Skip to Main Content

Leadership

We deeply embrace the modern techniques of today’s education, balanced with yesterday’s tried and true teaching methods. Mix this with the values of the Presbyterian faith, our pastoral care programme and the capability of our educators and we create a unique, powerful educational programme.

Damon Emtage

Welcome to the Saint Kentigern family and our collective journey of growth and exploration. In 2023, I was honoured to join a history of charismatic leaders as Principal of the College.

Starting as an educator at Auckland Boys Grammar School, I moved to Australia and began two decades of educational leadership at the Brisbane Grammar School, Brisbane Boys' College and Wesley College, Melbourne. Those roles gave me the platform to return home and engage with the faith-based values of Saint Kentigern, which I love. 

As we navigate the next chapter, I am pleased to find an organisation that deeply embraces the modern techniques of today's education, balanced with yesterday's tried and true teaching methods. My commitment to this methodology, mixed with the values of the Presbyterian faith, is complete. Every student can find inspiration to achieve their fullest potential, here. 

We are on a constant journey of learning and exploration. Of innovation, holistic development, and a dedication to excellence. We are creating a future where learning is life-long, opportunities abound, and our future is clear. Be confident in your choice of Saint Kentigern as an educator, an employer, and a partner. The future is bright; opportunities await. 

Join us. 

Fides Servanda Est. 

Damon Emtage
Principal, Saint Kentigern College
BEd, MEd


Our Team 

Our educators and administrators are all dedicated experts chosen for the knowledge and passion they have for their respective fields. College Senior Managers, Heads of Department, and Heads of House are all committed to excellence and motivating our students to unlock their fullest potential. Our professional development programme ensures our people stay at the forefront of their field, delivering an educational product that is effective, captivating and second to none in New Zealand. 

Senior Leadership Team

Mr Duncan McQueen

Director of Campus Life and Special Character
MSc(Hons), MEd Admin (Hons), DipTchng

Mrs Angee Robertson

Deputy Principal Senior Curriculum
BA, DipTchng

Mrs Natalie Burridge

Assistant Principal (Acting) Academic Operations
BA, Grad DipTchg, PG Dip Ed Mgmt

Mrs Pat Baird

Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching
HDE (Sci),BEd, PG Dip Ed (Dist), MEd

Mr Eric Wall

Deputy Principal Pastoral Care, Senior School
MSSL, DipTchg, BBS

Ms Kate Offord

Campus Operations Manager
(BA)

Mrs Hannah Williams

Deputy Principal
MEdL (Hons), PGCE (Hons), BSci Biomedical Physics (Hons), MSci (Hons)

Mr Carl Lidstone

Deputy Principal Pastoral Care, Middle School
BEd, DipTchg, Microfsoft Educator Expert

Heads of Faculty 

Mrs Miriam Slow
Technology Product Design, Building and Construction, Fashion and Textiles Design, Food Technology, Digital Technology, Design and Visual Communication, Computer Science, Animation and Motion Graphics, Middle School Technology – General
BSc, GradDipEng
Mr Gerard Hodgson
Core Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth and Space Science
BSc, GradDipTchg, PGDipSci
Mr Paul Bennett
Physical Education, Health, Outdoor Education
BPE
Mr Brian Peel
Commerce, Accounting, Economics, Business, Financial Literacy
BA(Hons), PGCE, PGCertAppPrac
Mr Rodney Stratton
Creative Arts, Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts (Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking and Sculpture)
BVA, GradDipTchng
Dr Jamie Sneddon
Mathematics, Statistics, Calculus
BSc, GracDipTchg(S), MSc, PhD
Mr Dave O'Brien (Acting)
BA, BA (Hons), MA (Hons), GradDipSecTchg, English, Media Studies
Miss Merryn Ward (Acting)
Humanities Geography, History, Social Studies, Classics Studies, Christian Education, Travel and Tourism, Theory of Knowledge
BA (Hons) and GradDipSecTchg
Mr Mike Anderson
Director of Sport
DipBusStud
Miss Sara Standring
Director of Performing Arts
BPerArts, GradDipTchg
Ms Mary Lin
Head of Department for Music
BA, BMus(Hons), DipTchg
Ms Suzie Tornquist
IB Coordinator 
BSC, Dip Tchg, Dip Counselling

Heads of Pastoral Care

Mrs Suzanne Dawson
Registered Nurse
Health Centre Nurse
Mr Edmund Aldiss
Head of International Students
MPhil, GradDipTchg (Sec)

Heads of Houses

Mr Ieti Fetalaiga
Head of Cargill Senior School
BPE, MEdLd
Miss Dana Harrison
Head of Cargill Middle School
BA, BTch
Miss Susie Rock
Head of Chalmers Senior School
Bcom(Hons), PGCE
Miss Katie Gordon
Head of Chalmers Middle School
BA, BTch
Ms Anna Pinder
Head of Hamilton Senior School
BPE
Miss Shannon Duffy
Head of Hamilton Middle School
BSc, MTchg
Mr Peter Harries
BA(Hons) PGCE
Head of Stark Senior School
Mr Joe Cunningham
Head of Stark Middle School
BPE
Miss Naomi Wilson
Head of Wilson Senior School
BA(Hons), PGCE
Mr Al Ronberg
Head of Wilson Middle School
BSc (Psych), Grad Dip Tchng (Sec), Grad Dip App Theology, NZCOL (Bush)
Ms Julie Coughlan
Head of Wishart Senior School
DipTchg, BA
Miss Rebecca O’Donnell
Head of Wishart Middle School
BA, BCom, Grad Dip Tchng(Sec)
Mr Kevin Taylor
Head of Year 7
BSc(Hons), PGDE

Enhanced Learning

Mrs Catherine Watts
Head of Enhanced Learning Senior School
BA, Grad DipTchg (Sec) PGCert SpTchg (G&T)
Kay Brown
Head of Enhanced Learning Middle School
B.Ed, Dip Tchg, Dip Tchg Deaf and Hearing Impaired