Shannen Robinson

Who am I?/Ko wai au?

Tena Koutou Katoa
Ko Taranaki te maunga
Ko Pungarere o Kahu te awa
Ko Kurahaupo te waka
Ko Ngati Haupoto te hapu
Ko Taranaki te iwi
Ko Potaka te marae
Ko Shannen Robinson toku ingoa

Kia Ora whanau, my name is Shannen, my partner Haki and I have 6 tamariki all who have attended Puketapu School, four of whom are very proud and loyal ex-students, Ropata (22yrs) tragically passed away at 15yrs, Tamara (19yrs), Trinity (16yrs), Tiara (15yrs). Oracle (11yrs) and Raiden (8yrs) currently attend Puketapu School.

Born and raised in New Plymouth my family moved to Stokes Valley when I was 15. In 2002 the yearning to come home was overwhelming so we returned to Taranaki and settled in Bell Block. 2002 was also the year our whanau started our Journey at Puketapu School.

I have been part of Puketapu School and the Bell Block community for the past 17 years, actively involved in many areas of the school, coaching a variety of sports, helping with fundraising, school trips, Kapa Haka, supporting other parents and this year coaching Puketapu Magic Year 7&8 Netball.

I am an actively supporting parent on and off the sideline of BBK Marist Dragons Rugby League, this year managing the Under 9s League team and the Rangatahi Netball team.

Four of our tamariki also attended Te Kohanga Reo o Waiwhakaiho, where I was elected Chairperson for several consecutive years. Although whanau run the kaupapa is basically the same “In the best interest of the child, to grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.”

I currently work locally at Tegel Foods Ltd, and I am in a 2IC supervisor role to a team of 100 plus people. I enjoy my demanding role and the diversity of the people I work alongside of.

Why do I want to be on the board/He aha te take e tū ai au hei mema mō te poari ?

I believe for our school to continue to move forward and grow, we need to consistently be looking to where we have been, what we have learnt from our past and how it can help us in our future.

I am also a firm believer in the age old saying ‘It takes a community to raise a child’ and my desire to be on the Board of Trustees stems from this.

I love the Bell Block community and I love Puketapu School, I love the fact the we are not just parents, students or teachers we are all whanau, and to me that is what matters most of all.

No reira. Tena koutou tena tatou katoa