Our Committee
The Governance Committee here at Kopuwai would like to introduce ourselves to you and share a part of what we do. As many of you know we are a “community-based” “parent-run” “not for profit” childcare centre – the only one in Alexandra. It goes without saying that we strive to provide excellent care and education for your under 5s – but what this point of difference also means is that we love to hear your input and appreciate all the help you can give us to provide a high-quality service at a reasonable price. As an incorporated society we have a constitution and a membership base which includes you, our families who automatically become members when your child attends our Centre.
The Governance Committee are ordinary, busy parents such as yourselves. We are responsible for ensuring all aspects of the running of the Centre including financial management, policies, planning, staff management and legislative requirements are met. We meet monthly and the minutes of our meetings are available to you all. Being involved in the committee is a great way to feed into how the Centre is run whilst gaining a whole heap of skills and experience.
Rachel Checketts
President
Hello, I’m Rachel Checketts and live here in Alexandra with my partner Hayden and our two children, Sophia and Will. Hayden and I both grew up in Alexandra so it made sense to return to raise our family here. From 2013-2016 I taught full time at Dunstan High and have since returned to teaching in a part-time role. Both Sophia and Will attend Kopuwai and love being part of such a vibrant, caring whanau. I am learning lots and relishing the role of President. It is great to be part of such a fantastic centre which really does have our young ones best interests at heart. Please feel free to contact me to discuss any ideas you might have for further developing the education of our little people.
Anna Ballentine
Vice President
Hi there! I'm Anna Ballantine, married to Tom and mum to Tilly. We are new to the Kopuwai whanau this year and I am excited to be more involved at a committee level. I am a primary school teacher at Alexandra Primary. I have holidayed in Central Otago since I was little and job opportunities for both Tom and I have brought us to Alexandra, where we have been ever since. With a passion for adventure and the outdoors, I feel so privileged to call Central Otago home and to be involved with such a well supported, passionately led centre.
Georgie McLean
Treasurer
Hi I’m Georgie McLean, married to Craig and mum to Fergus & Addison. We became part of the Kopuwai whānau in 2017. I am a Chartered Accountant with ICL, and I joined the Committee in 2018 as the newly elected Treasurer. As a born and bred Central Otago-ite, I enjoy all aspect of the outdoors. I am looking forward to continuing to be a part of the Kopuwai family and contributing to the Committee and the running of the Centre.
Lana Julius
Secretary
I live in Alexandra with my partner Nathan, and our two awesome boys, Jaxon and Ryder. Being on the committee means a lot to me. Kopuwai is such a welcoming environment, where my kids have absolutely thrived and I wanted to do my part and be more involved! It is such a unique opportunity to have and a real feel-good factor to contribute.
Alana Melvin
Committee Member
Hi, I'm Alana Melvin and with my husband Richard, we have 3 boys Sam, Jack and Mitch who attends Kopuwai. I am currently in my 3rd year studying Early Childhood Education and used to be a teacher here before having Mitch. I chose to be on the Committee so I could still be a part of this amazing team of teachers and parents and to have a say in how our great wee community run, not-for-profit Centre is run.
Summer-Lee Boulter
Committee Member
Hi, I’m Summer-Lee married to Tama and a mum of two incredible boys. Mason our youngest has been a part of the Kopuwai whanau since 2017. There is a truly amazing team at Kopuwai, one of the most supportive and caring I have engaged with. With my background as an administration manager for a local transport company it is a blessing to be a part of the committee and be more involved.
