Senior Leadership Team
Dr Kevin Morris
Dr Kevin Morris
Executive Trustee
Kevin joins the Trust Board as an Alumni and past parent, having also been part of the Trust Board since 2018. In 1985, he held the role of Head Prefect at the College, paving the way for his future. Initial studies at Otago University saw him find a career in independent schooling in England and New Zealand. Later ventures to the United States saw him contribute to corporations and universities in Boston and New York, culminating in a doctorate from Boston University. In 2003, Kevin returned home, becoming the Director of Learning and Teaching in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at Auckland University from 2013 to 2021.
Merle Boniface
BComm (Hons)
Merle Boniface
Chief Operating Officer / Board SecretaryBComm (Hons)
Merle oversees the Trust Board's operations including Finance, Digital technologies, Marketing, Communication, People and Culture, Property, Major Projects & Health and Safety, and is an accomplished C-Suite leader with a track record in driving organisational direction, change, and instilling operational excellence. She holds advanced business degrees from the University of South Africa, leadership programmes from Harvard and Melbourne Business Schools, and governance qualifications from New Zealand and Australia.
She brings significant experience across the functional spectrum, with a particular interest in master planning.
Her contributions to the education sector have been formally recognised in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Megan Storey
BEd (ECE)
Megan Storey
Preschool PrincipalBEd (ECE)
Megan joined Saint Kentigern Preschool as Principal in 2023. With a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education from the University of Auckland, Megan is a seasoned leader in early childhood education. Initially a teacher, Megan transitioned into leadership positions to deliver exceptional educational outcomes for young children.
Megan joined Bear Park, where she managed the Kohimarama and Remuera centres and was a member of the organisation's pedagogical leadership team. Through Megan's leadership, student enrolments increased, programme offerings expanded, and teaching abilities elevated. Megan is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and has a passion for fostering a values-based curriculum of learning.
Marianne Duston
B Pharm, GradDip Tchg, MSSL (Distinction)
Marianne Duston
Girls’ School PrincipalB Pharm, GradDip Tchg, MSSL (Distinction)
Marianne joined the Girls’ School as Principal in January 2024. With a wealth of experience, a strong faith, and a passion for exceptional education, her career has seen her lead innovation within several leading independent schools in New Zealand and Australia.
Marianne comes to us from Ravenswood School for Girls, Sydney, where she headed up Teaching and Learning Excellence. Her extensive senior leadership experience also includes Deputy Principal positions at Queen Margaret College, Wellington, and Saint Kentigern College.
Marianne is passionate about the research that informs exceptional teaching and learning. She has completed a masters in school leadership, which was awarded with Distinction.
Peter Cassie
TTC, BEd
Peter Cassie
Boys’ School PrincipalTTC, BEd
Peter Cassie has led the Boys’ School since 2012, dedicating 33 of his 39-year career to boys' primary education. Previously, he was Principal at Scots College Middle and Preparatory Schools for a decade and held key roles at King’s School, including Dean of the Senior School. Peter is a strong advocate for independent school structures and their unique benefits for students, staff, alumni, and parents. He emphasises the importance of a values-based system, believing it is essential for setting high standards and fostering strong, meaningful relationships within the school community.
Damon Emtage
BEd, MEd
Damon Emtage
College PrincipalBEd, MEd
In 2023, Damon joined the College as Principal. With a stellar record in educational leadership and a deep understanding of faith-based independent education, his approach includes humility, compassion, and a commitment to collaboration.
Hailing from Auckland, Damon began his career at Auckland Grammar, then spent 22 years in Australia at Brisbane Grammar School and Wesley College Melbourne. From 2005 to 2009, Damon took a break from education to work as an assistant coach for a high-performance sports team.
Damon also served as Deputy Headmaster at Brisbane Boys' College, a Presbyterian and Methodist School, and as Acting Headmaster during a transition period in 2021.
The Trust Services Team
Under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Merle Boniface, the Trust Services team offers strategic and operational support to the Saint Kentigern organisation. A team of dedicated and capable people, Trust Services strives to foster alignment with our mission and values and ensure the delivery of business excellence in all non-educational facets of the organisation.
Merle Boniface, Chief Operating Officer
Turning around a university business school, supporting corporate best practices, advising business owners and playing a vital role in the merger of two banks, Merle has recently led the transformation of a large campus via a significant master plan.
She contributed to education with positions as President of ASBA NZ Inc., an ISNZ executive, and Chairman of ASBA Ltd, and she was recognised through national awards in New Zealand and Australia.
Merle holds two degrees, has completed leadership programmes at Harvard and Mount Eliza, has qualifications in banking, a Certificate of Company Direction from the NZ Institute of Directors and a Certificate in Governance and Risk Management through the Governance Institute of Australia.
Colin Bowring, Major Projects Manager
Colin's career spans two countries and three decades in property development, project management, and property oversight. From hands-on beginnings in design, development, and construction, his experience and passion have led him to high-value property asset management for diverse organisations and property portfolios.
Colin's previous role was with the Selwyn Foundation's retirement village portfolio, where he steered the development and strategic asset management across multiple villages in the North Island. His wealth of experience is integral to Saint Kentigern's mission of excellence.
Kay Forrester, Strategic Marketing Manager
Kay brings experience from her previous senior roles in advertising, marketing and general management. Her career spans offshore and New Zealand companies in the private and public sectors. Most recently, she was General Manager at The Brand Group and served as the Acting Group Manager at Auckland City Libraries.
Kay formulates and executes the organisational marketing strategy and plans for the Trust and four schools. Her role fosters our external reputation and builds positive community engagement. Her work enhances enrolment at each school and offers marketing guidance for senior leaders and managers to ensure the Saint Kentigern brand remains at the forefront of educational excellence and community connection.
Justin Browne, Property Manager
Justin takes on the task of overseeing the property portfolio and facilities at our Pakuranga Road and Shore Road campuses. With over 25 years of experience in various property sectors - commercial, retail, education, and residential - Justin brings a wealth of knowledge to his role.
His previous positions at Seattle Coffee Company, Starbucks UK Limited, Diocesan School for Girls, and Saint Cuthbert's College have provided him with valuable insights and expertise, both locally and internationally. Justin's dedication to maintaining and enhancing our campuses ensures that the Saint Kentigern environment remains in prime condition.
Rob Powell, Health and Safety Manager
With the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of our people being at the forefront of everything we do, Rob works with our leaders and front facing staff to ensure that we can safely carry out exciting and interesting activities as part of the Saint Kentigern experience.
Rob brings a strong portfolio of skills to his role and is a senior member of the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM) team. He is HASANZ registered as an NZISM Certified Professional and holds qualifications in Occupational Safety & Health, adult education, auditing and investigations, hazardous substances management, and emergency management.
Alison Denne, Financial Director
A career in finance and operations has seen Alison lead large, multi-national teams as well as sole charge responsibilities for smaller entrepreneurial ventures in both New Zealand and the UK. This diverse background equips her with financial versatility and a passion for people, community and continuous learning.
Alison's recent role was as Group CFO of Te Arawa Lakes Trust. Her credentials include a Fellow Chartered Accountant (ICAEW), which she achieved through Deloitte London.
Alison spearheads Saint Kentigern's financial stewardship. Her role encompasses financial reporting, systems efficiency and continuous improvement. She also collaborates closely with Saint Kentigern's senior leadership, offering financial insight to uphold standards of excellence in all financial matters.
Sandy Moore, Head of People & Culture
As Head of People & Culture Sandy is responsible for leading the HR strategy and cultivating a supportive work environment. She brings a wealth of HR experience from a range of sectors, including education (early childhood to university), local government, construction and manufacturing. Additionally, Sandy has successfully managed her own consulting business.
Sandy holds a Bachelor of Business Studies, Diploma in Teaching and Applied Management and a National Certificate in Adult Literacy. She has received national recognition for her work in adult literacy and won a major grant from Ako Aotearoa to research a collaborative approach to mentoring apprentices.
