OUR BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
The Association is governed by a Board of Management elected under the rules of the Association’s Constitution. The Board consists of a Chairperson, 6 members voted on by elected representatives of member kindergartens and one teacher representative elected by the teaching staff of the Association. The CEO has a membership of the Board in an ex-officio capacity.
The Board is accountable for and has control of, the management of the Association. The Board’s role is not a ‘hands-on’ management activity. The Board employs staff to fulfil the day to day management of professional tasks within the Association and to advance the educational interest of its children.
Board meetings are held monthly at the Association office with no fewer than ten meetings per year.
Board of Management Nominations
Nominations are NOW OPEN for the Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association Board of Management Election 2025.
Under the Counties Manukau Free Kindergarten Association constitution, the elected Board of Management shall consist of not more than 7 persons and one Teacher Representative. One position is dedicated to Tangata Whenua representation.
Each Board of Management Representative is elected for a three-year period. Any member of the Board of Management may be eligible for re-election. While we have no board members completing their term in 2025, there are two vacancies to be filled at the 2025 election.
CMKA Head Teachers, Centre Managers, or members of the Association (Support Group Representatives and Board Members) can nominate a nominee and sign nomination forms. In accordance with the updated CMKA Constitution, only one nominee is required.
All completed nomination forms received prior to the closing date of Wednesday 5 November 2025 will be tabled on 26 November 2025 at the CMKA AGM where the election of new Board Members will take place. In the event of more nominations for Board of Management positions being received than vacancies, a ballot will be held.
As a not-for-profit Incorporated Society, CMKA requires a Board of Management to ensure appropriate governance for the Association. Head Teachers and Centre Managers, please ensure that all parents, whānau, and your wider community are aware of the Board of Management nomination process and prominently display the nomination information in your kindergarten or centre.
Nominations close at 4 pm, Wednesday 5 November 2025
These can be received by post, email to admin@cmka.org.nz or delivered by hand to CMKA Head Office.
Sarah Hallie
CMKA Board of Management: Chairperson
Ruth Constantine
CMKA Board of Management: Vice-Chairperson
Jean Yern
CMKA Board of Management: Tangata Whenua Representative
Brenda Bushell
CMKA Board of Management: Teacher Representative
Tom O’Neil
CMKA Board of Management: Member
Antoinette Searle
CMKA Board of Management: Member
Sarah Hallie
CMKA Board of Management: Chairperson
- Sarah’s involvement with Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association (CMKA) began in 2021 when her eldest of three children started at Papakura West Kindergarten. She was elected to the CMKA Board of Management in 2022.
- Sarah is an HR professional with over 15 years’ experience working across a variety of industries. She holds a Bachelor of Business with a double major in Human Resource Management & Employment Relations and Management. Her current role is Head of People, Culture & Wellbeing for a company with a network of 11 hospitality venues in Auckland and Hamilton. Her role involves looking at all factors of the running of the business, such as financials, marketing, operations and people, with a focus on retention, attraction, development and the wellbeing of employees.
- “My kids love being part of the Papakura West family and as parents we have enjoyed seeing their development and readiness for school by being in the kindergarten environment.
- My motivation for being on the Counties Manukau Kindergarten Board is to help ensure we provide an environment that is able to attract talented teachers who believe that children are at the heart of what we do and that we continue to be a thriving Association for our community.”
- Sarah on LinkedIn
Ruth Constantine
CMKA Board of Management: Vice-Chairperson
Ruth was elected to the Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association (CMKA) Board of Management in 2022.
Ruth holds Bachelors and MBA qualifications from The University of Auckland. She brings a wealth of experience in Leadership, Strategy, Operations, Continuous Improvement, Sales and Marketing, managing teams, and achieving company goals. Since 2017, she has been a General Manager for a leading distributor of imaging equipment and services in New Zealand, where she played an active role in developing and implementing innovative strategies to achieve long-term sustainable growth for the company. Ruth is a passionate leader who understands the importance of governance by identifying priorities and is able to execute goals and objectives with effective risk management.
“I believe children are a blessing and we are honoured to have the opportunity to grow and develop them in the most crucial years of their life. With career still being a big part of my life, my dream is to replicate what I want for my little girl’s early childhood education for many children.
It is important that parents and children are empowered. My passion is to see all children, no matter what socio-economic background, have the accessible tools to thrive and become the best they can be.”
Ruth on LinkedIn
Jean Yern
CMKA Board of Management: Tangata Whenua Representative
Tēnā rā koutou katoa
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Taupiri te Maunga
Ko Waikato te Awa
Ko Ngāti Tamaoho te hapū
Ko Mangatangi te Marae
Ko Jean taku ingoa
Nō reira, tēnā rā koutou, tēnā rā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.
Jean was elected to the Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association (CMKA) Board of Management as the Tangata Whenua Representative at the end of 2022. Jean has worked in Māori development within the community for several years to serve, to protect and advance the collective interests of tāngata whenua and help organisations to achieve its bicultural aspirations under Te Tīriti O Waitangi with special interest in early education with both regional and national recognition including; International Play Association Aotearoa as Executive Māori Advisor, Te Kei O Te Waka Tainui as Kaiawhina and Tāmaki ki te Tonga District Māori Council Mangatangi Kōmiti. Jean is currently completing her Bachelor of Arts in Māori and Indigenous Studies: University of Waikato, Certificate i Te Reo Māori: Te Rekamauroa ki Tainui (Level 6) and Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4). Jean also holds advisory roles within Te Whakakitenga governance body, Auckland Council, and Ngāti Tamaoho Māori Womens Welfare League Kōmiti.
"I am passionate in connecting an individual, organisations or education providers with a strong sense of belonging to the land and its community through the principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi and the values of Te Ao Māori. Manaakitia ngā mokopuna, Whāngaitia ki te ūkaipō, ki te kupu kōrero, Atawhaitia i roto i ngā tikanga, kia tipu, Kia tū tangata i roto i tēnei ao hurihuri. Ngā mihi nā Jean."
Brenda Bushell
CMKA Board of Management: Teacher Representative
Brenda has been working in community-based Early Childhood Education for over 20 years in the South Auckland community. She holds a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education).
Brenda’s motivation as Teacher Representative on the Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association (CMKA) Board of Management is to support initiatives that resonate with Teachers.
Brenda started working for CMKA in 2015. She brings a realistic appreciation for the roles teachers have throughout the Association having been a Release Teacher, Teacher, Acting Head Teacher and, most recently, Head Teacher at Papakura West Kindergarten since 2019.
Brenda has keen interest in personal growth development, mental health and supporting whānau and young children through her work. Her past work has included supporting young and solo mothers impacted by abuse, addiction or neglect, where she cared for their children in an early childhood education setting while they completed residential programmes.
“I am a strong advocate for quality education and care and I want to be able to make valuable contributions and support the strategic vision and goals of the Association with the voice of the teachers and communities at the forefront.
The duties of the Board of Management are different from those of operating/ leadership roles. By looking at the Association in a holistic manner and listening to others we are able to develop a deeper understanding of a breadth of topics ranging from policy development, financial and strategic management.”
Tom O’Neil
CMKA Board of Management: Member
Tom’s journey with Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association (CMKA) started in 2008, when his eldest of two sons started attending Waiuku Kindergarten. Tom soon became the Waiuku Kindergarten Support Group Representative and was elected to the CMKA Board of Management in 2009.
Since then, Tom has enthusiastically served on the CMKA Board, with five years as Board Chairperson from 2015 – 2020. He has also served on the Early Learning Counties Manukau (ELCM) Board of Directors since 2015. He has overseen and supported CMKA and ELCM through huge sector change, with increased competition in the marketplace and significant legislative changes to how the industry operates.
As a business professional, Tom is a Careers Specialist and Employment Contributor to multiple New Zealand media organisations, has written four books on careers and personal development, and has been a contributor to the Harvard Business Review and the Economist Magazine. He is also qualified with a Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology, and is a full member of the Institute of Directors.
“I am a passionate believer in the wider Counties Manukau whānau, and greatly respect the roles our Teachers and Support Staff play in teaching and looking after our most cherished and venerable members of our community – our little ones.
As a Board, we must support innovative and creative thinking across all areas of our organisation, helping all members to encourage and further inspire our children.
Our organisation must continue to intelligently embrace changes that the early childhood sector and the wider world impose on us, yet at the same time, make certain we do not destroy the heart of who we are and what we are about – passionate community members who put children at the heart of all we do!”
View my LinkedIn Profile
Antoinette Searle
CMKA Board of Management: Member
Antoinette was elected to the CMKA Board of Management in 2024.
As a practicing lawyer with a broad range of specialties and leadership experience across different sectors, Antoinette brings valuable skills and knowledge to her role on the CMKA Board, including governance, policy, and transactional expertise. As a mum to three boys, Antoinette also has proven abilities to multi-task, negotiate, diffuse tricky situations, and use time efficiently - all useful skills!
Antoinette’s journey with CMKA began as an attendee of Papakura West Kindergarten where her earliest memories and longest friendships were formed. She reconnected with CMKA as a parent and acted as Kindergarten Support Group Representative for 3+ years at Kawakawa Bay Kindergarten, before joining the Board.
“Being a Board member is an opportunity to share my skills with an organisation that adds enormous value to many children and their families, mine included.
I am passionate about children and the monumental impact ECE years have on their lives. I am also passionate about the Counties region thriving, having been born here and having spent most of my life in this locality.
CMKA have witnessed some really positive change recently, and I am proud to contribute to maintaining that momentum whilst ensuring both transparency and accountability. Ultimately if CMKA is thriving then this translates to our children and our communities, which is a wonderful prospect that is a privilege to be part of.”