Dave was recommended highly by two respected colleagues. We arranged to meet. Dave was clear that if the fit seemed right for both parties, then he was keen to work with me, and us. A promising beginning, not with an assumption, but an open approach that has continued over several years. Dave has mentored and appraised numerous members of our wider team, at Onehunga High School and at the AIMHI Alternative Education consortium. He has become a trusted, constructive critical friend who can be relied upon to back up ideas with contemporary, relevant leadership research. I recommend him highly as a person who is easy to relate with and who is seeking the best outcomes for our young people and staff”.

DEIDRE SHEA
Principal, Onehunga High School

We contracted David as an independent consultant for the recruitment of our school principal. We found his extensive background in education, social work and human resources extremely useful throughout the process and David was able to provide our board with great assistance over this period. His communication was clear and timely and he made himself available to answer any and all questions our board members had. David’s support, we were able to make a strategic decision about the leadership of our school. I would have no hesitations in recommending David to other BOTs requiring a consultant.

KIM MANUNUI
Presiding Member, Mountview School, Taupo

As a presiding member we have used David in two separate 3 year cycles to complete the appraisal of our principal at Otahuhu Intermediate School. We got David back because he brings a unique set of skills. Not only well experienced in schools and educational leadership, but also very alert that he is completing the appraisal of the principal for the board who have employed him. That brings a more useful report to the board, but he has still been direct, firm and politely insistent about managing the process and expecting material from the principal. His process is wide ranging, looks deeply across the school and therefore in tune with education practice but still good plain English for boards. At completion the board has clear direction in preparation for the next year.

CHRIS FRANCE
Presiding Member Otahuhu Intermediate School

Dave is a star. For a small organisation that requires both governance and management support, I can’t recommend him highly enough. He has provided us both strategic and business support as well as a wide range of support in many aspects of our organisation.

HILARY KARAITIANA
Number Twelve