HIGHBURY HOUSE HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY CLOSED BY COUNCIL UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Our Board
Our governance board is comprised of a dedicated team of local volunteers who bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge to their roles to support the Highbury House staff. Together they are instrumental in setting and managing the strategic direction of the House, to uphold the House's vision and mission. Learn a little bit more about the current board members below.
Chairperson
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GILLIAN TAYLOR
Gillian joined the Board in 2023, bringing expertise in strategic planning, facilitation, and developing collaborative partnerships. She has leadership experience across a wide range of different sectors and types of organisations. In the 26 years she has lived in Birkenhead, Gillian has contributed to numerous local groups and organisations. She loves this neighbourhood, and is enthusiastic about the role Highbury Community House plays in helping it thrive.
Treasurer
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ingrid van rijn
Ingrid joined the Highbury Community House Inc board in 2022. The success of Highbury House is her focus as it is an important part of developing and maintaining a cohesive, supportive and enjoyable neighbourhood to live in. Ingrid brings a wealth of experience to the Highbury House board; being on multiple boards since the early 2000s, training and supporting many boards since 2014, and reporting to a board since 2019. Her doctorate is in Economics in the Consumer Behaviour field of research. Her work experience spans business and marketing research, governance training and support, and managing an industry body.
Secretary
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MICHELE GREENWOOD
Michele lives in Birkenhead with her three children Allie, Olivia and Lucy, and husband Sam. She has worked as a lawyer in the past and has an early childhood teaching diploma. Michele is currently a busy stay at home Mum. She has been thrilled with the quality of education and care her girls have experienced at Highbury House Early Learning Centre. Michele joined the Board in 2023 as she wanted to contribute to this amazing community and enjoys working in a team to generate and evaluate ideas. She is currently the secretary of the Board. Michele loves the outdoors and spending time with family and friends at the great local cafes and restaurants.
Board Member
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PAMELA PERYMAN
Pamela and her husband raised their family in Birkenhead. Her children attended Highbury House ELC, as did her two granddaughters. Now retired, Pamela's spare time outside voluntary work is spent with family both here and overseas. Pamela has a wealth of experience in fundraising and community engagement in the education sector. In addition to her role on the board with us at Highbury House, she is also experienced in body corporate committee administration and governance and is a committee member of the Auckland Girls' Grammar School Foundation.
Board Member
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CLARE BUCHANAN
Clare lives in Birkenhead with her husband and is a mum of two teenage boys. A Brand Strategist, Clare works in the Graphic Design industry working with agencies and directly with clients on brand and communication strategies for leading consumer brands. Clare has been a board member since 2022 and enjoys being part of and giving back to her community. In her spare time, Clare loves to travel, ski, cook and walk her dog Chester.
Board Member
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RACHEL SULLIVAN
Rachel lives in Birkenhead and is the mum to two teenage girls. Rachel is a Chartered Accountant working as an advisor in a Chartered Accounting firm. She has held financial positions in various charitable organisations and is looking forward to contributing to the wonderful Birkenhead community.
Board Member
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sarah hughes
Sarah grew up in the Birkenhead community and is now pleased to be raising her own family in this very special place. She brings many years of management and HR experience to the board, having held management roles in healthcare, professional services, and as the owner of an HR consultancy. "Highbury house is such a special place for Birkenhead, and I am delighted to be able to support it as a member of the board."