Board of Trustees

Paul Davidson - Presiding Member - Property 

I’m married to Lorette and we have three children aged 14, 12 and 8.

I had the privilege of joining the School Board in 2020 and took on the role of Presiding Member in 2022, along with overseeing Property Management of the School.  

After leaving Waitara High School I qualified in Sports Turf Management and travelled and worked in Australia and Ireland.  On return to New Zealand, I took up dairy farming and have been a self-employed dairy farmer for the past 20 years. 

My hobbies include multi-sports/triathlon, coaching sports and home DIY!  I am passionate about children being involved in sport, and love seeing the enjoyment they get from active movement.  Coaching various sports teams allows me to be part of a child’s journey in building a life-long enjoyment of sport.

As our school role has grown, it has been important to me that we retain our semi-rural school community culture and that all students thrive and enjoy their time at our school.  

You are welcome to contact me on 027 548 2001 if you wish to discuss anything

Caitlin Hocken - Planning & Reporting

Kia Ora, I’m Caitlin. I joined the Egmont Village Board of Trustees in 2023. I was born and

raised in Cairns, Australia and was lucky enough to be brought back here when I met a Naki

boy, my now husband, Neil while travelling overseas. We are blessed to raise two beautiful

boys just down the road from the school, Harrison born in 2013, and Tom, born in 2017.

I have always had a deep love for and affinity with young children. I started my career with a

B.Ed in Early Childhood, teaching in my homeland, in the UK and in my new home, N.Z.,

where I was Head Teach of Stratford Kindergarten for a few years. I then moved into parent

education for the government-funded programme “Parents as First Teachers” delivered

through Barnardos. When this program was cut, I studied to become a Certified Master

Parent Coach and founded “ChildWise – Conscious Parenting Support” in 2020 to deliver

education, coaching, and support to anyone wishing to improve their relationships with the

children in their lives.

I love being involved with this wonderful school, and being on the board means I can be part

of what goes on behind the scenes to make sure our tamariki and whanau thrive.

Nicola Ekdahl - Documentation

With a background in policy analysis, Nicola joined the board in 2023 to aid in the board's governance and strategic direction.  All four of Nicola's children have been through Egmont Village School, with the eldest now attending Inglewood High School.  Nicola owns and operates two small businesses; a small construction company and a drystock farm at the end of Korito Road in Egmont Village. 

Paddy Curtin - Finance

My name is Paddy Curtin and I am proud to serve the EVS community through my involvement

and representation on the school board. I have two children who both attend EVS and enjoy

participating in all things the school has to offer.

Egmont Village has been home for the past 3 years since relocating in January 2023 after 19

years sheep and beef farming in the North Waikato/Raglan area. This transition has allowed me

a fresh perspective and a renewed appreciation for community involvement.

I feel we owe our children the opportunity to achieve to their potential through creating a safe and

inclusive learning environment, and where they can explore the world around them without fear

of being excluded, put down, left behind or distracted.

Professionally, I manage a nationwide outdoor education program that teaches bush, river, and

firearm safety. This initiative is powered by over 100 volunteer instructors operating across 30

locations throughout New Zealand. My role involves coordinating training, ensuring safety

standards, and fostering leadership among volunteers. This experience has equipped me with

strong organisational skills, a collaborative mindset, and a deep understanding of risk

management, regulation and the paperwork which comes with it.

I am keen to contribute to the strategic direction of EVS, support its values and help ensure it

continues to thrive as a place of learning and community. I bring a practical, hands-on approach,

a commitment to service, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.

Amanda Bayliss - Personnel

Kia ora, I am Amanda Bayliss and live in Egmont Village with my husband Ian, and two children, aged 6 and 4.

Being early in my children’s education journeys, I have a long-term commitment to ensuring our school community thrives. I believe that strong, future-focused governance is key to enabling our staff, students, and wider community to prosper.

I bring 15 years of professional experience in Human Resources to this role. As the Group Manager of People & Culture Business Partnering at Todd, I specialise in areas that are directly relevant to the success of our school. I hold a business degree from Massey University, with a focus on management and HR management.

As a lifelong Taranaki resident, I am deeply connected to our community. I am committed to bringing my skills and experience to the board to help ensure a bright future for our children.