The School Board

Anne Marek - Presiding Member

My name is Anne Marek, and I am proud to serve as the Presiding Board Member at George Street Normal School. With over 15 years of experience in corporate finance, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role. I am a qualified Chartered Accountant and currently employed as the Commercial Manager at Port Otago .

I am deeply committed to leveraging my skills in finance and leadership to ensure that George Street Normal School remains well-positioned to provide the highest quality of education and support to both students and staff.

As Presiding Board Member, my goal is to combine my professional expertise with a strong commitment to the school community. I am dedicated to shaping the future of George Street Normal School, ensuring it continues to be a nurturing, safe and dynamic environment for all.

Tonelle Anderson - Board Member

Kia ora, I work as a Senior Adviser in Organisation Design at the University of Otago, with over 15 years’ experience in HR, including organisational design, recruitment, performance, and remuneration. Outside of work, I’m actively involved in the management of my husband’s and my business, which gives me hands-on experience in budgeting, compliance, health and safety, staff management, and problem-solving.

I am passionate about working together to find solutions and fostering collaboration to achieve meaningful results. In my free time, I enjoy getting outside on our lifestyle block, gardening, and spending time with my family.

Dr Mowkshi Arora - Board Member

I am a proud parent at George Street Normal School (GSNS), with my daughter in the Models.  Since moving to Dunedin in 2023, our family has quickly come to love this welcoming and vibrant city.  I work in the public service and bring a professional background in science, education and leadership.  With a PhD in Science and experience as a researcher and academic leader, I have focused on how supportive environments shape learning, confidence and lifelong success.

Education is a passion of mine.  I believe a child's early years at school lay the foundation for their academic journey, personal growth, and sense of belonging.  At GSNS, I have seen how a nurturing and inclusive culture inspires curiosity and a love of learning, values I am committed to supporting as an elected board member.

My experience in governance, strategic planning, problem-solving, and collaboration equips me to contribute to fair, transparent decisions that prioritise students and respect the voices of tamariki, teachers, and whānau.  Since arriving in Dunedin, I have engaged in leadership development, contributed to inclusion and wellbeing initiatives, and completed workplace health and safety certification.  These experiences, combined with my perspective as a parent, strengthen my commitment of giving back to the GSNS community.

It is my privilege to serve on the GSNS Board.  With dedication, commitment, and a shared vision, I aim to support a strong, inclusive, and sustainable future for all students at George Street Normal School 

Sherie Bell - Board Member

Kia ora koutou, my name is Sherie Bell and I am proud to serve as a member of the GSNS Board. It is a privilege to support our school community especially as a parent of two GSNS tamariki.

I am Project Lead at Otago Polytechnic and have a keen interest in education. I am an experienced leader and encourage a supportive, innovative and collaborative culture. I am excited to work alongside the board and staff to ensure GSNS continues to thrive.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and whānau, camping and trying to keep up with my two little people! 

Akmal Bashir - Board Member

Kia ora, I’m a proud member of our School Board and someone deeply passionate about community wellbeing, equity, and education. I work in Clinical Haematology with Awanui Labs at Dunedin Public Hospital, and also in primary health with WellSouth as a Health Navigator — supporting people and families to access the care and resources they need to live well.

Outside of work, I’m actively involved in community initiatives, particularly helping former refugees settle into life in Dunedin and feel part of our wider whānau. As a father of four daughters, I value the importance of strong education, kindness, and inclusion, and I’m committed to helping ensure our school is a place where every child feels supported and inspired to thrive.

Shane Tamblyn - Board Member (Staff Rep)

Robyn Wood - Principal / Tumuaki