Who Are We?

Nick Allen

Elected Member


I'm privileged to be a board member since 2019 championing the best interests of our students and families, and taking perspective from our multicultural background. It's been a pleasure to be on the board over the last three years, seeing our students flourish and grow.


As a parent of a son with Autism (Oli) who attends at base school I'm keen to ensure that WVSS students, parents and the community have great staff, full support and the best facilities possible. Ensuring we continue to deliver great care and outcomes for our students.


As a Marketing and Project Manager I'm particularly interested in the schools larger projects and efforts to improve

facilities, technology and the way we support our children and community.

I'm proud to be part of and promote The Wairau Way and the outstanding community of staff and supporters we have.

Gaylene Chambers

Elected Member

My Name is Gaylene Chambers, I live in Orewa and have been on the Hibiscus Coast for 18 years now. I am married to Richard, for 23 wonderful years and also have a 17-year-old daughter who attends Wentworth College in Gulf Harbour. Our 15-year-old son Rikki attends the WVSS Satellite Class at Whangaparaoa College, after being originally based at the Glenfield Intermediate School Satellite. Given we live on the Hibiscus Coast, the new satellite is closer to home and has been a great dream come to fruition!

I am currently a Board Member for Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre in Orewa a not for profit organization-registered charity where our mission is to empower and strengthen youth and their families by providing comprehensive youth development through education, physically challenging activities, employment and training advocacy, counselling, tutoring and mentoring support services. I attend monthly meetings to work alongside the team supporting our vision, future planning and working with the Executive Director and Stakeholders and supporting them.

Since August 2021, I have been working with the Northern Health School which is part of the Ministry of Education funded set up with the aim of maintaining the education of students who are unable to attend their regular school due to their high health needs, I am a Teacher Aid, helping and supporting students with their online learning and next year in community support centres.

I feel that I can bring to the WVSS Board a variety of skills, my passion is advocacy for those with Additional Learning Needs and their whanau/carers, to help support them, the best way I can, to their full potential. I am devoted to creating a community of compassion and inclusion for everyone.

Please consider my application for a Board member of your school, I am energetic, enthusiastic, and driven and will give 100% to achieving great outcomes for learners at WVSS.


Wilma Wang

Elected Member

I am a mother of three beautiful children, Ethan (8), Abigail (6) and Betty (5). Abigail started attending WVSS last July and has loved every day of it. I want to give back to the school community that supports her learning with so much care and love.

Professionally, I am a qualified lawyer, although I am not in practice, given my family commitments. Instead, I help my husband with his glazing business, doing administration and accounts.

I hone my time management skills and problem-solving skills daily.

When I do get a bit of me-time, I enjoy catching up with my husband (without kids) and/or friends. To unwind at the end of the day, I enjoy travelling and cooking videos.

My husband and I belong to NZCCC, a Chinese Church in Glenfield. We actively serve the church and the wider community. I look forward to serving the WVSS community if given the opportunity.


Angela Clarke

Elected Member

My name is Angela Clarke, I am standing as a candidate for the Wairau Valley Special School Board of Trustees again this year. Presently I am chair of the Board, a position I have held for 8 years. I am married to Andrew, an accountant and together we have a daughter Grace who has attended WVSS from the age of 5. She is currently at the Transition Centre. The Board requires people with a mix of talents and skills. I offer experience, knowledge, expertise in governance of school boards and a particular interest in assisting students to achieve their full potential. One of my strengths is supporting and listening to people. I have been a visible presence in the school offering my support where needed.




Tracey Wingfield

Elected Member

I have just completed a third term being on the board as a community member. My introduction to the school was as the local branch manager for ASB Bank and through this, I developed a great relationship with the school. Over the last 9 years, I have loved being part of the board and the progress we have made to make the school better for our children and teachers. My personal highlight continues to be the family fun days and seeing the enjoyment by all the children who attend/take part. The personal strength I bring to the board is my finance background and I offer a lot of guidance/support and ideas both on finance and other areas. I would love the opportunity to continue for a further 3 years and to make the difference for the Wairau Valley Special School



Belinda DuPlessis

Staff Representative Elected Member

Belinda has been a teacher at WVSS for many years and is currently based in one of our satellites. She has years of teaching experience and is looking forward to learning more about school governance and representing staff on the board.