Villa Education Trust

Trust Board Members

Cameron Astill

Cameron has been working in the hospitality industry for over 24-years including various management roles. He has proven abilities in problem solving, people management and motivation.  Cameron is passionate about making sure that children succeed to their full potential in education.  

Karen van Gemerden  B.B.S. 

With over 30 years administrative and business experience in the education sector, Karen is the CEO for the Villa Education Trust. She implements strategy, provides development and compliance, and has worked within a number of education establishments around New Zealand. Karen is passionate about providing opportunities for all children.

Josefina Me Fuimaono-Sapolu BCom/LLB, LLM Honours  

Josie has a conjoint degree in Law and Commerce and has a strong interest in international law and human rights law, with a particular focus on social justice and environmental justice.  She has practiced law in the Samoan and New Zealand   jurisdiction for more than 10 years. Josie is extremely passionate about advocating for rights of the child and women’s rights, to ensure our most vulnerable people are treated with fairness and dignity.

Saira Boyle Post Grad Cert Education - Secondary (Dist); BSc (Hons); GCI Accredited Coach

Saira has over 24 years of school leadership and school governance experience, including the last seven years as school principal. Saira has served on a number of school boards in the capacity as establishment board chair, parent representative staff representative and proprietor representative. She has also served as president on a local charity board for Riding for the Disabled. She is passionate about ensuring barriers to learning for all students are broken down and providing opportunities and space for each learner to truly be accepted for who they are, build self belief and consequently flourish.