Totara College is governed by a duly elected Board of Trustees. The board is made up of the principal and representatives for: the proprietors, parents, staff, and students. The board may also "co-opt" members from time to time for specific reasons. All board members are elected according to standard procedures for all state and integrated schools.

The responsibility of the board is to ensure that the college fulfills its responsibilities to the college charter and board policies, and that the school meets its legal obligations to the Ministry of Education.