From the Chapter President

Kia ora koutou, 

It’s been a strong start to the year for our NZ Chapter, with plenty happening behind the scenes as we set ourselves up for 2026. 

Our year began with our first Committee meeting in February. We’ve got a passionate and well-balanced group representing schools, tertiary, partners and regions right across the country. While we’ve said goodbye to a few valued members who have moved on to new industries, we thank Aroha Webster and Jody Clarke for their contribution to the Committee. At the same time, we’re pleased to welcome two new members, with more about them shared elsewhere in this e-news. 

A big focus for the year ahead is connection, and it’s been great to see this already in action. The first of our regional events began with Wellington in April, followed by Auckland and more recently, Hawke’s Bay. Coming up, we also have the AI PD in Christchurch and the Waikato Networking Morning on 18 June. A huge thank you to our speakers and to everyone who has taken the time to attend. It’s fantastic to see our NZ members coming together to connect, share ideas and talk through current trends across the sector. 

We’re continuing to build out the rest of the calendar, with more regional networking events and professional learning opportunities planned across the country. These moments to connect are a real strength of our Chapter.  

We’re also continuing to support members to attend SIGs and the Building Futures International Conference in Brisbane through travel grants, helping ensure strong NZ representation both locally and internationally. (Please note that the closing date to apply for the NZ Travel Grants to attend the  International Conference in Brisbane, is next Friday 12 June. Apply now so that you don’t miss out!)

Membership continues to grow steadily, which is great to see and a reflection of the strength of our community.  

On the sponsorship front, we are grateful for the continued support of our Principal Chapter Sponsors, EnrolHQ, Giving Architects and NZMS. Their commitment to the NZ Chapter plays an important role in helping us deliver professional development, networking opportunities and member engagement activities across the country. We also extend our sincere thanks to Notice Match and Fundraising Talent Recruitment for their support as Event Sponsors this year. Their contribution has helped us deliver successful Chapter initiatives and provided additional value for our members. We thank all of our Sponsors for their partnership and continued investment in the Advancement profession in New Zealand

Looking ahead, our focus is simple. It’s about continuing to strengthen engagement across the Chapter, growing and diversifying our membership, and creating opportunities for you to connect, learn and share. 

Thanks for being part of the educate+ community. We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at upcoming events. 

Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua 
Those who lead give sight to those who follow; those who follow give life to those who lead 

Kā mihi nui, 

Kirstyn Sandall 
Educate+ Chapter President | NZ Chapter 

General Manager
John McGlashan College

E: kirstyn.sandall@mcglashan.school.nz

Welcome to Our Newest Members

We extend a very warm welcome to our latest Members, who have recently joined us since the last NZ eNewsletter.

We are thrilled to have you as part of our NZ Chapter community!

Below, please find the details of the upcoming ‘New Member Meet-Up’ online event, where you will have the opportunity to hear from the team at educate+, receive assistance in navigating the website and community portal, and meet with colleagues across the Network. We can’t wait to meet you!

Event Details

Date: Tuesday 16 June 2026
Time: 3.00pm-4.00pm NZST
Place: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free for Members

Register Here / Find Out More

Welcome to the following Members have joined the NZ Chapter since the last eNewsletter:

International Conference – NZ Travel Grants Close Next Week!

With more than 800 Delegates expected to attend, the Building Futures International Conference is shaping up to be the defining Advancement event of the year.

If you’re planning to attend, now is the time to secure your place and take advantage of the NZ Travel Grants, which close next week on Friday 12 June.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday 1 – Friday 4 September 2026
Place: Brisbane Conference and Exhibition Centre (BCEC)

Register Here / Find Out More

In a busy Advancement environment, it is easy to become focused on immediate priorities, leaving little time to reflect, explore new ideas or think strategically. As a result, innovation can often give way to routine.

The educate+ Building Futures International Conference provides the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and gain fresh perspectives. Through inspiring Keynote presentations, practical Sessions, case studies and peer discussion, Delegates will discover new ideas, emerging trends and strategies they can apply immediately within their institutions.

Just as importantly, the Conference brings together Advancement professionals from across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, creating valuable opportunities to build connections, share experiences and learn from one another.

Join hundreds of peers in Brisbane and return with new ideas, stronger networks and renewed momentum for the future.

Upcoming Events

You Are Invited…

We invite you to join us at our upcoming events, where you can deepen your professional knowledge, exchange ideas and connect with peers across our community. Whether you are looking to build new skills or strengthen your network, there is an opportunity waiting for you to connect, learn and grow.

	IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENTS THU 4 JUN: Safe and Effective Use of AI in Advancement (PD: Christ’s College Canterbury; Networking: Kong Bar, Christchurch) THU 18 JUN: Waikato Advancement Networking Morning + Next Generation of Giving Conversation (St Paul’s Collegiate School, Hamilton)
	WEBINARS & ONLINE EVENTS WED 10 JUN: WEBINAR | Building Better Faculty Partnerships by Demystifying Fundraising (USA Presenters / Tertiary Focus / All Fundraisers Welcome) TUE 16 JUN: WEBINAR | New Member Meet-Up WED 17 JUN: CONVERSATIONS (Regional) | Competing Differently: The Regional School Advantage THU 18 JUN: CONVERSATIONS (Tertiary) | Building Better Faculty Partnerships by Demystifying Fundraising in Tertiary Institutions THU 13 AUG: CONVERSATIONS (International Student) | Recruitment in a Changing Landscape: Trust, Transparency and What’s Working Now (Part Two: Compliance in Practice)
	ALL CHAPTER IN-PERSON EVENTS TUE 1-FRI 4 SEP: Building Futures International Conference (Brisbane, BCEC) To view Program, CLICK HERE To nominate for an Award, CLICK HERE Hurry – NZ Travel Grants Close Next Week (12 JUN)

When Curriculum Changes, Communication Matters

Curriculum change does not only need to be implemented. It needs to be communicated well. 

When national curriculum and qualification settings change, school leaders need time and space to work through what is changing, how it will be implemented, what it means for learners at different stages, and how teaching staff can be supported and equipped to deliver with confidence. 

But while that internal work is happening, families and students also need to be brought along on the journey. Curriculum change can create uncertainty. Good communication helps people make sense of the change and what they can expect next.   

This is where school Marketing and Communications professionals have an important role to play, helping to ensure families and students are supported through communication that is practical, reassuring and easy to understand. 

From Information to Confidence  

In times of change, it can be tempting to respond by sharing more information: more links, more updates, more policy detail, more FAQs. These have their place. Families need access to accurate information and schools have a responsibility to be transparent.  

But information alone does not always build confidence. 

For many parents and caregivers, curriculum change raises specific concerns. What does this mean for my child? Will they be disadvantaged? How will this affect their learning pathway? What happens if my child is in a transition cohort? Is the school ready?  

These are personal questions as much as practical ones. Good communication anticipates the questions families are likely to ask, rather than simply relaying the detail. It helps families see that the school is thinking carefully about what the changes may mean for students. 

Partnership Matters 

Curriculum change is complex work. School leaders rightly need to focus first on working through the detail, planning implementation, supporting teaching staff, and ensuring students are well served.  

Marketing and Communications professionals can support that work by helping to think through how, when and where key messages are shared with families, students and prospective families, so communication is relevant, accessible and well timed. 

Sometimes it can be helpful that communications professionals are not the curriculum experts in the room. We are often hearing the information for the first time in much the same way families might. If something is unclear to us, there’s a good chance it may be unclear to others too. That perspective can help anticipate questions, identify jargon, and shape communications that are easier for families to follow.  

It is also important not to forget students themselves. In school communications, we often default to thinking about what parents and caregivers need to know. But students, particularly those old enough to recognise that changes may affect their learning pathway, are invested in their own education. They need information shared in ways that are clear, age-appropriate and relevant to their stage of learning.  

Before communicating widely, it can help to pause and ask: What do families and students need to know now? What can wait? What is still emerging? How do we explain this in plain English? How do we connect the detail back to our school’s vision, mission and values?  

Academic and senior leaders bring the expertise. Communications teams help shape the message for different audiences, channels and moments.  

A Trust Moment 

The way a school communicates during periods of change can either build confidence or add to uncertainty. Families notice whether communication is timely, thoughtful and useful, and whether the school appears calm, prepared and focused on students.  

In periods of curriculum reform, families do not want vague reassurance, political commentary or dense policy explanation. They want to know what the changes mean for their child, how the school is preparing, and how students will be supported through the transition. 

That does not mean schools need to have all the answers straight away. It is perfectly acceptable to say that some details are still emerging. The key is to show that the school is paying attention, planning carefully and keeping families informed. 

For marketing and communications professionals, this is where reputation is shaped in very practical ways. A well-written update, a clear parent information evening, a confident enrolment conversation, or a thoughtful FAQ can reinforce trust in the school. 

Communicating Well Through Change 

Some simple principles can help schools communicate curriculum change effectively: 

• Start with the audience, not the policy

• Consider what families and students need to take away, not just what the school needs to explain

• Be clear about what is known, what is still emerging, and when families can expect further updates

• Use plain English and avoid education jargon wherever possible

• Work alongside academic and senior leaders to shape the communication

• Test the message with someone who is not immersed in the curriculum detail. If something is unclear to them, it may also be unclear to families

• Think carefully about what students themselves need to know, and share information in an age-appropriate way

• Anticipate the questions families and students are most likely to ask

• Avoid over-communicating too early, but do not leave a silence where uncertainty can grow

• Connect the change back to the school’s values and commitment to students

For those of us working in school communications, this is familiar territory. We are often helping to take complex information and turn it into something families can use. 

Curriculum change will always require careful academic planning. But it also requires thoughtful communication. When families and students can see the direction, trust the process and feel confident in the school’s approach, change becomes easier to navigate. 

In moments like these, communication is not a finishing touch. It is part of the work. 

Emma Brinck 
Marketing & Communications Manager 
Samuel Marsden Collegiate School 

Talent, Culture and Advancement Team Effectiveness

In education Advancement, it is easy to focus on campaign targets and headline gifts. Yet sustained Fundraising performance rarely hinges on a single strategy. It rests on three fundamentals: the quality of your talent, the strength of your culture, and the effectiveness of your team.

First, talent.
The old idea of hiring one star fundraiser to carry the load is no longer sufficient. Modern advancement is a coordinated effort. Prospect research, data, stewardship, communications and frontline Fundraising must work in step. When roles are unclear or portfolios unrealistic, performance suffers and burnout follows.

Institutions that perform consistently well treat advancement as a profession. They recruit relationship builders, not simply revenue chasers. They provide structured development, coaching and clear expectations. They understand that retaining skilled fundraisers protects donor relationships and institutional memory. High turnover is not just an HR issue. It is a revenue risk.

Second, culture.
Even the strongest team will struggle in an institution that does not genuinely value philanthropy. Advancement effectiveness depends on visible leadership support. When senior leaders and academic heads champion Fundraising, attend donor meetings and speak confidently about impact, it signals that philanthropy advances mission rather than plugs gaps.

A healthy culture of giving is marked by clarity and shared ownership. Board members understand their ambassadorial role. Institution leaders recognise their influence in donor engagement. Success stories are celebrated internally, reinforcing that fundraising fuels academic excellence and student opportunity. Without this alignment, advancement teams are left pushing uphill.

Third, effectiveness.
Clear roles and disciplined systems are essential. Who owns the relationship? Who stewards the donor? Who is accountable for follow up? Professionalism in these areas builds donor confidence and internal efficiency. Metrics matter, but they must support meaningful relationship building rather than encourage box ticking.

This is particularly critical in smaller institutions where two or three people may carry multiple responsibilities. In these environments, cross training, shared accountability and tight communication are vital. Limited size does not excuse limited discipline.

Campaigns succeed because people succeed. If income growth has stalled, the answer may not lie in rewriting the case for support. It may lie in strengthening the team, clarifying expectations and embedding a culture that sees philanthropy as central to the institution’s future.

Invest in your people, and the results will follow.

Article submitted by:

Clive Pedley
CEO and Director
Giving Architects AU | Giving Architects NZ

Meet Our Newest NZ Chapter Committee Members

Welcome to the NZ Chapter Committee…

We are delighted to welcome two new members to the educate+ New Zealand Chapter Committee, with Amanda Booth from Auckland Grammar School and Andrew Delves from Kristin School joining the team. 

Amanda Booth
Communications and Development Office Manager
Auckland Grammar School 

Amanda is the Communications and Development Office Manager at Auckland Grammar School, where she has worked for the past 10 years across Communications, Events, Digital Platforms, Alumni Engagement, and Social Media. 

A keen photographer and storyteller, Amanda is often found capturing school life from the sidelines while also leading the School’s Media Group and the Headmaster’s Heritage Committee, helping preserve and celebrate the rich history of the School community. 

Amanda says one of the things she is most looking forward to about joining the NZ Chapter Committee is building stronger connections with other Marketing & Communications professionals across the education sector. 

“Having been in the education sector for over a decade now, this has really been the first time that I have felt connected with other like-minded people working towards a greater cause,” she says. 

Amanda is passionate about sharing ideas and supporting others, particularly around Marketing, Fundraising, Events, and emerging systems and platforms within schools. 

While she admits she sometimes experiences a touch of “imposter syndrome”, Amanda says being involved with educate+ has helped reinforce the value and importance of Advancement work across New Zealand schools. 

“The educate+ conference last year in Wellington was really fascinating. Being able to step out of my comfort zone and meet some really lovely people has really solidified that the work we do is so important and really valued.” 

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys reading crime thrillers, spending time with friends and family, and helping bring major school events to life. Among her favourites are the annual Leavers’ Dinner, the Augusta Awards celebrating distinguished Old Boys, and the School’s annual Gala Dinner, which transforms the Great Hall into a black-tie fundraising event for 400 guests. 

Andrew Delves 
Communications Lead
Kristin School 

Andrew is the Communications Lead at Kristin School and a proud Kristin alumnus, leading Communications, Publications, and a range of school-wide projects. 

Before moving into the education sector, Andrew spent nearly a decade with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, leading PR and Communications through major international events, including three America’s Cup campaigns. 

Andrew first connected with educate+ during the 2023 NZ Conference in Christchurch and has been an enthusiastic member ever since. 

“I am really excited to be a part of the team,” Andrew says. “I am looking forward to helping shape how the Committee communicates with our members and potential members, as well as the events and opportunities we can create for them.” 

Andrew is passionate about growing awareness of educate+ and encouraging more New Zealand schools and organisations to become involved. 

“The more organisations we can get involved with educate+, the stronger the networking opportunities become and the greater the positive impact on the Advancement space as a whole.” 

For Andrew, one of the greatest benefits of educate+ has been the connections made through conferences and networking opportunities. 

“The range of sessions and speakers is incredible, but the networking opportunities and chats with other Advancement professionals are absolute gold.” 

Outside of work, Andrew’s three young children keep him busy, although he jokes he sometimes comes to work for a break. When he does get downtime, you will often find him outdoors on the ride-on mower or relaxing with live sport on TV once the kids are asleep. 

We are thrilled to welcome both Amanda and Andrew to the NZ Chapter Committee and look forward to the experience, enthusiasm, and ideas they will bring to the educate+ community. 

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

Thank You to our Sponsors

Thank You to our Partners … 

We’d like to extend a huge ‘Thank You’ to our valuable Strategic Partners and Chapter Sponsors, who support educate+ and the NZ Chapter, enabling us to provide wonderful opportunities to our members and non-members.

We ask that you please consider supporting them, so that in turn, they can continue to support us. 

Thank You to our NZ Chapter Sponsors … 

Thank You to our NZ Chapter Event and Promotional Sponsors

Thank You to our Educate Plus Strategic Partners … 

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A New Way to Connect with Colleagues

New Community Circles – A Great Way to Connect…

Did you know … there are now 14 Community Circles up and running on the new educate+ Community Portal!

Becoming a member of a Community Circle connects you with like-minded professionals who understand the realities of Advancement work. It’s a trusted space to ask questions, share ideas, learn from others and contribute your own perspective… and to collectively influence the future of the Advancement industry.

Below is a mix of some of the Circles on offer. If you have an interest in any of the following areas, we invite you to join a Circle: 

• Best Practice Alumni Engagement
• Fundraising Major Gifts
• Digital Safety Issues
• Enquiry to Enrolment – And Everything in Between
• Residential Colleges
• International Student Enrolment
• The Events Network
• Regional Conversations
• People & Culture

To join a Community Circle, or find out more, CLICK HERE

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To keep you to up to date with what’s happening at Educate Plus and within your sector, please connect with us on our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.