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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Aaron clark
Aaron grew up in Birkenhead and now lives a little further north with his wife and three daughters, who all loved their pre-school years at Highbury House. Aaron has traversed several industries as a senior leader in technology and project leadership, currently in the energy industry growing his passion for sustainability and getting Aotearoa to Net0. Aaron has been a Board member since 2020, and Chairperson since 2021, and has enjoyed supporting the organisation through the pandemic and out the other side in an even stronger position to serve the Birkenhead and broader Kaipatiki community. Aaron enjoys adventuring with his whanau and exploring Auckland's running trails.
Secretary
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ingrid van rijn
Ingrid joined the Highbury Community House Inc board in 2022 taking on the role of treasurer for a year and is currently the secretary of the board. 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.
Treasurer
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Alison weston
Alison lives in Birkenhead with her husband and is a mother to two young daughters, both of whom either currently attend or have recently attended the Early Learning Centre at Highbury House. Serving as a board member since 2023, Alison holds both a CGMA and an MBA, and brings a rich background from various senior financial and consultant positions. In her spare time, Alison enjoys activities such as running and pilates.
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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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. Michele loves the outdoors and spending time with family and friends at the great local cafes and restaurants.
Board Member
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GILLIAN TAYLOR
Gillian joined the Board in 2023, bringing her expertise in strategy, facilitation, and developing collaborative partnerships. In the 25 years she has lived in Birkenhead, Gillian has contributed to various local groups and organisations. She is passionate about this community and the role of Highbury House in helping it thrive.