Woodford House is governed by a strong and balanced Board of Proprietors and Board of Trustees.
The Board of Proprietors is responsible for the ownership and maintenance of Woodford House land and buildings, the preservation of the Special Character of the School and Boarding House operations.
Twelve board members are appointed for four years, renewable for a maximum further four years including representatives from current and former parents, the Parents’ Association and the Old Girls’ Association.
The Board seeks to maintain a balance of personnel representing geographic, gender, boarding, day girl, rural and urban interests. Usually a prospective Proprietor is unofficially approached to determine whether he/she has the time and willingness to serve as a Proprietor. If so, a curriculum vitae is then circulated among Board Members who vote on the appointment. However, any parent who is interested in either joining the Board of Proprietors, or promoting the candidature of another, is encouraged to advise a current Proprietor of such interest, and provide a CV in support.
Vicki has a background in accounting, finance, business advice and strategy. She is a Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and has worked in PwC offices in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. She currently works with businesses across New Zealand and is based in PwC’s Hawke’s Bay office.
A significant part of Vicki’s professional life sees her working with Boards of privately held companies, listed entities and public benefit entities. She has been a member of the Woodford House Trust Board since 2021.
Vicki completed her education in the UK, including her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. She is Chartered Accountant and has worked with a number of educational institutions during her career.
Vicki and her husband Tony came to New Zealand in 2004 and feel really privileged to have made Hawke’s Bay their home since 2010. They have one daughter, who is a current student at Woodford House.
For further information, please contact Vicki Lawson, Board Chair.
The School Board governs the Woodford House day school and is made up of five elected parent representatives, up to four Proprietors’ representatives, a member of staff, a student representative and the Principal.
Cyn is a registered secondary teacher with 25 years’ experience teaching in a range of state and independent schools. Most recently (2006-2020) Cyn was Director of Tihoi Venture School for St. Pauls Collegiate – living on site, teaching, managing and leading the satellite outdoor campus at Tihoi.Â
Cyn brings governance experience from 11 years on the Marotiri School Board, 10 of those years as Chairperson.
Cyn works as General Manager for growing Future Farmers, a nationwide vocational training programme giving young people opportunities to enter the sheep and beef sector. Cyn lives in Kinloch and has two daughters boarding at Woodford House.
For further information, please contact Cyn Smith, Presiding Member.
