The college invited education adviser Cleave Hay to be an "objective observer" of some board meetings in April, as part of the board’s professional development.
Mr Hay said following these meetings, he wrote a report highlighting areas of governance the board could work on, to be more efficient and effective in best governance practice.
He said there had not been any "major overreaches" of duties within the board, but the tension between the board and former principal Charissa Nicol was "like any other board and principal — there’s always some crossover, either way".
"There’s a reasonable amount of not enough understanding of governance from either side — the board and the principal — and then there’s always that tension as to who was in whose lane.
"Understanding how they operate as boards, both separately and together, and with the school’s management, is a complex matter."
He said an agreed action plan was made, and his work had focused on the areas of governance identified, along with offering support to the boards, the board chairs and the leadership team on related matters.
A person with knowledge of the situation, who declined to be named, claimed the college brought in Mr Hay in a private capacity, to avoid the Ministry of Education officially appointing a limited statutory manager.
However, board presiding member Graeme Riley denied the claim.
He said the invitation was purely part of the school’s standard practice.
"The board is not having governance or practice issues.
"It was seeking a review to ensure it was using best practice and was performing at a high level in its duties."
He said the board had high-functioning and experienced members, who brought a wide range of governance skills and expertise, including strengths in accounting, management, IT, human resources, business, management and education.
"Any issues referred to in media statements do not refer to governance issues.
"They are issues in relation to the college, which have been brought to the board to consider," he said.
