Kia ora tatou,

My name is Reagan Thompson and I was elected to the Board of Trustees for Pahoia School in August 2022. Our whanau lives in Aongatete, and our two boys started their schooling at Pahoia in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

I was born in Heretaunga (Hastings) and attended all of my schooling there. Growing up around orchards and farming, I developed a strong interest in primary industry and subsequently attended the University of Canterbury to complete a degree in Forestry Science (B.For.Sc). Later in life, I also completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an agribusiness finance focus (University of New England). In recent years, I have taken an interest in governance and am a member of the NZ Institute of Directors.

My employment background is diverse having started my career on apple orchards in Hawkes Bay before moving into forestry research in Rotorua. I have worked in operational forestry and dabbled in investment finance during a four-year stint in London. I spent some time in Australia working on agribusiness development projects which segued into management consulting about ten years ago. Nowadays I run a boutique management consulting company focused on the global forestry, agribusiness, and wood products sectors. I also run a small avocado orchard where we live.

My name is Emma Ward, and I have my youngest son, Alex, in the Tūhua Pod at Pahoia School.

During my time at Pahoia School, I have been actively involved in the Fundraising Committee and this is my second term as a board member.

Professionally, I work in accounts administration and payroll across a number of businesses, and I also support my husband in the management of our architecture business.

I value being part of the Pahoia School community and enjoy contributing as a member of the Board of Trustees. I bring a proactive and considered approach to the role, with a focus on follow-through and effective contribution.

Kia ora, my name is Brenda Close. I am the proud grandmother of a Pahoia School student and I actively support my mokopuna and the school. I am passionate about supporting the learning and wellbeing of all tamariki and ensuring our school continues to thrive as a safe and inclusive environment. 

With over 30 years of professional experience in nursing—including senior leadership, management, and governance—I bring a strong foundation in board-level oversight, strategic planning, and quality assurance. I hold a Master of Nursing and am a Fellow of the College of Nurses Aotearoa, recognising my contribution to advancing equity and culturally responsive care within Aotearoa’s health system. These experiences have equipped me with collaborative problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively alongside diverse teams. 

I have previously served on a school board, participated in whānau/school support group and supported activities such as school kapa haka. I value these roles as opportunities to strengthen community ties and celebrate student identity and success. My commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi is central to my approach, and I believe in supporting Māori learners to achieve and flourish within culturally rich and affirming learning environments. 

As a board member, I bring both professional expertise and personal dedication to governance decisions that place tamariki and whānau at the heart. I look forward to working with the principal, staff, and wider school community to nurture a vibrant, equitable, and future-focused kura.

My role as a Pahoia School Board of Trustee is to support the school and help ensure it continues to give our kids every opportunity to thrive. Nicola and I have enjoyed being part of the school community with our three kids, Luke who has just started Kaimai, Michael in Waipapa, and Catherine who graduated last year.  As an environmental consultant, I bring a strong interest in sustainability and a common-sense approach to governance.  I also enjoy working with many of the kids through coaching sports. I’m committed to helping the school grow in a way that advances the lifelong learner profile of the students, academic excellence and our rural character. 

My wife, Debbie and I live on a lifestyle block in Pahoia, with our two daughters Harriet and Sophia who are in Tuhua and Waipapa pods. We’ve been active members of the school community for the past 5 years coaching school sports teams, assisting with activities and fundraising. We like the schools rural setting, smaller size, and the opportunities the school provides for our kids to enjoy what our region has to offer. 

I grew up on a dairy farm on the South Islands West Coast, attended school in Nelson, and gained a Bachelor of Forestry Science (Hons) from the University of Canterbury. 

Since 2007, I’ve worked for a large international forest products export and logistics company, managing export operations throughout New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and South America. I currently manage the procurement, supply and business development functions. 

I have a pragmatic approach and have a solid commercial, operational and relationship building skill set which allow me to contribute strongly to the school.