Ms Gill Chappell
Chairperson

Gill is a self-employed environmental lawyer and works with other barristers in the city. She and her husband Rob have three children. Their daughter Emily was Head Girl at Baradene in 2019 and two sons attended Sacred Heart College.  

Mrs Alexandra Russell
Principal

Alexandra (Alex) has been Principal of Baradene College since February 2025.  Alex was an Economics teacher and been at the College since 2012.  She was Deputy Principal for 7 years.  Alex is married to Grant and they have three adult children.

Sr Elizabeth Snedden
Proprietor's Representative

Sister Elizabeth lives in community with the Sisters of the Sacred Heart at Baradene, some of whom were her teachers when she was a student at Baradene in the 1940s and 50s. She has been a staff member and Board member for many years, and shares with the other Sisters a duty of praying constantly for all members of the school community.  Sister Elizabeth recently stepped down from lecturing Theology and Spirituality at Good Shepherd College, where seminarians are trained for the priesthood.

Mr Richard James
Proprietor's Representative

Richard has recently stepped down after 10 years as Chief Executive of NZ Funds, an independent wealth management firm, but remains a shareholder and semi-executive director of the company. He also acts as an adviser to a small number of privately owned companies and family offices. Richard is married to Baradene alumna, Sarah Stone, and their three daughters have all graduated from Baradene in the last few years.

Ms Catherine Ryan
Proprietor's Representative

Catherine is the Vicar of Education for the Catholic Diocese of Auckland.  Prior to this appointment, Catherine’s career included 20-plus years as Principal in three of Auckland’s Catholic primary schools. Catherine’s paternal grandmother, mother, and sisters are all alumnae of Baradene. Catherine and her sisters were boarders at Baradene and her nieces have attended Baradene and Stuartholme School in Brisbane.

Gabrielle Smyth
Staff Representative

Gabrielle is the Year 12 Dean and currently teaches Religious Education at Baradene. She first taught at Baradene as a beginning teacher in 1992 and has also taught English, History, Social Studies and Gateway at the College. Gabrielle owned her own business for several years and then returned to teaching in 2007. She has a daughter who is an alumna of Baradene and a son who attended Sacred Heart College. Gabrielle has a long association with Baradene and is grateful for the special gift of the charism of the RSCJ that is at the heart of all that happens at the college.  

Francesca-Lee Asiata
Student Representative

Liz O'Neil
Parent Representative

Liz has served on the Baradene Board since 2019 and has two daughters who graduated Baradene in 2024.  Liz is currently the Chief Financial Officer  (CFO) for Kāinga Ora| Homes & Communities . Liz has worked in senior finance roles at a number of high-profile corporations in New Zealand and overseas and is a Board member of SpringBoard Trust.

Mrs Ruth Sio-Lokam
Parent Representative

Ruth is married to Nicko and is a proud mum to Elena, who attends Baradene. Ruth is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience and is an experienced governor serving on a variety of Boards from schools, registered charities to government appointed Board and advisory roles.

Mr Justin Luen
Parent Representative

Justin and his wife Donna have two daughters currently at Baradene College. Justin is General Manager for Culture, Leadership, and Capability at the Bank of New Zealand and has held senior leadership roles at Fletcher Building and IAG.

Mr Fergus Lee
Parent Representative

Fergus and Johannah have three daughters who are currently attending Baradene, and they feel deeply invested in the life of the school. Fergus is a firm believer that education is the key to unlocking potential and making a difference in our children's futures. With 30 years of experience in banking, Fergus has learned that the most important lessons are to listen, act with integrity, and be guided by strong values.

Mr Simon Lapthorne
Parent Representative