30 – 31 march 2026 | Rydges, auckland
29 – 30 April 2026 | Novotel, Christchurch
Cathedral Square

A Development Forum for Senior Teachers, Deputy Principals, Deans and all Aspiring Principals

Step into Leadership with Confidence

Becoming a school principal in Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the most rewarding—and most challenging—career steps in education. New principals step into a role that is both diverse and dynamic—balancing leadership with new responsibilities across boards, budgets, property, employment, and community engagement.

The Future Principals’ Forum is here to help smooth the transition. Designed for deputy principals, senior school staff, and aspiring principals, this two-day forum connects you with experienced tumuaki, education experts, and thought leaders to equip tomorrow’s principals with the practical knowledge, networks, and tools they need to thrive.

Who should attend?

Deputy Principals & Assistant Principals – ready to step up and broaden their leadership toolkit.

Senior School Leaders – heads of departments, team leaders, and others looking to expand their leadership scope.

Aspiring Principals – educators preparing for the next stage of their career journey.

New Principals (first 1–3 years) – those wanting to strengthen their confidence and capability in the role.

Theme: Building Confident, Capable, and Connected Leaders for Tomorrow’s Schools

It captures:

Confidence – practical skills to lead boards, staff, and communities.

Capability – navigating curriculum reform, governance, operations, and legal responsibilities.

Connection – networking with experienced principals, peers, and sector leaders.

Why Attend?

Gain practical tools

From budgeting and property management to employment law and conflict resolution, walk away with strategies you can apply immediately.

Learn from experience

Hear honest insights and lessons from seasoned principals who have navigated the challenges of school leadership.

Shape your leadership journey

Build confidence in leading people, curriculum, and community with clarity and purpose.

Connect and collaborate

Grow your professional network with other emerging leaders and establish relationships that will support you throughout your career.

KEY SPEAKERS FOR 2025

Our 2025 key lineup features financial leaders and strategic thinkers sharing insights on leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of today’s CFO.
Check out the full list.

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Name

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Address

Grand Millennium, Auckland
71 Mayoral Drive, Cnr Vincent Street, Auckland 1010

Agenda

Agenda to be announced

8:00	Registration and coffee
08:50	Mihi Whakatau
9:00	Welcome remarks from the Chair
9:10	Leading the Future: Innovation, Resilience and Equity in Education An update from the Ministry on key priorities shaping the future — strengthening equity, excellence, and innovation across the education system An overview of the Ministry’s leadership development initiatives, including pathways to support aspiring principals and emerging school leaders
9:45	Navigating the Principal Journey Panel: Insights for Tomorrow's School Leaders Real-world insights from principals in their first years of leadership and key lessons learned Practical strategies for managing staff, students, and community expectations Approaches to leading and sustaining change with confidence and clarity Auckland Stephanie Thompson, Prinicpal, Beach Haven Primary School Wiri Warriner, Principal, Orewa College Kirsty Dowding, Principal, Hobsonville Point Secondary School Christchurch Nicola Jacobsen, Principal, Mount Aspiring College Catherine Law, Principal, Avonside Girls High School Robert Gilbert, Principal, Papanui High School More panellists to be announced
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Supporting leaders to lead curriculum implementation with confidence and clarity An overview of the Government priorities and vision for the national curriculum Key messages – updates and insights into the 5-year change programme Where to go for support – resources and professional learning opportunities Practical application - Leadership stories and strategies to make curriculum change meaningful and sustainable Auckland - Hayley Welch, General Manager, New Zealand Curriculum & Te Whāriki, Ministry of Education Christchurch - Kathryn O'Connell-Sutherland, Senior Curriculum Lead, Te Mahau, Canterbury & Chatham Islands
11:45	Supporting Success: Creating Effective Learning Environments for Every Student Understanding how to assess needs of learners and provide adequate support to kaiako, ākonga and their whānau Challenging established education approaches in response to new evidence or learning Achieving equitable outcomes for all students
12:30	Lunch
13:30	Working with the Board: Understanding School Governance Clarifying the distinct roles and responsibilities of the principal and the board Developing and maintaining a strong, trust-based working relationship between school leadership and governance Understanding the difference between governance and management in effective school operation Navigating the legal duties and obligations between principals and boards Auckland - Belinda Weber, Chief Advisor Governance, Te Whakarōpūtanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa \| New Zealand School Boards Association Christchurch - Cleave Hay, Education Consultant
14:15	Leading with Integrity: Te Tiriti at the Governance Table Exploring how school boards can give meaningful effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in governance, decision-making, and strategic planning Practical approaches for building cultural capability, honouring partnerships with mana whenua, and ensuring equitable outcomes for Māori learners Auckland - Bryan Rehutai, Prinicipal, Te Uru Karaka Newton Central School
15:00	Afternoon Break
15:30	Leading Within the Law: Employment Essentials for Principals Understand the legal frameworks and best practices for handling everyday employment issues in a school setting, including disciplinary processes and knowing when and how to invoke them Navigate serious and sensitive matters involving student safety and/or police involvement, with guidance on managing urgent and high-risk situations Overview of mandatory reporting requirements to the Teaching Council and responsibilities of the Principal and board Managing sensitive employment issues fairly within employment law obligations Auckland - Gretchen Stone, Partner, Harrison & Stone Christchurch - James Pullar, Partner, Taylor Shaw Barristers and Solicitors Madeline Thomas, Senior Solicitor, Taylor Shaw Barristers and Solicitors
16:15	Empowered Leadership for Aspiring Principals: Strategies to Flourish in the Role Learn from real early-leadership experiences to understand common challenges and growth moments Build practical self-leadership habits and long-term wellbeing practices that support sustained effectiveness across your principalship journey Identify practical strategies to maintain balance, resilience, and clarity as your leadership responsibilities grow Christchurch - Sean Bailey, Managing Director, EmpowerYou
16:55	Summary remarks from the Chair
17:00	Day 1 Close and Networking Drinks

8:00	Registration and coffee
9:00	Welcome back from the Chair
9:10	Supporting Principals: Lessons from the Beginning Principals’ Program Key insights from supporting principals in their first year – what works in building confidence and capability in the first years of school leadership Lessons on embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice – how beginning principals are developing leadership that reflects Aotearoa New Zealand’s context The power of networks and advisory support – evidence of how mentoring, regional collaboration, and trusted relationships strengthen leadership success Auckland & Christchurch - Sue Ngārimu, National Project Lead, Evaluation Associates
9:45	Leading with Confidence Panel: Building Workforce Resilience in Schools Strategies for navigating recruitment challenges and teacher shortages across New Zealand Building a workforce that is skilled, motivated, and committed to your school’s vision Creating a workplace environment that values intergenerational and cultural diversity, collaboration, and wellbeing Auckland Rose-Anne London, Senior Advisor \| Relationships and Pathways, Teaching Council of New Zealand Christchurch Shane Buckner, Principal, Whītau School Blair Dravitski, Principal, Lemonwood Grove More panellists to be announced
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Managing School Property: A Practical Guide for Principals A practical overview of what principals are responsible for versus the Ministry of Education, including day-to-day maintenance, compliance obligations, and how insurance works in the event of damage or loss A clear explanation of property funding streams, eligibility criteria, and how the 5YA budget can be planned, prioritised, and used effectively to support school property needs Understanding the portfolio transition to the New Zealand School Property Agency Christchurch - Gill Maher, Infrastructure Manager - School Property, Ministry of Education
11:40	Lead with Confidence: Control the Financial Levers at Your School Understand the biggest cost drivers in your school and how managing them well can open opportunities Learn how the banking staffing mechanism works, common pitfalls and practical planning tools that are available to help Build a financial toolkit that includes budgeting, identifying available funding and proactive reporting for decision-making Know about the supports and tools available for first time principals Auckland - Kirstin Blackburn, Regional Manager, Education Services Christchurch - Hannah Levy, School Finance Advisor, Ministry of Education
12:20	Lunch
13:20	Resolving Complaints with Clarity, Care, and Confidence Understanding the complaints process from a legal perspective Practical strategies for managing complaints including de-escalation, communication, and resolution skills Roles and responsibilities of the board and the Principal
14:00	In the Spotlight: How Principals Can Engage Effectively with the Media Understanding how and when to effectively engage with the media relating to events at your school Managing challenging questions and maintaining professionalism under pressure Crisis communication strategies to protect your school’s reputation Auckland - Mary Lambie, Director, Socius Media
14:45	Activity: Your Leadership Journey This reflective session invites the audience to pause and consider their leadership journey. Participants will identify practices they want to start, continue, or stop, helping them leave with clear, actionable commitments to lead with purpose.
14:55	Summary remarks from the Chair
15:00	Conference Close

8:00	Registration and coffee
08:50	Mihi Whakatau
9:00	Welcome remarks from the Chair
9:10	Leading the Future: Innovation, Resilience and Equity in Education An update from the Ministry on key priorities shaping the future — strengthening equity, excellence, and innovation across the education system An overview of the Ministry’s leadership development initiatives, including pathways to support aspiring principals and emerging school leaders
9:45	Navigating the Principal Journey Panel: Insights for Tomorrow's School Leaders Real-world insights from principals in their first years of leadership and key lessons learned Practical strategies for managing staff, students, and community expectations Approaches to leading and sustaining change with confidence and clarity Auckland Stephanie Thompson, Prinicpal, Beach Haven Primary School Wiri Warriner, Principal, Orewa College Kirsty Dowding, Principal, Hobsonville Point Secondary School Christchurch Nicola Jacobsen, Principal, Mount Aspiring College Catherine Law, Principal, Avonside Girls High School Robert Gilbert, Principal, Papanui High School More panellists to be announced
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Supporting leaders to lead curriculum implementation with confidence and clarity An overview of the Government priorities and vision for the national curriculum Key messages – updates and insights into the 5-year change programme Where to go for support – resources and professional learning opportunities Practical application - Leadership stories and strategies to make curriculum change meaningful and sustainable Auckland - Hayley Welch, General Manager, New Zealand Curriculum & Te Whāriki, Ministry of Education Christchurch - Kathryn O'Connell-Sutherland, Senior Curriculum Lead, Te Mahau, Canterbury & Chatham Islands
11:45	Supporting Success: Creating Effective Learning Environments for Every Student Understanding how to assess needs of learners and provide adequate support to kaiako, ākonga and their whānau Challenging established education approaches in response to new evidence or learning Achieving equitable outcomes for all students
12:30	Lunch
13:30	Working with the Board: Understanding School Governance Clarifying the distinct roles and responsibilities of the principal and the board Developing and maintaining a strong, trust-based working relationship between school leadership and governance Understanding the difference between governance and management in effective school operation Navigating the legal duties and obligations between principals and boards Auckland - Belinda Weber, Chief Advisor Governance, Te Whakarōpūtanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa \| New Zealand School Boards Association Christchurch - Cleave Hay, Education Consultant
14:15	Leading with Integrity: Te Tiriti at the Governance Table Exploring how school boards can give meaningful effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in governance, decision-making, and strategic planning Practical approaches for building cultural capability, honouring partnerships with mana whenua, and ensuring equitable outcomes for Māori learners Auckland - Bryan Rehutai, Prinicipal, Te Uru Karaka Newton Central School
15:00	Afternoon Break
15:30	Leading Within the Law: Employment Essentials for Principals Understand the legal frameworks and best practices for handling everyday employment issues in a school setting, including disciplinary processes and knowing when and how to invoke them Navigate serious and sensitive matters involving student safety and/or police involvement, with guidance on managing urgent and high-risk situations Overview of mandatory reporting requirements to the Teaching Council and responsibilities of the Principal and board Managing sensitive employment issues fairly within employment law obligations Auckland - Gretchen Stone, Partner, Harrison & Stone Christchurch - James Pullar, Partner, Taylor Shaw Barristers and Solicitors Madeline Thomas, Senior Solicitor, Taylor Shaw Barristers and Solicitors
16:15	Empowered Leadership for Aspiring Principals: Strategies to Flourish in the Role Learn from real early-leadership experiences to understand common challenges and growth moments Build practical self-leadership habits and long-term wellbeing practices that support sustained effectiveness across your principalship journey Identify practical strategies to maintain balance, resilience, and clarity as your leadership responsibilities grow Christchurch - Sean Bailey, Managing Director, EmpowerYou
16:55	Summary remarks from the Chair
17:00	Day 1 Close and Networking Drinks

Speakers Auckland

Wiri Warriner

Principal

Orewa College

Read bio

Wiri Warriner is the Principal of Orewa College, a large co-educational secondary school on Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast, a role he has held for the past two years. Prior to this, Wiri served in senior leadership across two large co-educational high schools, with a strong focus on curriculum design, teaching and learning, student wellbeing, and organisational improvement. He is currently leading significant strategic work at Orewa College, including the development of a full immersion Rumaki Reo programme, expanding academic and vocational pathways, and navigating rapid roll growth and property development. Wiri is particularly interested in how large schools can maintain strong connection and coherence with their local community, while continuing to grow and evolve.

Kirstin Blackburn

Regional Manager

Education Services

Read bio

Kirstin is a Chartered Accountant (CA) and a dedicated member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand.

As the Regional Manager Education Services Auckland office for the past decade, Kirstin is responsible for overseeing the provision of accounting services to schools; delivering comprehensive financial support and strategic guidance to Principals and Boards. She excels at translating complex financial information into accessible advice, striving to support principals in a manner that is engaging and easily understood, even by those that are number averse.

Kirstin’s entire career has been focused on the public sector having previously spent eight years as an auditor with Audit New Zealand. This experience provides a robust foundation in governance, compliance, and financial rigor.

Bryan Rehutai

Principal

Te Uru Karaka Newton Central School

Read bio

Bryan Rehutai is the Tumuaki (Principal) of Te Uru Karaka Newton Central School (Ngāti Porou, Tahiti), and a school leader committed to culturally responsive practice and equity. Our kura is proudly Te Tiriti o Waitangi based; we were the first in New Zealand to establish a formal co-governance structure. This experience has given him unique, practical insights into embedding Te Tiriti principles at the governance and operations level. In his presentation Bryan will guide you through practical approaches for building cultural capability and ensuring equitable outcomes for learners. He will share vital insights on working with your school board and maintaining an unwavering commitment to Te Tiriti-based practice in your kura’s leadership and operation, helping you navigate the complexities of recent government announcements. This is essential 101 learning for leading culturally diverse and inclusive schools in Aotearoa.

Stephanie Thompson

Principal

Beach Haven Primary School

Read bio

Stephanie is the Principal of Beach Haven Primary in Auckland, with over 23 years of leadership experience across Otago, Canterbury, and Auckland. She has led diverse schools, from small semi-rural U1 settings to large U6 city schools, fostering innovation, equity, and sustainable leadership. As a member of the ICP Convention Committee, Stephanie is responsible for shaping the programme, ensuring an impactful experience for global school leaders. She currently serves as an NZPF Executive Member, Kāhui Ako Lead, RTLB Cluster Lead Principal, and PPCB Negotiating Team Member and was named an APPA Distinguished Fellow (2024). Stephanie has held key sector leadership roles, including NSPA President, OPPA Executive Member, and NZEI Principals’ Council Representative. A strong advocate for the education sector, she champions sustainable leadership, equitable opportunities, and system-wide improvements. She is dedicated to strengthening principal leadership, ensuring school leaders are well-supported to drive positive change across the sector. Committed to equity in education, Stephanie works to create opportunities for all students to thrive, succeed, and contribute meaningfully to society. Through her leadership and advocacy, she continues to drive collaboration, innovation, and high-quality education for all.

Sue Ngārimu

National Project Lead

Evaluation Associates

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Sue is one of Evaluation Associates’ national managers of leadership services and the current project lead for our principal advisor contract. She joined the organisation in 2017 as a leadership advisor, then progressed to team lead supporting advisors who work with beginning principals and tumuaki across Hawkes Bay, Te Tairāwhiti, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū and Wellington. Since 2024, Sue has led the guided and targeted supports provided to hundreds of beginning principals in their first three years of principalship.

Sue is deeply committed to ensuring an exceptionally high standard of service. She brings a strong bicultural lens to her leadership and a proven track record in designing, implementing, and continuously improving national supports for new school leaders. Prior to joining us, Sue served as tumuaki of Te Kura o Hiruharama for 11 years. She represented her region on Ministry of Education advisory groups, chaired the Ngāti Porou East Coast Principals’ Association, directed an ICT PD cluster, and served for a decade on the board of the Kura Kaupapa Māori her children attended. She is chair of the Tūranganui-a-Kiwa Kāhui Ako stewardship group (representing Ngāti Porou) and was a member of the New Zealand Teachers’ Disciplinary Tribunal from 2008-2020.

Mary Lambie

Director

Socius Media

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Mary is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, media trainer, and communications strategist.

She is also the founder of Socius Media (2015) – a media consultancy.

Mary has worked across New Zealand as a journalist, TV and radio host, newsreader and political panellist. From 1991, she served as Radio New Zealand’s Tokyo correspondent and later hosted BBC World Service’s Business programme. In 1997, Mary became the host of TV One’s Good Morning while also presenting the Money Doctor programme. Mary has written columns, authored 101 Quick Tips for Surviving Your Kids, and reported on Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration from Washington. In 2023, she appeared on Celebrity Treasure Island and was media advisor to the then opposition leader Christopher Luxon, now Prime Minister.

Mary lives in Auckland with her husband, broadcaster Jim Mora, and their three children. She holds degrees from Victoria University and AUT. A keen endurance athlete, Mary has completed five marathons, the Coast to Coast race twice, and multiple long-distance cycling events.

Belinda Weber

Chief Advisor Governance

Te Whakarōpūtanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa | New Zealand School Boards Association

Read bio

Belinda Weber is the Chief Advisor, Governance at NZSBA, New Zealand School Boards Association, where she leads national work on strengthening school board effectiveness. With a background in governance development, policy design, and sector leadership, Belinda works to support boards to stay strategic, accountable, and student-focused. She was central in designing NZSBA’s refreshed school governance framework and policy suite, helping boards clarify their roles and lift school performance. Known for her clear, practical approach and sector knowledge, Belinda works alongside boards, principals, and advisors to grow governance capability and drive meaningful change across schools in New Zealand.

Rose-Anne London

Senior Advisor | Relationships and Pathways

Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

Read bio

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko Rose-Anne London tōku ingoa

He kaiako ahau

Ko au tētahi o ngā Tohutohu Mātua mō te Matatū o Aotearoa

Rose-Anne started her teaching experience in a part time role in Papaioea. This led to a love of teaching and a career including professional leader roles across early childhood services throughout Kāpiti and Whanganui-ā-Tara. Currently residing in Whanganui-ā-Tara, Rose-Anne is a Senior Advisor, in the Relationship and Engagement team at the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Gretchen Stone

Partner

Harrison Stone

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Gretchen Stone is a highly experienced employment and education lawyer. She advises secondary principals through the Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand and is the Honorary Solicitor for Auckland Primary Principals’ Association. Gretchen has extensive experience advising Principals and Boards in all areas of law within the education sector including student discipline, health and safety, teacher competence and discipline, governance, OIA and privacy requests, and parent complaints.

Speakers Christchurch

Shane Buckner

Principal

Whītau School

Read bio

With over 35 years as a teacher, leader, and Principal, Shane is passionate about sharing his knowledge and leadership skills in the education sector. Shane is the current Principal of Whītau School, a culturally diverse school in Christchurch East. Shane is currently in his fifth year as an elected Executive Board member of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation, taking an active role in the Curriculum Pou and is the Business Partnership Convenor. As Immediate Past President of Canterbury Primary Principals’ Association, he has been actively involved in the regional leadership as an executive member for 13 years, with business partnership liaison and membership hauora as key portfolio areas undertaken.

Shane actively encourages school leadership teams to connect with local businesses and community groups to leverage reciprocal relationships for the betterment of whānau in the school community. Bringing pragmatic and consistent messaging through authentic relationships is an ethos in which Shane lives by.

Robert Gilbert

Principal

Papanui High School

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Robert Gilbert is in his third year as Principal of Papanui High School, following nine years as Deputy Principal at Tauranga Boys’ College. He serves as Chairperson of the Christchurch Education Trust, where he oversaw the launch of Christchurch North College, a charter school that opened at the start of 2025 to support disengaged learners. Additionally, Robert contributes to regional leadership through his role on the Executive Committee of the Canterbury West Coast Secondary Principals’ Association, focusing on strategic collaboration and network sustainability.

Blair Dravitski

Principal

Lemonwood Grove School

Read bio

Blair Dravitski is currently principal at Te Uru Tarata | Lemonwood Grove School the largest primary school in the South Island with 1150 students and over 100 staff. He has worked as a principal for 13 years across a range of schools in a range of settings which included navigating post earthquake rebuilds, terrorism and covid. He is also an elected member of the New Zealand’s Principal Federation which provides a platform to advocate for principals across the country.

Blair is passionate at prioritising all people in an organisation having clear intentions to engage, support and develop staff, students and whānau to ensure that schools are viewed positively as hubs in our communities through creating a culture of clear communication, intentionality and confident decision making.

Kathryn O’Connell-Sutherland

Senior Curriculum Lead, Te Mahau, Canterbury & Chatham Islands

Ministry of Education

Read bio

Kathryn O’Connell-Sutherland

Senior Curriculum Lead, Te Mahau, Canterbury & Chatham Islands

Ministry of Education

Read bio

Sean Bailey

Managing Director

EmpowerYou

Read bio

Sean Bailey spent nine years as a primary school principal before establishing his own leadership company in 2020 – EmpowerYou.

Drawing on his ICF coaching qualification and extensive experience in educational leadership, he now supports leaders to grow with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Sean has a particular passion for developing middle leaders on the pathway to principalship, helping them strengthen the mindset, capability, and resilience needed to step into senior leadership roles.

He also enjoys partnering with schools and organisations across the country to design practical, targeted leadership programmes that create measurable growth and inspire leaders to realise their potential.

Throughout his career, Sean has been driven by a genuine desire to help people improve and discover what they are truly capable of, something he continues to witness as former colleagues and students go on to achieve remarkable things.

As a consultant and coach, Sean remains committed to building the next generation of sustainable, impactful school leaders.

Hannah Levy

School Finance Adviser, Otago/Southland

Ministry of Education

Read bio

Hannah Levy is a School Finance Advisor with the Ministry of Education. She supports the Otago/Southland school sector with financial guidance and training. Hannah loves to help demystify financial concepts and work with principals to get the most value out of school funds. She began her career as an external auditor and then moved into management accounting roles in the public sector, first in health and then education, before beginning this role 5 years ago. Based in Dunedin, she enjoys the beautiful bush and beach nearby, baking for family and friends and travelling overseas.

Nicola Jacobsen

Principal

Mount Aspiring College

Read bio

Nicola Jacobsen is the Principal at Mount Aspiring College, Wānaka. Originally from Blenheim, Nicola had been with Auckland’s Pakuranga College as a Deputy Principal for the six years prior to taking up the position of Principal at Mount Aspiring College in 2021.

Before her appointment to Pakuranga College, Nicola held senior positions at Botany Downs Secondary College. She is a graduate of the University of Canterbury and the Christchurch College of Education and completed a Master’s degree from the University of Auckland in 2019.

Nicola understands the importance of strong community connections and believes that education is for everyone; and to lead a school which serves the whole community is a great opportunity.

As well as a passion for education, Nicola is also passionate about education outside the classroom. As a keen mountain biker herself, she knows how special Wānaka is for the opportunities to engage in the outdoors.

Sue Ngārimu

National Project Lead

Evaluation Associates

Read bio

Rose-Anne London

Senior Advisor | Relationships and Pathways

Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

Read bio

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko Rose-Anne London tōku ingoa

He kaiako ahau

Ko au tētahi o ngā Tohutohu Mātua mō te Matatū o Aotearoa

Cleave Hay

Education Consultant

Read bio

Cleave first experienced school governance when he was co-opted onto a school board 25 years ago at a school his children were attending in South Canterbury. He has, for the last 20 years, worked one on one with close to 200 schools across the motu and has facilitated many workshops and conference presentations on behalf of NZSBA. He also worked in the NZSBA head office in two fixed term roles as the Principal Adviser Governance. For the past 13 years Cleave has operated fulltime as an independent contractor working with school boards, including 15 statutory appointments, and is currently Commissioner in two schools.

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Tagged 30-31 March, 30-31 March 2026, Auckland

Step into Leadership with Confidence

Who should attend?

Theme: Building Confident, Capable, and Connected Leaders for Tomorrow’s Schools

Why Attend?

Gain practical tools

Learn from experience

Shape your leadership journey

Connect and collaborate

KEY SPEAKERS FOR 2025

Name

Org

Name

Org

Name

Org

Check out our other upcoming events

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Agenda

Speakers Auckland

Wiri Warriner

Kirstin Blackburn

Bryan Rehutai

Stephanie Thompson

Sue Ngārimu

Mary Lambie

Belinda Weber

Rose-Anne London

Gretchen Stone

Speakers Christchurch

Shane Buckner

Robert Gilbert

Blair Dravitski

Kathryn O’Connell-Sutherland

Kathryn O’Connell-Sutherland

Sean Bailey

Hannah Levy

Nicola Jacobsen

Sue Ngārimu

Rose-Anne London

Cleave Hay

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