Personal Statements from the Board Members
Greg Moyle - Chairman
I have qualifications in Accounting, Law and Financial Planning. ED, MCom (Hons), LLB, ACA, CMA, ACIS, CFPCM, IAFP, Grad Dip Bus Studs.
Employment:
I am the founding partner of New Zealand Financial Planning Company Ltd: A nationwide privately-owned independent organisation which provides financial and lifestyle advice to its clients.
Community Involvement:
As a Past President of the Downtown Rotary Club and former Chairperson of the Western Bays Community Board, I am actively involved in community activities. Currently I am a Trustee of the Leukemia and Blood Foundation and a Director of Radio Lollipop. I am also a Major in the Auckland Infantry Battalion of the Territorial Army and have been awarded the Efficiency Decoration (E.D.) bar and clasp. I have been deployed overseas twice, firstly to the Solomon Islands and secondly to Timor Leste.
In November 2007 I was elected to the Auckland City Council in the Western Bays and am the Chairman of the Arts Culture and Recreation Committee.
MAGS Involvement:
I am a past pupil (1968-1972) of Mount Albert Grammar School and Past President of the Albertian's Association. I am the current Chairman of the Board of Trustees. My two older children, Daniel and Rachel are past pupils of the School.
If elected I believe I have the experience and commitment along with the other elected Board of Trustees to provide direction and support to the Principal and Senior Management of Mount Albert Grammar School to ensure that our School provides our children with an educational experience second to none.
Pito Ah Ken
Currently one of two Pasifika Representatives on the Mount Albert Grammar School Board of Trustees. I have been involved in the Education Sub-committee, and, in addition with fellow Pasifika rep. Lydia Sosene, and with the Partnership of the School and the Board, have re-established the Pasifika Parents' Committee (PPC - website link via the MAGS website), with the aim ... to 'Raise the Pasifika Academic Achievement' through Partnership and Consultation, as a result - improvements were made across the NCEA Levels over the last 2-3 years.
I am of Samoan, Tuvaluan and Chinese descent, married with three boys, and reside in Western Springs. My wife also plays a supportive role within the school; our eldest is currently in his second year at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Auckland, with the other two in Year 9 and 10 at Mount Albert Grammar School.
With a historic link, my brothers and I, and now with our eldest son were Prefects in our final year (a proud moment to continue one of many Schools' Traditions). I attended MAGS in the mid to the late 80's and see that this is a great opportunity to continue giving back to the school and the community.
I'm currently in a Leadership role for a Plastic Company that is a leading NZ supplier of Plastic Solutions and Specialty Products, based in Avondale, and have worked for this firm over a number of years in different roles. I'm also currently involved in other community work such as a member of the Ponsonby Rugby Junior Committee, using my past experience being involved in both assisting and coaching teams such as MAGS U14 & U15B teams, Ponsonby U9 to U13-2007 Champions teams, and also part of a very unique Management Team of a new Learning Centre - leading the Mentoring Programme.
If re-elected, I hope to use the experience gained to continue to express the current and continuous changes in our education system that will best suit our current students of Mount Albert Grammar School, to continue to be a voice on behalf of the Pasifika community, and to maintain and to create a pathway of consistency to raise the Pasifika Academic Achievement across all levels.
Shale Chambers
I am a current elected parent representative member of the Mt Albert Grammar Board, and have immensely enjoyed my last 3 years on the Board.
I am an active member of the Finance and Discipline Committees, and assist in legal matters.
I am father of 4 children, the youngest two of whom are doing well attending Mt Albert Grammar; Ben, in year 12, and Kate, year 10.
I am married to Glenda Fryer, your local area Auckland City Councillor.
My family associations with Mt Albert go back to its earliest days (1850s - Gribbles of Gribblehirst Park area).
Qualifications
I am a property and business lawyer and managing director of Ponsonby law firm, ChambersCraigJarvis.
I have extensive senior governance experience; presently as director of government-owned, NZ Post, and proud owner of Kiwibank, and recently as deputy chair of SOE, MetService, two-term elected trustee of Auckland Energy Consumer Trust, and director of publicly-listed Vector.
I offer 15 years Board of Trustees experience with a long familiarity with issues facing large secondary schools, and prior to MAGS, was an elected Board member of Auckland Girls' Grammar (2001-2007), and Edendale Primary (1995-2001), where my children also attended.
Personal Statement
I am a liberal and believe strongly in the concept of good local community schools. We should all have high expectations of the school's leadership, including the Board. Schools should both reflect, and be accessible to their communities; fostering their future young leaders in all aspects of life.
Mt Albert Grammar has a long and proud history here, and continues to build on this reputation as a good all round co-educational school. It is my experience that strong curriculum leadership at all levels, good teacher morale, a Board supportive of its headmaster and senior management and teachers' professional development are keys to all our kids succeeding at many levels at this school.
I look forward to continuing as part of a harmonious and focused diverse group of parents and teaching professionals.
Graham Fletcher
My name is Graham Fletcher. As a 53 year old father of eight I understand teenagers and am passionate about seeing them develop into great citizens; citizens who make valuable contributions to our communities, our city and our nation. I want to see MAGS continue in its heritage of producing students who go on to impact, not only our own nation, but the nations of the world.
Success at school depends on an effective partnership between school and parents but success at school is not just about academic records and sporting achievements. It is also about developing a love of learning, about forming strong lasting friendships, about developing strength of character and about excelling in all we do.
I have lived in Mount Albert since 1980 and am a senior research scientist with Plant & Food Research, Mount Albert Research Centre.
There, as a microbiologist/food technologist I lead a team of six research staff plus postgraduate students which is investigating the food safety, processing and preservation of New Zealand seafood and horticultural products.
My three oldest children have attended MAGS and gone onto various tertiary studies, one daughter will start in 2011 and I have three more coming on! My other son attends a special needs school. With adopted Chinese daughters, a Maori foster son and currently hosting a MAGS year 11 Japanese homestay, my family celebrate ethnic diversity. I also understand some of the challenges faced by new immigrants and I love the diverse cultures found at MAGS. I want to see MAGS continue to be an example in affirming cultural diversity, one that reflects and positively impacts the future of Auckland.
With a predilection for science and technology, it was the enthusiasm of my secondary school science teachers who inspired me to get where I am today. I not only understand and value science but also appreciate business studies (as well as science qualifications I have a bachelor of commerce majoring in information technology from the University of Auckland) and I value the liberal and creative arts. I'm very proud of my son who won the senior graphic design prize at MAGS and is going on to develop a career as a book illustrator. I want our school to foster a culture of excellence where our pupils feel encouraged and inspired to pursue their individual passions and to develop their skills in every area of their lives.
Tui Gallagher - Co-opted Member, 2012
Dale Griffiths
I am a registered pharmacist in community practice in West Auckland, where I have practiced for over 15 years. I first registered in 1980 and have postgraduate qualifications from both the University of Otago and the University of Auckland. I live in Western Springs with my wife Leone and have two children, my daughter is at Mount Albert Grammar School and my son will join the School in 2011.
I am a member of the National Executive of the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand and of the Council of the New Zealand College of Pharmacists and I am a member of the Executive of the Auckland Branch of PSNZ.
I attended Mount Albert Grammar School from 1969 to 1973. Since 1995 I have been a member of the Albertians Executive, including three years as President. I was co-opted to the previous Board of Trustees in 2006 and elected in 2007 as a parent's representative.
I am currently a member of the Board's Finance Committee and Chair of the Property Committee overseeing the School's buildings including the new gymnasium.
My role on the Board of Trustees is to support the Headmaster and the staff of the School to ensure the School does its utmost to meet the curricular and extra-curricular needs of all students. As the School has lifted its performance over recent years the gains to our students have been immense both in academic and non-academic spheres. This increasing standard of performance by students and the staff who support needs the oversight of a Board with committed Board members.
Mount Albert Grammar School has grown immensely over the past few years in performance, complexity and size. Mount Albert Grammar School has matured into a multicultural school that the entire school community is very proud of. The School needs to maintain this momentum to be the best school that we, as a community, can achieve; it is important to our students both now and in the future to do so.
Over the past 10 years the School has strengthened its place in the local community and has built on the standards and traditions of its rich history. This history is important and over the past 10 years we have achieved many new successes that we will look back on as significant steps on a long path forward.
SallyAnn Harbison - Co-opted Member
My name is SallyAnn Harbison. I have a PhD in the area of Molecular Biology from the University of Liverpool in the UK and have been working in New Zealand since 1985. My eldest son, Reuben, left MAGS three years ago and my daughter, Eloise, is now in year 12. My youngest son is 10.
I am a Forensic Science Leader at the Crown Research Institute, ESR in Mt Albert. I manage the technical operation and research directions of the forensic biology team, which comprises 45 forensic scientists. I am responsible for quality assurance, training and research as well as carrying out forensic work myself. I am also an Honorary Lecturer at Auckland University and supervise many postgraduate students in forensic science. At ESR I often give talks to school groups and teachers.
My interests outside work are many and varied. I come from a soccer mad family and all my family but one play. I am an avid reader and I design and make clothes and love music mainly of the rock variety.
I have been on the board of trustees for the last 6 years and thoroughly enjoyed the challenges. As Chair of the Education Sub-committee one of my main goals is to raise student achievement and the recent NCEA results suggest MAGS is doing the right things in this direction. I have also been involved in the preparation of the School's strategic plan which you can find on the website, which I have found a very enlightening experience. I am absolutely focused on achievement, obtaining the best that any one individual student can do, and committed to ensuring that MAGS provides the best opportunities for all students.
Ms Gayatri Jaduram
I was co-opted to the Board of Trustees early 2011.
My partner Mark and I have two sons at the school.
Professional
I have a law degree and a masters in commercial law (Hons) from Auckland University.
I have 25 years legal experience advising predominantly business clients on a wide range of corporate and commercial law matters. I am a regular speaker at conferences and seminars.
Before setting up my own law firm (cogswell+jaduram, Lawyers) with a colleague in 2006, I spent over 10 years with a large national law firm, Chapman Tripp, and 8 years with Hesketh Henry where I was a partner.
I am a director of the Australasian Banking and Financial Services Law Association. I am also a director on the national board of the New Zealand Shareholders Association Inc. which is a not for profit organisation established in 2001 to protect and advance the interests of investors in New Zealand entities. I am also on that association's Legal and Regulatory subcommittee.
I am a specialist committee member on the New Zealand Law Society Commercial and Business Law Committee. This task of this committee is to assist, as required, in preparing submissions on Bills, draft regulations and rules, Law Commission papers and reforms (on a case-by-case basis). I am also a committee member on the Auckland District Law Society Inc. Documents & Precedents committee.
Community
For many years I have taken an active role on issues affecting my local community. I have had a number of roles and experiences. These include providing a focus and leadership to encourage community participation and speaking at public forums; president of an incorporated society; working with and managing a diverse group of people including media and public and statutory bodies; representative of a community liaison group and community involvement in projects relevant to our local residential and business communities.
I am also a committee member of MAGS Parents.
Professor Paul Moon - MPhil, MA, PhD, FRHistS
Personal Statement
I am a Professor of History at Auckland University of Technology, where
I have taught for the last seventeen years, and in 2003 was elected a
Fellow of the Royal Historical Society at University College, London.
My job involves lecturing, supervising masters and doctoral students,
and research and publishing. I have a Doctor of Philosophy in economic
history, and a Master of Arts and Master of Philosophy.
I have already had one child go through Mt Albert Grammar School, and
have three more on the way.
My wife, Milica, is head of the School's Arts Faculty and Music Department.
(Updated 15 November, 2010)
Eldon Roberts (Co-opted Member)
I am a chartered accountant and a director of a large retail company.
I am a member of the Finance Sub-Committee of the MAGS Board of Trustees.
I have previously served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Kowhai Intermediate School and on the Board of Gladstone Primary School as Chair of the Finance Sub-Committee.
I believe my role on a Board of Trustees is to ensure the Board maintains the highest level of governance, meets the expectations of the wider community, exceeds the statutory education standards and proves a strong supporting framework for the management team of the school.
Two of my four children currently attend Mt Albert Grammar School, one in the Junior School and one in the Senior School. My younger children attend kindergarten and primary school in Mt Albert and will also attend MAGS when their time comes.
I am excited to be co-opted onto the MAGS Board of Trustees to help ensure all students are provided with the chance to maximize their learning opportunity while they attend MAGS. I believe excellent education provides a platform for responsible citizens in the future.
I am a proud Mt Albert resident with a family history in Mt Albert which dates back 70 years. Generations of my family have re cognized that this is a great community in which to raise and educate a family. During the 18 years my wife, Sheena, and I have lived in Mt Albert we have been involved in many community activities including Metro Soccer Club, MiniMARC Childcare Centre, Ferndale Kindergarten, as well as many fundraising activities over the years. (Updated 15 November, 2010)
Lydia Sosene
I was co-opted as a parent representative to the Board of Trustees July 2007, and became a member of the Education sub-committee. As one of two Pasifika BOT Representatives, I have assisted Pito Ah Ken (other), MAGS staff and some of our volunteer Pasifika parents to reform the Pasifika Parents Committee (PPC). Our core aim has been to help lift Academic Achievement levels of our MAGS Pasifika students. Our other aim has been to continue building communication of our Pasifika Parents within our MAGS School Community.
I am NZ Samoan, bi-lingual, married, our eldest son is a Year 12 student at MAGS; our youngest child is still at primary school. I am involved in a number of Community projects Auckland wide, serving both governance and operational roles: as a Trustee for 2 other community organisations and a volunteer Project Manager overseeing a Pasifika Educational initiative on Saturdays, based at Unitec Mt Albert. I have been a Public Servant 20+ years and am currently employed as an Office Manager, running day to day operations. My husband is a member of the PPC group and continues to be supportive of PPC initiatives, when available.
Being a Trustee of Mt Albert Grammar BOT since 2007, has given me many opportunities of which I have thoroughly enjoyed. If re-elected, I hope to continue the efforts of working alongside PPC to continue our particular focus of Academic Achievement for Pasifika Students; and to remain supportive where I can as a Board Member for all Mt Albert Grammar students, make the most of their educational, sporting and creative opportunities and aspirations at our school.
Karena Stephens-Wilson - Co-opted Member
Karena is a sitting member of the Mt Albert Grammar Board of Trustees. She brings to MAGS previous Board of Trustees experience at Hillsborough Primary School and more recently as chairperson of the Waikowai Intermediate School board.
Karena runs a successful private consultancy.
Education, training, facilitation, dispute resolution and strategic development are some of the areas that she works in.
Karena holds a number of contracts including:
- Lecturing at Te Puna Wananga, Faculty of Education at the University of Auckland
- Facilitating national conference including the Voluntary Sector/Prime Minister the Right Honourable John Key and the Honourable Tariana Turia
- Conducting Research in prisons into the status and wellbeing of the families of inmates
Karena has held ministerial appointments as Chairperson of the State Housing Appeals Authority and Mediator with The Weathertight Homes Dispute Resolution Service.
In addition to these roles Karena has also worked as a national strategic manager with the Ministry of Housing and the Advisor on Youth Affairs for Manukau City.
Paul Thomson - Co-opted Member
I have been an elected parent representative on the MAGS Board of Trustee's since 2007 and during this period feel I have contributed to the schools reputation for being one of Auckland's premier learning environments together with improving the facilities available for the students to enjoy and learn in.
My particular responsibility has been with the Property Sub-Committee and during the last 3 years we are proud to have achieved both the start of construction for the new school gymnasium together with the impending commencement of the E-Block redevelopment.
As a managing director of a multinational freight-forwarding and logistics company I feel I can put my business skills to good use on the board. My experience as a Trustee on the Waitakere City Stadium Trust has also provided a thorough understanding of governance and the vitally important role it plays in successful organisations.
My partner and I have two sons in Year 12 at MAGS who have so far achieved to their potential. I look forward to continuing to play a part in the school charged with the responsibility for producing tomorrow's leaders, thinkers and players.
The following are also members of the Board of Trustees:
Dale Burden
Headmaster | Ashen Hanthi
Student Representative | Malcolm Nuttall
Staff Representative |
