To the Wigram Primary School Community – Staff, Parents and Whānau

I would like to take this opportunity to provide you with an important update for Wigram Primary School – Te Piki Kāhu.

On the 4th of February, I was appointed a limited Statutory Manager (LSM) to work with the Wigram Primary School – Te Piki Kāhu Board of Trustees. The Ministry of Education made my appointment following a request for support from the Board of Trustees. The full Gazette notice can be viewed at Notice of Direction to Appoint a Limited Statutory Manager for the Wigram Primary School – Te Piki Kāhu (3505) Board – 2025-go612- New Zealand Gazette

I thought it would be useful to provide you with some information about my background and experience as well as outline what my role as LSM involves. I served as Chair of the Board of Waimairi School for nine years and was a Board member at Cobham Intermediate School and St Margaret’s College.

I am semi-retired after a career in senior managerial roles at NZTA, in local government and health.

At Wigram Primary School I have been given full responsibility for all matters relating to employment and communications and the power to establish policies and procedures. My focus will be to address any concerns so that these do not impact the core teaching and learning focus of the school.

The current Board remains in place and active. The school continues to be led by Heather Walkinshaw and her leadership team.

I will begin by taking the time to fully understand the issues and concerns that have led to my appointment before developing a plan to resolve these. I know this can be an unsettling time, but I assure you that I come with no pre-determined view and will work in everybody’s best interests.

I will provide you with updates as I work through my process. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to provide any feedback, discuss any concerns or ask any questions.

Ngā mihi

Michael Aitken

LSM Wigram Primary School – Te Piki Kāhu 

LSMMAitken@Outlook.com
027 431 0186

TO CONTACT THE LIMITED STATUTORY MANAGER

Email: LSMMAitken@Outlook.com or call 027 431 0186.