All New Zealand state schools have a Board of Trustees (BOT).
The BOT is responsible for determining the Strategic direction in which the school is heading ( in consultation with parents, staff and students). The Board must also ensure that the school provides a safe environment and quality education for all students and staff.
The principal is the Chief Executive in relation to the school's control and management. The principal is required to comply with the Board's general policy directions but has complete discretion to manage the school on a day to day basis.
Key responsibilities
1. Overseeing the preparation of the school Charter
2. Establishing policy and priorities in support of the Charter
3. Approving budgets related to Charter objectives
4. Appointing the Principal to implement policy that will achieve the Charter goals and objectives.
5. Appointing staff on the recommendation of the Principal or staffing sub-committee in case of senior appointments.
6. Reporting to the community and the Minister on the achievement of agreed objectives.
Terms of office
Board members are elected by the school's community once every three years. Where there are fewer nominations for election than places available, there is no election and the nominees are declared elected. There is provision for the appointment of up to four co-opted members.