Board

The Board of Trustees at Whangarei Boys’ High School plays a pivotal role in governing this historic Northland High School, ensuring it delivers high-quality education for boys from Years 9 to 13.

As mandated by New Zealand’s Education and Training Act 2020, the Board is responsible for setting the school’s strategic vision, policies, and goals; overseeing financial management and property maintenance; appointing and supporting the principal; and monitoring student achievement and wellbeing to foster a safe, inclusive environment.

For caregivers and parents, the Board serves as a vital bridge between the school and the community. Elected primarily by parents every three years (plus a Student BOT member and a Teacher BOT member, both elected by their respective groups), Board members represent your interests, providing a platform to voice concerns, contribute ideas, and influence decisions that directly impact your child’s education. You can engage by contacting and even attending open Board meetings, participating in consultations on policies like the school’s charter or health curriculum, or even standing for election. This collaborative approach helps ensure WBHS remains responsive to family needs, promoting stronger partnerships that support student success and holistic development. For more details, visit the WBHS website or contact the school office.

Below are the current board members from 2026-2029, but keep a lookout as members do change.

Gemma Thompson

Gemma is the dedicated Chair of the Whangārei Boys’ High School Board. Rooted in her Ngāti Awa heritage as Pūtauaki is her maunga, Rangitāiki her awa, Mātaatua her waka; she therefore draws profound inspiration from her three cherished children, two attending WBHS, fueling her passion for shaping young futures. As a Whānau Leader and educator with nine years’ experience, she brings an insightful lens to governance, emphasising equity, wellbeing, and collaboration. Committed to transparency and community strength, Gemma thrives on collective success: “Kāhore taku toa i te toa takitahi, he toa takitini.”

Jacqueline Bell

Jacqueline Bell is an elected member of the Whangārei Boys’ High School Board. A strong advocate for quality education, she offers expertise in governance, property, infrastructure, and financial management. Employed as Executive General Manager at McKay Electrical, with prior Ministry of Education experience, she excels in leadership, stakeholder engagement, health & safety, and strategic foresight. Committed to honesty, integrity, and community impact.

Rachel Parangi

Rachel Parangi is an elected member of the Whangārei Boys’ High School Board. With a deep connection to the school, she brings skills from her role as Manager of Information Security at Northpower, Secretary for Te Tai Tokerau Touch, and Board Intern for Sport Northland. Her strengths include leadership, strategic planning, community engagement, event management, communication, and collaborative problem-solving, focused on youth success.

Anna Pascoe

Anna Pascoe is an elected member of the Whangārei Boys’ High School Board. Born and raised in Whangārei, she holds degrees in Social Science, Teaching, Guidance in Education, and Counselling. With over 20 years in secondary education as a teacher and guidance counsellor, she offers insights into school operations. Passionate about sports coaching and community, she aims to navigate educational changes through governance.

Ryan Welsh

Ryan Welsh is an elected member of the Whangārei Boys’ High School Board. Previously co-opted, he seeks to foster a leading educational environment. As a lawyer at MWIS Lawyers, he brings critical thinking, problem-solving, and judgment. Of Ngāti Whātua, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Porou, and Irish descent, he chairs community trusts like Hihiaua Cultural Centre and Rubicon, emphasising youth outcomes and connections.

Board Reports

March 2026
February 2026
November 2025
October 2025
September 2025
August 2025
June 2025
May 2025
March 2025
February 2025
November 2024
October 2024
September 2024
August 2024
July 2024
June 2024
May 2024
April 2024
March 2024
February 2024
December 2023
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
March 2023
February 2023
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
March 2022
February 2022
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
March 2021
February 2021
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
June 2020
May 2020
March 2020
February 2020
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019

Audited Accounts

Audited Financial Statements YE 31 December 2026

STAR Attendance

STAR in WBHS

Summary

Strategic Plan