Our Board

Tim O’Connor (Chair)

Auckland Grammar School

Tim O’Connor became Headmaster of Auckland Grammar School in Term 4, 2012.

After commencing secondary teaching in 1990, Mr O’Connor was appointed Deputy Principal of Nelson College in 2000. In 2002, he was appointed Rector of Palmerston North Boys’ High School and was active in many areas related to boys’ education, including the Association of Boys’ Schools New Zealand, the Secondary Schools Principals’ Association, and the International Boys’ Schools Coalition. In 2007, he was awarded both a Woolf Fisher Fellowship and was also made a Sir Peter Blake Trust Emerging Leader.

Mr O’Connor is a strong advocate for the importance of academic rigour and achievement being complemented by extensive co-curricular opportunities. He was co-opted back onto the College Sport Auckland Board in July 2020, bringing a wealth of secondary school sport experience from his leadership positions at boys’ schools with strong sports programmes.

Mr O’Connor took over as College Sport Auckland Board Chair in May 2021.

Trina Tamati

Independent

Ko Ngati Mutunga, ko Ngati Kahangunu ōu iwi. Nō Tāmaki Makaurau hia ia.

Trina is a highly accomplished, award winning and dynamic senior Executive with over 25 years of global experience across NSO, marketing and corporate sectors. Results orientated with proven success in governance, business leadership, strategic planning, major event operations, marketing, media, digital and financial management. Her most recent position was Managing Director of New Zealand’s largest live entertainment company Ticketek NZ.

Possessing a core foundation in health, wellness and sport with tertiary qualifications in psychology and communications and an outstanding track record of leading and thriving within complex and challenging environments, Trina is well renowned for actively striving for more women, across all industries, to be seen and heard.

Heather McRae

Diocesan School for Girls

Heather McRae has been principal at Diocesan School for Girls since April 2009. She previously led The Western Academy of Beijing (an International School) and Pakuranga College. She is a passionate Biochemist, graduating from Massey University with a double major in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry followed by a diploma in Teaching (with Distinction). She has also completed a Masters in Educationsal Administration and recieved a Sir Woolf Trust Scholrship, graduating from the Hillary Leadership Programme facilitated by the NZ Leadership Institute at the University of Auckland.

Heather has a passion for sport and have run five marathons, multiple half marathons and triathlons. She recieved a Blues for netball in former years and can be found at the netball courts on a Saturday morning during the winter season. She is a strong supporter of all sport and is passionate about developing the hearts and minds of young people through their enjoyment and participation. 

Heather joined the College Sport Auckland Board in 2020 and brings extensive secondary school sport experience from her leadership positions in both the state and private sectors. She is currently the College Sport representative on the New Zealand School Sport Board.

Ngaire Ashmore

Auckland Girls Grammar School

Ngaire Ashmore took up her position as Principal of Auckland Girls Grammar School at the beginning of 2017, after serving as Principal of Tangaroa College for ten years.

Shortly after she began at Auckland Girls Grammar, Ms Ashmore was co-opted to the College Sport Auckland Board. She has been working to strengthen sport at Auckland Girls Grammar, increasing participation across the school and maximizing opportunities for students to excel in all areas.

Ms Ashmore is passionate about helping young women build confidence, work in collaboration, and give back to their local communities and society as a whole. She recognizes the importance of forward-thinking and providing a range of opportunities for students to grow and develop.

Nick Coughlan

One Tree Hill College

Nick Coughlan has been Principal of One Tree Hill College since 2010 and joined the College Sport Auckland Board in 2022.

Since beginning his teaching career, he has always had a strong involvement in secondary school sport as a coach, administrator, and school leader. He is proud of the way in which sporting opportunities have been developed at One Tree Hill College to

increase student involvement at both the elite and social level.

Mr. Coughlan believes in the important role that school sport plays in the engagement of students into their learning and development. He is a strong advocate for encouraging as many young people to be involved in school

sport as possible across a wide range of sports. “It is wonderful to see students participating, enjoying being active, positively supporting others, and being proud of their school”.

Chris Bean

Tangaroa College

Kia ora, Chris is the principal of Tangaroa College in Otara, South Auckland. Before this position he was at Wesley College, Paerata.  

Mr Bean has been involved in school and club sports for 31 years. During that time, he has been a coach, selector, and manager and throughly enjoyed the different dynamics each role presents and the importance of supporting our akonga to have the opportunity to participate and perorm at the highest level within their chosen sport(s) while respresenting their school, province or at the national level. 

I would like to make sure that all akonga can involve themselves in a variety of sporting opportunities and that the sports that are administered by College Sport are well supported for this to happen.

Turou Hawaiki.

Raechelle Taulu

Marist College​​​​​​​