Hon Chris Hipkins

Chris passionately believes that every New Zealander deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential in life. He is a staunch advocate for and defender of our public education system. Chris believes that a free, quality education is the right of every child.

Born in 1978, Chris has worked in both the public and private sectors. Chris is passionate about the Hutt Valley, his home, a place that he believes is “bursting with energy and potential”. An outdoor enthusiast, Chris is particularly keen on mountain biking, tramping and swimming. Chris currently lives in Upper Hutt.

He attended Waterloo Primary School, Hutt Intermediate and Hutt Valley Memorial College (later known as Petone College), where he was the Head Boy in 1996. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics and Criminology at Victoria University.

After completing his study, Chris worked in the industry training sector. Before becoming an MP he also worked at parliament, first as Senior Advisor to two Education Ministers and later in the office of the then-Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Dr. Sarb Johal

Topic: Find calm, stay calm, spread calm

An expert on psychosocial recovery and disaster communication, Sarb has advised the UK and New Zealand governments and the World Health Organisation through major national and international crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic. He is a regular guest on RNZ National and other national and international media outlets and runs his own weekly newsletter on Substack: Noise Reduction.

He is the author of three books written over the past two years, including Steady: A Guide to Better Mental Health Through and Beyond the Coronavirus Pandemic, The Little Book of Sleep, and most recently the best-selling Finding Calm: Managing Fear and Anxiety in an Uncertain World. 

Sarb has a PhD from the School of Psychology at the University of Cardiff and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from University College London.

Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo

Topic: Tamariki – our now, our legacy and possibilities 

Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo is the Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner at the New Zealand Human Rights Commission.

She is of Samoan descent and originally from the village of Vailima in Upolu, Samoa.
 
Saunoamaali'i has a strong commitment to improving equal employment opportunities, particularly bringing a Pasifika perspective to human rights issues facing Aotearoa New Zealand.  
For 20 years, Saunoamaali'i has worked as a public advisor and social worker, advocating for the interests of children, women, families, the rainbow community, social protection, youth employment, gender equality and an end to gender violence.

She believes pay equity and equal employment opportunities are key avenues for youth empowerment, women’s empowerment, reduction of family poverty, freedom from gender based violence, and community wellbeing.

Saunoamaali'i holds qualifications in social work, social policy, mediation and science, including a PhD in public policy from AUT.

Rebecca Kitteridge

Rebecca Kitteridge was appointed Director-General of Security in May 2014. The agency she heads, the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, has a key role in investigating, assessing and advising on national security threats, and provides protective security services across the New Zealand government.

Rebecca’s career has been varied. It began with nearly a decade as a private practice lawyer, but Rebecca’s interest in public law prompted her to move to the Cabinet Office as legal adviser at the start of 1997. This move coincided with the formation of the first coalition government under the MMP electoral system, giving her work a sharp constitutional focus.

After a stint at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade working on constitutional issues in the Pacific, Rebecca returned to the Cabinet Office as Deputy Secretary of the Cabinet (Constitutional) in 2003. She was appointed Secretary of the Cabinet in 2008, a role she held for six years.

In 2012 Rebecca was seconded to the Government Communications Security Bureau. This exposure to the national security sector led her to the role she now holds.

Rebecca’s tenure at NZSIS has coincided with a worsening national security context, including instability in the Pacific region, two terrorist attacks in New Zealand, and an increase in foreign interference activity.

In considering how best to counter these threats Rebecca brings her commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and social inclusion.

In March 2014, Rebecca was appointed as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, in recognition of her service in the Cabinet Office.

In 2017, Rebecca won the Public Policy Award at the New Zealand Women of Influence Awards.

Rebecca lives in Wellington with her husband and daughter. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading and cycling.

Neil McDonald

Topic: Tapestry of Culture 

Neil McDonald is the Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Education Leadership Institute (QELi), an innovative not-for-profit institute committed to delivering excellence in leadership by supporting leaders and organisations to establish a strong vision, improve outcomes and lead change in their school or organisation. He has over 25 years of school system and leadership experience as a teacher, principal and Assistant Regional Director within the Department of Education. Under Neil’s leadership, QELi engages with leaders across all sectors in Australia and internationally, working closely with schools and systems to develop and deliver tailored leadership and capability professional development programs for driving collaboration and organisation improvement. Prior to commencing at QELi, Neil was Executive Director, Organisational Transformation and Capability, in the Department of Education and was instrumental in leading the Departments Teaching and School Leadership Program.

Hana O'Regan

Topic: Inequity by design - understanding the past environments that have served to shape the current challenges for Māori within education, and the leadership required to change

Since late 2020 Hana has been Tumu Whakarae of CORE Education.

In 2006 Hana took up the role of General Manager, Oraka for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Prior to working at Ngāi Tahu, Hana held two director positions on the senior executive at ARA Institute of Canterbury as the Kaiārahi – Director Māori and Pasifika, and the Director for the Student Services Division.

Hana has held many positions on national boards, review panels and committees across the areas of education, Māori development, national identity, Treaty rights and policies and health. In 2021 Hana was appointed as a member to The Waitangi Tribunal.

Tā Mark Solomon 

Tā Mark Solomon is committed to the betterment of his iwi, kotahitanga for Māori and the wider well-being of people and the environment.  He is a strong advocate for the Māori economy and was instrumental in setting up the Iwi Chairs Forum (2005).  He was the elected Kaiwhakahaere (Chair) of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu from 1998 to December 2016 and represented his local Papatipu Rūnanga, Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura from 1995 to December 2016. 

Of Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Kurī descent, Tā Mark’s contribution to his community has been diverse and significant, ranging from roles as a school board trustee, to a past board member of the Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa).  Tā Mark attributes his wider whānau (family) for early guidance and it is this experience that has driven his passion for encouraging educational opportunities for young Māori.  He is a patron of He Toki Ki Te Rika, a Christchurch-based Māori pre-trade training programme, and the related He Toki Ki Te Mahi, an apprenticeship initiative both born from the Christchurch earthquake rebuild.  He believes young Māori should strive for formal training to maximize their talents and to be the best they can be. 

In 2013 he was awarded Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and Business.  In April 2015 he received an Honorary Doctorate from Lincoln University as Doctor of Natural Resources, recognising his enduring interest and concern for our natural environment.  Tā Mark was recently appointed to the National Science Challenge Governance Boards for Sustainable Seas and Deep South which relate to both ensuring our marine environment is understood and cared for and understanding the role of the Antarctic in determining our climate and future environment.   

Tā Mark’s current directorships include Te Ohu Kaimoana, National Science Challenge Governance Boards for the Deep South and Sustainable Seas, Te Tapuae o Rehua and a trustee of Pure Advantage.  He was an original member of the Minister for Māori Affairs Māori Economic Taskforce, established in 2009.

Tā Mark believes a true rangatira is a servant of the people, a fact underpinned by his core philosophy of ‘strength with humility’.  Whilst the commercial success of Ngāi Tahu is acknowledged, Tā Mark is especially proud of the tribe’s achievements in education and the development of the Iwi’s savings scheme Whai Rawa.  Tā Mark is a committed advocate for the sanctity of whānau and takes a strong stance against whānau violence.  He is passionate about his people and is determined to facilitate both iwi and wider Māori success by unlocking the potential of the Māori economy for the good of all.

Kate Thornton 

Topic: Educational leadership in Aotearoa: Expectations for leadership practice

Kate Thornton is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at Victoria University of Wellington. She is a former secondary school teacher and professional development facilitator. Kate is programme director for the Masters of Secondary School Leadership programme and teaches post-graduate courses in leadership, and mentoring and coaching. Kate has recently published research on preparation for principalship, and principal leadership through COVID-19. She has recently been involved in the design of a course on effective mentoring for secondary teachers for PPTA.

Derek Wenmoth

Topic: Building Resilient Schools

Derek has been a teacher, principal, a teacher educator and education policy writer. In 2003 he co-founded CORE Education, a leading provider of educational research and services in NZ. He stepped aside from CORE in 2018 to establish FutureMakers, an organization committed to inspiring the next generation of leaders, thinkers and problem-solvers. 

Derek is driven by a deep personal belief in the public good of education, regarding education as the pathway to self-improvement, and a fundamental right of every human being. He believes that all learners come to class with rich knowledge and experiences; and that our approach to education must place them at the centre of our learning design and teaching.

In recognition of his work in education, Derek was designated one of 2008’s “Global Six” by the George Lucas Educational Foundation which recognizes individuals making a difference in education.

Derek maintains a blog on matters relating to e-learning and other aspects of interest to educators that can be found on the www.futuremakers.nz website.

Guido Ballara & Paul McBride 

Topic: Navigating the minefield: the employer's health and safety obligations during investigation of alleged poor performance or misconduct.

Guido has worked as an employment lawyer for over 18 years, having specialised in employment law since 2003.  Before joining the firm in 2005, Guido was a Solicitor in the employment team of Minter Ellison Rudd Watts in Wellington.  Guido advises across all areas of employment law, represents clients at mediation and appears as counsel in the Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court, in the District and High Courts, as well as in the appellate courts.  Guido has also provided training and presented seminars to clients on employment law issues.  He also has personal sector experience, having been on a school board of trustees.

Paul was admitted to the bar in 1993, after working as Judges Clerk for the (now) Employment Court for four years.  Paul was employed by the Department of Labour for five years before entering private practice.  Paul has specialised in employment law and ACC work (primarily for ACC itself) since being admitted.  In practice, Paul works with many public organisations including Departments, Crown Entities, and other Boards including Health and Education Sector on employment and ACC related matters.  He also has personal sector experience, having been on a school board of trustees.

Rachel Bolstad

Topic: Taking action on climate change - how can educational leaders rise to the challenge?

Rosamund Britton

Topic: Creating a Sense of Belonging for Learners – The Case of a Secondary School in Aotearoa New Zealand

Richard Crawford & Grant Congdon

Topic: Despite the overwhelming equity concerns of literature and the critical voice of iwi, why do we continue to stream? 

He uri ahau nō Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahunguna, me Ngāti Raukawa hoki. I commenced my current principal position at Fairfield College in Kirikiriroa, in 2012. Previously, I was the principal of Forest View High School, in Tokoroa, from 2007 to 2011.  Since 2018, I have been the lead principal of Te Pae Here Kāhui Ako.  I previously held deputy principal roles at Whakatāne High School and Ngāruawāhia High School. Strengthening school relationships with manawhenua and enabling equity for all students are educational areas of interest.  Grant and I are members of the design team, led by Tokona Te Raki, to end the practice of streaming in Aotearoa.

Ko Grant Congdon tōku ingoa. Ko te tumuaki ahau i te Kāreti o Horowhenua. Horowhenua College is rich in culture with 35% Māori and 15% Pasifika. Overseeing the de-streaming of our entire college over the last 5 years has been a significant process in supporting the special kaupapa of raising Māori student achievement.

Andrew Hood

Topic: Cyber Security in Schools Programme

Fiona Humphries

Topic "The person in charge sets the tone”: New Zealand teachers’ perceptions of and insights into their wellbeing

Michelle Marston

Topic: An alternative to pedagogical leadership: A case study of exemplary educational leadership for Māori students

Tina Mihaere-Rees

Topic: A Critical race theory analysis of education in Aotearoa through a Kaupapa Māori lens

Angela O'Donnell-King & Miriama Barton 

Topic: He aha te kai o te Rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. What is the food of the leader? It is knowledge and communication.

Kei aku whakatamarahi ki te rangi, kei aku whakateitei ki te whenua, tēnā koutou katoa.
Nei rā te mihi nui ki a koutou katoa e para te huarahi kei mua i ahau.
Ko Miriama Barton ahau,
He uri ahau nō Ngātiwai ki Whangaruru me Te Whānau-ā-Ruataupare.
Ko au tētahi o ngā Kaihautū Māori ki te tari ō Te Wehengarua ō PPTA.
E hīkaka ana au ki te uru atu ki tēnei kāhui. Mā wai? Mā ngā whakatipuranga mō āpōpō.

Helen Pearce (Watson)

Topic: From the Field and the Sideline Observations on leadership from a lifetime in education.

Helen Pearce (Watson) attended Auckland University, and Christchurch Teachers’ College, then taught in girls’ and co-ed secondary schools in Auckland from 1962 to 1985. From the 1970s to 1985, she held office in the Post Primary Teachers’ Association at branch, regional and national level, finally as conveyor of the Sex Equality Advisory Committee. From 1985 to 1991 she was the PPTA’s first Women’s Officer. From 1991 to 2006 she was the field officer in the Auckland Field Office, continuing to work in a relieving capacity since then. She has written on women's activities within PPTA and Auckland Feminist Teachers, and their issues within the profession.

Jan Torrey & Adele Towgood

Topic: Sexual Harm Protocols for Schools

Josh Thurstone

Topic: The new Equity Index for schools and kura, coming Jan 2023

Richard (Dick) Edmundson

I am in my seventh year of being principal at Te Aratai College, formerly Linwood College. Previously I was Hornby HS principal for seven years.  Before being a principal, I was the secondary programme leader of the NZ Graduate School of Education and Deputy Principal at Aranui HS. My first time at Linwood was as an English teacher starting in 1990, the year of Tomorrow’s Schools, and I have taught in other NZ schools and overseas.

Whakawhanaungatanga – the building of positive relationships for learning – is at the heart of a good school and is why I am a teacher.Outside of school I enjoy education (it really is like a hobby for me too), sport, music, reading and politics.

Greg Sharland

Topic: Distributed Leadership - An investigation into post-heroic leadership in New Zealand secondary schools

David Staite

Topic: Effective mentoring practices

Heleen Visser

Topic: What have we learned from gathering data about schools and schooling over time?

Tamara Yuill Proctor 

Topic: A case study of how one urban high school supports teachers to design and connect the curriculum.

Facilitator: Dr. Sarb Johal

An expert on psychosocial recovery and disaster communication, Sarb has advised the UK and New Zealand governments and the World Health Organisation through major national and international crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic. He is a regular guest on RNZ National and other national and international media outlets and runs his own weekly newsletter on Substack: Noise Reduction.

He is the author of three books written over the past two years, including Steady: A Guide to Better Mental Health Through and Beyond the Coronavirus Pandemic, The Little Book of Sleep, and most recently the best-selling Finding Calm: Managing Fear and Anxiety in an Uncertain World. 

Sarb has a PhD from the School of Psychology at the University of Cardiff and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from University College London.

Kate Gainsford 

Tā Mark Solomon 

Tā Mark Solomon is committed to the betterment of his iwi, kotahitanga for Māori and the wider well-being of people and the environment.  He is a strong advocate for the Māori economy and was instrumental in setting up the Iwi Chairs Forum (2005).  He was the elected Kaiwhakahaere (Chair) of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu from 1998 to December 2016 and represented his local Papatipu Rūnanga, Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura from 1995 to December 2016. 

Of Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Kurī descent, Tā Mark’s contribution to his community has been diverse and significant, ranging from roles as a school board trustee, to a past board member of the Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa).  Tā Mark attributes his wider whānau (family) for early guidance and it is this experience that has driven his passion for encouraging educational opportunities for young Māori.  He is a patron of He Toki Ki Te Rika, a Christchurch-based Māori pre-trade training programme, and the related He Toki Ki Te Mahi, an apprenticeship initiative both born from the Christchurch earthquake rebuild.  He believes young Māori should strive for formal training to maximize their talents and to be the best they can be. 

In 2013 he was awarded Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and Business.  In April 2015 he received an Honorary Doctorate from Lincoln University as Doctor of Natural Resources, recognising his enduring interest and concern for our natural environment.  Tā Mark was recently appointed to the National Science Challenge Governance Boards for Sustainable Seas and Deep South which relate to both ensuring our marine environment is understood and cared for and understanding the role of the Antarctic in determining our climate and future environment.   

Tā Mark’s current directorships include Te Ohu Kaimoana, National Science Challenge Governance Boards for the Deep South and Sustainable Seas, Te Tapuae o Rehua and a trustee of Pure Advantage.  He was an original member of the Minister for Māori Affairs Māori Economic Taskforce, established in 2009.

Tā Mark believes a true rangatira is a servant of the people, a fact underpinned by his core philosophy of ‘strength with humility’.  Whilst the commercial success of Ngāi Tahu is acknowledged, Tā Mark is especially proud of the tribe’s achievements in education and the development of the Iwi’s savings scheme Whai Rawa.  Tā Mark is a committed advocate for the sanctity of whānau and takes a strong stance against whānau violence.  He is passionate about his people and is determined to facilitate both iwi and wider Māori success by unlocking the potential of the Māori economy for the good of all.

Melanie Webber  

Melanie wants the best possible education system for students, and knows this doesn’t happen without making sure that teachers are supported both professionally and industrially.

Melanie has always advocated for quality professional development opportunities for secondary teachers and leaders and is excited to be involved with the Leadership Summit, 2022

Tamara Yuill Proctor