School Board of Trustees

The Māngere College School Board strives to provide excellence in education for all of our students. It is accountable for our student progress and achievement to the whanau, community and the Government. The board has the overall responsibility and accountability for the running of Māngere College. The School Board aims to perform its functions and exercise its powers in such a way as to ensure that every student at the school is able to attain his or her highest possible standard in educational achievement, and to Seek the Heights in all they do.

Martin La’a – Presiding Member

Martin La'a is a proud Son of South Auckland and ex-student of Mangere College. Martin was awarded the First Foundation scholarship at Mangere College in 2005 with (then) Telecom where he has since pursued a career in corporate digital services in various fields including Regional Sales Management and Human Resources.

Martin also serves on the Spark Foundation Board – a mission to drive toward digital equity and creating meaningful pathways for Maori and Pasifika into Tech. Grounded by Faith, Martin’s purpose and passion is serving the community, amplifying our voices, and helping other young Maori and Pasifika realise their potential in Aotearoa.

Geraint Tuiletoa Tagaloa - Principal

Geraint Tuiletoa Tagaloa is the Principal (Tumuaki) of Māngere College, bringing a strong commitment to student success, inclusive leadership, and community partnership. He began his role as principal in 2024, becoming the first Pasifika principal appointed at Māngere College since the school’s establishment over 50 years ago.

Geraint has held leadership and teaching roles in other Auckland secondary schools. He is a passionate advocate for raising achievement, strengthening connections with whānau and community, and ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.

He believes in high expectations, culturally responsive practice, and removing barriers to learning, and he is committed to building Māngere College as a school of choice for the community it serves.

Daniel Kelly

Ko Daniel Tepai Tamatoa Kelly tōku ingoa.
He uri ahau nō Ngāti Kahungunu, Tūwharetoa, Te Atiawa, Tugafuafua ki Hāmoa me Arorangi ki Rarotonga.

I am a registered teacher who has served in the Alternative Education Department at Māngere College, currently working at Hāpai Tūhono to grow and develop career aspirations for rangatahi Māori. I also teach in adult education, specialising in Bicultural Social Services at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa having completed a Masters of Applied Indigenous Knowledge focusing on Indigenous approaches to youth development.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, I am committed to ensuring whānau voice, cultural identity, and student wellbeing sit at the centre of school decision-making. I’m passionate about creating quality, culturally grounded spaces where rangatahi feel proud, supported, and enabled to thrive.

E tipu, e rea, mō ngā rā o tō ao — grow and flourish for the days destined to you.

Tyrone Adams

I am an experienced governance leader committed to education, community development, hauora, marae leadership, and iwi growth. I contribute to multiple governance entities, providing strategic guidance, financial oversight and culturally grounded leadership. Recognised for having a disciplined approach to risk management and accountability, I build strong relationships and navigate complex environments with integrity and transparency.

Grounded in kaupapa Māori, I am dedicated to strengthening whānau wellbeing, supporting tamariki and rangatahi pathways, and enhancing the resilience of hāpori. My leadership focuses on responsible kaitiakitanga, clear strategy and ensuring kaupapa remain effective and aligned with the communities they serve.

Lili Lemalu

Lili Lemalu is a proud alumna of Mangere College and a caregiver to two whāngai, with the second joining the school in 2026. Her experiences as a whānau caregiver and a local of Māngere shape her understanding of the hopes, pressures and realities many families face. She is deeply committed to ensuring every young person feels safe, supported and confident in their learning.

With more than 20 years of experience in community wellbeing, Lili has worked across food support, financial advocacy and child protection. She has led large teams delivering practical help to tens of thousands of whānau, and supported families facing financial hardship through services that strengthened resilience and contributed to meaningful debt relief. Her governance and project leadership has also focused on improving safety and outcomes for vulnerable children through trauma-informed practice.

Lili brings both lived experience and strategic leadership, advocating for solutions that uphold the mana of every student and open pathways for them to thrive.

Selau Kaleopa

Talofa lava, my name is Selau Alice Kaleopa. I am a proud ex-student of Mangere College and have lived in our Mangere community for over 30 years. I have strong whānau ties to the school, with my nieces and nephews currently attending the college.

I bring to the table a solid background in education, leadership, and governance. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching (ECE), and additional qualifications in Small Business Management and Project Management. I am currently employed as Centre Manager at St Andrew's Childcare Centre in Ōtāhuhu. My experience also includes managing multiple early childhood centres and leading diverse teams.

Governance is not new to me. I served four terms as a Board of Trustees member at Sir Douglas Bader Intermediate, where I developed a deep understanding of the responsibilities and strategic vision needed to support school leadership and student achievement. Over the years, I have attended numerous education and governance conferences to grow my capability and ensure effective contribution.

In our wider community, I am actively involved in service and leadership. I sit on the Executive Board of the Mangere PIPC Church, where I also serve as the Secretary of the Board of Managers and Assistant Treasurer. I am currently the interim Chair for the Manukau Auckland Volleyball Association, reflecting my passion for youth development.

Rapuwani Wade — Staff Elected Member

My name is Rapuani Wade, and I am honoured to serve as the Staff Representative on the Māngere College Board of Trustees for 2026. As a dedicated and active member of our teaching staff, I am committed to upholding and strengthening the values that ground our kura—whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and ako.

With 21 years of teaching experience in the Māngere community, I bring a deep understanding of both the challenges and the rich opportunities that shape our school environment. I am passionate about fostering a positive, culturally responsive learning space where our students and staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. I believe strongly in collaboration, transparency, and open communication between staff, students, whānau, and school leadership.

Lawrence Tuileva — Student Elected Member

Talofa, my name is Lawrence Tuileva, and I am the student representative elected for 2026, ready to take the obligation of representing our MC students with diligence and honour.

My Involvement within our MC Community has taught me so much on the significance of listening, observing, and taking meaningful actions to represent your voices, advocate for your needs, and work tirelessly for the well being and success of your MC whanau. As your elected student representative, that is exactly what I intend to deliver.

lalaga le si'osi'omaga mo se lumana'i manuia! - Weaving our space for a promising future.