Presiding Member – Richard Aspinall

Richard Aspinall is a former student of both St. Johns Hamilton and St. Augustine’s Whanganui, He returned to Whanganui 3 years ago with his family, including two children currently attending Cullinane and another on the way.

Richard has a wealth of experience that he brings to the presiding member role. His professional background includes local school accounting and auditing, 20 years’ experience in government, with the property team at the Ministry of Education, Planning and Performance team at Immigration New Zealand, and supporting regional leaders with plans to improve the school transition system among the many activities.

Richard joined the board as a proprietors representative and presiding member in February 2024. He believes that every student deserves the chance to reach their full potential, and works to support the school develop students that go on to become outstanding members of the local community and wider world. He is committed to ensuring the school is a safe place for students, free from discrimination, inclusive and gives effect to the Treaty of Waitangi.

Richard also serves as the coach of her daughter’s football team, where he instils values of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance in young athletes.

Teacher’s Representative – Alicia Prince

Tēnā koutou katoa,

My name is Alicia Prince, I was born and raised in Whanganui before moving to Auckland, with my parents around the age of 14 years old. I moved back to Whanganui in 2016 with my own family and love being home.

I am honoured to introduce myself as the new staff representative. I am thrilled to be joining the Board of Trustees and look forward to being the voice of our staff members.

As the staff representative, my primary goal is to advocate for the needs and concerns of the staff at Cullinane College. I am committed to being a reliable and approachable resource for all staff members, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued.

Although I have not sat on a School Board before, I have served on my Marae Board (Te Aroha Marae) where I was the treasurer. During my time in this role, I learned valuable lessons about governance, financial oversight, and community/whānau engagement. I am eager to apply these skills and look forward to learning new skills/knowledge within my role.

Ngā mihi nui,
Alicia