School Board

Our current School Board comprises a group of elected parent and community representatives, an elected staff representative, an elected student representative, and the principal. We are very fortunate that our Board Members bring a wide range of professional and life skills to their governance role. 

Mr Andrew Patrick - Board Chair

My wife and I are blessed with two daughters, the eldest is currently at Epsom Girls Grammar with our youngest following in her footsteps shortly. Our whānau links to Epsom Girls go back to the early 1900s, with our daughters being the fourth generation to attend the school. 

Personally, over my career I have been drawn to operational roles at the forefront of technology interfacing between traditional and digital, working in both large multi-national companies and globally focussed tech start-ups. As a leader in these organisations, I’m passionate about growing people through coaching, opening pathways and sharing knowledge with an international mindset. 

I'm keen to bring my knowledge and passions together for Epsom Girls Grammar, which is why I’m privileged to be on the Board and helping in that journey where I can.  

Ms Lina Montero Soto - Deputy Board Chair - Parent Representative

Lina Montero Soto is an Alumnae, proud EGGS parent, and Latina raised in Aotearoa. She knows first-hand the power of an EGGS education, having experienced it herself and now seeing it shape her daughter. She believes in the strength of the school’s community and the culture that fosters confident, capable, and compassionate young women.

Lina brings over 25 years of experience in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement, including roles in Asia and the UK. She has led global market campaigns and runs her own agency. Her work centres on people, understanding audiences, solving complex challenges, and building inclusive strategies that deliver real-world impact.

Having lived and worked overseas, Lina brings a global perspective on education and leadership. Since returning to Tāmaki Makaurau in 2014, her focus has been on impact, equity, and community contribution. She recognises that effective governance requires clear direction, responsible stewardship, and decision-making that reflects the diverse voices of the school community.

As Deputy Chair, Lina brings strategic leadership, cultural fluency, and strong business acumen. She approaches governance with financial rigour, balancing the needs of today with a clear view of the future.

She is passionate about supporting all students, regardless of background or ability, to feel seen, supported, and inspired to thrive both within and beyond school.

Lina is honoured to serve and contribute to shaping the future of Epsom Girls Grammar School with courage, compassion, and accountability.

Mrs Tahei Simpson - Board member

My name is Tahei Simpson, and I am a proud Old Girl of Epsom Girls Grammar School. During my time at EGGS, I studied music, maths and science, I served on the Student Council in my final year and represented the school on the Auckland City Youth Council.

I am of Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Awa heritage and bring a strong connection to te ao Māori through both my whakapapa and community relationships, including close personal connections with Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei.

I come from a family of teachers and lawyers, so education and community have always been central to my life. All three of my children began their education in full-immersion te reo Māori settings, before choosing to complete their secondary schooling locally — my daughters at Epsom Girls Grammar School and my son at Auckland Grammar — reflecting our strong connection to the Mt Eden and Epsom community.

I began my career as a professional actress, balancing my work in theatre, film and television with academic study.  While studying at the University of Auckland, I was recognised with an award for outstanding achievement in Statistics. I also worked in a legal practice where I developed a deep understanding of Treaty of Waitangi claims which continues to inform my approach to governance, particularly in relation to self-determination, equity, and community outcomes.  I later transitioned into financial services, launching my career as a Financial Adviser through the television series On The Ladder. Today, I run my own financial advice business, where my eldest daughter now works as an adviser, and my younger children contribute part-time alongside their studies.

In my governance work, I am guided by values that closely align with those of Epsom Girls Grammar School — Courage, Aroha, Manawa Reka, and Community. I believe in fostering environments where individuals feel a genuine sense of belonging, purpose, and service, and where excellence is both promoted and affirmed. I am committed to supporting a school culture that not only strives for high performance and opportunity, but also lives its values with integrity, celebrates achievement, and acknowledges the diverse strengths of its community.

It is a privilege to serve on the EGGS Board, supporting the School’s commitment to excellence and helping ensure every student feels a strong sense of belonging, purpose, and opportunity.   

Mr Neville Gibbs - Board member - Parent Representative

I am a teacher at Waitakere College in West Auckland, where I have taught Geography and Social Studies for the last 17 and a bit years. I have filled a number of roles at the college and am currently the HoD Te Ao Tangata / Humanities.

I am originally from Auckland and am passionate about education as a means of inspiring and preparing our young people to take their place in the world. I love Auckland's multicultural communities and am proud to be part of such an inclusive and open-minded city.

My daughter is a Year 12 student at EGGS and I am proud of both her progress and what the school has done for her as an independent and hard working young woman.

Being a part of the EGGS board is a great way to be a part of that journey, for not just my daughter, but for all the girls lucky enough to attend this great school. I am honoured to be able to bring my nearly two decades of educational experience and knowledge to the task of strategic guidance and planning to help ensure EGGS continues to be a great school.

Mr Yi-Lin (William) Ho - Board member - Parent Representative

As a child of first-generation immigrants to Aotearoa NZ, I bring a deep understanding of the challenges and the rich strengths that come with cultural diversity. In my formative years, I attended Auckland Grammar School and further reinforced the values that my parents taught me from a young age about resilience, perseverance and triumph through adversity: Per angusta, ad augusta. These are values that I now pass onto our daughter, who is currently a Year 10 student at EGGS. I want to ensure that all the EGGS students from all backgrounds to be respected and empowered to flourish at EGGS.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve built a career in international education and currently serve as the International Director at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). My work focuses on government relations, sustainable growth strategies, system and process enhancements, and building inclusive, globally-minded learning experiences for all students. I look forward to working in partnership with whānau, staff, and students to ensure EGGS remains a place of excellence, opportunity, and belonging for every ākonga. 

Mr Murray Burt - Board member - Parent Representative

As a father of three daughters, I am passionate about empowering young women to fulfill their dreams and reach their full potential. I have a long history of association with Epsom Girls Grammar School, with both my sisters and my wife being 'EGGS old girls', and now my daughters are the second generation of our family currently attending the school.

I trained as a civil engineer and my wife is a teacher (IB, British and NZ curriculum). As a family we lived and worked overseas for 15 years, first in Sri Lanka (post Tsunami reconstruction), then Kenya (British Govt and United Nations contracts) and finally Switzerland (United Nations Refugee Agency - UNHCR). My work involved leading global infrastructure teams to successfully deliver projects in the world’s most politically complex and challenging environments. As a family we returned to New Zealand in 2019, and I am currently managing delivery of infrastructure projects at Auckland Airport.

I have a heart for serving the community and have a broad range of governance experience with a focus on property, buildings, facilities and infrastructure master planning.

I am an authentic values-based leader, with significant experience in developing and maintaining effective relationships with governance boards, and community stakeholders, and a demonstrated ability to develop, drive and implement a clear vision and strategy in different cultural contexts and across a broad range of sectors. 

I am a member of the NZ Institute of Directors, and and hold qualifications in civil engineering (BE, Auckland), environmental management (MSc, Loughborough) and business administration (MBA, Edinburgh).

Mrs Ria Pou - Board member - Parent Representative

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko Rangiputa te Maunga, ko Whangape te Moana, ko Awaroa te Awa, ko Māmari te Waka, ko Te Rarawa te Iwi, ko Ngati Haua te Hapu, ko Te Kotahitanga te Marae, ko Morrinsville te whenua tupu, Kei Tamamki Makaurau au e noho ana, Ko Ria toku ingoa.

I am passionate about fostering a balanced and informed understanding of all things Māori and deeply values the rich cultural diversity that shapes both Epsom Girls Grammar School and Aotearoa. I am now serving my second term on the Board, contributing across several key areas, including the Epsom House, Finance & Property, and Māori & Pasifika Committees.

I have built a long and successful career in the construction industry, with more than 18 years’ experience in the winning‑work space. I currently work as a Submissions Manager for a Tier 1 construction company.

My husband and I are proud parents of two daughters — our eldest a senior student here at Epsom, and the youngest currently at intermediate school. I am committed to serving the school community with cultural insight, and a strong belief in creating opportunities where all students can thrive.

'He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata'.

What is the most important thing in this world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

Nō reira tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa

Mr Tuiono (Tui) Ta’ufo’ou - Board member - Parent Representative

Malo e Lelei,

I am honoured to serve on the Epsom Girls Grammar School Board of Trustees. As a parent of a Year 11 student, I have seen first-hand the care, high standards, and commitment the school provides, and I’m proud to contribute at governance level in support of both student wellbeing and academic excellence.

I bring 19 years’ service with New Zealand Police and currently serve as Manager of Youth Services and Family Harm in Counties Manukau West. I lead specialist teams focused on Youth engagement, Youth offending, and Family Harm prevention. Supporting young people to be safe, supported, and able to thrive is central to my work, and I value strong partnerships with schools, whānau, iwi, and community organisations.

I am Tongan, grounded in my culture and faith, and my wife and I have three children - our daughter Meleane at EGGS, one son currently in Year 12 at Auckland Grammar, and our eldest son who is in his first year at University of Auckland after attending Auckland Grammar. As a family, we strongly believe in the value of quality education and in creating environments where young people can reach their full potential.

I look forward to contributing thoughtfully and collaboratively to the continued success of EGGS and its wider community.

Mrs Sara Tuitupou - Board member - Parent Representative

Talofa lava and Malo e lelei. 

My name is Sara Tuitupou, and I have a daughter in Year 13 and one in Year 9 here at Epsom Girls Grammar.   I also have two sons at Dilworth Senior campus and the youngest daughter is at intermediate.  I am a Project Manager for Project Wy Youth Leadership program which my husband founded 11 years ago that works with ten schools and provide leadership and educational opportunities that aspires both parent and child.  I have a Community and Social Work background, and I’m passionate about seeing all students succeed with the school and community’s support.  I am proud to serve in my second term on the board and look forward to the school continuing to move from strength to strength.

Ms Courtney Wentz - Board Staff Representative

I am Courtney Wentz and I am the Staff Representative on the school board for this term. I have a long connection to the school with my mother being an ‘74 alumni, and growing up within the Mt Eden area. Since 2017 I have been teaching at Epsom Girls Grammar School in the Social Science Department while also being involved in various aspects of school life such as :

A teacher of Social Studies (now head of department 2022- present), Travel and Tourism, History, and Art History;
As a TIC of Cycling, and coach of Hockey (U15a and 2nd XI), assisting with Adventure Racing, and
Showquest supervisions;
As a year level dean 2020-2022;
and as a member of the PPTA.

I believe that my experience in different aspects of school life has given me insight in how the school operates for different people and that I have gained valuable skills to effectively manage and communicate with both individuals and groups. This places me in an ideal situation to be able to help inform policy and governance level decisions. I listen carefully and try to action what I can to help make a difference to all students and my colleagues. My main goal is to uphold the mana of students, staff, and the school and to continue the legacy of this school.  

Miss Elaine Yeo - Board Student Representative

Kia Ora, my name is Elaine Yeo and I am a current Year 12 student here at Epsom Girls. I have put myself forward to be in this Student Representative role to be an advocate for students, as I am in a position where I am able to give insights to the board on the opinions and perspectives of what we students feel. 

I believe that by taking on this role, I am given the opportunity to bridge the gap between students and the school board. From this, I am gaining valuable experience in understanding how school governance works, as we make decisions that benefit students, as well as respecting our school’s long term goals.  

I am someone who loves getting involved at school as I am always interested in trying new things, as well as meeting new people. Groups I have been a part of here at EGGS include Chinese Extravaganza, Languages Synhedrion, and Dragon Boating.

I hope that in my time on the school board, I am able to fulfil my purpose of advocating for students. I want to ensure that the decisions made by the board makes students feel as though their voices are able to shape the community that has been built here at EGGS.

Mrs Brenda McNaughton - Principal

Mrs Catherine Readhead - School Board Secretary