Nominations for Regional Executive - Bay of Plenty/Central Plateau

ROB MCCAFFERTY

Western Heights High School

Personal information

Age: 53

Professional information

Qualifications: BSc Hons Physics, University of Sheffield, UK (1994); Fellow of British and Irish Meteorite Society, (2008). Training: PGCE University of Sheffield, UK (1995)

Professional History: Lady Manners School 1995-2001, Bakewell, Derbyshire, UK; GlaxoSmithKline 2001 – 2005; Nicolson Institute, Stornoway, Western Isles (Scotland) 2005 – 2105; Rotorua Boys’ High School, 2015 – 2019; Staff Member to the Board of Trustees, RBHS 2018-2019.

Current Position: Teacher of Science and Physics, Western Heights High School, Rotorua, 2020 -Present

Association information

Membership: NASUWT (England) 1995-2001; SSTA (Scotland) 2005-2015; PPTA 2015 - Present

Branch Level: PPTA Branch Chair 2018-2019.

Regional Level: SSTA District Secretary, Western Isles (Scotland) 2010 – 2013; PPTA Regional Secretary, Bay of Plenty, 2018-2019.

National Level: PPTA Representative to National Executive, Bay of Plenty/Central Plateau, 2020 – Present.

Personal statement

I have been involved in union activities since I was the District Secretary for the Western Isles in Scotland, which is broadly equivalent to a Regional Chair position. It was here where I learned the value of a unionised workforce. A strong union is essential in promoting our profession, improving conditions for teachers which will result in better outcomes for our students. Our strength is in our single voice.

It has been a privilege to be able to represent the Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau on the National Executive since 2020. I want to recognise the huge mahi that you have all put in since I have taken this role. The protection of our working conditions during the last bargaining round was a huge win, won with your collective efforts . The rapid, relentless changes to education created as politics continues to impose its ideology on the education system will be an ongoing struggle that we must remain united against, especially if the current government is returned to power in November. My experience, along with the strength and support you continue to provide me, allow me to advocate for all our colleagues at a national level and I would like to continue this mahi into 2027.

I believe in a well-funded, public education system which is equitable for all students, regardless of their background and I am sure that you do to. We are the ones who face the issues that our students face on a daily basis and I will continue to listen to your concerns and support you if you choose to return me to this position.

KĀRENA NGATA

Rotorua Girls’ High School

Personal information

I am Ngāti Porou and Ngā Puhi with Czech and Scottish whakapapa. I am Takatāpui. I am married and have two children. I live and work in the Rotorua rohe, where I balance full-time teaching and professional commitments with raising my whānau on a lifestyle block. Our smallholding is home to rescued dogs, far too many freeloading chickens, and our ongoing, overly optimistic attempts at food sovereignty.

Professional information

2023-present: AcademyEX Lecturer on Te Tiriti and Indigenous Research; 2010-present: Rotorua Girls’ High School. Specialist Classroom Teacher. 2022: University of Waikato, School of Education / Poutama Pounamu. Professional Learning and Development Facilitator. 2021-2023: Ministry of Education / NZQA curriculum development. Teacher Specialist and Māngai Māori in Subject Expert Groups for the Tourism and History NCEA curriculum refresh. 2005-2009: Massey High School, Auckland. TIC Māori Achievement; TIC Tikanga-a-Iwi/Bilingual Social Studies; Te Kotahitanga Facilitator; PLD Facilitator; Associate Teacher; Pre-Service Teacher Mentor; classroom teacher of Social Studies, History and Te Reo Māori.

Association information

PPTA Te Wehengarua: 2008-present: supported and participated in PPTA pickets, rallies and campaigns. 2020-present: Held Branch Chair, Co-Chair and Secretary. 2024 & 26-Māori Teacher Conference: Presented workshops. Completed Mahi Tika 1; BOP Co-Representative for Te Reo-ā-Rohe and Rainbow Network; PPTA at Waitangi; Tikanga and Te Tiriti PLD; delivered Te Tiriti PLD to Te Huarahi and the National Executive. 2026 PPTA I & O Conference: Co-presented a Te Reo-ā-Rohe Tiriti workshop. 2026–present- Te Reo-ā-Rohe National Taskforce.

Other Governance, Education and Community Involvement: 2023-Current - New Zealand History Teachers’ Association:  National Executive / BOP Representative. Involvement in project work, advocacy, constitution rewrite, curriculum engagement, and the delivery of online and in-person local, regional and national workshops. I developed and presented He Pā Harakeke, an Indigenous framework supporting the implementation of a critical curriculum, at the 2025 World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference. 2023-2024 - Ngā Uri o Maui Education Trust: Education Specialist, Trustee and Secretary. 2023-2025 - Malfroy School Board Parent Representative. 2020-2024 - Rotorua Montessori Primary Trust Education Specialist, Trustee. Across these roles I have worked with diverse teams of people contributing to governance, education, whānau engagement, community development, funding and organisational decision-making.

Personal statement

I am standing because I believe I can offer a strong, principled and critically inclusive voice at the table - one that understands the realities of the classroom, the branch, the community and the wider political environment in which we are working.  I believe PPTA’s collective strength lies in our diversity, solidarity and willingness to speak truth to power. I bring experience, integrity, empathy, a strong Te Tiriti foundation and a commitment to ensuring that the voices around the table reflect the diverse teachers and communities we serve.