Board of Trustees

Penny Harrison joined the Board in 2016, has been the Deputy Chair for 18 months and was appointed Chair in June 2019. She also chairs the Planning and Strategy Committee, and serves on the Finance and Discipline Committees. Prior to joining the Board, Penny was Chair of Stanley Bay School Board for six years (2008-2014). She is a self-employed Leadership Coach and Facilitator, and a partner in Communicate Consultants. Her work is centred on adult learning and development and brings her into contact with leaders across a broad range of professional experiences, industries and roles. Penny combines the above with 20 years of business experience, including leadership roles with a major bank and as general manager for two medium-size organisations. Married to Martin Butler, she currently has a son attending the school, as well as three adult offspring. She also serves on the committee of our local Wakatere Sailing Club.

[email protected]
027 281 9502 

Matt Hopkins joined the TGS board of trustees in 2018 and serves on the property committee. Originating from Taranaki and Whanganui, Matt and his wife Tara have lived in Bayswater for the past 20 years, and have 2 teenage children at TGS.

Matt is actively involved within the local community, supporting TGS Basketball and as a committee member for the Devonport Swim Club.

Trained as a scientist, Matt works locally for the New Zealand Defence Force and leads research into cybersecurity approaches and technology. This work involves leading international engagement and building relationships with research partners.

Rosemarie Close has been the Staff Representative on the Board since 2013, and is a current member of the Planning and Property Committees. She is an ex-pupil of the school and has taught at Takapuna Grammar School for the past 33 years. She is currently a Mana House Dean. She is married to an ex-pupil, Stephen, and their three sons all attended the school. Rosemarie has lived locally since the late 1960's.

Emma is a Year 13 student and has been appointed to the Board of Trustees as the student representative for 2021. She is also now holds the position of Head Girl. Throughout her time at TGS, Emma has committed herself to a broad range of school activities, being involved in netball and many co-curricular clubs as well as formally a KAHA house leader, heading the Student Consultation group and a member of PDAT. Her past leadership experience has taught her the responsibility of creating a vision and inspiring those around her to make a difference.

Andrew Baker joined the board in 2019. He is of Te Arawa, Tūwharetoa, Irish and Scottish descent. Andrew resides in Devonport with his wife and daughter following in the footsteps of his great grandparents and father who were Devonport locals. Andrew is passionate about people development and has been coaching and practicing the non-aggressive martial art of Aikido for more than 25 years. He founded Devonport Aikido in 2014.

Andrew is a Member of the Institute of Directors NZ and has a Master of Business Administration. After a long career at Air New Zealand where he worked in Govt Affairs, Communications and Marketing, he created and delivered their Māori strategy. He retired from Air New Zealand to launch 3degrees Ltd, a cultural consultancy, creating tailored cultural strategies for leading national and international businesses.

Andrew also has an extensive professional background in the Māori performing arts and culture including: kapa haka, waiata and mau rākau. He is passionate about quality time with his family and friends and enjoys coaching, cooking, diving, fishing and singing. Andrew and his family are also avid supporters of the Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club.

As well as being the Executive Assistant for the Principal of TGS, Ngaio has also accepted the role of Board Secretary. Her family has a long history at TGS as her grandmother, Shirley Brickell was on the Board back in the 1950's and 60's. Her father went to the school, playing in the 1st XV and her uncle was the late potter and conservationist, Barry Brickell – the art studio is now named after him. Her hobbies include musical theatre and putting on musical revue productions. Ngaio has four children, three grown girls and her youngest son who hopes to attend Takapuna Grammar in 2022.