About Us
The Board of Trustees undertake the governance of Palmerston North Boys’ High School on behalf of the community.
The policies of the School, as endorsed by the Board, ensure that the School is governed effectively and that all young men will receive outstanding educational opportunities in a safe and secure environment.
The Board is made up of members from various sectors of the Palmerston North community.
The current Board of Trustees of PNBHS include:
Mr Michael Lawrence
Chairman & Old Boys’ Representative
I attended Palmerston North Boys’ High School from 1973 to 1977.
I am an Old Boys Committee Member; a partner in a Manawatu Accountancy Firm; and my son is currently in Year 10 at PNBHS.
I am proud to lead the Board of Trustees as we provide our young men with the environment where they can maximise their potential. We demand high standards and challenge mediocrity.
Mr Grant Watts
Parent Representative
• Member of Property, Finance and Discipline subcommittees
Grant Watts returns to the Board for a third term. Grant has had four boys attend PNBHS over the years, with two still attending in their senior years. He is very involved in the local Squash Club, coaching many of our school players, he also currently chairs the International Students Committee.
Mr Simon O’Connor
Parent Representative
Simon is a proud Old Boy of Palmerston North Boys’ High School and the father of two recent PNBHS students. As Co-Director of Hunting and Fishing Manawatu, Simon contributes a wealth of business expertise to the Palmerston North Boys’ High School Board of Trustees.
Simon is a member of the Old Boys committee and the Discipline Committee.
Mrs Jodi Jamieson
Co-opted Member
• College House Committee
• Mother of two current PNBHS and College House students
I am a mother of three boys, two of which are currently attending PNBHS and boarding at College House, with a third son commencing in 2023. They are third generation to attend PNBHS.
We are a farming family living just out of Bulls, Rangitikei. I currently own and manage a retail business.
I offer life experience, a mother’s perspective and a business background. I look forward to supporting and contributing as a member of the Board.
Mr Brendon Ross
Parent Representative
• International Students sub-committee
I am very proud to be an elected Parent Representative on the Board of Trustees, and passionate about contributing towards PNBHS success in developing educated young men of outstanding character.
My eldest son is currently in Year 10 at PNBHS.
I am a Police Dog Handler with 23 years policing experience, and a long serving member of the Armed Offenders Squad. My role as a Police Association Welfare Representative and National Conference Delegate have assisted me in moving to a Deputy Directors role in 2020.
My work experience within these areas allows me to bring positive influences and engagement with the young men at PNBHS.
Mr David Bovey
Rector
Mr Bovey was appointed as the ninth Rector of Palmerston North Boys’ High School from the beginning of term four, 2012. Prior to this appointment, Mr Bovey was employed as a teacher of English at Palmerston North Boys’ High School from 1998 to 2002, and later returned as Deputy Rector from 2008 until the beginning of term four, 2012.
As Rector, Mr Bovey provides the link between the Board of Trustees, who have a governance role, and the day-to-day leadership and management of Palmerston North Boys’ High School.
Mr Jack Siebert
Staff Representative
• Chairman of the Health and Safety Committee
• Teacher at PNBHS since June 2000
I am proud to represent the PNBHS staff on the Board of Trustees, as it is important that all employees of the School have a voice in governance. I am also proud to be a part of the body that facilitates the means to make PNBHS one of the best schools in New Zealand. I am passionate about our School and proud of its position in the educational landscape of our country.
Mr Craig Purdy
Parent Representative
Craig is proud to play his role at PNBHS and is a father of a current PNBHS student, who on his maternal side, is the fourth generation at PNBHS following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, grandfather, great-uncles and uncles.
As a Partner at Stuarts Chartered Accountants, Craig brings wide-ranging management, finance, governance and trustee-related experience to the PNBHS Board of Trustees.
Craig currently serves as the Ombudsman for Athletics New Zealand and as a trustee for Sport Manawatu. He is also a former Director and Chairman of Athletics New Zealand and a former Director and Chairman of Paralympics New Zealand.
Craig is a member of the Property, Finance and Discipline subcommittees.
