Our people
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Meet our leadership team
Our Governing Council is supported by an organisation of about 100 employees led by a chief executive and leadership team.
Get to know our executive team.
Sean McKinley | Chief Executive
Sean is the Chief Executive of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. He brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across the public, regulatory, education, and not-for-profit sectors, with a strong background in professional regulation and public service.
Before joining the Teaching Council, Sean was Chief Executive of Toitū te Waiora and has also held senior leadership roles with Playcentre Aotearoa, the Social Workers Registration Board, the Veterinary Council of New Zealand, YMCA New Zealand, and the New Zealand Psychological Society.
Sean is committed to building strong relationships across the education sector and working in partnership to support safe, high-quality teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Tamahau Te Rau, Pou Kaiāwhā | Deputy Chief Executive
As Deputy Chief Executive (Whanganui, Taranaki Whānui, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngā Wairiki, Ngāti Apa), I’m honoured to help lead the Teaching Council in our journey as a Te Tiriti-led and values-based organisation.
Before joining the Council, my path was one of service - to my people as an iwi education leader, to culture as an advisor, to knowledge as a lecturer in Wānanga and universities, to wellbeing as a health worker, and most importantly, to education as a teacher. I’ve walked alongside learners in kōhanga reo, primary, kura kaupapa, and secondary schools, and those experiences continue to shape everything I do.
Each step has deepened my belief in the power of education, the strength of our heritage, and the responsibility we carry for the generations to come. I see teachers as the heart of our communities, trusted, skilled, and deeply committed, and I’m here to support and uplift the profession so that every kaiako feels valued and empowered.
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