President’s Report

Happy New Year everyone! It’s a pleasure to write this report as President of our NZ Chapter and I look forward to a fabulous 2017.

Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, is quoted as saying “change is the only constant in life” and we are certainly in a period of change in more ways than one, both locally and internationally.   How we adapt to change is determined by the innovative ways we adapt in order to be sustainable and successful.  

Recently our NZ Chapter Committee has had a number of significant changes, and I want to acknowledge the remarkable work done by our outgoing NZ Chapter President Catherine Boyer, who, together with Jo Brady (also outgoing), did an incredible job with the amalgamation of our Chapter to bring us more closely aligned with our Australian counterparts.  This dedicated duo devoted enormous amounts of their energy, time and expertise to ensure the smooth transition of this amalgamation and to keep our New Zealand members well informed, thank you sincerely and we wish you all the best.

So with the changes to our committee, I would like to introduce you to our new NZ Chapter Committee for 2017 and their respective portfolios.  I know that as a group we will be able to continue the great work that has been done so far.

Janice Lapwood – President.  University of Waikato (Scholarships; ( 2017 NZ Chapter Wellington Conference, Australasian EducatePlus Board)

Amanda Stanes – Vice-President.  Auckland Grammar School (Scholarships; 2018 International Conference committee)

Naomi Wilde – Secretary.  Lincoln University (Communications, Sponsor Stewardship)

John Godfrey – Treasurer.  College House Christchurch (Scholarships)

Martine Foster.   Samuel Marsden Collegiate School Wellington (2017 NZ Chapter Wellington Conference, Sponsor Stewardship)

Vicki Fowler.  Westlake Girls Auckland (Future First Global, state school engagement)

Chris Klaassen.  Sacred Heart Auckland (SIEBA, 2018 International Conference committee)

Patricia McGarr.  Victoria University Wellington (2017 NZ Chapter Wellington Conference)

Leonie Partridge.  The University of Canterbury ( 2018 International Conference – tertiary stream)

Carolyn Prebble.  Kings School (Membership; 2018 International Conference committee)

Lynn Smith.  St Andrews College, Christchurch (2017 NZ Chapter Wellington Conference)

Debbie Cook (seconded for the 2018 International Conference committee)

In order for our Chapter to remain sustainable, we need to accept that we must grow and meet the demands of our changing landscape.  We need to communicate with our friends and colleagues on both sides of the Tasman and take the time to gather information.  We then need to articulate a plan of where we are at as a Chapter and focus on where we want to be.    

This month I will be attending my first Australasian Board Meeting along with a Strategy Planning day with other Chapter Presidents.  I look forward to sharing the outcomes of these meetings with our Chapter members at the  and NZ Chapter Conference in Wellington (24 -25 August).   Incidentally, the theme for our NZ Chapter this year is Sustainability, so I welcome your feedback on how we can build upon this as a group.

Ngaa mihi,

Janice Lapwood, F.EdPlus

President, EducatePlus New Zealand