From the Chapter President

Kia ora koutou, 

As we head into the last quarter of the year, there is tremendous energy across our region and the wider educate+ network. From our advocacy efforts to the NZ Chapter involvement in the International Conference in Brisbane, I am pleased to share a brief update on the mahi of our New Zealand Chapter Committee and the educate+ Board. 

At an organisational level, educate+ is finalising its Advancement Career Pathways Framework, which was launched at the Conference and will be shared with our members in coming months. This framework will define professional standards across our sector and provide greater clarity around career development and progression. A pilot programme for a new Advisory Services offering is also under way, aimed at providing tailored strategic guidance to institutional leaders. 

We have also been actively supporting institutions to voice their concerns about the Government’s proposed 33.3 per cent tax credit cap on annual donations exceeding $100,000. This proposal would limit the tax credit available rather than the value of donations themselves. educate+ issued a member briefing outlining the potential impact on institutions that rely on philanthropy and launched a survey to help shape our advocacy. Members have also been encouraged to engage with their local MPs and relevant Ministers. 

Advocacy and professional support are at the heart of how educate+ serves you and your organisation. 

It was wonderful to catch up with nearly 50 NZ Chapter members at the recent educate+ International Conference in Brisbane. With over 800 registrations, it was a fantastic event, and we are thrilled that so many of our New Zealand Chapter members made the trip. 

  • Excellence Awards: Congratulations to the NZ finalists in this year’s Excellence Awards. We are thrilled to announce that the following institutions were successful in winning their Category: Hereworth School (Admissions Campaign) and Queen Margaret College (Marketing Campaign – Video) 
  • Sector strategic alliances: educate+ continues to strengthen its relationships with ISNZ and AISNZ and was represented at both organisations’ recent conferences.  

Connecting is not only about looking outwards or further afield. It is also about strengthening the relationships on our own doorsteps. With our 2026 regional networking series nearly complete, I would like to extend a huge thank you to our host institutions, Chapter Committee and Head Office teams for bringing our community together across Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Havelock North, Christchurch, Dunedin and Palmerston North (Register for the Palmerston North event on 14 Oct here). 

Thank you for your continued commitment to our Chapter, our profession and one another. 

E tū kahikatea, hei whakapae ururoa. 
Awhi mai, awhi atu, tātou, tātou e. 

Kahikatea stand together, their roots intertwined, strengthening one another. 
We support one another, and together we are strong. 

Ngā mihi nui, 

 

Kirstyn Sandall 
Educate+ Chapter President | NZ Chapter 

General Manager
John McGlashan College

E: kirstyn.sandall@mcglashan.school.nz