Kia Ora! I have a background in youth work, and currently work part-time as a pastor at a church in Riccarton. Kim and I have lived in Linwood for the past eight years, and have two children, with one on the way. I really love the local community events and organizations’ that make Christchurch an awesome city to live in. I’m passionate about our centre being an asset to this community, a place where families want to send their kids and where our teachers want to come to work.

Hi, I’ve been on the Board of trustees since 2021, when my daughter Daisy started with Avonside. I am from the UK and travelled out to New Zealand a few years ago. I live with my husband and now two girls, Daisy and Margot, who both attend Avonside. It’s really important for me to have a say in the future of our children’s education, especially as I have a background in teaching. I think the centre is a really special place and I want to be part of the team that supports the amazing staff and management. I own a business which provides sensory classes of toddlers and babies, and we have incorporated this into the Avonside curriculum. In my spare time, I love playing and coaching sports, especially hockey and football.

Tēnā Koutou, Hi everyone, I’m Leanne, I have recently moved to the area and enrolled my daughter Lylah at Avonside ECC and joined the board of Trustees as secretary.  I am originally from Birmingham in England, I came to NZ as a backpacker in 2008 and fell in love with the country and a kiwi. I’m engaged to Corey and we have 2 wonderful children Leo and Lylah. I like to spend my downtime reading or creating artwork.

Hi everyone! My name is Briar I am a current parent and board member at Avonside ECC. My two beautiful children Alba and Lochie are both full time at Avonside and they love it here! I really love the people and philosophy at Avonside and joined the board to be involved and contribute as much as I can. I have taken on the responsibilities of finding extra funding to cover larger projects through grants, which keep me busy but gives Avonside opportunities to extend learning outcomes and excellence for all our children. When I am not on Mum duties I work in Public Health.

Hi, my name is Catherine Leeper and I am mama to Eleanor and Xanthe, married to Jeremy and part time teacher at the Climate Action Campus. I also run a small business called Little Robins on the side. Before I moved into teaching, my background was in History and Art History. My interests include getting creative in the kitchen, traveling and spending time outside. I moved to Christchurch from Lincolnshire, UK in 2018 and since then have enjoyed becoming part of our local community and making new friends and connections here in Ōtautahi. Since 2023 I have enjoyed the challenge of being Treasurer for the Board at Avonside. As a community centre we have the tricky job of making ends meet whilst keeping hourly fees low and staff numbers high. It’s a juggle but I have no doubt our commitment to these two things, combined with our focus on kaiako and tamariki well being, contribute to Avonside being one of the best little centres in town.

Hi, I’m David. I am engaged to Amber, and we have three wonderful children – Noah, Loretta, and Memphis who attends Avonside. When I am not working at the Lyttleton Port, I enjoy getting creative in my garage and backyard, spending time with Amber and the children and socialising with family and friends. I am a keen disc golfer and I run Gecko Disc Sports. I have really enjoyed being a part of the Avonside Board of Trustees and feel very passionate about the centre. If anything needs fixing or changing, I`m the person they call. It is important to me that we create an environment in which teachers and children are top priority. Avonside ticks that box – the people are at the heart of the centre.

Kia Ora whanau, I am the proud partner of Emma and dad of Eloise, one year, who attends preschool twice a week. I work as a research fellow and freelance writer. I have a PhD in organisational behaviour from Auckland University of Technology. My skill set includes: digging, lawnmowing, lifting things, writing, and editing. I have recently taken on the responsibility of keeping the Avonside Early childhood centre`s gardens looking great, and I enjoy trimming the hedges and mowing the lawn to help out.