Board of Trustees

My name is Grant and I am the proud father of two young girls at BBPS, Lottie (Year 2) and Genevieve (Year 1).  

Over the past 18 months since Lottie started school I have been very impressed with the sense of community fostered through the various school activities and PTA events and with the professional way the school is run by such dedicated teaching and support staff.  

I grew up in Hawkes Bay, then studied Engineering in Auckland before moving abroad with my now wife, Hayley.  We spent a year in Taiwan where we both worked as English language teachers and then moved to the UK where we lived for nine years.  During our time in London I worked as a structural engineer, designing bridges and buildings before moving into project management of some large scale public sector infrastructure projects, most notably for the London 2012 Olympics.  

Since our return to NZ in 2013 I have worked in the financial services industry in the Corporate Finance team at KPMG and now at FNZC where I work in the Equities Research Team as a Financial Analyst.In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the gym, watching sport, running and playing golf.



B.Ed
Higher Diploma of Teaching
Post Graduate Certificate of Applied Practice in Digital and Collaborative Learning.

I have been Deputy Principal at B.B.P.S. for several years. Prior to this I was Associate Principal at another Auckland school and have also taught at a number of schools in New Zealand and the U.K. I have taught at all school levels.

I am very lucky to be in a role that continues to inspire, challenge and consume me! We are in a great community with fantastic students and supportive, involved parents. There are always opportunities to grow in teaching, and I have been fortunate enough to work in schools where innovation and creativity are valued and encouraged alongside traditional values and relationships.

I am continually amazed by students’ thinking and love to see the spark and excitement of discovery in their learning. I believe all students deserve the best education, and that the enriched curriculum at BBPS provides challenge, diversity and lots to interest and enthuse our students. A significant part of my role is pastoral care and helping students get the support they need to meet their individual needs.

My own family have a wide range of interests and passions as well, which means I am fortunate enough to be involved in an exciting and inspiring life!

Hi, my name is Diana Haxton. My twins, Florence and Charlie, are flourishing and thoroughly enjoying their time at Bucklands Beach Primary School. My children spent their pre-school years in the United Kingdom where my husband and I spent a 10 year ‘working holiday’ whilst growing both our careers and our spirit of adventure. On return to New Zealand in 2016, we chose to settle in Bucklands Beach for the community, environment and facilities it offers our family – one of which is our fantastic school.

I am invested in learning not only from a personal perspective (as a mother of school age children) but also in my career. I studied Human Resources and Psychology at Massey University and have worked in generalist Human Resources and Organisational Development roles both here and in the United Kingdom. My current role as Senior Manager – Leadership and Talent at Westpac New Zealand has responsibility for growing leadership capability and talent pipelines for now and the future. My team and I embrace innovation, technology and new ways of working to ensure we deliver an excellent development experience for our people and greater value for the bank.

I am genuinely excited to bring the various skills I’ve learnt during my career to the board of trustees and to contributing to the future of our community through our children’s education.

B.Ed, Diploma of Teaching, Master of Education
I am enjoying my second year at BBPS. Prior to this I was at the University of Auckland, Centre for Educational Leadership after winning a scholarship, and DP at Stanley Bay School in Devonport. I’ve swapped one peninsular for another, and enjoy catching the ferry between the two. Prior to that I’ve taught in New Zealand and the UK, from nursery to intermediate. I grew up in Howick, so am very familiar with our local area.

I am very much enjoying working with such a culturally diverse community. Students are BBPS are so enthusiastic, ready to learn, and are well supported from home. Our committed staff go the extra mile to provide such a wonderful range of opportunities. We are also lucky to have such a dedicated and hardworking board, with a range of essential skills to drive the school forward. What a great combination.

We are at the beginning of positive change for education, to reflect what our 21st century employers are looking for. It is an exciting time to be in education, and a challenging time as the traditional education model evolves. I’m excited to be a part of leading this.

My husband is also a teacher, and we have three lovely children. We love the beach and equally embracing all our vibrant city has to offer.