Farewell to John Morris ONZM
John Morris, ONZM, will step down from the Dilworth Trust Board when his term as Trustee finishes at the end of the month.
Appointed to the Board in 2023, John brought extensive experience in secondary school education and governance to his role as Trustee. A former Headmaster of Takapuna Grammar School (1990 - 93), Auckland Grammar School (1993 - 2012), and Crimson Academy, John also served on several educational boards, including as an Independent Director of the Academic Colleges Group, the Tertiary Education Commission, Education NZ, and the NZ Partnership Schools’ Board.
Joining the Dilworth Trust Board at a pivotal time, John worked with fellow trustees to implement the findings of the Dilworth Independent Inquiry into historical abuse in care and chaired the Education Committee.
"John’s leadership as Chair of the Education Committee has been valuable to ensure we are moving in the right direction. The work he led has helped support changes that culminated in Dilworth’s strongest academic performance on record in 2025." – Dilworth Headmaster Dan Reddiex
Trustee Ngaire Ashmore, Principal of Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, will succeed John as Chair of the Education Committee.
Our sincere thanks go to John, who has done so much to support the future direction of Dilworth.
Congratulations to Dilworth Trustee Matanuku Mahuika, appointed King’s Counsel.
We are delighted to announce that Dilworth Trustee Matanuku Mahuika, Bankside Chambers, has been appointed King’s Counsel in the 2026 round of appointments.
Dilworth CEO Ewen Anderson commented, “We are thrilled for Matanuku on this well-deserved recognition. We are fortunate to have a Trustee of his expertise and experience serving on the Dilworth Board.”
Our congratulations to Matanuku on this significant achievement.
Ngaire Ashmore, Dilworth Trustee Awarded Woolf Scholarship
Congratulations also go to Trustee Ngaire Ashmore, who has recently been awarded a 2027 Woolf Fisher Fellowship, one of New Zealand's most respected professional learning opportunities for educational leaders. Each year, only a small number of principals nationwide receive this award.
The Fellowship includes participation in an educational leadership programme at Harvard University, along with the chance to visit schools and education systems internationally.
Dilworth is fortunate indeed to have such a talented line-up of Trustees to govern the school and the Trust.