Ensuring effective governance and policies
Our board ensures effective governance, strategic direction, and policy development, with the ultimate goal of promoting student achievement and well-being.
Ponsonby Primary School (PPS) is governed by a Board of Trustees, consisting of a maximum of 6 elected parents, a staff representative and the Principal.
The Board is responsible for the governance of PPS, setting the direction and meeting the relevant legal and statutory requirements.
This specifically includes the responsibility for implementing the Charter, setting and reviewing goals, implementing policies and assessing performance in relation to these.
The Principal, as Chief Executive, is charged with the responsibility of achieving these objectives through effective day to day management of the school’s staff and resources.
All Trustees were elected in the last election held in 2022
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Term of Office – Board members are elected by the school’s community once every three years. The next election is in September 2025.
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Board meetings are open meetings and are held monthly.
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Notification of each meeting is on the PPS calendar.
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Each term the Board keeps the parents informed through a Board newsletter.
OUR VALUED BOARD MEMBERS
Lisa Carbines
Trustee elected 2016
Lisa Carbines
I have two children (Andia and Nelsen) who both attended Ponsonby Primary (Nelsen completed her primary years in 2020, and Andia in 2023). I have always had a keen and strong interest in children’s learning, their learning environment, support and opportunities. I feel very fortunate to be a part of such a great school and to have been elected to be a parent representative on the Ponsonby Primary School Board for two terms.
In terms of my skillset, I am a commercial lawyer with over 25 years’ experience in large law firms and corporate roles in both New Zealand and overseas. This has provided me with significant experience dealing with a wide range of issues and strategic matters across all types of organisations (public and private). My career has also necessarily involved exposure to a range of financial related matters. I have specialties in corporate governance advisory work (particularly in relation to company boards of directors) and in the banking sector. I enjoy working in a team environment and with people from different backgrounds and disciplines.
On a personal level, I am very driven by values (particularly honesty, integrity and compassion). I love spending time with my family and friends and I enjoy a range of activities and sports – especially anything outdoors. I have a keen interest in social and global issues, our environment and sustainability.
Giving back is also really important to me and I have held a number of community based roles, including volunteer work for the Auckland City Mission, mentoring roles for children in low decile secondary schools (through the First Foundation) and for women in business (through the University of Auckland Business School and Auckland Women’s Lawyers’ Association).
Lisa Crooke
Trustee elected 2016
Lisa Crooke
I’m the current Chair of the Board of Trustees of Ponsonby Primary and in the past I led the Finance Committee for the school. I am passionate about supporting the school to achieve its goals and making a contribution, using the skills that I have. My background is as an assurance partner at PwC, having headed up the Assurance practice and been a member of our executive team in the past. I have worked at PwC since 1990 and I spent 5 years working in London specialising in financial services. Now I work more broadly with clients in a range of industries as well as listed and non-listed clients. I particularly enjoy working with clients in the technology, innovation and high growth areas. My role requires that I work closely with senior management and boards as an independent advisor on best practice governance, controls and financial reporting. I’m known for being strategic in my focus, proactive and hands on. In the past I have also been on the Board of Trustees for the charity Dress for Success NZ Trust. I have 3 children – two past Ponsonby Primary students who are now at Western Springs College and one current Ponsonby Primary student, Angie Broughton (Year 4).
Scott Munday
Trustee elected 2022
Scott Munday
I have a son currently attending Ponsonby Primary in Year 5. My daughter and eldest son both attended Ponsonby Primary School and are now at Baradene and Sacred Heart, respectively. My children have flourished both educationally and socially at Ponsonby, and all feel very fortunate to be members of the Ponsonby family.
I’m the NZ Human Resources Director for a large global professional services firm and have been a Ponsonby Primary School Trustee since 2022. I’m an avid supporter of my children’s academic and sporting aspirations, and if I’m not sitting at the dining room table giving homework-related advice I’m on a field, beside a pool, or in a gymnasium cheering them on.
I feel privileged to be a part of this amazing school, and to be able to contribute to great community outcomes.
Michelle Bines-Moffit
Trustee elected 2022
Michelle Bines-Moffit
Joe Telford
Trustee elected 2022
Joe Telford
I have a strong connection with Ponsonby Primary, which spans many years. My son, William, has graduated from the PPS and is now attending high school, while my daughter, Gabby, is currently a student in year 4. Since mid-2021, I have served on the board, primarily overseeing the school’s finances as well as assisting in some of the property projects around the school. My main focus has been supporting the principal and staff in implementing the school’s strategic plan to provide the best possible learning platform for students and a safe, nurturing environment for students and staff at Ponsonby Primary. We are fortunate to have an incredibly supportive school community.
Professionally, after eight years working in Sales Management roles overseas, my wife and I returned to New Zealand in 2013 with our then-one-year-old son, William. I transitioned into a Salesperson role in Real Estate, where I work locally.
In terms of community involvement, I have coached junior Rugby at Ponsonby Rugby Club, Junior Cricket at Grafton Cricket Club, Junior Basketball at Ponsonby Primary, and briefly managed a mixed year 4 Netball team. Additionally, I assist with fundraisers for the PPSG whenever possible and needed.
Molly Fletcher
Principal | Trustee
Molly Fletcher
I’ve spent over 20 years working in education, and I’m as passionate about it now as I was when I first began. My journey has included postgraduate study in both Mathematics and Educational Leadership, which has given me a solid foundation to lead curriculum development, support student initiatives, and design meaningful learning experiences.
I’ve had the privilege of leading a wide range of programs—from curriculum innovation to Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) events—and I’m especially passionate about building strong connections between school and the wider community. For me, education is about more than just outcomes; it’s about creating environments where students feel engaged, inspired, and supported to thrive.
I believe in the power of evidence-based teaching and learning, but I also love the “fun stuff” that makes school memorable—whether that’s through the Arts, Sports, or Sciences. I’m always looking for ways to strike that balance in everything I do.
At home, I’m a proud mum to two teenage daughters. I’m lucky to have a wonderfully supportive husband and a lively dog named Lola who keeps us all on our toes. In my spare time, I enjoy pottery, and I’ve recently taken up rollerblading—because it’s never too late to try something new!
Julia Nissen
Staff Representative
Julia Nissen
Kia ora! My name is Julia Nissen, and I am the Special Educational Needs Coordinator here at Ponsonby Primary School as well as a Year 4 teacher.
I am originally from Thames, and I have been teaching at Ponsonby Primary School for 8 years.
I love teaching because I get to see how excited students are when they learn something new and get to share it with their friends and family.
The thing I love most about Ponsonby Primary School is that it is an inclusive and close-knit community right in the heart of the city.
Outside of work, I enjoy relaxing with my family in Mangawhai. I also have 3 kids, 4 chickens, 2 cats and 8 fish to keep me busy!!
MEETING MINUTES
Select the date of the corresponding meeting to view the meeting minutes.
Select the date of the corresponding meeting to view the meeting minutes.
Select the date of the corresponding meeting to view the meeting minutes.
