President’s Report
Message from the NZ Presidents for the final EPNZ newsletter of 2025
Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead
As 2025 draws to a close, our NZ Chapter of Educate Plus can look back on a year of innovation, connection, and growth. From record participation at our summit in Wellington, to outstanding regional events across the motu—including a new gathering in Hawke’s Bay—members have embraced opportunities to learn, collaborate and strengthen their practice. The launch from head office of the refreshed Educate Plus brand further signalled our organisation’s energy and confidence in shaping the future of Advancement.
For me personally, the end of this year is bittersweet. As I prepare to move overseas to take up a new and exciting role at Zurich International School, I step down as President with immense pride in what our Chapter has achieved together. It has been a privilege to serve this incredible community, and I leave knowing the chapter is in excellent hands with our new President, Kirstyn Sandall from John McGlashan College, whose experience, warmth, and vision will continue to carry our work forward with strength and joy.
Thank you to all the members who have engaged with me over the past years, and to the wonderful volunteers who have worked alongside me—it has been an honour to share this journey with you. I couldn’t be happier to pass the baton to Kirstyn, and I know you will join me in welcoming and supporting her as she steps into this important role.
Emma Zigan
Outgoing NZ Chapter President
I am incredibly honoured to step into the role of President of the NZ Chapter of Educate Plus. Emma has laid the foundation stones for me to step forward and has further refined our chapter to sit within the strategic priorities of Educate Plus, in an exciting time as our offerings to members are grown. I know that Emma will do amazing things as she moves forward but we are incredibly sad to be that she will be leaving our shores. Luckily in German, it is never goodbye but rather until we see each over again. Emma, Auf Wiedersehen. We thank you for your leadership, laughter and guidance over your time as President and wish you every success and delicious pastry in Zürich.
For those of you who do not know me, I am General Manager at John McGlashan College in Dunedin. A role that sees me involved in marketing, alumni, fundraising, enrolments, people and culture and international student care and recruitment.
As we look ahead, I am excited to work with the New Zealand Chapter Committee to continue to enhance the impact and engagement of our chapter, ensuring every member finds tangible value in their connection with Educate Plus and to one another. Your time, talent, and passion are the greatest assets we have in the advancement space. I invite you to join our committees, attend our events, and share your ideas.
I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.
With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive
Kā mihi nui,
Kirstyn Sandall
Incoming NZ Chapter President
General Manager,
John McGlashan College
e: kirstyn.sandall@mcglashan.school.nz
