With 10,000 places across school boards open for nominations - only 2000 people have so-far put their name forward, with the deadline looming this month.
For rural and small schools, only 40 percent have enough nominations to form a board at this stage. Responsible for setting the strategic direction, overseeing the curriculum, finance, property, and health and safety, as well as employing the staff, a board is vital to the running of the school and the well-being of pupils.
Andrew King is the principal of Oropi primary school near Tauranga and the president of the New Zealand Rural Schools Leadership Association - which represents 400 rural and small schools across Aotearoa. Kathryn also speaks with Meredith Kennett, president of NZ School Boards Association.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
