Board of Trustees for 2011
Appointed by the Diocese of Wellington for five year terms, the Wellesley College Board of Trustees meets once a month during term time, ensuring that the appropriate lines of governance are in place to support both staff and students.
Within the group are specific responsibilities for areas such as Finance, Education Liaison, Health and Safety, Funding and Development, and Marketing.
Introducing our Board Members (as at 1 February 2011):
John Shackleton is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. His association with Wellesley dates from 2002 when his eldest son started in the Junior School. His youngest son is now in Year 8. John is a partner with national law firm Simpson Grierson, where he heads up the Wellington commercial litigation team.
“Absolutely Positively Wellesley” is Sarah Ottrey’s motto! Sarah comments that the Board has a positive yet constructive and prudent way of working. With experience in corporate marketing experience, she describes the opportunities at Wellesley as second to none. Son Rory finished at Wellesley in 2010.
The Ven. Damon Plimmer is the Bishop’s representative on the Board of Trustees. Damon is also Chaplain to the school, the Vicar of St Alban’s Anglican Church in Eastbourne, and the Archdeacon of Belmont. This latter role involves the pastoral oversight of the parishes, schools, and other ministry units in the Hutt Valley. Damon’s eldest son, Alexander, is in Y6 at Wellesley.
Ian Miller modestly describes himself as “a semi retired accountant.” Ian and his family have lived in Days Bay since arriving from the UK in 2005, with his skills being organisational, managerial and financial control. Lucas and Dominic left in 2008 & 9. Ian has previously held roles of Treasurer and Chair of the PA.
James Porteous - Wellington Co-Manager of Craigs Investment Partners Limited Wellington one of New Zealand's largest Investment Advisory and Stock Broking firms, committed father of son Charlie (Year 7) and daughter Eve.
Chris Morrison and his wife Ginny have three children, 2 daughters and a son Hugh, who is in Yr 5 at Wellesley. Chris works for Todd capital, the investment arm of the Todd Corporation. Other than his interest in making Wellesley a great place for an education, he brings to the BoT experience in finance; strategy; and governance. Chris is the Chair of the finance and remuneration committee.
Murray Sim has two boys currently at Wellesley. He works as a policy consultant in the government sector and has experience in organisational performance and in information and communications technology. Murray has postgraduate qualifications in science and management.
Grant Watkins has two sons currently at Wellesley and is a Director of a local Quantity Surveying practice, and brings with him construction management experience to assist our school through the last stage of our building redevelopment programme.
Matthew Mallett is a former old boy of the school and now has two of his three sons attending (Joshua in year 5 and Finbar in year 2). Matthew lives in Eastbourne and is a partner at law firm Morrison Daly. In addition to his Board role, he is also spearheading the alumni reconnection project.
Also attending BoT meetings are the following valued participants:
Warren Owen (Principal) is effectively the CEO of Wellesley. Warren says: “Although as Principal I am not a voting member of the Board, I know from past experience that my views and ideas are totally supported. Wellesley is lucky to have motivated Trustees with expertise in their fields of responsibility. The Board works collaboratively with full and frank debate deciding key issues.” Warren is also a proud past parent, both his boys having attended during the 1990s.
Hilary Fiennes (Bursar) is a UK – qualified accountant who spent many years in corporate strategy and planning before moving into school management. She assists the Board in making well-planned and principled decisions and is a strong advocate of independent schools. Her son Tom left Wellesley in 2008.
Yvonne Odinot (Staff) is the Year 0 – 1 teacher in Wellesley’s Junior School and represents staff at the monthly meetings. Yvonne’s depth of experience and commonsense contributions are a definite asset in building links between the BoT and its employees.
Phil Adamson (Parents’ Association Representative) has two children, 10 year old Claudia and Judd in Year three at Wellesley. He is a Director of a Surveying, Planning and Land Development Consultancy and has considerable experience with managing businesses, people and change. Judd's grandfather, a Wellesley old boy, instilled in Phillip's family a passion for the school.
