18/07/2026
It’s with great sadness that we share news that our presiding member Andrea McDonald has passed away following a short illness.
Andrea was a deeply valued member of our kura - whanau. She served our school with unwavering dedication, wisdom and genuine care for our tamariki, staff and wider community. Her leadership, kindness and commitment to ensuring the very best for Okains Bay School have left a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten. At this time, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Andrea‘s whanau and all those who knew and loved her.
We ask that you keep them in your thoughts as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.
The board will meet in the coming days to discuss the way forward and ensure that governance responsibilities continue during this period. We will keep our community informed of any decisions and next steps.
As a kura, we will also take time to acknowledge Andrea‘s significant contribution and celebrate the difference she made to our school community.
Moe mai ra, Andrea. Thank you for your kindness, your unwavering support and commitment to our kura. You managed our kura through some difficult situations and we are greatly appreciative. We will miss the All Black, Crusaders and Canterbury rugby analysis we often carried out, and I personally will miss your amazing home baking along with your attention to detail. You will be greatly missed, but your legacy will remain with us all.
Nga manaakitanga,
Colin Hammond
Tumuaki / Principal
on behalf of the Okains Bay School Board of Trustees
