Our People
Sarah Martin is Principal at Stonefields School. She is an educational 'provocateur' who thrives on problem-solving, conceptualising solutions, developing and implementing strategy, maintaining change momentum, building individuals' and team capacity, and challenging teachers' and leaders' mindsets and thinking. As an experienced school leader, she has significant expertise to draw upon, and a strong desire to improve outcomes for all.
With a deep love of all things educational, Sue Vaealiki has an extensive history in executive leadership for teacher education and programme development spanning tertiary and business worlds.
“I am inspired by the passion and innovation that teachers bring to their work to further equitable outcomes for all learners. My aim as Chair is to ensure that the Trust’s initiatives provide opportunities for collaboration amongst educators that creates positive change and great futures for our young people. He waka eke noa”.
Michael Absolum is the founder and director of Evaluation Associates, author of Clarity in the Classroom, and a thought leader in assessment for learning. Michael is currently directing the Consortium for Professional Learning (CPL) Leadership and Assessment PLD in the Ministry of Education's Southern, Central South and Northern regions. He is also the co-national lead for the Ministry of Education Maori-medium aromatawai (assessment) project. He has a deep knowledge of the New Zealand education system and what it takes to lead an effective school, create inspired and inspiring teachers and enable students to become powerful engaged learners. He is also one of New Zealand's most highly regarded evaluators.
Brenda Martin has been an educator for 30 years, with over 20 of those years in leadership positions. Her experience includes national and international schools, new schools and those well established. She has served low and high socio-economic school communities as Tumuaki/ Principal.
As an internationally accredited coach Brenda continues to contribute to education, working across governance, leadership and teacher development.
She passionately believes that strong relationships and effective communication can build respectful, inclusive learning environments that enable students to succeed.
Melini Fasavalu is from the villages of Salua and Faleū on the island of Manono, Samoa. The migrant dreams of her parents have steered her professional journey of 25+ years of teaching and leading in South Auckland schools. Melini is currently the principal of Waimahia Intermediate School and is committed to growing active learners who are confident in who they are, and have the skills and dispositions to grow themselves and others.
Matt Evans is a current business owner and former primary teacher with a real passion for all things education, especially with our young learners inside the classroom and life outside. Originally from Central Otago, with lengthy stays in the UK & Australia, he’s ended up as a long-term resident in Stonefields (14 years and counting). He worked closely with Sarah Martin as Chair of the Stonefields School Board. He truly loves to see young learners grow and learn, no matter how big or small these learnings are, and he wants to give back where he can.
Sean Bailey has been involved in the education sector for 25 years. Since 2011, he has led two diverse primary schools in Ōtautahi | Canterbury, and has had the opportunity to work alongside some impactful and inspiring leaders across New Zealand. Sean has a strong interest and belief in developing collaborative leadership capabilities with teams and is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and insights with you on this journey together.
Brooke Bowers is our Executive Administrator and brings her passion for learning and education to her work. Her great communication and organisational skills support the smooth running of the Trust. Brooke has extensive experience in Ecommerce & Marketing and enjoys continually staying abreast of new developments in the ever-changing digital landscape.