Connecting, Learning and Growing Across New Zealand

The Educate Plus NZ Chapter has enjoyed a strong run of Regional Networking events across the country over recent months, bringing Advancement professionals together to connect, learn, and share ideas. 

In Wellington, colleagues gathered at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School for a highly engaging session focused on AI in school Advancement. Dr Amanda Williamson from the Deloitte NZ AI Institute challenged attendees to think differently about the rapidly evolving AI landscape, sharing practical applications already being used across Advancement teams, from content creation and meeting summaries through to workflow efficiencies and donor engagement. The event sparked valuable discussion around both the opportunities and risks of AI within schools, while also providing plenty of opportunities for networking and connection across the region.  

The Auckland networking event, hosted by Dilworth School, welcomed Advancement colleagues for a morning of professional development centred around campaign readiness and donor-centric Fundraising. Clive Pedley from Giving Architects shared practical insights into the foundations required for successful capital campaigns, encouraging attendees to consider leadership alignment, stakeholder engagement, and common pitfalls that can impact long-term success. We are grateful to Fundraising Talent Recruitment for their support of the professional development workshop, helping make this learning opportunity possible for members.

Attendees also heard how the development of St Patrick’s Chapel at Dilworth School became an opportunity to strengthen community engagement and connection. Through a tour of the chapel and reflections from the Dilworth team, participants gained valuable insights into how a significant capital project can be used to build relationships, inspire philanthropy and deepen community pride.

Meanwhile, the Hawke’s Bay regional networking event continued to build momentum in its second year, with 18 attendees from schools across the region gathering at Woodford House. Principal, Julie Peterson shared the strategic vision of the College and how this aligns with the highly successful Shine Strengths programme, giving attendees valuable insight into the intentional culture and direction behind one of New Zealand’s leading girls’ boarding schools. The morning also included a tour of the College, along with breakout focus group sessions where attendees shared successes, discussed current challenges within their areas, and exchanged ideas with colleagues from across the region. These conversations proved to be an especially valuable part of the morning and highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for regional connection and collaboration. 

A huge thank you must go to all of our NZ Chapter Committee members involved in helping facilitate these regional events, along with our generous hosts and outstanding speakers who continue to give their time, expertise, and support to strengthen the Advancement profession across New Zealand. 

HAWKES BAY

AUCKLAND