Saint Kentigern Leadership Team

Dr Kevin Morris
Executive Trustee

Kevin is the Executive Trustee, responsible for leading Saint Kentigern’s four schools and has been on the Trust Board since 2018. He is an Old Collegian and a parent at the College. He was Head Prefect at the College in 1985, studied at the University of Otago and began his career in independent schools in England and New Zealand. He worked for corporations and universities in Boston and New York for many years and completed a doctorate in education from Boston University. He returned to New Zealand in 2003 was the Director of Learning and Teaching in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at The University of Auckland from 2013-2021.

Marianne Duston
Girls' School Principal

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Marianne Duston as the Principal of Saint Kentigern Girls’ School. We extend a warm welcome to Mrs Duston and her family as they return to Saint Kentigern. 

Mrs Duston comes to us from her role as Head of Teaching and Learning Excellence at Ravenswood School for Girls, an independent Uniting Church school in Sydney, Australia for 1400 students from Preschool to Year 12. She brings a wealth of experience, a collaborative approach, a strong faith, and a passion for excellence in providing an exceptional educational experience. 

She was also previously Deputy Principal at Queen Margaret College, Wellington, and Saint Kentigern College from 2017-2020. In her 20 years in education, she has led innovative school-wide initiatives in teaching, learning and wellbeing within several leading independent schools in New Zealand and Australia. We believe her experiences are ideally suited for leading Saint Kentigern Girls’ School into the next phase of its development.

Commenting on her appointment, Mrs Duston said, “It is a real joy to inspire and nurture young learners and future leaders, and I am looking forward to returning to Saint Kentigern to be part of this wonderful community.” 

“I am excited about leading the Girls’ School and fostering a warm connected community amongst staff, students, and families, which will continue to enable girls to flourish academically, take on challenges with confidence, and thrive in life.”

Prior to her teaching career, Mrs Duston trained as a pharmacist at the University of Otago and worked in the medical industry. She represented New Zealand in triathlon and cross country and has coached and managed several New Zealand teams in athletics and cross-country. She and her husband John have two daughters who are both studying at New Zealand universities.

The Trust Board has full confidence that under Mrs Duston’s leadership and with the support of the Girls’ School’s dedicated teaching team, we will continue to deliver an exceptional and enriching educational experience that empowers students to excel academically and develop their unique potential. Please join us in welcoming Mrs Duston back to the Saint Kentigern community.

Merle Boniface
Chief Operating Officer

Merle is the Chief Operating Officer and Board Secretary for the Trust Board with responsibility for all commercial and support operations across the Saint Kentigern organisation, including Planning, Finance, ICT, Marketing and Communication, Human Resources, Facilities Management, Major Property Projects and Risk Management. She brings significant strategic business and senior leadership experience to the role gained in the Finance, Education and Small Business Development sectors.

Merle has successfully turned around a University Business School, supported large corporates to implement best practise, advised business owners and played a key role in the merger of two banks. She has led large teams through periods of transformation and most recently, worked as Director of Business and Planning at another large independent school, during which time she led the transformation of the Campus with the implementation of a significant Master Plan.

Merle has made a significant contribution to the wider independent education sector holding executive positions as President of ASBA NZ Inc, member of the ISNZ executive and Chairman of ASBA Ltd. Her contribution to the sector was recognised through national awards received in both New Zealand and Australia.

Merle is well qualified for this role with two Business degrees from the University of South Africa, leadership programmes completed at Harvard Business School and Mount Eliza Business School and a Banking qualification. She has also completed the Certificate of Company Direction through the NZ Institute of Directors and the Certificate in Governance and Risk Management through the Governance Institute of Australia / CSA.

Megan Storey
Preschool Principal

Mrs Megan Storey joined Saint Kentigern Preschool as Principal in May 2023. Mrs Storey is an experienced early childhood education leader with a Bachelor of Teaching degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Auckland. Mrs Storey has previously worked in teaching roles before moving into leadership positions, where she has consistently delivered high-quality leadership and learning outcomes for young children.

Mrs Storey's passion for education and commitment to delivering outstanding results led her to join Bear Park, where she managed the Kohimarama and Remuera centres before serving as a member of the organization's pedagogical leadership team. During her tenure, Mrs Storey's leadership and vision contributed to the growth in student enrolments, programme offerings, and teaching excellence.

Mrs Storey's connection with Saint Kentigern extends beyond her professional career. Her husband and father-in-law both attended Saint Kentigern Boys' School, and as a parent of two young children, she understands the joys and challenges of raising a family.

Damon Emtage
College Principal

Mr Damon Emtage joined Saint Kentigern College as Principal in January 2023. Mr Emtage brings an impressive record of educational leadership, deep understanding of faith-based independent education and a commitment to both the values of Saint Kentigern and to leading the College with humility, care, and collaboration. 

A New Zealander, originally from Auckland, Mr Emtage taught at Auckland Grammar School before embarking on a 22-year career in several leading independent schools in Australia, including Brisbane Grammar School and Wesley College Melbourne. Prior to this role, he was Deputy Headmaster at Brisbane Boys’ College, a Presbyterian and Methodist School, where he was also Acting Headmaster during a transition period in 2021. Throughout his career Mr Emtage has led numerous innovative student and staff initiatives in a variety of contexts. Between 2005 and 2009 Mr Emtage took a break from education and was assistant coach for a high-performance sports team.

His family is also looking forward to being part of the Saint Kentigern community. Mr Emtage’s wife, Kathryn, who brings with her considerable experience within the independent school sector in Australia will be taking on a role as an English teacher at the College. Their children, Jonty and Holly, will be joining the College as students.

Peter Cassie
Boys' School Principal

B.Ed,TCC

Mr Peter Cassie has been Principal of the Boys’ School since Term 4, 2012 and has provided outstanding leadership, with a strong vision for the future of the school.

Mr Cassie has considerable experience in the education sector with 33 of the last 39 years devoted to independent boys’ education at primary level. He was formerly the Principal of the Scots College Middle School (Years 7-10), and prior to that , Principal of Scots College Preparatory School (Years 1-8) for 10 years. Prior to that, he held varying positions at King’s School, including Dean of the Senior School.

Mr Cassie is passionate about the independent school structure and the opportunities it offers to students, staff, past students and parents. In particular, he cites the importance of a values system being central to teaching. He says that values build standards and nurture relationships among all members of a wider school community; values that are sometimes seen to be lacking in society. He recognises the importance of the Saint Kentigern Way and the tradition of ‘Keeping the Faith.’