PTA
Parent Teacher Association
PTAs have been quietly helping school communities for at least 100 years in New Zealand. PTA, Home and School, Friends of the School etc., are all voluntary, non-profit organisations.
We are an association of parents and family based in our school, whose aim is to bring into closer relationship the home and the school for the benefit of the children. We form a link between the school and the wider community. Our main aim is to help foster a great school community by organising fun, exciting events. We also help fundraise money to put towards items/services for the school that traditional funding doesn’t cover. We run activities from school sausage sizzles once or twice a month, school discos right up to our bi-annual big school fundraiser “Gardens of Fernside” and “Hot Rods to Fernside”.
We always welcome new members – we are a fun and down to earth group. If you can’t commit to monthly meetings we are always grateful for any support you can provide at our events, and any ideas you have we would love to hear.
Ezlunch
We use Ezlunch to simplify school life!
This secure online platform is your one-stop shop for hassle-free, pre-ordered school lunches from approved vendors.
It’s also the system the PTA uses for parents to make payments for all event fundraisers, including sausage sizzles, school discos, and more.
It’s easy to register. Click here to get started.
Kirstin Golding
Tēnā Koutou, I’m Kirstin, I have two daughters Lorna 13 and Parker 12. We moved to Fernside following losing our house during the Christchurch earthquakes, and we love the area. I have always been someone who wants to get involved where I can – I also sit on two netball committees, Fernside Netball club and a Christchurch based club, as well as being an active member in a number of other clubs. When I’m not busy, our family loves nothing better than going away camping in our campervan on the side of a lake waterskiing, and spending time exploring our wonderful country. Joining the PTA is a wonderful way to meet new people, and a great way to create an environment where our children can reach their potential.
Natarsha Crawford
I’m Natarsha, I am a wife, mum of 3 beautiful children (Aileigh 9, Kellan 7 and Parker 3) and together we live on a lifestyle block with far too many animals. After tripping around the world, my husband and I moved back to North Canterbury to be closer to family to raise our kids. I am a real estate sales consultant and in this role I have the opportunity to live and work in the local area and meet so many wonderful people. Cory and I choose to send our children to Fernside because of its welcoming vibrant feel and every day I am thankful that our family can be part of this wonderful school. I choose to join the PTA to meet the local mums and to give the school the support it needs.
Christina Foster
Kia ora, I’m Christina and have been part of the Fernside School PTA for the past 4 years. My husband Dean and I, with our 2 boys – Brody (year 8) and Ashton (year 6) moved from Wellington to Rangiora in 2017. We love the Fernside School community and met some wonderful friends through the school.
Our family love the outdoors and try to get away either biking, hiking, snowboarding, skiing or running whenever we can.
I feel very lucky to work alongside the other PTA committee members, all of whom work tirelessly to help raise funds, support school initiatives and community events, as well as helping to create lifelong memories for our tamariki.
Amanda Marshall
Kia ora, I’m Amanda. Two of three sons attend Fernside School: Luke in Year 8 and Harley in Year 6.
I have been on the PTA for four years and enjoy being an active part of our school community. My husband and I have lived in Fernside for six years and run a local drainage business that keeps us busy.
When I’m not running around after the boys, I love to play golf and am very competitive! As a family, we also enjoy hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and rugby.
Dorothy Duff
Hello, I’m Dorothy. My husband Dave and I have two sons, John, who is 10, and Paul, who is 4. We relocated to Fernside in 2018, with the aspiration of having our children attend a smaller schools. I became involved with the PTA two years ago and have served as the co-chair for the Gardens of Fernside and was also involved in the Hot Rods to Fernside school fair. Contributing to school events allows us to support the school in providing benefits to the children without imposing additional costs on families.
Damian Elley
My wife, Sarah, and I are proud to call Fernside home, where we live with our three sons. With our youngest attending Fernside School, we are deeply rooted in this community. Our life is a busy and rewarding one, centred on our family, our farm, and the people around us.
I own and operate two local businesses: Mr Moss, a moss and lichen removal service, and Fernside Fires, which specialises in creating custom outdoor fire setups. My wife, Sarah, is a dedicated nurse specialist who expertly balances her career with our active family life.
Giving back is very important to me. I am actively involved in school-based projects and make a point to support local events whenever I can, as I believe in contributing to the community that supports us.
As a family, we thrive on being outdoors. Whether we’re boating, hunting, involved in motorsport, or simply enjoying our time together, family always comes first. For us, making time for each other is what matters most.
Becs Parker
Kia Ora, I am Becs Parker. I live in Rangiora with my 2 children, Emma and Dylan, and husband Hamish. We enjoy exploring our beautiful island in our Caravan for a break when we can!
I love being part of Fernside School PTA along with being a Mortgage Advisor in our community.
Marie Hurst
Kia ora, my name is Marie Hurst and I joined the PTA at the beginning of 2025 as a teacher rep for Fernside School. I have been teaching year 2/3s in Kātote Toru for the past 9 months and I thoroughly enjoy it and being part of such an inclusive community. I live in Christchurch with my 2 children, Olivia (7 years), and Lachlan (4 years), where we enjoy spending time together in the outdoors.
Michele Fantham
I’m Michele and I’ve been involved with Fernside School since my eldest daughter Bella started in 2012. I’ve also been on the PTA since then. Neve is still at Fernside and is in year 6 and Bella is now at High School. I’ve been married to the love of my life, Richard, for 15 years and we have been running our own building company called Radius Building Ltd, for the last 11 years. We live locally and love being involved with the school and community.