Our Board Members

Western Heights High School has a skilled and dedicated Board who work hard to ensure the school is successful. The current Board members are listed below.

Rebecca Moore - Presiding Member

Email: rmoore@whhs.school.nz

I’m a past student of Western Heights High School. My eldest daughter Dray attended Heights and my daughter, Ella, is in Year 13.

I’m currently working as the Commercial Business Manager at New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute at Te Puia and have been doing so for five years now. I love my mahi and the talented people I get to work alongside of, seeing their passion and enthusiasm to preserve, promote and perpetuate Māori arts and crafts by training Māori in their chosen artform has given me such an appreciation for the arts.

I previously sat on the Board at Ngongotahā School for six years, chairing the Board for three of those years. I feel it’s a great privilege to be selected as a parent representative for Western Heights High School and look forward to supporting our staff and community.

Melissa Gordon - Trustee

Kia ora koutou,

I am a very proud ex-student, along with my husband Kurt, son Bailey, and daughter Paige who all attended WHHS. I have had ongoing involvement with the school in both a voluntary and work capacity, coaching girls and boys volleyball over the last 8 or so years and supporting our children who were involved in a variety of activities, particularly Volleyball and Rugby. My husband and I also run the local Volleyball Club with WHHS being our club’s ‘home grounds’ and training facility, with all our members being past or present students of the school. I have also been on the board of Volleyball BOP for over 10 years and a member of the Midlands Zone Committee, so feel confident I have a lot of experience and knowledge to contribute to the Board of WHHS.

Over the past 16 years I have worked in the not-for-profit sector, at Sport Bay of Plenty where I had several community-based roles including in administration, health, recreation, school and community sport, working alongside councils, clubs, schools, Sport NZ, and various other community organisations and stakeholders. Following this with Big Brothers Big Sisters as the school-based mentor coordinator.

I am passionate about the wellbeing of our rangatahi, nurturing their aspirations, ensuring they have equal opportunities, positive experiences and a quality education. Whether that be academically, culturally, in sports or any other area that will help them grow and develop into amazing adults. Here at Heights alongside our wonderful whānau of dedicated staff I believe this is achievable.

I am very pleased to have been selected as a representative on the BOT and I welcome hearing from you.

Ngā Mihi,
Melissa

Andrew Hiscoke - Trustee

I was invited to join the Board of Trustees in March 2023 to assist with the development of building projects within the school. As an Architectural Designer, this is my area of expertise. I was a second-generation student at Western Heights High School and my wife, Keri also attended the school. Our two boys are at Western Heights High School, so they are third-generation students. As an Architectural Designer and Draftsman, I have run my own design business here in Rotorua for the last 20 years. Prior to this, I spent two years in London and 18 months in Ireland working in the industry. I am also contracted by GraphiSoft New Zealand to teach and train other designers and drafts people in the use of ArchiCad which is the computerised drawing programme used by architects and designers. As a member of the Board of Trustees for Western Heights High School, it is a privilege to be able to support the staff to provide our students with the knowledge and skills needed to become confident and successful members of the community.

Bahram Pishravi - Trustee

My name is Bahram Pishravi. As a parent, local resident, and someone with a strong background in education, sport, and community service, I care deeply about the wellbeing and success of our young people.

I have experience in both education and IT, having taught advanced IT papers at the tertiary level, supervised student projects, and worked in analytical and managerial roles. I am currently working as a contract academic.

Outside of work, I have led community programmes and children’s sports clubs, including martial arts and swimming. I’m also a proud WHHS parent and an active member of our school community.

I believe WHHS has tremendous potential, and I’m committed to supporting its growth, strengthening its capabilities, and promoting cultural diversity and an inclusive school culture.

Roger Ngatai - Trustee

Kia Ora

My name is Roger Ngatai, I am a Western Heights High School old boy. I am also the proud father of two girls, my oldest girl Renee was the deputy head girl, captain of the IX hockey team, and is the current IX hockey coach. I have a passion for sports and education. I am actively involved in the Ngongotahā community as the coach of the Ngongotahā Senior A rugby team and as a member of Waiteti Marae. I am the operations Co-Ordinator for Kop-Coat NZ based at Red Stag Timber.