Kia ora koutou, my name is Laura Casey.

Our family have lived in the area for the past 7 years and have watched the school grow from an empty paddock to what it is today. My husband Rory and I are raising two beautiful boys who attend Te Ao Mārama, currently Cormac is in Pūkeko Tahi and Cooper Kererū Rua.

My background is in financial services & banking here in New Zealand and abroad before coming home to have children.

My current role is as the founder of a charitable trust The Cake Detective who donates birthday cakes to children going through hardship. As a result of this we have donated close to 800 cakes to some of our communities most vulnerable. Within the trust I currently sit as chairperson of a board of seven and am constantly learning in the governance area.

The values that we hold are those of respect, inclusion with a strong sense of community. These values I will also bring to the position. The experience and skills learned from holding a position on a charitable trust board will transfer to those of our school board. I am willing to learn and listen in areas of education that are unknown and offer a well rounded opinion on behalf of you the parents/caregivers to ensure that Te Ao Mārama continues to be the incredible school that it is today.

Outside of the charitable work I do, I enjoy going to the beach, watching our boys play sports and spending my down time with my new puppy.

I am standing because I feel whiria te tāngata (weave the people together) encompasses how our whānau have felt being a member of Te Ao Mārama. Across the spectrum from the tamariki, teachers and parents the current board have governed a school that is thriving, vibrant and has a true sense of community. I am honoured to be able to be a member of the school board to help ensure that the strong values and foundations that have been put in place continue and grow for the future pupils, families and teachers.