Board of Trustees

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.

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 two 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.

My name is Lily Murphy and I am very excited to have the opportunity to be your student representative on the Board of Trustees. I can promise I will always be available to listen to students' opinions and requests and I will pass forward honest information to the Board. I have good relationships with a wide array of students in all year groups which allows me to see and hear many different opinions to take to the Board. I hope I can have the chance to speak with you about your hopes for the future at TGS and the current situations you're finding yourselves in. 

As well as being the Executive Assistant for the Principal of TGS, Ngaio is also 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 older daughters and her youngest son who has just started here in 2022.