We are very lucky to have a board with such a wealth of experience. We would like to extend a thank you to the board for the expertise that they bring to the governance level of our school.

Eddie Christian, Presiding Member echristian@stanleybay.school.nz

After moving with his wife Hanna and their sons Will, Charlie, and Tom, Eddie in 2021, Eddie chose Devonport as home for their whānau.

His experience in finance and sustainable investment, covering New Zealand, Asia, and the Middle East, brings valuable leadership and strategic insight to his position at SBS.

Eddie's involvement in international projects helped shape his pragmatic and problem-solving approach, particularly collaborations with the World Bank Group and the United Nations.

His local and global contributions utilise banking and sustainable investment expertise to foster initiatives that positively impact our environment and society.

Before entering the financial sector, Eddie's career included serving as an officer in the Royal New Zealand Navy. His varied experiences add depth to the SBS Board and resonate with the vision and values of our school.

Kate Maiava,  Board Member             kmaiava@stanleybay.school.nz

Married to Stewart, Kate is mother to Lennox and Hanalei, supporting them in an enthusiasm for learning and exploration.

As an alumnus of SBS, Kate returned to Devonport three years ago - enriched by international experience in fabric and garment innovation - so that her tamariki could have the same wonderful upbringing SBS offered her and be connected to their Samoan and Aotearoa cultures.

Today, Kate works remotely for HeiQ, a Swiss textile technology company.

She serves as Chief Executive officer and Sales Director of its subsidiary, HX Innovation Company. Her roles include Vice President of Brandforce Australasia and Global Key Accounts Manager.

With her calm, practical style, Kate is dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages the success of all. She is committed to cultivating an engaging work and learning environment and emphasises positive, effective communication and respect for all.

Kate is passionate about developing confident, creative, curious and well-rounded learners ready to engage with the world.

Jonathan ‘Monty’ Duncan, Board Member jduncan@stanleybay.school.nz

Residing in Devonport for over a decade with his wife Kate and their children Martha, Miller, and Greta, Monty is an active community member.

With 20 years in corporate accounting, Monty is the Finance Director at Les Mills International and is passionate about aligning SBS's financial strategy with its educational goals. He strives to enhance our learning environment through governance and decision-making skills.

Monty is actively involved in SBS' sports programs, coaching Year 5 netball, Year 1/2 touch, and Year 5/6 Rippa Rugby teams.

Jonathan Marshall, Board Member   jmarshall@stanleybay.school.nz

Father to Lola, Jonathan brings to our Board a diverse background with a commitment to education and community.

His career spans journalism, marketing, and communications strategy, and he is currently an Account Executive at the American software company Salesforce, focusing on personalisation and data tools for Kiwi businesses.

After living in Australia for almost a decade, Jonathan returned in 2019 and took on a role at Netsafe, New Zealand's online safety organisation. He worked on developing and promoting programs to safeguard children and collaborated closely with schools.

Jonathan believes in the importance of an environment that strives for academic excellence and fosters a culture of support, acceptance, trust, and respect. He is passionate about accountability and transparency, ensuring that every decision made is in the best interest of the students, staff and the wider school community.

Anthony 'AJ' James, Board Member    ajames@stanleybay.school.nz 

An experienced civil engineer, AJ and his wife Laura ventured from Sydney to make Stanley Point home 14 years ago. They are proud parents of Madeleine, Juliette, Annabelle, and Charlotte, all of whom attend SBS.

AJ is renowned for getting things done at Beca, one of New Zealand's leading consulting firms, managing large construction projects and ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.

He brings his keen eye for detail to SBS property and facilities, focusing on maintenance, procurement, and safety. AJ aims to make SBS a wonderful space for education and growth, judiciously applying resources to enhance the environment for everyone.

Scott Boniface, Staff Representative    sboniface@stanleybay.school.nz

A Taranaki native, Scott has enjoyed an illustrious career in education, beginning at Palmerston North Teachers College and extending to a decade in Inner London schools.

Returning to New Zealand in 2001, he shared his expertise with intermediate schools, covering a wide range of subjects, including physical education and digital technology, for which he received an award to complete a postgraduate diploma.

As Deputy Principal of SBS, Scott is dedicated to nurturing confident learners, emphasising the value of student voices in learning journeys. As a Staff Representative on the Board, Scott respects all opinions and enjoys engaging with whānau, embodying his role as an educator, trusted mentor, and active community member.

Emma Tolmie, Principal                        etolmie@stanleybay.school.nz

Emma aims to build a community where everyone feels connected and supported, from staff to students to parents.

Since mid-2023, Emma has been the Principal of SBS and brings a unique blend of personal insight and professional expertise. A North Shore mother of four, her approach to education is rooted in community ties and family values.

With a vast academic background, including a Master of Educational Leadership and Management, Emma prides herself on a strength-based style. She believes in the power of balanced and fair decision-making, coupled with a focus on solution-oriented strategies.

Emma's journey in education began at Gladstone Primary and has since spanned several North Shore schools. Her foray into entrepreneurship, launching Paint the Earth, added a creative dimension to her philosophy, which centres on helping tamariki discover and nurture talents.

Emma strives to create an environment where whānau involvement is critical, staff feel valued, and tamariki enjoy learning. She emphasises the importance of fostering teachers' passions and maximising community resources to enhance SBS' learning atmosphere.

Emma enjoys family time, artistic pursuits, and exploring local beaches.