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 Calmar Ulberg 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.
Ruth Constantine
CMKA Board of Management: Chairperson | ELCM Board of Directors: Chairperson
Rachel Cashmore
CMKA Board of Management: Vice-chairperson | ELCM Board of Directors: Director
Brenda Bushell
CMKA Board of Management: Teacher Representative
James Christie
CMKA Board of Management: Member | ELCM Board of Directors: Director
Sarah Hallie
CMKA Board of Management: Member
Victoria Johnston
CMKA Board of Management | ELCM Board of Directors: Director
Tom O’Neil
CMKA Board of Management: Member | ELCM Board of Directors: Director
Ruth Constantine
CMKA Board of Management: Chairperson | ELCM Board of Directors: 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.”
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Rachel Cashmore
CMKA Board of Management: Vice-chairperson | ELCM Board of Directors: Director
Rachel’s time with Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association (CMKA) began in 2017 when her eldest child started at Kawakawa Bay Kindergarten. In 2020, she was elected as the Kawakawa Bay Kindergarten Support Group Representative and also elected to the CMKA Board of Management. In 2021, Rachel was elected into the positions of Vice-chairperson of the CMKA Board of Management and Director on the Early Learning Counties Manukau (ELCM) Board of Directors.
Rachel holds a degree in Agricultural and Animal Science. Having worked in the wider Agricultural sector since leaving university, she has held roles as a Business Development Manager within the veterinary industry and as a Dairy Farm Consultant before working for a multi-national animal health company.
During her 10-year tenure in animal health, Rachel held several positions in Sales, Marketing, Brand Management and Project Management.
In 2018, Rachel put a hold on her career to spend more quality time with her young family. During this time, she has taken on the finance administration of their farming business and become actively involved in her local community. Rachel is currently Chair of the Kawakawa Bay Community Association.
“I am passionate about the importance of early childhood education to our children and the communities that we serve in Counties Manukau. I am acutely aware of the significance and impact early learning can have on the developing brain and a child’s wellbeing, and how the actions we take shape our children’s future.
As a Board, we must continually strive for excellence in ECE in-line with CMKA’s values; understanding that quality teachers are key to a quality learning environment. This means catering to the needs of a diverse area, assuring every child receives a quality education through their early learning years, and supporting and engaging parent, whānau and community involvement.”
Rachel holds a degree in Agricultural and Animal Science. Having worked in the wider Agricultural sector since leaving university, she has held roles as a Business Development Manager within the veterinary industry and as a Dairy Farm Consultant before working for a multi-national animal health company.
During her 10-year tenure in animal health, Rachel held several positions in Sales, Marketing, Brand Management and Project Management.
In 2018, Rachel put a hold on her career to spend more quality time with her young family. During this time, she has taken on the finance administration of their farming business and become actively involved in her local community. Rachel is currently Chair of the Kawakawa Bay Community Association.
“I am passionate about the importance of early childhood education to our children and the communities that we serve in Counties Manukau. I am acutely aware of the significance and impact early learning can have on the developing brain and a child’s wellbeing, and how the actions we take shape our children’s future.
As a Board, we must continually strive for excellence in ECE in-line with CMKA’s values; understanding that quality teachers are key to a quality learning environment. This means catering to the needs of a diverse area, assuring every child receives a quality education through their early learning years, and supporting and engaging parent, whānau and community involvement.”
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.”
James Christie
CMKA Board of Management: Member | ELCM Board of Directors: Director
James’s involvement with Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association (CMKA) began in 2019 when his eldest child started at Mason Ave Kindergarten in Pukekohe. He was elected to the CMKA Board of Management in 2021 and elected as Director on the ELCM Board of Directors in 2022.
James has been teaching since 2006 and is Deputy Principal at Mauku School in Pukekohe where he holds many roles; Student and Staff Pastoral Care and Wellbeing, Board of Trustees Staff Representative, Leader of Sport and Education Outside the Classroom, Culturally Responsive and Relational Pedagogy Leader and Lead PB4L (Behaviour) Coach. He is also very involved with the wider Franklin education community as a Kahui Ako In School Teacher.
James holds a Bachelor of Education with Honours, a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital & Collaborative Learning, and has completed Te Ara Reo Māori Level 1 and 2.
In 2011, James was awarded a New Zealand Bravery Medal for his actions during the 2007 Mt Ruapehu eruption. The events of that day shaped the person he is today, and he has been a motivational speaker for community and corporate events.
“I believe that building and maintaining positive, effective and respectful relationships is the basis of quality learning and teaching. The responsibility of the Board is to work together to build the best sustainable model of ECE accessible for our communities.”
James has been teaching since 2006 and is Deputy Principal at Mauku School in Pukekohe where he holds many roles; Student and Staff Pastoral Care and Wellbeing, Board of Trustees Staff Representative, Leader of Sport and Education Outside the Classroom, Culturally Responsive and Relational Pedagogy Leader and Lead PB4L (Behaviour) Coach. He is also very involved with the wider Franklin education community as a Kahui Ako In School Teacher.
James holds a Bachelor of Education with Honours, a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital & Collaborative Learning, and has completed Te Ara Reo Māori Level 1 and 2.
In 2011, James was awarded a New Zealand Bravery Medal for his actions during the 2007 Mt Ruapehu eruption. The events of that day shaped the person he is today, and he has been a motivational speaker for community and corporate events.
“I believe that building and maintaining positive, effective and respectful relationships is the basis of quality learning and teaching. The responsibility of the Board is to work together to build the best sustainable model of ECE accessible for our communities.”
Sarah Hallie
CMKA Board of Management: Member
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.”
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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.”
View my LinkedIn Profile
Victoria Johnston
CMKA Board of Management | ELCM Board of Directors: Director
Victoria’s involvement with early childhood education began in 1997 at Auckland Playcentre Association as their Public Relations Convenor, where she completed training on ECE / learning through play and attended National Conferences about the future of ECE.
In 2003, Victoria’s journey with Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association (CMKA) began when her two youngest children attended Settlement Road Kindergarten in Papakura and she became the Kindergarten Parent Representative. Victoria was elected to the CMKA Board in 2005.
Victoria has been a committed member of the CMKA Board and ELCM Board of Directors for over 15 years, becoming Chairperson in 2006 until 2017. After a year off, Victoria stood for re-election in 2018 and was re-elected to the position of Chairperson in 2021 until 2022.
During Victoria’s time on the CMKA Board of Management and ELCM Board of Directors, CMKA has undergone new branding, started ELCM as a subsidiary company, launched the Playtruck, updated the CMKA / ELCM Strategic Plan and engaged with the Senior Leadership Team and external professionals to strengthen the relationship between governance and management. CMKA and ELCM have also undertaken a full review of their Constitutions to align with our organisation’s purpose, values and strategic direction.
Victoria has held specialist positions in the field of Health, Safety and Wellbeing for over six years, including her current position as an HSE Advisor. She has also attended Governance and Financial training at the Institute of Directors.
“I love the way our teachers work in partnership with their parents, whānau and communities to bring the best learning opportunities to our children. By providing support to our leadership team from the Board, I believe this is something we can continue to grow.
Every child in New Zealand deserves the best learning opportunities available and together we can provide this to the children of Counties Manukau.”
Tom O’Neil
CMKA Board of Management: Member | ELCM Board of Directors: Director
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
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
Contact the Board
A new email has been created for the CMKA Board of Management and the ELCM Board of Directors: board@cmka.org.nz.
Content of all correspondence received to this email address will be treated as highly confidential and directed to the Board Chairperson in the first instance. A list of correspondence received by the Board is included in the minutes of the Board meetings each month.