Meet The Board
Elected every three years, the School Board is a governance body that comprises of parent/community board members together with the Principal and one Staff Representative.
The Board is entrusted to work on behalf of the children who attend the school. Its role emphasises strategic leadership rather than administrative detail and ensures that the school complies with legal and policy requirements. The primary focus of the School Board, Principal and staff is to ensure the very best educational outcomes for all children attending Mt Eden Normal Primary School.
Board meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of every month at 6pm in the staffroom.
The meetings are open to the public and our parent community are welcome to attend.
For the latest Board Newsletters, please visit our news page. Board Policies can be viewed here. Board Minutes can be viewed here.
To contact the Board, please notify the school office, or email: bot@mteden.school.nz
virginia brown, presiding member
Kia ora koutou! I am proud to be serving my second term as a trustee and current Presiding Member of the Board. It is a privilege to work alongside a dedicated team, helping shape the future of our school.
My experience is in marketing and communications, brand and print media, and since becoming a parent, I have developed a strong interest in education. Aside from the Board, I volunteer as a remedial reading tutor at an Auckland college.
I value MENPS’s holistic approach to education and commitment to helping young people discover their potential, and I feel fortunate that my children are learning in an environment that encourages critical thinking, creativity, agency and a strong sense of values.
The strength of our school lies in its community, which includes an incredible team committed to our school’s vision and strategic plans and the goal we all share: to achieve the best outcomes for our students.
In my free time, I enjoy music, travel and being in nature - whether that is walking in native bush or simply attempting to tame my garden! I am at my happiest, however, spending time with family and friends.
Favourite local spot: You can’t beat a peaceful moment taking in the view atop beautiful Maungawhau!
nigel sinclair, deputy
Hi, I’m Nigel. I was originally elected to the MENPS Board in 2022 and am now in my second term as a trustee. I have been a MENPS parent since 2020 and have three daughters either at or soon to attend the school.
Being on the MENPS Board has given me a greater appreciation of the work and commitment that goes into the school from both the staff and a range of parent and other volunteers to create a wonderful community for our children. I admire the school’s ambition to encourage children to be wide-eyed and enthusiastic about learning.
I currently work for a large investment and property development business with a particular focus on finance, strategy and project delivery.
I spend most of my free time ferrying children around Auckland or trying to pass on to them my love of board games. I enjoy golf and watching a wide range of sports, otherwise you may find me with my head buried in a Sudoku or cryptic crossword.
Favourite pastime: I love swimming and do it for fitness, including occasional ocean swim events.
anna thomas, board member
Kia ora, I'm Anna Thomas, and I'm proud to serve as a parent-elected member of the Board.
My family and I have been part of the MENPS community for many years, and I have two daughters at the school, currently in Years 6 and 3. Watching them learn, grow, and develop a love of learning at MENPS has given me a deep appreciation for the supportive, inclusive, and vibrant environment that makes our school so special.
Professionally, I am a Chartered Accountant with a background in finance and governance, and I enjoy bringing these skills to the Board to support good decision-making and the long-term success of our school. I believe that strong governance helps ensure MENPS continues to provide outstanding opportunities for all of our tamariki.
Serving on the Board is a wonderful way for me to give back to a community that has given so much to my family. I enjoy working alongside fellow Board members, school leaders, staff, and whānau to help ensure MENPS remains a place where every child can thrive.
Favourite travel destination: Anywhere warm and tropical!
Matt eastwood, board member
Kia ora! I’m Matt Eastwood and have three kids at MENPS – Isla, Eva and Archer. I’m passionate about our school and am thrilled to have been elected to the Board!
I bring a strong interest in education, a collaborative mindset, and a real commitment to helping to ensure that the kids at our school can thrive and reach their potential.
I am currently the GM of Marketing at Vector, leading teams across brand, sponsorship, marketing, customer, and communications.
In my personal life, I love spending time with my family, travelling, socialising with friends and trying to play social sport!
This is my first time on a school board, so I’m looking forward to learning, contributing and helping our school continue to thrive.
Favourite local eatery: I'd have to say Mt Eden Noodle, top of Dom Rd - their spicy dumplings are comparable with Hong Kong!
yanni wang, board member
Kia ora! I am Yanni, a recent addition to the MENPS Board of Trustees. My son is in Year 3 at MENPS, and my daughter graduated from MENPS in 2024. We’ve called Mt Eden home since 2018.
I grew up in Northeast China and came to NZ at 19 for tertiary study. In 2005, I graduated from the University of Auckland with a BCom in Finance and Accounting, and later became a Chartered Accountant (CAANZ), specialising in strategic management accounting.
I have 18 years of experience across hospitality, retail, manufacturing, consulting, construction, and early childhood education, and I currently work as a financial controller at a leading commercial kitchen design company in Morningside. I’ve also served as treasurer on the board of a local childcare centre, giving me firsthand experience in governance and community roles.
I am detail-oriented, curious, and well prepared. I strongly align with MENPS’ vision and the kaupapa of a “Normal School”, and I’m committed to working collaboratively with the Board and our whānau to support the best outcomes for our school community.
Outside work, I love travelling with my family and friends within NZ and overseas; Iceland is top of my bucket list.
Favourite pastime: I enjoy hot yoga and reformer pilates; they help me to stay calm, focused, and ready for the next challenge.
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Alan Jackson, Principal & board member
Tena koe, In my role as Principal of Mt Eden Normal Primary School since 2018, I bring established educational leadership and perspective to the Board as a trustee.
I am proud of our school's long history of providing an excellent education and positive outcomes for our students. Our dedicated staff, amazing learners and supportive community all play a key role in delivering on our vision for learners who are 'wide-eyed and enthusiastic about learning'.
I am actively involved in the Education sector more widely, including in forums focused on initial teacher education and the NZEI Principals’ Council, in addition to a seat on the Executive of the Normal and Model Schools Association and other professional groups.
I appreciate the dedication of the Board as we continue to make strategic and resourcing decisions in the best interests of all of our learners.
Hidden talent: I am a keen musician, playing drums and guitar when I get the opportunity (preferably as loud as possible).
