Toby Gee

Board Chair

My wife Heather and I have three children: one currently at the school - Thalia in Year 7 and Zebedee and Loma, who recently attended St Mark’s. I am a barrister and mediator at Lambton Chambers, specialising in insurance, professional and medico-legal issues and commercial disputes. I was previously a barrister in London, and have held various board positions including the Dulwich Village Church of England Infants’ School, Lambton Law Centre, charity Porters’ Progress UK (chair) and the New Zealand Choral Federation. I love music, mountain activities and mathematics (not necessarily in that order), and sing counter-tenor with vocal group Aurora IV. We love the optimism, energy and caring spirit of St Mark’s, and its fantastic music programme. It is a privilege to be able to contribute to such a wonderful school.

Mike Brunel

Board Member

Our two daughters Milly and Eva went to St Mark’s right from Preschool up to graduation in Year 8.
Amanda and I loved being part of the St Mark’s family, and community. That sense of community is what I most identify with when I think of St Mark’s.
My business interests include business consulting, retailing and importing.
I previously owned a global media company specialising in radio, television and newspaper and digital advertising.
I sold that company in 2016 and now work closely with several start-up companies and manufacturing companies helping in the sales and marketing area.
I am looking forward and am honored to be able to contribute to the school and its future.

Gabrielle O’Connor

Board Member

I am married to Richard, who is an active participant in school activities at St Mark’s and currently the President of the SMILE Association. Our two children have loved their time at the school since we returned to New Zealand in 2015; Ryan who graduated from Year 8 in 2022, and Anna who is currently still enjoying the awesome friendships and great learning opportunities the school offers.
I am currently an independent contractor working in large, complex projects across the public sector. Prior to that I was the Chief Operating Officer at ACC for 7 years, and overseas, worked for Citibank in a variety of global and regional operational roles. My experience lies in leading organisational change and all types of transformation, and I am most passionate about putting the person at the heart of any activity.
This is my first formal governance role, but I look forward to being able to bring my professional experience and lots of time on sports club committees to make a difference at St Mark’s.

Iain Rennie

Board Member

We have one son, Angus, at the school which he joined in Year 5. We have greatly appreciated St Mark’s inclusive approach to teaching and engaging children so I was keen to make a contribution when the opportunity arose to join the Board. My professional training is as an economist. I was a long-time public servant, mainly in the New Zealand Treasury and Public Service Commission (known as the State Services Commission when I worked there). I currently manage my own consulting practice offering advice on public sector reform and management of government finances, working with governments and international organisations around the world. As my work frequently takes me overseas, when I am at home I enjoy spending time with my family, taking walks and enjoying Wellington! I am excited to be involved with the Board and to support St Mark’s to continue to grow and flourish.

Roger Wigglesworth

Bishop's Nominee

Judith and I have been associated with St Mark’s since 1994. Our three sons were educated at the school. I worked in human resources and organisational development roles in the State Services Commission, The Treasury and Tower Insurance. Subsequently I held senior policy roles in the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. I retired from full-time employment in 2017 and now live in the Wairarapa. I am actively involved in serving the Wellington Anglican Diocese, including as the Bishop’s Nominee on the St Mark’ s School Board.

Charlotte von Dadelszen

Co-opted Board Member

My partner Elaine and I have two children at St Mark’s and another who recently attended but is now at Wellington College.
I am a partner at Buddle Findlay, specialising in construction and property law. Before that, I spent six years in London working for the Disability Law Service, a national charity providing legal advice and advocacy services to people and parents of children with disabilities.
I have always enjoyed being involved with the community. I was previously a trustee for the Laura Fergusson Trust (Wellington) and am currently a trustee for the Child Health Foundation.
I greatly enjoy being part of the school community and getting to know the teachers, parents, and other children. We value the warmth and friendship the school community has extended to us, and I look forward to contributing to the St Mark’s School Trust Board.

Desinee Tsinas

Board Member

Tēnā koutou katoa

Our children, Emelia (Year 2) and Aris (Year 7), joined St Mark’s School this year, and the support in their transition has been exceptional. My husband is particularly proud; they now attend the same school he once attended.

Emelia and Aris are enthusiastic members of Julius House, continuing a cherished family tradition. Choosing St Mark’s has undoubtedly been one of the best decisions we’ve made, not only for the quality of their education but also for the opportunity to become part of such a welcoming and supportive community.

I have worked in public service for 20 years, with over 16 years at the Ministry of Social Development in various capacities, including roles as Private Secretary and advisor to senior leaders. Additionally, I have been a key member of the Ministry’s property function for nearly a decade.

In late 2023, I returned to the Ministry as the General Manager of Workplace Services, following contract roles in property project management at both the New Zealand Police and the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment.

This is my first formal governance role, and I am genuinely honoured to contribute to the St Mark’s community.