and currently work as a Finance and Commercial Manager.  I bring financial oversight, commercial insight, and risk awareness to the Board.  I am confident in dealing with complex issues and ensuring sound financial management and stewardship of school resources.Outside of my māhi and whānau, I have a passion for dancing, art, and movies – I enjoy meeting people and being a part of the Taranaki Cathedral community.  These interests reflect my belief in the importance of a well-rounded education—one that nurtures academic and personal achievement, creativity, and character. Spotswood stands out to me as prioritising:  - Forward-thinking and inspiring education programmes and passionate teachers to help students achieve their best- Having a caring and whānau-like culture- Embracing diversity, helping prepare balanced and broadminded individualsThe feeling I get attending school events and the Open Evening sums it up when I walk away thinking “wouldn’t it be great to be back at high school” – learning should feel energising!If re-elected, I will continue to be an active, thoughtful, and solutions-focused Board member, committed to ensuring our kura remains a place where every student can thrive. Ngā mihi nuiLouise

As a proud former student of Spotswood College (Class of 1999), a local resident living within view ofthe school, and a parent who will have children at Spotswood through to 2036, | am deeply investedin the ongoing success and future of our school community. | am standing for the Board of Trustees because | believe passionately in the value of inclusive, future-focused education. | want to contribute meaningfully to the governance of a school thatalready demonstrates strong results and innovative educational approaches. | believe Spotswood College is on a great track — and | want to help ensure this continues, particularly as schools nationwide face increasing pressure to deliver high quality learning within complex and constrained environments. Professionally, | bring experience in leadership, governance, and infrastructure. | work in a leadership role at a construction consultancy firm and have previously held senior roles in government, council, and business. | also lecture part-time in construction management at WITT. My academic background includes a Diploma in Quantity Surveying, and | am currently completing a Master of Construction Law. Alongside my STEM-focused career, | have maintained a strong involvement in the arts. | am an accomplished musician and performing artist, and have served as secretary on the committee of the Taranaki Male Choir and as treasurer for the Taranaki branch of the NZ Choral Federation, helping organise the Big Sing high school choral festival. This broad perspective reflects my belief in the importance of a well-rounded, diverse educational experience. | would be honoured to serve on the Board and help guide the school’s continued growth and success for all learners.

School Board Secretary

School Board Staff Representative 

School Board Student Representative