Andrea Hutchins Board Chair | boardchair@waiheke.school.nz 

I am a communications advisor, currently for NZ Post, with a journalism background in daily newspapers and business news. I understand the value and importance of strong communication between the school and its community, including open engagement, consistency and information for whānau, parents and caregivers. 

My husband Nick and I have two children at Waiheke Primary (and one now at  and I’ve supported their journey as much as possible through parent help and the Parents and Co committee. 

While the South Island is our tūrangawaewae, we chose to live on Waiheke to be part of a close community, for the connection to nature and the chance to bring up a family with these foundations. Because of these special factors, Waiheke has now become our home and our kids’ place in the world. 

Waiheke Primary embodies many of the values that attracted us here; a sense of shared belonging, kindness to others and connection to the environment, along with excellent, inquiry based learning. 

It’s a privilege to be part of a team of passionate board members doing all they can to set our kids up for their best future. 

Nathan Tawhai Parent-Elected Member

I grew up in Central Auckland in the early 80’s so I had the benefit of not being consumed with technology. 

After high school I qualified as a professional chef, working in many Auckland restaurants and travelling the world with my now partner. I moved back to Auckland and started a new career, qualifying as an audio-visual technician, and for seven years did festivals, concerts, plays and conferences with Spyglass then Oceania. During this time, my wife and I bought a house on Waiheke and decided to call this place our new home. 

Today we have two kid at Waiheke Primary. Wanting to be closer to my whānau, I started my third career as a heavy diesel mechanic, and now work for Fullers at the Waiheke Bus Company, and am finishing my apprenticeship.

During my years here on the motu, I have embraced the community, freedom, beauty and lifestyle that this special place has to offer.

Esther McDonald Parent-Elected Member

Kia ora, I am from Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Pukenga and Pākeha descent. My whānau moved to Waiheke in 84' and have had multiple different businesses on the Island through my life. My partner Bobby and I moved back to the Island from Melbourne when I was hapu with our son Koa (year 5). We moved home to be close to family and give him the wonderful childhood I had on the Motu.

Bobby is an animator and I am a ceramic artist. I have a small and busy pottery studio called Thea Ceramics here on the Island and I am passionate about toi Māori and uku. We both work from home and feel very lucky to have the beauty of the island at our finger tips.

As a whānau we enjoy swimming and beach adventures, bush walks, good food, kapahaka, gardening and spending time with all our dog friends.

Before I was a potter I worked in the education sector. I have a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma in Teaching (ECE). I am currently studying Te Reo Māori and working hard to reclaim our reo. I feel honoured to be part of the Board for such a wonderful school with such a dynamic team.

Lucy Becke Co-opted Member

I’m a finance lawyer with a background that includes working for an international law firm in Sydney and several investment banks. These days, I’m fortunate to work remotely from my home office on Waiheke, working part time for one of New Zealand’s leading law firms. As well as my legal expertise, I bring critical thinking and risk management skills to the Board which supports thoughtful, strategic decision-making.

My husband, Ian, and I (both Australians) moved to Waiheke on a whim after a one-night visit at the end of our honeymoon. Eleven years, a dog, and two children later (both now at Waiheke Primary School), we feel even more at home because of the island’s strong sense of community and connection to nature.

I love our school and the way it feels like a family—its unique setting, the kind and focused teachers, and the enriching learning environment they foster with a distinctly Waiheke flavour.  It’s a huge privilege (and responsibility) to contribute to our school and the work of these amazing teachers through serving on the Board.

Nick Bullick Parent-Elected Member

I am Chief Investment Officer for a fund manager specialising in construction funding for some of NZ's largest private developments. I have been lucky to have spent the past 20 years living and working overseas in Asia, London and most recently Sydney where I met my wife, Georgie, and had our three children, Sadie, Jack and Freddie. 

We moved to Waiheke in October 2022 to give our children the upbringing that Georgie and I remember from our childhood as well as to be closer to family. Waiheke was an easy decision for us to live as Georgie was born and bred on Waiheke and her parents still live in the family home. We currently have two children at Waiheke Primary School, and the youngest will start at the beginning of 2027. 

I have been so impressed with how the school is led and run from communication, sports days, parent teacher interviews, fundraisers to the general feel of the playground at pick up and drop off. We feel very lucky to be part of a school and community that cares so much for each other and the surroundings. 

I am passionate about education and seeing the growth of children's hearts and minds. For me, education is not just about a school it is about the school, children, parents, caregivers and the connection with the wider community. If this is done well, it will give us all well rounded children. As well as having financial and property expertise I am a strong communicator and strategic decision maker.

Evan Monkman Staff-Elected Member

Born in the Orkney Islands in Scotland, I have lived in Aotearoa since 2006 and have been a teacher since 2011. 

I worked in rewarding teaching roles at schools on the North Shore and in South Auckland before spotting a job advertisement for Waiheke Primary School; my wife has family connections on the island and we had celebrated our wedding here a couple of years previously so we jumped at the chance to become a part of the community. 

We haven’t looked back — and feel so lucky to call this unique and special place home.