The ISNZ Team
Guy Pascoe
Chief Executive
Guy brings extensive experience across education, business, and strategy. He was pivotal in establishing Cordon Bleu NZ, has led sector-wide education projects, and has held senior roles in universities, PTEs, and schools. A former International Director at Scots College, Guy has played key governance roles in international education. Guy is passionate about collaboration and enhancing the independent school sector through strategic leadership.
Dr Simon Paul Atkinson
Head of Learning and Development
Simon has over 25 years of experience in educational research and senior leadership roles across the New Zealand and UK tertiary sectors. He has built professional development frameworks for academic faculty aligned to the UK Professional Standards Framework, been Programme Director for Postgraduate Certificates in Learning and Teaching, and drafted and implemented institutional strategies across the academic space. A Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Simon also edits the Journal of Open, Flexible, and Distance Learning, contributing significantly to the academic and professional growth within the education sector.
Beryl Duncan
Executive Assistant
Beryl provides crucial support to the ISNZ Chief Executive, offers secretarial services to the Board, and manages the ISNZ office. She brings extensive EA/Office and Facilities Management experience, having held roles across the private and public sectors including IT, Telecommunications and Education. Beryl ensures the efficient operation of ISNZ’s administrative functions, contributing significantly to the organisation’s success.
Charles Fairbrother
Accountant
Charles, a qualified Chartered Accountant, brings strategic and financial expertise honed over the course of his years as a CEO in manufacturing. He specialises in small businesses and non-profits, applying business acumen across various disciplines. At ISNZ, Charles is instrumental in enhancing financial operations and ensuring robust financial management, contributing to the organisation's strategic goals.
Susie Jones
Communications Manager
Originally trained in Theatre Design, Susie transitioned to Marketing after moving to New Zealand in 2001. She has experience across marketing, communications, and events within the not-for-profit sector, having held roles at Destination KRL and the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Susie is passionate about relationship development and brings a wealth of skills to ISNZ, where she manages communications with a focus on enhancing member engagement, promoting the organisation’s initiatives and promoting its strategic goals.
The ISNZ Board
Peter Cassie
Board Chair
Peter brings over three decades of experience in independent boys' schools, having held leadership roles at King’s School, Scots College, and Saint Kentigern Boys’ School. He began his career in Decile 1 South Auckland primary schools and has since dedicated his professional life to enhancing independent education. Passionate about collaboration, Peter focuses on growing ISNZ’s network and strengthening its role in supporting and advocating for independent schools across New Zealand.
Christine Leighton
Deputy Chair
Christine, the first female Rector of St Andrew’s College, has a distinguished career in education. She has taught in Nelson, Tauranga, England, and served as Assistant Principal at Nelson College for Girls and Principal at St Hilda’s Collegiate. With a BA in English and History, Christine is dedicated to professional learning, fostering inclusive environments, and building strong, supportive relationships within the educational community, both in New Zealand and globally.
Penelope Barr-Sellers
Board Member
Penelope is a strategic communications consultant with senior roles at Massey University, AUT, and Omnicom in the UK. She founded DDB New Zealand’s first PR agency and has worked on global brands across multiple sectors. Penelope has a deep passion for education and leadership diversity, serving on the boards of Global Women and Q Theatre. Her career spans broadcasting, PR, and higher education, with a focus on strategic brand management and stakeholder engagement.
Jennifer Dittmer
Board Member
Jenni, of Te Ātiawa iwi, is an elected Trustee for Wellington Tenths Trust and Ahu Whenua Trust, established to administer Māori Reserve lands largely in urban Wellington. She is a direct descendant of Honiana Te Puni, Wi Tako Ngatata, James Worser Heberley, Rīpeka Wharawhara Love, Ralph Mākere Love and Flora Heberley Love, Jenni is Te Ātiawa iwi, Ngāti Te Whiti and Ngāti Tāwhirikura hāpū. With over 20 years in education in New Zealand and Abu Dhabi, Jenni has held roles as a teacher, school leader, project lead, and professional development facilitator. Jenni holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and is dedicated to improving educational outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi. She recently transitioned to consultancy work, where she continues to balance her passion for supporting educational journeys alongside spending quality time with her family and five mokopuna.
John Fiso
Board Member
John brings a wealth of experience in governance and management, with a focus on education, health, and economic development. He is the founder of the New Zealand Institute of Sport, Chair of Pacific Health Plus, and has served on multiple boards, including ITENZ. Awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit, John is committed to improving access to education and healthcare, particularly for Pasifika communities. His work has significantly impacted sports education and community health initiatives across New Zealand.
Charles Finny
Board Member
Charles, a partner at Saunders Unsworth, has a wealth of experience in government, international trade, and education. He has served as CEO of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and held roles at MFAT, including leading the China-NZ FTA negotiations. With global experience across the US, UK, and Asia, Charles brings deep governance knowledge and international relations expertise to ISNZ, focusing on enhancing the role and impact of independent schools in New Zealand.
Bradley Kidd
Board Member
Brad brings over two decades of legal expertise as a partner at Chapman Tripp, specialising in corporate, commercial, and financial services law. He has held governance roles in both state and independent schools and is deeply passionate about education and the opportunities it provides. Brad played a pivotal advisory role in ISNZ’s recent restructure and is committed to ensuring the independent school sector continues to innovate and thrive, bringing a strategic legal perspective to the Board.
Aaron Snodgrass
Board Member
Aaron brings a wealth of experience in finance and governance, serving as both Chair of the Dilworth Trust Board and CFO of Eastland Group. A Chartered Accountant Fellow, he has held significant roles at PwC and Deutsche Bank in Auckland and New York. At Dilworth, Aaron oversees a unique scholarship model providing fully funded education for boys. He is dedicated to values-based education, ensuring students develop strong character and excel academically, preparing them to thrive in life. Aaron also brings significant financial and governance expertise to ISNZ.
Our Schools
We are the national body representing 52 independent schools across New Zealand.
Our schools offer a broad spectrum of tailored educational experiences, ensuring every child finds a path that celebrates and accommodates their individuality.
