Board of Trustees Nominees
Ponsonby Primary School (PPS) is governed by a Board of Trustees, consisting of a maximum of 6 elected parents, a staff representative and the Principal.
The Board is responsible for the governance of PPS, setting the direction and meeting the relevant legal and statutory requirements. This specifically includes the responsibility for implementing the Charter, setting and reviewing goals, implementing policies and assessing performance in relation to these. The Principal, as Chief Executive, is charged with the responsibility of achieving these objectives through effective day to day management of the school’s staff and resources.
Here are the Candidates for the May Board election with a little bio on each candidate to help you make your decision when you vote.
Lisa's Profile
My name is Lisa Carbines, and I wish to stand for election as a parent representative for the Ponsonby Primary School 2019 Board of Trustees.
I have two children who attend Ponsonby Primary (in year 2 and year 5). I have a very keen and strong interest in children’s learning, their learning environment and their opportunities. Over the past 5 years, I (along with my husband) have dedicated significant time and involvement in supporting Ponsonby Primary and providing assistance across numerous areas for the school (including parent help in the classroom, for school excursions and sporting events/teams and fundraising opportunities).
I believe that my skill set and professional experience is very relevant for the role and would make me a valuable member of the Board. I am a commercial lawyer with over 20 years’ experience in both large law firms and corporate roles in both New Zealand and overseas. This has provided me with significant experience dealing with a wide range of issues and strategic matters across all types of organisations, both in the public and private sectors. This has also necessarily involved exposure to a range of financial related matters. I have a specialty in corporate governance advisory work, particularly in relation to company boards of directors. I enjoy working in a team environment and with people from different backgrounds and disciplines.
On a personal level, I am very driven by values (particularly honesty, integrity and compassion). I am a pragmatic, personable and positive person. I love spending time with my family and friends and I enjoy a range of activities and especially anything outdoors. I have a keen interest in social issues, our environment and sustainability.
I have also undertaken a number of community based roles, including volunteer work for the Auckland City Mission, mentoring roles for children in low decile secondary schools (through the First Foundation) and for women in business (through the University of Auckland Business School and Auckland Womens Lawyers’ Association).
Lisa Crooke's Profile
I’m delighted to have this opportunity to stand for a second term and to continue to make a contribution to the school as a Trustee.
A bit of background on me. I’ve been a partner at PwC since 2004 and I’m currently the managing partner our assurance practice and on our executive leadership team. Previous roles I’ve had at PwC include heading human resources as well as markets and strategy for assurance. I work with clients in a range of industries as well as listed and non-listed clients. I particularly enjoy working with clients in the technology, innovation and high growth areas. My role requires that I work closely with senior management and boards as an independent advisor on best practice governance and controls.
I’m known for being strategic in my focus, proactive and hands on. I enjoy both the technical challenge of complex problems and finding practical and workable solutions. I’m a strong communicator and keen on collaborative teaming – getting people together that think differently to deliver great outcomes.
I’m standing for as a Trustee in my personal capacity. During my first term on the Board of Trustees I have fulfilled the finance role on the Board. I’m looking forward continuing to have the opportunity use the skills I have and making these available to the team at Ponsonby Primary. I’m passionate about making a difference to the school and see that I can add value to the school through diversity by being a mother, as well as bringing a business lens.
I understand the importance of the Trustee role in selecting a new principal and I am committed to bringing the skills I have and knowledge of the school, and its culture, to the role.
At home, Stuart and I have lived in the community dating back to the 1990’s. We have 3 children, Eugene (15) and Alfie (11) Broughton who both attended Ponsonby Primary and Angie Broughton (6), who is in Year 2, Room 16.
Outside of work, I also am the Chair for Dress for Success in NZ Trust. I’m excited about this opportunity to continue to represent parents as a Trustee and give more back to the community by assisting in a governance capacity to the great education our children receive at Ponsonby Primary.
I would be delighted to serve as a Trustee.
Davida's Profile
Hi I’m Davida Dunphy and up for re-election to the PPS board. I am mum to Zack in year 5 and Neve in year 3. My youngest Zara is very almost 3 and can’t wait to start in 2021.
I am personally invested in all three syndicates for the full 3 year term of these elections and want the very best for the immediate and long term future of the students, staff and school.
My husband (Ed) and I have lived in Ponsonby for 15 years and love it. I have completed one 3 year term on the board, attended all but 1 meeting (being overseas) and engaged in all out of schedule board activities so know the process and procedure of a school board. My particular drive is to ensure that all children are ‘encouraged’ to reach their full potential (and then some!), that the quiet achievers get noticed and being at PPS is fun.
My governance experience includes being on the executive of NZX listed Precinct Properties and a director on private boards. I am also a chartered associate of Governance NZ and a member of the Institute of Directors. I am another lawyer! being a partner at DLA Piper but one that has worked within organisations and understands the separation and skills required for a board who works alongside management. I ask questions, ensure process, care that parents views are represented and considered, and support the school in every way I can to be the best it can be. During my family’s time in the school I have been a stay at home mum and worked part time and full time so hope I have the perspective of many.
My other skills are property, health and safety and juggling my three children’s schedules so I remain up to date with everything happening in the playground! I am also routinely involved in recruitment.
This is the most important term for any board so I urge all parents to vote and am happy to answer any questions directly davida.dunphy@dlapiper.com.
Justin's Profile
By way of background, I spent my early working life in the (sometimes) dastardly world of finance as an investment manager, investing client funds into Australian and New Zealand shares. I was part of a team that spent significant effort championing the cause of good corporate governance practice in New Zealand, seeking to ensure fair and equitable outcomes for small and minority shareholders.
In early 2010, I left the finance sector in search of greater enrichment and fulfilment in my life and, alongside my wife Rebecca, set about establishing Little Engines Preschool, which opened its doors in February 2012 in Grey Lynn. I have 8 years of experience as a school trustee, 3 of those at Ponsonby Primary where I currently act as Vice Chair to Alan Webb.
I am the Board representative for the PPSG where I have also been heavily involved over the past 5 years, and thoroughly enjoy. Reflecting a genuine enthusiasm and love for children, their natural development and learning, I have been involved in coaching junior teams in cricket, rugby and school basketball teams.
Many thanks for giving consideration to me as your potential representative on the Board at our wonderful school.
Rachel's Profile
Hi my name is Rachel.
I have been part of the Ponsonby Primary family for the past 8 years. I am a parent of 3 children: Lola-Jean (year 7), Tallulah (year 5) and Huxley who is starting at school in October this year. I have been an active member of the PPSG for the past 8 years, through which I have established a strong relationship with staff and parents alike and feel I have a great understanding of how our school operates.
Alongside juggling the lives of 3 busy children, I also split my time contracting to Gibbs Amphibians NZ Ltd & Gibbs Farm and have for the past 5 years have sat on the NZ Automobile Association Auckland District Council.
With another 7 years as a parent at the school, I am invested in ensuring we have an environment that our children thrive as successful and happy individuals.
Michelle's Profile
My name is Michelle and I am standing for the Ponsonby Primary School Board. By way of background, I am the Managing Director and an executive on the board for a global business having spent several years of my career overseas. I have in-depth experience in leading organisations through strategic direction, transformation, governance, senior executive recruitment and performance oversight. I was previously on the European Committee for Commercial Property in London. I am a member of the PPSG for the school and am the Chairperson for an Auckland Kindergarten.
Our family are at the beginning of our journey with Ponsonby Primary School, with our eldest daughter Isabella in Y2 and two further children starting in the coming years. I have a passion for education, learning and sport and have been impressed by the high calibre of staff at PPS that educate, nurture and inspire our children. I would like to serve as a representative for parents, working alongside the school to up hold its culture of high quality learning and success.
Alan's Profile
My name is Alan Webb and I am standing for the Ponsonby Primary School Board.
I am currently the Chair of the Board. I have held this position for 2 ½ years and have been on the Board for 4 years.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Board. This is my way of offering a meaningful contribution to Ponsonby Primary. I see this next phase of appointing the new principal as by far the most important task the Board has undertaken so far. I have worked well with Anne and the staff and have a very good feel about what makes the school function so well and be able to provide such a successful and positive learning environment for our children. I want to ensure that any new principal continues that good work.
The last of my 3 children (Jaimie) is in year 5, and if re-elected I have committed to staying with the Board until the end of 2020 to assist with the transition for the new principal. I consider such stability is very important.
In my private life, I am a barrister in Auckland at Quay Chambers which I established with 4 other barristers.