Priority One is pleased to welcome two new members that will join its impressive Board.

Kylie Valentine, Tumuaki Tuarua/Deputy Head at Tauranga Girls’ College, is born and bred in Tauranga Moana and now her whanau, including her four teen/adult children live here too. Kylie brings to the Board a wealth of experience in transformational change, strategic planning and leadership in the education space.

“I see the incredible potential the Western Bay of Plenty has to be a regional leader in innovation, where education and workforce development go hand in hand. It’s a privilege to sit on the board of an organisation deeply driven by and supporting this potential,” says Kylie.

“I’m passionate about ensuring our economic growth aligns with educational, social, and community needs. I look forward to contributing to the fostering of connections and the supporting of innovation for a thriving, sustainable future for our region. “

Mike Groves is Group Director Strategy and Systems at Beca. He’s originally from Te Puke and returned to Tauranga in 2002, and is married with two children. 

Mike’s career spans 30+ years with wide-ranging roles encompassing design, project delivery, client engagement, business management and change, and people leadership. He currently leads a group of diverse specialists that help Beca’s clients and partners achieve their strategic goals by guiding organisational change, leading asset creation projects and programmes, and ongoing lifecycle management of complex assets. 

“I’m looking forward to contributing to the board of an organisation that’s driven by enhancing the wellbeing and vitality of the Western Bay of Plenty,” says Mike. “I’m a naturally curious person renowned for asking questions that uncover new thinking. I believe authentic relationships are the cornerstone of building a collaborative and inclusive working environment that creates great outcomes, an approach I am committed to bring to the table.” 

See the full Priority One Board.