Committee Member in the Spotlight – Amanda Stanes

Meet one of your dedicated NZ Committee members – Amanda Stanes. Amanda is your NZ Committee Vice President and is the Director of Advancement at Auckland Grammar School.

What do you like most about Educate Plus?

I love the camaraderie and genuine interest that members have for each other. I have always operated under the mantra “ it is all about co-opertition”.  In other words, there are more ways we can co-operate and collaborate than the times when we may be in competition – be it for the attention of a shared alumni, enrolment or a donor.  However, being respectful and understanding other people’s stances helps enormously in ensuring we can all grow the Advancement pie, rather than squabble over our piece of it.

How has Educate Plus helped you in your career development?

I think Educate Plus validates the work of an Advancement/ Development professional. There wouldn’t be many people who would perhaps consider a career in this work and I probably fell into the work 20 years ago, but today it is a profession with accreditation.  

What is the most rewarding part of your Director of Advancement role at Auckland Grammar School?

Relationships are probably the most rewarding.  I first met some of Grammar’s Old Boys when I was Development Manager at Auckland Museum, and then I took those relationships with me to the University of Auckland.  Today, they are still people I know and they can trust me as we have a shared background.

How did you first learn about Educate Plus?

When I started in alumni management at the University of Canterbury back in 1994 I was involved with ADAPE NZ.  It was a fledgling organisation both in New Zealand and Australia and it was mostly tertiary organisations. It was an amazing way to meet with colleagues and to share common issues.    

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

My family.  I love them to bits, even if they drive me nuts at times. I’m very fortunate to have a blended family so my husband, daughter, three step-sons and their wives, and four step-grandchildren, plus I have three nieces who also keep me busy.

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

A student holiday job picking dry lupin seeds in Potu on the Kaipara Harbour.  Do you know how many hours it takes to pick a kilogram of dry seeds!? I didn’t when I started, but I did by the time I finished….far too long! 

What does being an Educate Plus member mean to you?

It means being part of an internationally recognized professional body that maintains an ethical stance on all Advancement/ Development matters. It also means having great colleagues to call upon and learn from.

How do you define success?

When a donor is happy and their gift is something they are proud of and they see it making a difference. I love watching a donor meet an award or scholarship recipient and hearing them share their passion and story.

Tell us something about you that might surprise us.

I was once a fully warranted Traffic Officer (Education) with the Ministry of Transport.  I had a vehicle with flashing lights, had the power to arrest and all the responsibility that carried. I also had a great time teaching road safety from K to Yr 12 and often to adults as well.  It was an amazing job.

NZ Vice President
Amanda Stanes
Director of Advancement
Auckland Grammar School
a.stanes@ags.school.nz