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Dr Kevin Moriss

Dr Kevin Morris

Executive Trustee

With a long-standing connection to Saint Kentigern, Kevin has been part of the Trust Board since 2018. In 1985, he held the role of Head Prefect at the College, paving the way for his future. Initial studies at Otago University saw him find a career in independent schooling in England and New Zealand. Later ventures to the United States saw him contribute to corporations and universities in Boston and New York, culminating in a doctorate from Boston University. In 2003, Kevin returned home, becoming the Director of Learning and Teaching in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at Auckland University from 2013 to 2021.
Merle Bonniface

Merle Boniface

Chief Operating Officer / Board Secretary

Merle oversees the Trust Board's operations including Finance, ICT, Marketing, Communication, People and Culture, Property, Major Projects & Health and Safety, and is an accomplished C-Suite leader with a track record in driving organisational direction, change, and instilling operational excellence. She holds advanced business degrees from the University of South Africa, leadership programmes from Harvard and Melbourne Business Schools, and governance qualifications from New Zealand and Australia. She brings significant experience across the functional spectrum, with a particular interest in master planning. Her contributions to the education sector have been formally recognised in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Damon Emtage

Damon Emtage 

College Principal

In 2023, Damon joined the College as Principal. With a stellar record in educational leadership and a deep understanding of faith-based independent education, his approach includes humility, compassion, and a commitment to collaboration. Hailing from Auckland, Damon began his career at Auckland Grammar, then spent 22 years in Australia at Brisbane Grammar School and Wesley College Melbourne. From 2005 to 2009, Damon took a break from education to work as an assistant coach for a high-performance sports team. Damon also served as Deputy Headmaster at Brisbane Boys' College, a Presbyterian and Methodist School, and as Acting Headmaster during a transition period in 2021.
Marianne Duston

Marianne Duston

Girls’ School Principal

Marianne joined the Girls’ School as Principal in January 2024. With a wealth of experience, a strong faith, and a passion for exceptional education, her career has seen her lead innovation within several leading independent schools in New Zealand and Australia. Marianne comes to us from Ravenswood School for Girls, Sydney, where she headed up Teaching and Learning Excellence. Her extensive senior leadership experience also includes Deputy Principal positions at Queen Margaret College, Wellington, and Saint Kentigern College. Marianne is passionate about the research that informs exceptional teaching and learning. She has completed a masters in school leadership, which was awarded with Distinction.
Peter Cassie

Peter Cassie

Boys’ School Principal

Peter Cassie has led the Boys’ School since 2012, dedicating 33 of his 39-year career to boys' primary education. Previously, he was Principal at Scots College Middle and Preparatory Schools for a decade and held key roles at King’s School, including Dean of the Senior School. Peter is a strong advocate for independent school structures and their unique benefits for students, staff, alumni, and parents. He emphasises the importance of a values-based system, believing it is essential for setting high standards and fostering strong, meaningful relationships within the school community.
Megan Storey

Megan Storey

Preschool Principal

Megan joined Saint Kentigern Preschool as Principal in 2023. With a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education from the University of Auckland, Megan is a seasoned leader in early childhood education. Initially a teacher, Megan transitioned into leadership positions to deliver exceptional educational outcomes for young children. Megan joined Bear Park, where she managed the Kohimarama and Remuera centres and was a member of the organisation's pedagogical leadership team. Through Megan's leadership, student enrolments increased, programme offerings expanded, and teaching abilities elevated. Megan is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and has a passion for fostering a values-based curriculum of learning.

The Trust Services team  

Under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Merle Boniface, the Trust Services team offers strategic and operational support to the Saint Kentigern organisation. A team of dedicated and capable people, Trust Services strives to foster alignment with our mission and values and ensure the delivery of business excellence in all non-educational facets of the organisation.

Merle Boniface, Chief Operating Officer
Colin Bowring, Major Projects Manager
Kay Forrester, Strategic Marketing Manager
Justin Browne, Property Manager
Brígida Orioli Figueira, Information Systems Product Owner
Rob Powell, Health and Safety Manager
Alison Denne, Financial Director
Sandy Moore, Head of People & Culture

Merle Boniface, Chief Operating Officer

Merle Bonniface

Turning around a university business school, supporting corporate best practices, advising business owners and playing a vital role in the merger of two banks, Merle has recently led the transformation of a large campus via a significant master plan. 

She contributed to education with positions as President of ASBA NZ Inc., an ISNZ executive, and Chairman of ASBA Ltd, and she was recognised through national awards in New Zealand and Australia.  

Merle holds two degrees, has completed leadership programmes at Harvard and Mount Eliza, has qualifications in banking, a Certificate of Company Direction from the NZ Institute of Directors and a Certificate in Governance and Risk Management through the Governance Institute of Australia. 

Colin Bowring, Major Projects Manager

Colin Bowring Major Projects Manager

Colin's career spans two countries and three decades in property development, project management, and property oversight. From hands-on beginnings in design, development, and construction, his experience and passion have led him to high-value property asset management for diverse organisations and property portfolios. 

Colin's previous role was with the Selwyn Foundation's retirement village portfolio, where he steered the development and strategic asset management across multiple villages in the North Island. His wealth of experience is integral to Saint Kentigern's mission of excellence. 

Kay Forrester, Strategic Marketing Manager

Kay Forrester Strategic Marketing Manager

Kay brings experience from her previous senior roles in advertising, marketing and general management. Her career spans offshore and New Zealand companies in the private and public sectors. Most recently, she was General Manager at The Brand Group and served as the Acting Group Manager at Auckland City Libraries. 

Kay formulates and executes the organisational marketing strategy and plans for the Trust and four schools. Her role fosters our external reputation and builds positive community engagement. Her work enhances enrolment at each school and offers marketing guidance for senior leaders and managers to ensure the Saint Kentigern brand remains at the forefront of educational excellence and community connection. 

Justin Browne, Property Manager

Justin Browne Property Manager

Justin takes on the task of overseeing the property portfolio and facilities at our Pakuranga Road and Shore Road campuses. With over 25 years of experience in various property sectors - commercial, retail, education, and residential - Justin brings a wealth of knowledge to his role.  

His previous positions at Seattle Coffee Company, Starbucks UK Limited, Diocesan School for Girls, and Saint Cuthbert's College have provided him with valuable insights and expertise, both locally and internationally. Justin's dedication to maintaining and enhancing our campuses ensures that the Saint Kentigern environment remains in prime condition.

Brígida Orioli Figueira, Information Systems Product Owner

Brigida Orioli Figueira

Brígida optimises and enhances our core information systems, with a particular focus on learning and teaching technologies.  

With a background in education and learning technologies, Brígida’s track record includes implementing multiple learning management systems across complex organisations. At the University of Auckland, she was crucial in implementing the Canvas Learning Management System across all faculties, helping the University to bring in new ways of learning and teaching via technology.  

Brígida has a Doctorate in Geology and was a science teacher. She believes in the transformative power of technology in education. 

Rob Powell, Health and Safety Manager

Rob Powell Health and safety

With the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of our people being at the forefront of everything we do, Rob works with our leaders and front facing staff to ensure that we can safely carry out exciting and interesting activities as part of the Saint Kentigern experience.

Rob brings a strong portfolio of skills to his role and is a senior member of the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM) team.  He is HASANZ registered as an NZISM Certified Professional and holds qualifications in Occupational Safety & Health, adult education, auditing and investigations, hazardous substances management, and emergency management. 

Alison Denne, Financial Director

Alison Denne Financial Director

A career in finance and operations has seen Alison lead large, multi-national teams as well as sole charge responsibilities for smaller entrepreneurial ventures in both New Zealand and the UK. This diverse background equips her with financial versatility and a passion for people, community and continuous learning.

Alison's recent role was as Group CFO of Te Arawa Lakes Trust. Her credentials include a Fellow Chartered Accountant (ICAEW), which she achieved through Deloitte London.  

Alison spearheads Saint Kentigern's financial stewardship. Her role encompasses financial reporting, systems efficiency and continuous improvement. She also collaborates closely with Saint Kentigern's senior leadership, offering financial insight to uphold standards of excellence in all financial matters.

Sandy Moore, Head of People & Culture

Sandy Moore

As Head of People & Culture Sandy is responsible for leading the HR strategy and cultivating a supportive work environment. She brings a wealth of HR experience from a range of sectors, including education (early childhood to university), local government, construction and manufacturing. Additionally, Sandy has successfully managed her own consulting business. 

Sandy holds a Bachelor of Business Studies, Diploma in Teaching and Applied Management and a National Certificate in Adult Literacy. She has received national recognition for her work in adult literacy and won a major grant from Ako Aotearoa to research a collaborative approach to mentoring apprentices.

The Saint Kentigern Trust was founded in 1949 to provide schools for boys in Auckland and is an independent body with the power to appoint its members.

The Presbytery of Auckland nominates two members. The Trust is incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957 (previously the 'Religious Charitable and Educational Trusts Act 1908') and 2005.

In 1953, the Trust Board opened Saint Kentigern College, Pakuranga, to educate boys from Form I to Form VII. In 1959, Saint Kentigern School, Shore Road, Remuera, was opened to provide education from the Primers to Form II. On 12 December 1995, by Act of Parliament, the Trust Deed was amended to provide for the education of girls as well as boys, and in 2003, the 50th Jubilee year, the education of girls commenced at the College.

In May 2009, the Corran and Saint Kentigern Trust Boards merged, with the Saint Kentigern Trust Board assuming responsibility for staffing and operations on the Girls' School campus. The Preschool opened at the start of 2011 on the Girls' School campus.

The current Chairman of the Trust Board is Mr Mark Conelly, elected in 2020. Mr Conelly joined the Board in 2016 and is an Old Collegian and past parent. 

Current Trust Board Members 

Mark Conelly - Chairman
Andrew Morgan
The Reverend Martin Baker
Kim McGregor 
Dr Kevin Morris
Reverend Sharon Ross Ensor
Haydn Wong
Dr Catherine Harri
Hannah McQueen
Sharnika Leleni

Mark Conelly - Chairman

Mark Connelly

Mark joined the Trust Board in 2016 as Chair of the Trust Board Finance Audit and Investment Committee and later joined the Project Control Group. Elected as Chairman in 2020, he is an Old Collegian and has served terms as President of the Old Collegians Association and Chair of Boys' School Parents and Friends. He is currently Chairman of Ronald McDonald House and an Independent Director/ Chair for the health sector. Recently appointed a Trustee for the Presbyterian Support Northern, Mark is a fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and a chartered member of the NZ Institute of Directors. He is currently the Chief Financial Officer at Mitre 10 NZ Limited. 

Andrew Morgan

Andrew Morgan

Andrew is an Old Collegian, along with his two brothers, and held a nine-year term as President of the Old Collegians Association. During this term, he developed an extensive personal network within the Old Collegians membership in New Zealand and overseas. The Trust Board noted that Andrew has been a tireless, loyal supporter of Saint Kentigern ever since his graduation. Andrew attended Lincoln University and has been in the banking and finance industry for over 30 years. He operates his own finance company specialising in financing extensive property development and investment transactions via New Zealand and Australian funding sources. 

The Reverend Martin Baker

Rev Martin Baker

Martin Baker is a Saint Kentigern parent and is an appointee of the Northern Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Currently the minister of Clevedon Presbyterian Church, which offers an extensive family ministry programme and runs a preschool for 80 children, Martin was previously the National Executive Officer of the Presbyterian Church based in Wellington. He provided the Church with strategic, management and administrative leadership in that role. Before that, he served the Church in Dunedin, Wellington and St Heliers parishes. Martin strongly supports Presbyterian schools and their connection to the Church. 

Kim McGregor 

Kim Mcgregor

Kim joins the Trust Board with a boy and a girl currently attending the College, one of whom was a foundation pupil at the age of three. She has also long been actively engaged as a parent at the Girls' and Boys' Schools and brings expertise as a trained teacher and leader in education and business. Kim has held senior sales and management roles in the ITC field in education and has recently been appointed a director of a large international property development business. She is a chartered member of the Institute of Directors. Kim and her family are very active in her church. 

Dr Kevin Morris

Dr Kevin Moriss

Kevin is an Old Collegian and a parent at the Boys' School. He was also Head Prefect at the College in 1985 and a teacher from 1989 to 1992. After university, Kevin's career started at independent schools in England, then New Zealand, where he joined the College and Bruce House faculty. Kevin then worked in Boston and New York for many years, completing a doctorate in education from Boston University. He returned home, becoming the Director of Learning and Teaching at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at Auckland University from 2013 to 2021. In 2021, he was appointed as Executive Trustee at Saint Kentigern. 

Reverend Sharon Ross Ensor

IMG 2341

Sharon joins the Trust Board as an appointee of the Northern Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. She is an ordained Presbyterian minister having served a number of congregations over the last 36 years in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington. Sharon is currently the Presbytery Liaison Manager with Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN) where she focusses on strengthening the work between PSN and the Presbyterian church. She was previously a member of St Oran’s College Board of Proprietors and Queen Margaret College’s Board of Governors, both Presbyterian schools in Wellington.

Haydn Wong

Haydn Wong

Haydn Wong joined the Trust Board in February 2020. He is a Saint Kentigern parent with three children at various levels of their education. Haydn is the Managing Partner of the law firm Bell Gully and, among other activities, is currently Chair of Black Grace Trust – a leading Pasifika Dance Company. He grew up in Hawkes Bay and had long family connections to the Presbyterian Church there. Haydn was a prefect and Dux of Hastings High School. He played in his school's First XV, played provincial rugby, and represented New Zealand Universities in rugby. 

Dr Catherine Harri

Catherine Harri

Catherine has a diverse background in science, management consulting, and project management. Earning her PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Auckland, Catherine has a passion for knowledge and learning. Her career spans management consulting, project management, quality assurance, brand development, public health and safety, banking, FMCG, and education. Catherine's family has a long history with Saint Kentigern, including her father, Dr Bruce Goodfellow, who served on the board. Her two children currently attend the Boys' and Girls' schools. Catherine is active in her local Presbyterian Church, the New Zealand Christians in Science and the Parents in Prayer group. 

Hannah McQueen

Hannah Mc Queen

Hannah is a Financial Advisor and Chartered Accountant Fellow with a Masters in Taxation from the Auckland University. Starting her career in audit, Hannah set up 'enable.me' in 2007, providing financial coaching to thousands of clients. She is also a Director of AdviceFirst, providing quality financial advice to New Zealanders. Hannah is a best-selling finance author, media commentator and columnist. She sits on different boards and brings her financial strategy and planning skills to the board. She is also passionate about helping young adults build their financial capability for the future. Hannah has children at the College and the Girls' School.   

Sharnika Leleni

Shanika Leleni

Sharnika was Saint Kentigern College's 10th Head Girl in 2013. She has remained involved by being on the Old Collegians Executive Committee for ten years. Sharnika graduated with a Bachelor of Law (Hon) and a Bachelor of Arts from Auckland University. She is a Crown Prosecutor at Kayes Fletcher Walker and is on the Executive Committee of the Pacific Lawyers' Association. Sharnika was an AMINZ (Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of NZ) scholar in 2021 and identified as a future leader in dispute resolution. Previously co-lead of Russell McVeagh's diversity and inclusion committee and co-lead of Young AMINZ, Sharnika has developed a vast network and diverse experience across various fields. 

Founding Trustees

The founding Trustees were several prominent Presbyterians:

  • William John Fletcher
  • Gordon Kerr Hamilton
  • Neil Lloyd Macky 
  • Ian Watson Fraser
  • James Morton
  • David Nicol Pryor 
  • Sir William Goodfellow
  • Donald Dixon McKenzie
  • Duncan McFadyen Rae 
Sir William Goodfellow
Neil Lloyd Macky

Sir William Goodfellow

Sir William Goodfellow

Sir William was the first Chairman and member of the Board from 1949 to 1950 until his resignation in 1962. His valuable experience, considerable generosity and wise advice contributed to the successful development of the College from its outset. The needs of the College were always on his heart. 

Neil Lloyd Macky

Mr N L Macky

The original pioneer who made the dream of a Presbyterian Boys' College in Auckland become a reality. Neil, who became the Chairman in 1951, gave his life and soul to establishing the College and its welfare. His ability to source financial contributions, along with his time, energy and inspiration, spanned ten years of promotion and development in buildings, grounds, and the many extras required during the foundation years. 

Founder Trustees after 2018

In 2018, the Trust Board approved specific Terms of Reference and an operating framework for Founder Trustees, consistent with the Trust Deed. The status of Founder Trustee was conferred on additional former Trust Board members. 

Graham McKenzie
David Boyd
The Very Reverend Graham Redding
David McCulloch
Alan Burton
Dr Bruce Goodfellow
Dr John Kernohan
Rosemary Harris

Graham McKenzie

Graham nmckweenzie

Graham served on the Trust Board between 2000 and 2014 as Deputy Chairman. He was instrumental in merging the Saint Kentigern Trust Board with the Corran Trust Board and subsequent management of the Girls' School. He remains a frequent attendee at performing arts events and other occasions and provides advice to current board members from time to time. 

David Boyd

David Boyd

David was on the Trust Board between 1996 and 2000. He is a loyal Saint Kentigern Old Collegian and former parent. He has significant commercial experience and, through his various businesses, has supported the schools in many ways. David maintains strong connections with the Saint Kentigern community and appreciates engaging Old Collegians in relevant activities. He is a member of the selection panel for the inaugural Saint Kentigern Distinguished Alumni Awards. 

The Very Reverend Graham Redding

Graham redding

Graham served on the Trust Board between 1993 and 2000 and was also a parent for most of that time. He was very active in promoting the unique Presbyterian character of the organisation and contributed substantially to the overview of all aspects of Trust Board activities. He has continued to contribute his wisdom and maintains many contacts with Trust Board members and staff. Graham continues to support Saint Kentigern in several ways. Graham currently lectures in Chaplaincy Studies at the University of Otago. 

David McCulloch

David Mc Culloch

David served as a Trust Board member from 1999 to 2018. He is a great enthusiast for Saint Kentigern and independent schools. He was a trust board representative on various independent school boards for many years. David was also the primary Trust Board contact with the Saint Kentigern Old Collegians. 

Alan Burton

Alan Burton

Alan served as a Trust Board member from 2005 until his retirement from the Board in May 2019. He was also a past parent. Alan brought an extensive understanding of education, particularly secondary education in New Zealand, to the Trust Board. He was active in several of the Trust Board's sub-committees, particularly the Chaplaincy and Special Character Committee. He has wide-ranging experience in education as a teacher and principal and has been active in establishing new schools in the Auckland area. 

Dr Bruce Goodfellow

Bruce Goodfellow

Bruce is a third-generation member of the Goodfellow family who has contributed to Saint Kentigern. He started his education at Saint Kentigern in its foundation year and has remained involved for the rest of his life as a Board member, Chair, parent, and grandparent. He joined the Board in 1983, after his father and grandfather. Bruce served on all boards, and upon his father's retirement in 2000, was elected Chairman until 2017. He service for 36 years until his passing in 2020. During his tenure, the schools doubled in size, solidifying Saint Kentigern as one of the largest independent school groups in Australasia.  

Dr John Kernohan

John Kernohan

John joined the Trust Board in 2000, became Deputy Chair in 2012 and Board Chair in 2017. He was a member of the Finance Audit and Investment Committee, Project Control Group and Chaplaincy Committee. Among the many projects undertaken, he was crucial in developing the master plan, selling the Remuera campus, and approving the most significant capital works project in Saint Kentigern's history. As a past parent, John has long been associated with Saint Kentigern and is an active member of several church-related organisations. He strongly advocates for ensuring that we 'keep the faith'. 

Rosemary Harris

Rosemary Harris hfdf

Rosemary is one of the longest-serving Trust Board members, joining in 1996 before becoming Deputy Chair in 2017. As Deputy  Chair, Rosemary was instrumental in helping shape the Trust Board's strategy and governance. A key area of Rosemary's focus was the development of a world-class educational facility at Saint Kentigern, especially for the Shore Road campus. She took a particular interest in the master planning process and worked diligently with the principals to bring the Board's vision to life. Rosemary has been a member of the Project Control Group, Disciplinary and Uniform Committees, and the Boys' School Roselle Foundation board member since its inception. 

The wishes of the Founders as expressed in the Trust Deed: 

'The Founders are desirous of founding and providing for a School, or Schools of learning and other institutions wherein boys and girls of this country shall be cared for taught and educated in accordance with those principles and precepts traditionally present in that system of education which based on the religion of the Presbyterian Church inculcates a desire for the acquisition of knowledge for the Glory of God and the benefit of mankind a proper discipline of mind and body and a life of service to others.' 

In pursuit of that vision, Saint Kentigern College was opened in 1953, and Saint Kentigern School was opened in 1959. In May 2009, the Saint Kentigern Trust Board assumed the staffing and operations of Saint Kentigern School for Girls – Corran. A Preschool was opened on the Girls' School site in 2011. 

The Saint Kentigern Trust Board is the governing body for these four schools.