100 Wonderful Women

Dame Alison Quentin-Baxter

1943 - 1944

Dame Alison Quentin-Baxter became interested in law after her father suggested the idea to her when she was 14.

Andrea Miller

1995 - 1999

Andrea started serious training in athletics when she was around 13 years old and within her first year of training  she broke her first NZ age group national record in the hurdles.  

Angela D'Audney (Cerdan)

1957 - 1960

Angela D'Audney was a NZ television broadcaster and actress. Her career spanned over 40 years, and she was labelled as NZ's first lady of broadcasting.

Ann Gluckman (Klippel)

1940 - 1944

Ann Gluckman attended EGGS during the second World War. She was Dux and Head Girl at 17.  

 

Anna Green

2007 - 2008

Anna Green achieved her goal of being a professional football player by hard work and opportunity. The more hard work she did, the more opportunities came her way. 

Annalie Longo

2004 - 2009

Annalie Longo is a football star. At four year old, after watching her two older brothers kick a football across the field, she realised she loved the sport as well. 

Anne Norman CNZM (Churton)

1959 - 1961

Anne Norman and her husband began directing and expanding her grandfather's company. The company only had 7 stores when they started. It now has around 650 stores.

Annemarie Durbin

1976 - 1980

After starting in law, Annemarie Durbin moved into banking in 1987. From there she moved to the UK, and went on to join the Standard Chartered Bank in 1995. 

 

   Arizona Leger         

2011 - 2013

Arizona Leger was the head girl of EGGS in 2013, and is fondly remembered for her charismatic personality and wonderful leadership. 

Dame Augusta Wallace (Dunlop)

1941 - 1945

Dame Augusta Wallace attended EGGS from 1941-1945 before studying at Auckland University, where she graduated and was admitted to the bar in 1954. 

Barbara Farnsworth-Heslop

1938 - 1942

Barbara Farnsworth-Heslop (CBE, MD, FRCPath, FRACS, FRSNZ) grew up with a large scholary Rotary at home, and was always encouraged to do whatever she wanted.

Barbara Segedin (Menzies)

1936 - 1940

Barbara Segedin had a successful career as a mycologist and specifically dedicated herself to Agarics (toadstools that have gills).

 

Brenda Perry MNZM

1971 - 1975

Inspired by strong women such as Billie-Jean King and influential teachers at EGGS, and with family support, Brenda followed her passion becoming a tennis player.

        Carmen Lett        

2003 - 2004

Catherine Lett, creator at Hatched, midwife of eight years and mother of four years, is a woman who proves that you can have both children and a career.  

    Catherine Bell         

1970 - 1973

Catherine Bell is a successful cook, food and travel writer, business woman, and mother. Catherine found her passion. She co-founded Garden to Table Trust. 

Charmaine Pountney

1955 - 1959

Charmaine Pountney is a former Epsom Girls Grammar School Head Girl, Dux and University Scholar.  A passionate advocate for women and change.

 

Chloe Swarbrick

2008 - 2011

Chloe Swarbrick has a very inspiring way of tackling her goals. She figures out where she wants to be and works backwards.

Daisy Lavea-Timo

1996 - 2000

Daisy Lavea-Timo is a motivational speaker, poet, and qualified teacher. Daisy's time at EGGS. 

Danelle Bohane

2002 - 2006

Danelle Bohane is a photographer who had a clear vision that photography was what she wanted to pursue as a career when she left EGGS.

Danielle Hayhoe

2002

Danielle Hayhoe decided that her goal after high school was to follow what she was interested in, which was health, food and nutrition. 

 

Elizabeth Francis (Porritt)

1949 - 1953

In 1953, Elizabeth was one of the first high school students to receive an American Field Service Scholarship.

Dr Elizabeth Segedin

1968 - 1972

Dr. Elizabeth Segedin choose to study Medicine and was made a member of the NZ Order of Merit. 

        Eva Ding        

2009 - 2013

Eva Ding has recently completed her Bachelor of Music in Classical Flute Performance of Auckland University.

Eva De Castro-Robinson

1970 - 1971

After attending EGGS, Eva De Castro-Robinson went on to gain a doctorate of music in composition; the first student to ever achieve this at Auckland University.

 

Fiona Cottam

1973 - 1977

Fiona was Head Girl in her final year at EGGS and has shown us the importance of finding the value in our hard work.

Flora McIntyre (Kidd)

1927 - 1929

After leaving EGGS, Flora completed her nursing training and enlisted in the NZ Army Nursing Corp.

  Francesca Snell

2000 - 2004

Her road to the Olympics through waterpolo began as a young competitive swimmer.

Gae Griffiths

1979 - 1988

Gae Griffiths is a former principal that presided over EGGS for nearly ten years. 

 

Gay Roberts (Baigent)

1952 - 1956

Gay pursued a career in teaching and later became Deputy Principal of EGGS.

Hayley Holt

1994 - 1998

Hayley has gone on to accomplish may things since leaving EGGS, including co-hosting a national TV show. 

      Judge Heather            Simpson CNZM    

1963 - 1967

Heather work out of the Otahuhu District Court for 14 years and was made Companion of the NZ Order of Merit in 2002.

Hon. Helen Clark ONZ

1963 - 1967

Helen pursued a career as a politician for 25 years, serving as Prime Minister of NZ for 9 years. She then took on the role as UNDP Administrator. 

 

Helen Dorresteyn

1979 - 1982

Helen set up her own business, the Clevedon Valley Buffalo Company and featured on Country Calendar in 2010.

Helen Laurenson

1950 - 1954

Helen is best know for her book which evolved from her MA thesis on department stores in NZ.

  Dr. Hinemoa Elder

1979 - 1982

Pursuing a career in medicine, Hinemoa has developed a way for health workers who are working Maori whanau with traumatic brain injuries. 

Iris Fairgray (Brown)

1941 - 1945

Iris is described as a compassionate political activist. In 1968 she reconnected with EGGS in a teaching position.

 

Isabella Tedcastle (Redmond)

1952 - 1955

In 2011, Isabella was made a Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to the community. 

Jan Martin

1973 - 1977

Jan represented NZ in numerous capacities. Her greatest success was competing in the 1984 LA Olympics.

        Jasmine Plows    

2005 - 2009

Jasmine is currently a biomedical science PhD student, researching at the Liggins Institute.

Janette Fitzsimons

1958 - 1962

Jeanette never set out to become a member of parliament, let alone the leader of a political party.

 

Jenna Scullin (Commell)

2000 - 2004

Jenna created Love This City as a way for young people to show kindness and love, something she thought the world needed a little more of.

 

Jenni Quilter

1993 - 1997

Jenni knew at school that she wanted to be a writer. Now she lives in New York as the Director of Global Awards and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Expository Writing Program at NYU.

      Jenny Dolezel       

1978 - 1982

Jenny has won in excess of 20 art awards. Her work is represented in most public galleries in NZ and also Australia, Ukraine and many private collections throughout the world.

Jessica Holdaway (Kruger)

2002 - 2006

Jessica stared her business; FRANK, a buy one, give one stationery company. 

 

Jill Mandeno

1955 - 1959

"Do not be afraid to study in field currently largely the province of men. If you have the brains and interest in a field, go for it."

Dame Joan Metge

1943 - 1947

Joan ended up writing a number of books; one of which she is especially proud of: Talking Past Each Other.

          Lady Joyce              Fisher (Paykel) 

1927 - 1929

It is with immense pride that EGGS is now the home to the Lady Joyce Fisher Sports Centre - a spectacular building that will support the community for years. 

Joyce Potter (Smyth)

1917 - 1921

Joyce Potter was the first head prefect at EGGS. She then went on to teach English and Latin at EGGS and was part of the groups that set up the Old Girls Association. 

 

Hon. Dame Judith Potter DNZM CBE

1956 - 1959

Judith become a partner of a leading law firm and finally became the 4th female High Court Judge of NZ.

Julia Clark

1969 - 1973

After practicing as a barrister for 22 yeas and after 29 year in practice, Julie became Chancery Master of the High Court.

    Karen Walker   

1983 - 1986

From her first day at EGGS Karen loved designing. The Karen Walker brand has expanded across the globe, with stores in 42 countries  

Kate Elliott

1995 - 1999

Kate was 14 years old and at EGGS when she got the role and her first nomination for best actress at the NZ Film and TV awards.

 

Kate Hawkesby

1986 - 1990

Kate has had many successes throughout her career as a radio announcer and television presenter.

Kayla Pratt

2005 - 2009

Kayla started rowing at EGGS. Her proudest success was making the Olympic team for Rio 2016 where she competed as part of the Women's Eight.

  Dr. Kirsten Finucane ONZM

1975 - 1979

Dr. Kirsten Finucane is now regarded as one of NZ's top children's heart surgeons after 20 years in the industry.

Kylie Clegg (Foy)

1985 - 1989

Kylie feels very fortunate to have had three hugely influential hockey coaches while at EGGS who have her a great foundation.

 

Kylie Walker

1989 - 1993

One of Kylie's proudest achievements was becoming the Individual  World Champion Trampolinist at the age of 17. 

Lauraine Jacobs MNZM (Stevens)

1962 - 1965

Lauraine became the first international president on the International Association of Culinary Professionals in the USA.

  Leah Henderson 

1986 - 1990

Now living in the Netherlands, Leah works in philosophy of science and has become well recognised for her research.

Elizabeth Lamb

2004 - 2008

Her first big international competition was the World Youth Games in 2007. when Liz was only in Year 12.

 

Elizabeth Mullane

1977 - 1981

Liz has been involved with a significant number of films including The Narnia Chronicles and The Lord of the Ring Trilogy.

Professor Louise Nicholson (Green)

1966 - 1970

Louise found her love of science at EGGS. She went on to win a Rhodes Fellowship to Oxford University.

Dr. Lucy Cranwell Smith FRSNZ 

1921 - 1923

A well regarded scientist whose research on fossil pollen and spores is still internationally recognised.

Madeleine Harman

2002 - 2006

She developed the womenswear brand, Harman Grubisa alongside Jessica Grubisa .

 

Dr. Margaret Gutherie CNZM (Hoodless)

1938 - 1941

Margaret studied medicine, specialising in Public Health and later on Gerontology.

Marigold Edwards

1948 - 1951

Marigold's most phenomenal achievement was being inducted into the US squash hall of fame for her ongoing lifetime achievements in sport.

Marnie McGuire 

1983 - 1986

Marne's impressive golfing successes let her to be awarded the Sportswomen of the Year title at the 1996 Halberg Awards. 

Meg Hansan

1970 - 1974

Her personal love of learning and reading helped lead Meg to her current position as the principal at Westbourne Grammar School, Melbourne.

 

Dr. Melanie Abernethy

1966 - 1970

Gaining a bachelor of science and bachelor of medicine, Melanie became the first Old Girl to chair the EGGS Board of Trustees in 1998.

Melanie Hulme

1990 - 1995

Melanie is most proud of representing her country for 10 years in softball and   qualifying for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. 

Melissa Ingram

1999 - 2003

She trained 10 times a week from the age of 10 and went on to compete at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

Dr. Michele Cox

1982 - 1986

Through her determination, Michele has left a legacy not only for football, but for women and social development worldwide.

 

Miranda Palmer

2002 - 2006

"Find the best in others, the best in you will follow. I have found so much happiness and learning by not focusing on money or status".

Dr. Morag Atchison

1987 - 1991

Morag won a major scholarship to attend the Royal Academy of Music in London. She now works with some on NZ's finest singers.  

Nadesha Godamunne 

2004 - 2008

Nadesha left NZ at 24 to pursue fashion in New York and created a niche for herself in the workforce; fashion illustration.

Nancy Mullins (Hart)

1953 - 1957

After completing University, Nancy joined the NZ Diplomatic Service, serving in Wellington, Paris and Canberra.

 

Onyeka Arapai

2007 - 2011

Oneyka is a world hip-hop dance champion, who has had many successes with The Royal Family dance crew and more recently success in acting.  

Pauline Tronson-Germon

1964 - 1967

After Pauline left EGGS, she dance professionally for 12 years with the Royal NZ Ballet and did a lot of training overseas. 

Penny Le Couteur (Cameron) 

1955 - 1959

Penny's proudest achievement is her book 'Napoleon's Buttons: Seventeen Molecules that Changed History' which has sold over 100,000 copies. 

Petra Bagust

1987 - 1989

Petra is most recognised for being a co-host of the morning show 'Breakfast' as well as 'What's really in our food and Life?'

 

Possum Plows

2007 - 2010

Since leaving EGGS, Possum has gained distinctive music awards including song writer of the Year 2014.

Rebecca Salmond

1980 - 1984

In 1994 Rebecca started her own company, Odyssey Wines. They make wine for the local market as well as export to China, Pacific Islands and Asia.

Rosemary Bellamy 

1954 - 1958

Ro began teaching at RGGS and again returned to full-time teaching in  1982 to 2001. She returned to study at the age of 61 and gained an MSc with First Class Honours.  

Robin White

1960 - 1964

In recent years, Robin has been more involved in collaborative art projects, working with Pacific Island women to create works that cross cultural boundaries.

 

Robyn Norton

1969 - 1972

Robyn co-founded The George Institute in 1999 which is a health and medical research institute whose mission is to help improve health of people. 

Rosalind Horton (Maud)

1969 - 1973

Rosalind was 1st Violin in the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera and in the 1st Violins of Sydney Symphony. 

Rowena Chatfield MBE (Jackson) 

1954 - 1958

She considers her greatest success winning the first Royal Academy of Dancing Scholarship to be awarded in NZ. 

Ruth Baird

1955 - 1959

Ruth has been hand crafting jewellery for 42 years. In 1974 the cooperative, Fingers was started where Ruth still works. 

 

Sally Duxfield (Bowler)

1979 - 1981

Her proudest achievement is her work with MSD developing the Tama Tu Tama Ora (Stand Up Be Counted) programme.

Sandra Dick (Phelps)

1969 - 1973

When she turned 50, Sandra set herself the goal to complete the Abbott's World Major Marathons.

Sarah Court (NcOnie)

1993 - 1997

Sarah is best known as a mezzo soprano and has recently complete a Doctorate in musical arts. 

Sherie Rai

1999 - 2003

Sherie won the NZ Design Ambassador award in 2006 and this has been her proudest achievement. 

 

Sheryl, Lady Wells CNZM (Gavin)

1957 - 1960

Sheryl's gained her greatest pleasure from the success of the Silver Ferns winning the 2003 World Netball Championship in Jamaica. 

Sue Mulrennan

1976 - 1980

Sue has continued to be heavily involved in education. She is proud to say that she still meets up with the girls from her Year 9 tutor class.

Tessa Berger

2008 - 2012

Always been drawn to more than one field, Tessa works in politics, business, athletics, humanitarian and environmental endeavours.

Dr. Viopapa Atherton (Annandale)

1955 - 1956

Viopapa introduced a World Health Organisation  project in Samoa that funded maternal and child health and family planning.

 

Wailin Elliott (Hing)

1952 - 1956

Wailin set up as a fulltime potter selling her work as a stallholder in Durham Lane. She them worked at a studio at Driving Creek Railway and Pottery in Coromandel. 

Wendy Dixon

1969 - 1972

Wendy has sung with Opera in Australia, NZ, Singapore and Mexico and has toured with Music Viva and for the Chamber Music Federation of NZ.

Winifred Ashby (Griffin)

1949

Her greatest achievement was attending the Olympics in Melbourne in 1956 as "to wear the silver fern is never to be forgotten."

Yvonne Lawley (Watson)

1926 -1930

In 1995, Yvonne was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her services to the arts.