Schools need to remember their core business looking after children, not adults.
The School Trustees Association said it needs to think how it can better support schools in financial difficulty, after an Auditor-General's report highlights questionable spending.
Incidents include a $7000 staff party, and gifts for principals including a ride-on mower and "wellbeing" payments.
Association President Lorraine Kerr told Mike Hosking boards need to remember their goal is to support teaching and learning in schools.
"Their core business is every child in every school not necessarily the adults in the schools."
LISTEN ABOVE AS LORRAINE KERR SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you