Chair
Ann Dunphy MA (Hons)
As a lecturer in Education at the University of Auckland's Epsom campus since 1999, following 13 years as principal of Auckland's Penrose High School, Ann maintains her commitment to quality educational opportunities for lower-decile students that has been her life's work. She began teaching in the Eastern Bay of Plenty then held senior positions at each of the secondary schools in Otara.
During her years of principalship, Ann became convinced of the importance of community partnerships especially in mentoring, to enhance the life-chances of young people, so in 2000 co-founded the Auckland Youth Mentoring Association, which has now been developed into The Youth Mentoring Network.
Treasurer
Claire Stewart LLB (Hons), BCom
Claire practised corporate and commercial law for five years with firms in New Zealand and Australia before joining Fletcher Aluminium where she managed a national business unit then became Business Planning Manager. She was the first General Manager of the First Foundation from April 2001 - April 2003. Claire is now involved in various business assessment, planning and acquisition work.
Bill Gavin (Q.S.O.) BA (Hons), BA, Dip Tchg
Prior to his long and distinguished tenure as principal of Otahuhu College, Bill was a curriculum leader in Social Sciences. In the latter role, he initially chaired the AIMHI (Achievement in Multi-cultural High Schools) a forum of decile one schools, then oversaw the development of that project as co-ordinator. He has constantly been called-on to serve on a number of education-related boards including COMET, and the S team for mentoring programs in South Auckland, whilemost recently his expertise has been in demand as an educational consultant in the Middle East.
Bill was also previously President of the Auckland Secondary Schools Principals' Association. He is affiliated with many youth-focussed organisations.
Efeso Collins MA (Hons)
Efeso is of Samoan and Tokelauan descent (Satupaitea, Malie, Fakaofo) and has worked with young people for almost 15 years. He is a former student of Tangaroa College in Otara and in 1998 was the first Pacific Island President of the Auckland University Students' Association. He worked for the University of Auckland for six years, is a Universitas21 fellow and founded the Pacific Islands Dream Fonotaga in 2002. Efeso is passionate about Pasifika education and is currently preparing to undertake doctoral studies at AUT University.
Alongside a very good friend he recently established a youth management, consultancy and research business.
Frank Solomon MA(Hons), Dip Ed, Dip.Tchg.
Tribal Affiliations: Ngatiporou, Ngati Kahu ki Whangaro
Frank has an extensive and diverse service history in education. He has worked in Primary, Intermediate, District High and Secondary schools. He has been the Principal of Waiheke High (Forms 1 to 7) School and Rotorua Lakes High School. He has held senior management positions at both the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT).
He has also served on the Board of 'Te Mangai Paho' (Maori Broadcasting Funding Agency) for eight years and has managed major Shopping Centres throughout Auckland.
In 1996 he and his wife Judy, established 'Solomon Group Education and Training Academy' focusing on Second Chance education and Literacy and Numeracy training, with campuses in Manurewa (South Auckland) and Panmure (East Auckland). Staff include their two daughters, Kiri and Jenny and thirty dedicated colleagues.
Solomon Group is the Lead Provider for the Manukau Youth Transition Services and has been the recipient of major Maori Business awards in 2005 and 2007.
Website: http://www.solomongroup.co.nz/
Chris Sullivan (BEd)
Chris taught in the Waikato for several years, and has also taught in the UK where he worked closely with SEN students and refugees. His current role with Cognition Consulting sees Chris mentoring and working with teachers in Qatar, in the Middle East. Chris has also authored various books on behaviour management.
Catherine Dunphy (nee Scully) BPhEd, BA, Dip Tchg
Tribal Affiliation: Taranaki
Catherine has taught for several years in secondary schools. She was the inaugural Project Leader of the MATES (Mentoring and Tutoring Education scheme) at the University of Auckland. She has worked for the Ministry of Education as a Student Engagement Initiative Coordinator. Catherine currently works at the UoA as an Equity Analyst and is completing her Post graduate diploma in Education.
