Meet your successful candidates of the Governing Council elections!
Find out more about each of your seven successful candidates who start their three year term from 1 July 2025.
ECE teachers: Leanne Stewart
Location: Christchurch, Canterbury
Academic qualifications
I am currently completing a master’s degree in specialist teaching which will be endorsed in Early Intervention and will be completed in June 2025. I have a Post Graduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching which has been endorsed in Early Intervention, a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, and a National Certificate in Early Childhood Education.
Current position
I am an Early Intervention Teacher at The Champion Centre in Christchurch and have been involved with the centre for over four and a half years. The Champion Centre is a multi-disciplinary service where I am fortunate to work alongside other professionals such as Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Music Specialists, Social Workers, Child Psychologists and Early Childhood Educators. My role is to support and teach young children who have complex needs and/or disabilities, fostering their learning and development together with their parents, families and whānau.
Active teaching experience
I have been involved in early childhood education since 2002, studying and working at ECE centre's within Christchurch, before having my own children in 2010. I was fortunate to attend Playcentre with my children, returning to ECE employment as a Playcentre Coordinator in 2017 alongside completing the Post Graduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching.
In 2018, I became involved at the Champion Centre, firstly as a student, and when qualified at the end of 2018, I became an Early Intervention Teacher, transition to school coordinator, and most recently, a programme team leader. Over the last two years I have also had part-time learning support and relief teaching roles at various special character schools and the Southern Health School. This experience has further enhanced my specialist teaching practice.
I have almost completed a master's degree in Specialist Teaching, while continuing to work as an Early Intervention Teacher at the Champion Centre.
Governance experience
Ellesmere District Kāhui Ako ECE Lead Representative – Term 1, 2018 – Term 3, 2019.
Personal interests
I live in rural Canterbury with my husband and two children. I love to spend time with my family and friends, especially outdoors, exploring all that creation and Canterbury have to offer. As a family we enjoy hiking and walking in mountains, hills or along the coast. I have a love for learning and am always looking at ways to grow both personally and professionally, whether that is through formal study, or setting a personal goal or challenge!
Profile statement
I am a skilled and experienced Early Intervention Teacher and Early Childhood Teacher. I have over 20 years’ combined experience as both a professional and parent in the sector, with specialist education expertise in a range of areas. I am incredibly passionate about advocating for children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties, and standing in the gap alongside their parents, family and whānau to ensure that all children have access to an education where they can thrive and experience a sense of belonging.
I believe that teachers across sectors within New Zealand deserve to be better supported and equipped in understanding how to teach our diverse learners, and given the tools to partner with parents, families and whānau as soon as their tamariki enter our education system. I would love the opportunity to be on the Governing Council, advocating and being a voice for both the ECE and Special Education sectors.
ECE service leaders: Cathy Wilson
Location: Wellington
Academic qualifications
Bachelor of Education (Teaching) ECE);
Association Montessori Internationalè (AMI) Diploma (3-6 years);
Association Montessori Internationale, Orientation 0-3 Years, 6-12 Years, 12-18 Years;
Institute of Directors, The Board's Role in Mental Health and Wellbeing, Data Governance, Governance Essentials, Kotahitanga - Principles of Māori Governance.
Current position
Chief Executive Montessori Aotearoa NZ
Active teaching experience
2011 – 2015: Deputy Principal, Wā Ora Montessori School;
2001 - 2011: Head Teacher, Wā Ora Montessori School;
1999 – 2000: Teacher, Wā Ora Montessori School;
1998 – 1999: Directress, Upper Valley Montessori Pre-school.
Governance experience
Member, Te Rito Maioha Board, 2023 - current;
Panel Member, Teaching Council Aotearoa: Competence Authority, 2023 - current;
Member, Transforming Education Australasia, 2021 - current;
Member, ECE Steering Group: Teachers Pay Equity Claim, 2020 - current;
Stakeholder, Education Review Office, 2020 - current;
Stakeholder, Teaching Council of Aotearoa, 2019 - current;
Member, Police and Education Partnership, 2018 - current;
Member, National Education Leaders Partnership Forum, 2018 - current ;
Member, Ministry of Education: Education Outside the Classroom, 2018 - current;
Stakeholder, Ministry of Education: Early Childhood Advisory Group, 2016 – current;
Member, Ministry of Education: The Early Learning Action Plan (ELAP), 2018 - 2019;
Member, Ministry of Education: Te Whariki 2017 review, 2016 - 2017.
Further previous governance groups can be supplied on request.
Personal interests
Mountain biking, going to the gym, water skiing but most importantly my family.
Profile statement
I am passionate about delivering quality education across all ECE service types, backed by years of experience in the sector. Having led and worked alongside teaching teams, I understand the unique challenges we face, which I continue to address in my current role. I am actively involved in government groups shaping ECE policy advocating for tamariki and the teaching profession. I am completely committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. In my role, I design the Montessori strategic plan with the Board and lead its implementation. This, combined with my deep knowledge of ECE issues I believe I’m able to think strategically to support the Teaching Council to focus on what matters most. With my extensive experience, commitment and passion for education, I am confident that I can bring valuable insight and support as the ECE Service Leader representative on the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Primary teachers: Liam Rutherford
Location: Palmerston North
Academic qualifications
Massey University - Master of Philosophy (in Education) — 2009-2011
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa - Certificate in Te Ao Māori — 2010-2010
Massey University College of Education - Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching with Honours — 2005-2008
Current position
Senior Leadership Team at Ross Intermediate since 2017 (with a break between 2020 and 2022 as I was President of NZEI Te Riu Roa).
Active teaching experience
Classroom Teacher at Ross Intermediate 2009.
Team Leader between 2015 and 2016.
Senior Leadership Team 2017 to present.
Governance experience
Extensive governance experience across unions and not-for-profits.
National Executive of NZEI Te Riu Roa between 2014 and 2024. Included 3 years as President and 5 years as chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
Board Member of MUCESA Charitable Trust since 2013 - the trust supports training and PCT teachers in their development outside of literacy and numeracy.
Board Member of Digits Charitable Trust since 2017 - the trust focuses on solving digital inclusion issues in the Manawatū.
Board Member of UnionAid since 2023.
Board Member of National Advocacy Trust since 2024.
Personal interests
Ko Wai Au?
Ko Tararua te maunga.
Ko Punahau te awa.
I tipu ake au ki Horowhenua.
E noho ana au ki Papaioea.
Ko Ashhurst taku kainga noho.
He tangata Tiriti ahau
Ko Rutherford te whanau.
Ko Colin McDonald rāua Ko Pat Bird ōku Kaumātua
Ko Aeisha taku wahine.
Ko Max Huatoa raua Millie Rangimarae aku tamariki
Ko Liam taku ingoa.
Family, Cricket, Football, and Running, Politics, Podcasts.
Profile statement
Kia ora koutou
Ma te kotahitanga e whai kaha ai tātau. - In unity, we have strength.
I will be an advocate for teachers and the challenges we face and a champion of the amazing work that takes place across classrooms and schools every day.
Teachers want to feel they get value for the certification fees they pay and this requires experiencing high quality services and to see the Teaching Council fighting for issues that reflect them.
My decision making will be driven by a desire to see the teaching profession being led by teachers and centering equity, wellbeing, and progress of ākonga.
Areas that I am particularly interested in advocating around include valuing the role of teachers, grounding our profession in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, initial teacher education, inclusive education, learning support, and the role of AI in Education.
Primary principals: Pat Newman
Location: Whangarei Te Tai Tokerau
Academic qualifications
Ko Hikaroroa te mauka
Ko Waikowaiti te awa
Ko Kaā waka; ko Uruao, ko Araiteuru ko Takitimu hoki
Ko Waitaha, Mamoe, Kai Tahu ka iwi
Ko te hapū ko Kati Huirapa
Ko te Marae te Puketeraki
Ko Pat Newman ahau
MNZM. T.T.C. Dip Ed(Waikato) B.Ed.(Massey) Dip Tchg. ANZPF. FNZEI
Current position
Principal Hora Hora School Whangarei
Active teaching experience
1976-1976: Opotiki Primary, Bay of Plenty, A Scale(BT)
1977 – 1978: Pakuranga Intermediate, Auckland, A Scale(BT)
1979 – 1982: Bay of Islands Intermediate, Te Tai Tokerau, A Scale(BT)
1981: Tutamoe, Te Tai Tokerau , Principal Seconded 1 term
1982-1985: Arohena, King Country/Waikato Principal
1985-1987: Tirohanga, King Country/Waikato, Principal
1988-1990: Omarama, Central Otago, Principal
1990-1999: Seddon, Marlborough, Principal
1999-Now: Hora Hora, Te Tai Tokerau, Principal
Governance experience
1981 – Now
Experienced principal of schools, isolated rural to city.
1995 – 2007
Elected National Executive, NZPF. Membership Convenor. Organised original Email Tree. NZPF Representative NZEI Negotiating team for two principal collectives.
1996 – 2022
Te Akatea - Maori Principals.
1973 – Now
NZEI Member, have held various offices at a local/regional/national level. FNZEI
2005 – 2006
National President New Zealand Principals’ Federation, Public Spokesperson for NZPF.
2007
Immediate Past President New Zealand Principals’ Federation
2007 – 2023
President of Te Tai Tokerau Principals
2023
TTPA Immediate Past. Spokesperson
2007 – 2010
Team Solutions Advisory Board
2002 – 2006
Member NZ Principal Leadership Council Massey University
2007 - 2014
Treasurer Hikurangi Rugby Northland
2008 – 2016
Elected Principals’ Representative Teachers Council. Chair Audit Risk Committee. Complaints Assessment Committee Member.
2019 – Now
Elected by NZ Primary Principals to the Education Council of Aotearoa. Currently member Risk and Audit Committee.
Personal interests
Slayer of Political Soothsayers!
Reading Fiction - this could include much from MOE these days, camping, politics, television, wine beer tasting in various formats, fishing (If you call my results such) and food!
Profile statement
Our profession as a whole, our role within the profession as principals, is under attack to a degree that I have never encountered before.
Six Council members including the Chair will be appointed by the Minister, but only after approval by the Honors and Appointments Committee lead by Luxon, Seymour and Jones.
Who will be appointed? This makes your vote so so important. This is a time for real experience and real fortitude in your representative. Most of you know that I certainly fit that description!
In my time on NZTC, I have very strongly advocated for Primary Principals at the table, where Principals needs and views could easily be swamped!
The next 3 years is about you having strong, experienced advocacy. It’s about you having a representative with the experience, courage and the passion to ensure principals and our profession are heard strongly. It’s about making that difference.
Secondary teachers: Simon Curnow
Location: Blenheim
Academic qualifications
BA, Dip. Arts, Dip. Tchg.
Current position
Curriculum Leader Languages at Marlborough Girls' College, teaching French in a department teaching French, Japanese and Te Reo Maori
Active teaching experience
Selwyn College 1982-84, Rangitoto College 1985-87 Teacher of French and Classical Studies
Sacred Heart College 1987-1994 HOD Languages and Classics, University of Auckland French and Education Departments 1994-99, King's College HOD Languages 1999-2018, Berkhamsted School 2012-13 HOD French.
Governance experience
Secretary, Auckland Association of Language Teachers 1992-95, Regional Officer NZ Assn. of Language Teachers 1993-1996, Vice President NZ Assn. of French Teachers 1995-98 & 2001-04, President NZ Assn. of Language Teachers, Foreign Languages Co-ordinator Assn of Cambridge Schools in NZ, National Executive member of PPTA 2019-24.
Personal interests
Listening to music played on original instruments, watching water polo (my body won't let me play now.)
Profile statement
Kia ora koutou, no Kernowek oku tipuna.
I would like to use this position to advocate for a reduction in fees for Teacher Registration. There must be creative ways for doing this through the Ministry of Education and School Boards. If budgeted for, the real costs for the average school would not be prohibitive on a yearly basis.
A simplification of the Standards for the Teaching Profession and the Educational Leadership Capability Framework is needed. Too often these documents are used in a pedantic manner to create a rod for hard-working teachers' backs. Accountability needs to go both ways - bottom up as well as top down.
The Teacher's Council should work, in conjunction with NZQA, to attract teachers from different parts of the world to the profession. Recognition of overseas qualifications needs to be re-examined and expanded.
Secondary principals: Patrick Walsh
Location: Auckland
Academic qualifications
MA (Hons) LLB (Hons) Dip Tchg, Dip SM
Current position
Headmaster/Tumuaki
Active teaching experience
40 years
Governance experience
President of Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand (SPANZ) - 3 years
Chair of SIEBA - 4 years
President of SPANZ Union - 2 years
Deputy Chair of New Zealand Teaching Council
President of Australia New Zealand Education Law Association (NZ Chapter)
Personal interests
Fishing
Gardening
Reading
Gym
Profile statement
Service to Secondary Principals
- 10 years SPANZ Executive
- 3 years President SPANZ Professional
- 2 years President SPANZ Union
- Member Bargaining Team, SPANZ Union - last 4 Collective Agreements
- Member NZ Teachers Council Disciplinary Tribunal, 9 years
- 4 years Board Chair SIEBA
- 20 years’ experience in Principalship, co-ed, single sex, mixed decile schools
- Pro bono legal advice to colleagues throughout Aotearoa New Zealand
Secondary Principal Voice on the New Zealand Teaching Council
I would be honoured to serve Secondary School Principals advocating for:
- ITE Providers to recruit only high-quality candidates and produce ‘school ready’ graduates.
- Apply a high trust model and user-friendly process for Principals wanting to secure LAT’s.
- Direct and timely advice for Principals reporting teachers with competency and serious misconduct issues.
- Greater support and communication with Principals dealing with frivolous and vexatious complaints about them from parents.
Teacher educators: Lynette Brice
Location: Ōtautahi, Christchurch
Academic qualifications
Doctor of Education
Master of Teaching and Learning
PGDip Teaching (Secondary)
Bachelor of Arts
Dip. Children's literature
Current position
Principal Academic, Open Polytechnic, Initial Teacher Education
The Open Polytechnic opened programmes in Initial Teacher Eduaction late in 2022, when I joined the Initial Teacher Education team. My role, initially as Degree Leader and then as Principal Academic (equivalent to Associate Professor) is to provide course leadership & facilitation of learning on-line, to oversee review marking, moderation of marks, academic integrity in assigned courses, and to make an on-going research contribution, with publication and dissemination of that contribition. I act as Visiting Academic for in-school observation of ākonga teaching, liaising with Associate Teachers and others in the development of beginning teachers and am fully involved in the interview and selection of candidates.
Active teaching experience
Villa Maria College: 2000-2008 Acting Deputy Principal/ Year 12 & Year 13 Dean / Teacher English & Media Studies / TiC provisionally registered teachers & teachers new to the College/Specialist Classroom Teacher, Co-ordinator in-school RAFA project/ TiC Careers, Transition and Foundation
Karanga Mai Young Parents College: 2009-2016 Director/kaiwhakahaere
Open Polytechnic: 2016-2018 Head of School Foundation & Bridging
Open Polytechnic: 2018-2020 Professional Practice Leader
Open Polytechnic: 2020-2022 Manager Learner Engagement & Success
Open Polytechnic: 2023 - present: Principal Academic Initial Teacher Education
Governance experience
Trustee & Secretary Te Aratai Linwood College Foundation - Charitable Trust (current)
Flexible Learning Association of New Zealand: Vice president 2018-2020
Chairperson: Association of Teen Parent Educators NZ (2011-15)
Chairperson: Social Services Waimakariri (2012–15)
Personal interests
I am an active person who enjoys the outdoors and the gym. I love an early morning walk and appreciate quiet evenings reading or watching netflix. I've done my share of travelling, but now I believe that any future journeys must have a purpose and should be about what I can give back to the place I'm visiting. I have two beautiful mokopuna but I'm nervous about the state of the world we live in and constantly look for ways of increasing awareness around the issues of our times, and living with greater integrity.
Profile statement
Having left school at 15, my life was transformed through re-entry to education in my 30's and then again entering the teaching profession in my 40's. I became a curious leader in secondary and tertiary education, driven by the value of equity enacted through ideals of awhi and aroha. I am known for demonstration of personal integrity, commitment, determination, for thought leadership, and for my ability to influence and deliver. I know how important it is to have teachers in schools who understand that this mahi is complex and difficult, that they will be challenged and tested on every level, that they will need to draw from inner resources they don't yet know they have. I also know how rewarding this mahi is, how they will grow into the role, becoming stronger, more confident with every success, with every ākonga transformation they will influence. In this, I hope to tautoko.