Executive Team

  • Matt Davidson – Chairperson

    My name is Matthew Davidson, and I am the chair for NZBSA and the Hostel Manager of College House – the boarding establishment of Palmerston North Boys’ High School.  The Hostel Manager position is a position that I have held since 2014 after fulfilling the role of Assistant Manager for the previous two years.

    During my 25 years of teaching service, I have spent 19 of these years within the boarding environment.  During this time, I have continued to develop programmes, systems and structures within boarding to ensure that the boarders under my care thrive in a safe environment.

    The management of any boarding environment comes with its own challenges, especially in the ever-changing needs of boarders.  However, the rewards that come through witnessing first-hand the development of the rangatahi in our care make this position extremely satisfying.  I am passionate about providing an environment where rangatahi can meet their academic potential and the life skills required to be an excellent contributors to society once leaving the school gates.

    I live at College House with my wife, Tracey and my son, Ollie, who is a boarder at College House.  I teach Mathematics at Palmerston North Boys’ High School and manage the 1st XI Hockey Team. 

    It is a privilege to be involved with the NZBSA Executive and to share my experience gained from many years involved in boarding.


  • Drew Campbell

    Director of Boarding at John McGlashan College in Dunedin for 8 years, Physical Education teacher, and Head of Rugby at the College.

    Have had 15 years of experience working in Boarding Schools in NZ and the UK, and was a Boarder at St Patrick’s College Silverstream. 


  • Monique Ellis-Martin

    I am a dedicated educator and leader with a passion for design and student mentorship. After graduating from Ara with a Bachelor of Design majoring in Spatial Design, I moved to London, spending four years working in the development departments of St George Homes and Laing Homes. On returning to New Zealand, I completed a Diploma in Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury.  At present, I am the Head of Design & Digital Technologies at College. I have been an integral member of the Flower’s House community, initially as a mentor for two years before being appointed Deputy Housemaster several years ago. In 2024, I was also elected to the New Zealand Boarding Schools’ Association executive team.


  • Kyleigh Lyth

    Kyleigh has been a dedicated professional in the boarding industry for over 15 years. Her extensive experience spans four different boarding schools, encompassing both private and integrated settings with ākonga from Year 4 to Year 13, both male and female. Kyleigh possesses a wide range of expertise in strategic planning, policy and procedure implementation, and self-reviews. She has contributed her knowledge and leadership skills to various committees and boards, demonstrating her commitment to the education sector.

    Currently, Kyleigh serves as the Director of Boarding at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School in Christchurch, a position she has held for the past eight years. Her passion for the boarding sector is evident in her career-long dedication and the impact she has made in her roles.


  • Jon McDowall

    Jon is the current Rector of St Bede’s College in Christchurch, bringing extensive experience in educational leadership and governance to the NZBSA. He also presently serves as a Leadership Partner for the Education Review Office as well as sitting on a number of governance groups across education and sport.

    As a previous Chairperson of the New Zealand Boarding Schools Association, Jon has led strategic efforts to enhance the quality of boarding education, including the development of the Tiaki Taiohi and the nationwide response to Covid-19. His leadership, recognised through life membership and a National Service and Leadership Award, reflects his commitment to the boarding sector.

    Jon’s background in educational strategy, boarding, curriculum development, pastoral care and evaluation for improvement, allows him to provide valuable insights and consultancy to schools nationwide. He works closely with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education (MoE), Education Review Office (ERO), and NZQA, ensuring that boarding schools operate to the highest standards of care and educational excellence. In addition to his governance roles, Jon maintains a keen interest in boys’ education and school sport, fostering holistic development for students.


  • Kelly Ives

    I was born and raised and attended school in Hawke’s Bay. In 1996, I experienced a GAP year working at Holmewood House Prep School in Kent, England. It was there that I developed my passion for education and boarding schools.

    After studying, graduating and working in the UK for eleven years, I returned to New Zealand with my husband and young family.  I am currently the Director of Wellbeing at Woodford House School. However, I held the position of Director of Boarding for the past 8 years.

    My interests include travel, sport, going to the beach and spending quality time with my whanau. Children should come to school and feel safe, secure, supported, and able to learn in a fun and inclusive environment. I value the opportunity to work with others who care about providing quality opportunities in our boarding schools, to our children, so they may maximise life’s opportunities.