President’s Report

Message from the NZ Presidents for the final EPNZ newsletter of 2025 

Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead 

As 2025 draws to a close, our NZ Chapter of Educate Plus can look back on a year of innovation, connection, and growth. From record participation at our summit in Wellington, to outstanding regional events across the motu—including a new gathering in Hawke’s Bay—members have embraced opportunities to learn, collaborate and strengthen their practice. The launch from head office of the refreshed Educate Plus brand further signalled our organisation’s energy and confidence in shaping the future of Advancement. 

For me personally, the end of this year is bittersweet. As I prepare to move overseas to take up a new and exciting role at Zurich International School, I step down as President with immense pride in what our Chapter has achieved together. It has been a privilege to serve this incredible community, and I leave knowing the chapter is in excellent hands with our new President, Kirstyn Sandall from John McGlashan College, whose experience, warmth, and vision will continue to carry our work forward with strength and joy.  

Thank you to all the members who have engaged with me over the past years, and to the wonderful volunteers who have worked alongside me—it has been an honour to share this journey with you. I couldn’t be happier to pass the baton to Kirstyn, and I know you will join me in welcoming and supporting her as she steps into this important role. 

Emma Zigan 
Outgoing NZ Chapter President 

e: emmazigan@gmail.com

I am incredibly honoured to step into the role of President of the NZ Chapter of Educate Plus.  Emma has laid the foundation stones for me to step forward and has further refined our chapter to sit within the strategic priorities of Educate Plus, in an exciting time as our offerings to members are grown. I know that Emma will do amazing things as she moves forward but we are incredibly sad to be that she will be leaving our shores. Luckily in German, it is never goodbye but rather until we see each over again. Emma, Auf Wiedersehen. We thank you for your leadership, laughter and guidance over your time as President and wish you every success and delicious pastry in Zürich.   

For those of you who do not know me, I am General Manager at John McGlashan College in Dunedin.  A role that sees me involved in marketing, alumni, fundraising, enrolments, people and culture and international student care and recruitment.   

As we look ahead, I am excited to work with the New Zealand Chapter Committee to continue to enhance the impact and engagement of our chapter, ensuring every member finds tangible value in their connection with Educate Plus and to one another.  Your time, talent, and passion are the greatest assets we have in the advancement space. I invite you to join our committees, attend our events, and share your ideas.  

I look forward to connecting with you soon! 

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. 

With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive 

Kā mihi nui, 

Kirstyn Sandall
Incoming NZ Chapter President 

General Manager,
John McGlashan College

e: kirstyn.sandall@mcglashan.school.nz

Welcome to Our Newest Members

We can’t wait to meet you!

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!

New Member Meet-Up

We invite all of our new members to join colleagues from across Australasia, at the next New Member Meet-Up as follows:

Date: Thursday 27 November 2025
Time: 1pm-2pm AEDT
Venue: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free (Member-only event)

To Register: Click here

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

Learning, connection and inspiration in the Capital – Reflections from the 2025 Summit.  

Under the theme ‘Make Tomorrow – Creating the Future Together’, the Educate Plus NZ Chapter Summit, held in Wellington on 19–20 August, brought together advancement, development and marketing professionals from across Aotearoa for two days of learning, connection and inspiration. 

The theme set the tone perfectly, a reminder that the work we do in schools and tertiary institutions is about shaping the future, not just responding to the present. Supported by the Educate Plus Travel Grant programme, a number of members were able to attend and have shared their reflections on what was an energising and impactful professional development experience. 

A summit of shared purpose 

From the opening sessions to Glen Denham’s powerful closing keynote on authentic leadership and resilience, delegates were reminded that our work in education is not transactional, it’s transformational. The Summit theme, ‘Make Tomorrow’, resonated deeply across the programme, reinforcing the shared belief that by collaborating, innovating and learning from one another, we can build stronger communities and more sustainable advancement programmes for the future. 

Attendees spoke of the renewed sense of purpose that came from hearing honest stories of leadership, cultural authenticity and community building. As one noted, the event “reinforced that our efforts go far beyond transactional interactions, it’s about belonging, storytelling and people.” 

Practical tools and real-world strategy 

The summit’s strength lay in its practical, immediately usable content. Dr Alan Watkinson’s Creating the Future – Capital Campaign Success provided a roadmap for effective fundraising, with clear strategies around case development, leadership engagement and donor stewardship. Karla Paotonu’s Restarting a Development Programme offered structure and first-step guidance, while Russell Davidson’s Do More with Less shared innovative ways to build alumni communities through low-cost, high-impact ideas like generation badges, special-interest clubs, and alumni-student connection events 

Maria English’s Measuring Impact session inspired delegates to better link data to storytelling, showing how evidence-based reporting can build donor trust and deepen alumni relationships 

Embracing innovation and change 

New technologies and creative communication were strong threads throughout the programme. 
The AI in the Advancement Office masterclass proved one of the most talked-about sessions, equipping attendees with simple, ethical workflows to streamline writing, automate routine tasks and “work smarter not harder” 
 
Hone Paul’s workshop on cultural rebranding and the integration of Te Reo Māori into institutional storytelling resonated deeply with participants, while Amy Woodley-Davis’s session on brand storytelling and Jayne-Ann Young’s reflections on leading change at Queen Margaret College highlighted the importance of authenticity in every message we share. 

The Power of community 

Every report echoed the same sentiment, that the opportunity to connect face-to-face was as valuable as the learning itself. Delegates described the atmosphere as collegial, supportive, and inspiring. “Working in advancement can sometimes feel siloed,” one attendee wrote, “so the chance to share wins, challenges, and a sense of camaraderie was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.” 

Informal networking, from coffee conversations to the Giving Architects welcome event at Queen Margaret College all sparked new friendships and collaborations that will continue long after the summit ended. 

Diverse voices, shared Learning 

From privacy law to archives, from pedagogy and promotion to data-driven fundraising, the breadth of topics reflected the strength of the Educate Plus community. 
 
Sessions such as Privacy Consciousness – Enabling Advancement through the Effective Use of Privacy Law and The Stories We Share: Archives for Community Engagement encouraged participants to reflect on ethics, consent and storytelling in the digital age. 

Others were inspired by sessions highlighting service, equity and purpose, “a reminder of the privilege and responsibility that come with working in education,” as one delegate put it 

The quality of speakers, the diversity of sessions and the willingness of everyone to share their knowledge made this Summit “one of the best Educate Plus events yet.” 

The value of professional development 

Across all reports, gratitude was a recurring theme, gratitude for the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. Many noted that the insights gained are already influencing strategy, engagement and communications within their schools. “The value of the information I left with far outweighs the financial outlay,” one wrote, while another said simply, “I left feeling recharged and reminded of the impact we can have when we lead with purpose and heart.” 

Acknowledging the team behind the summit 

The NZ Chapter Committee extends thanks to everyone who made the Wellington summit such a success from our presenters and facilitators, venue hosts, sponsors and every volunteer who gave their time and energy to create a warm and seamless event experience. Special thanks also go to Giving Architects for hosting the welcome event, and to Victoria University of Wellington for providing such an excellent venue (and lunches that became a highlight in their own right!). 

Most importantly, thank you to every delegate who attended, shared, laughed and learned together. Your passion and professionalism embody the true meaning of ‘Make Tomorrow – Creating the Future Together’. Through your curiosity, collaboration and commitment to our sector, you are helping shape a stronger future for advancement in Aotearoa. 

Total immersion – Visiting Scholar at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy 

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of being a visiting scholar at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in Indiana, USA, and was the first ‘kiwi’ at the school. 

The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, Indianapolis, is unique in that it not only teaches philanthropy from a bachelor’s degree through to doctoral level, but it also has a number of research institutes and a fundraising school.  

Alongside my role as Director, Alumni and Development at Lincoln University in New Zealand, I am studying part-time towards my doctorate. I spent two months immersed at the Lilly School as a Visiting Scholar, and alongside my study and research, I took two courses at The Fund Raising School. I met some incredible people along the way from not only from all corners of the USA but from around the world.   

I am very grateful to Lincoln University for granting me study leave and the opportunity to immerse myself in my academic research and the practice of philanthropy in the USA. I wish to acknowledge the University of Canterbury, with whom I am a postgraduate student, for their support. And I would like to express my immense gratitude to the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and to Dr Kathi Badertscher, Assistant Dean, who helped make my visit possible. 

The staff at the Lilly Family School are incredible for their breadth and depth of knowledge, including Dr Bill Stanczykiewicz, Director, The Fund Raising School, who will be leading a workshop and speaking at next year’s Educate Plus International Conference. I encourage you to get along if you can.  

By Naomi Wilde
NZ Chapter Committee Member

Educate Plus Building Futures International Conference, Brisbane 2026!

Step into a world alive with possibility at the Educate Plus Building Futures International Conference, Brisbane 2026!

Bathed in Queensland’s sunshine and framed by the winding Brisbane River, this premier event offers six dynamic streams—each crafted to inspire Advancement professionals, institutional leaders, and operations staff across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. With the Olympic city’s vibrancy, warmth and inspirational spirit as our backdrop, it’s the perfect place to look ahead and build what’s next.

We invite you to immerse yourself in bold ideas, fresh strategies, and practical solutions that are shaping the future of Advancement. Connect with experts, innovators and peers, and return home with new perspectives and powerful connections to drive impact in your own community.

This is more than a Conference—it’s a celebration of collaboration, learning, and shared ambition. Together, we’ll ignite new thinking, nurture professional growth, and set a course for brighter futures.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Brisbane in September 2026 — let’s make this the best Educate Plus Conference ever!

Learn More / Register Here

The Future of High-Value Fundraising: Personalised Donor Journeys and Transformational Gifts for Educational Institutions

High-Value Fundraising has long been vital for educational institutions. As philanthropy evolves, institutions must adapt their strategies to better engage high-value donors. Two emerging trends are reshaping this space: personalised donor journeys and transformational gifts. Embracing both can help unlock unprecedented generosity and secure long-term support.

The Power of Personalisation

Personalisation is now expected in every interaction, including philanthropy. Donors seek tailored experiences over generic campaigns. Effective High-Value Fundraising depends on creating journeys that reflect individual interests and motivations.

This begins with understanding what drives each donor. Advancement professionals must discover whether a donor is passionate about scholarships, research, student support, heritage, or has other philanthropic aims. With this insight, fundraising efforts can align with donor values.

Once motivations are clear, a personalised journey can be crafted—bespoke communications, private engagement, exclusive events, or meetings with leaders involved in funded projects. A donor interested in research could meet the scholars their gift supports; one focused on student success might receive updates from course leaders. Involvement deepens connection and builds loyalty.

The Pursuit of Transformational Gifts

Transformational gifts are also reshaping High-Value Fundraising. These significant contributions enable bold, game-changing initiatives—typically multi-million-dollar commitments tied to a clear vision and strong leadership.

Securing them requires more than wealth identification. Institutions must present a compelling case aligned with the donor’s desire to leave a legacy. This could involve a new research centre, major capital project, or substantial endowment.

To attract transformational gifts, institutions must think big. Ambitious campaigns can inspire donors to invest, confident the institution will deliver.

Conclusion

Personalised donor journeys and transformational gifts are key to securing larger, longer-term support. By adopting these strategies, educational institutions can elevate their fundraising and build enduring success.

3 Key takeaways

1. Personalised Engagement Is No Longer Optional

High-value donors now expect tailored experiences that reflect their specific interests, values and motivations. Advancement professionals must take the time to understand each donor—whether their passion lies in scholarships, research, student support, or heritage—and shape bespoke journeys accordingly. This personal connection fosters deeper loyalty and long-term commitment.

2. Transformational Gifts Require Vision and Boldness

Securing transformational gifts—typically large, multi-million-dollar commitments—demands more than wealth profiling. Institutions must present bold, compelling opportunities that resonate with a donor’s desire to make a lasting impact. Strong leadership, strategic clarity and a willingness to take risks are essential to inspire these game-changing investments.

3. Combining Personalisation with Vision Unlocks Greater Giving

When personalised donor journeys are coupled with ambitious, well-articulated initiatives, institutions are better positioned to secure larger gifts and build enduring relationships. This combination elevates both the donor’s experience and the institution’s capacity to deliver long-term, mission-aligned success.

By Clive Pedley
Director & Chief Executive
Giving Architects

Meet a Member

Each eNews, we introduce you to one of our wonderful Chapter Members. In the hot seat this edition is Susan Elijaš, Director of Communications, Avondale College  

Susan Elijaš
Director of Communications
Avondale College  

How long have you been working in Educational Advancement? 

I come from a long line of educators, so perhaps it wasn’t surprising that I began my own career in 2000 as a teacher of English and History at Avondale College in Auckland. After a few years at home with small children, I was invited back in 2010 to “manage the new website” part-time. Since then, my role has evolved very organically – from Website Manager to Communications Manager to Communications Director – now overseeing all marketing and communications for our school, including international marketing and some travel, as well as all internal and external publications. This year, I also organised the school’s 80th Jubilee and established an alumni programme. Having been here so long, I have fingers in many pies! 

So, to answer the question, I’ve been an Advancement professional for over ten years, but only relatively recently realised that this was a thing! Joining Educate Plus has been incredibly empowering – like finding my tribe! 

What is the achievement you were most proud of? 

Our 80th Jubilee celebrations were a real highlight this year. Starting with a non-existent alumni database made it challenging to spread the word, so when people began registering – and dropping in with memorabilia for our archives (also virtually non-existent!) – it was very exciting. 

The US Consul General visited for afternoon tea to learn about the college’s origins as a US Naval Hospital during WWII. Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh gave an inspiring class to some of our priority learners; Nadia Lim came to reconnect with her Food Technology teacher; a 93-year-old Foundation pupil cut the birthday cake alongside her great-grandson, a current student; and Chief Children’s Commissioner Claire Achmad spoke at our cocktail party. Other alumni sent video messages from around the world, and thousands of our wider community enjoyed student-led performances, food trucks, and bouncy castles at our Jubilee Family Festival. 

It was an incredible weekend and an amazing platform from which to expand our Comms team, launch an alumni programme, and celebrate and share the stories that connect our communities.

What is the greatest moment of learning in your career so far? 

I am extremely grateful to have been supported by my school to pursue a Masters of Communication Studies at AUT (part-time) over the past four years. Having fallen into a comms role more by accident than design, I’ve been very aware that much of my work was led by intuition rather than theory. Being able to attend classes like Brand Storytelling and Digital Marketing Strategy was a huge learning opportunity. It was reassuring to discover that, in many instances, my intuition had been right on track, but I’ve also gained valuable insights that have allowed me to develop a more strategic approach to my role. 

I’m now writing up my thesis, which examines what the stories of key stakeholders reveal about the culture of Avondale College. It has been a fantastic way to capture those perspectives – and is so closely aligned with my work at school. It’s due in December, so I have a busy few weeks ahead! 

What is the most impactful book you’ve read or podcast you’ve listened to? 

I’m constantly reading or listening to books, especially while travelling. The most memorable recent podcast would be The Fall of the Aztecs by The Rest is History, which I listened to during a two-week marketing trip in Mexico. It was fascinating to listen to a chapter and then realise I’d just been at – or near – a location they mentioned. It was such a good way to understand more about the culture and historical context of the place, and it gave me some great conversation starters with the people I was meeting! 

What are three tips or words of advice you have for new members and/or those new to Advancement? 

1. Ask questions.  I’ve found that people involved with Educate Plus are typically fantastic – and very generous – people who care deeply about their work. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with people you don’t know and ask lots of questions. I’ve learned so much from others simply sharing their experiences with me. 

1. Communicate enthusiastically with your Principal. I’ve found that sharing insights from Educate Plus workshops and conferences helps open up great discussions with our Senior Leadership Team and reinforces how our Advancement work supports the school’s broader vision. 

1. Keep an eye on the Educate Plus newsletters for online webinars and articles. These have been great sources of encouragement and inspiration for me. Sometimes you can feel isolated or overwhelmed within your own school silo – it’s worth taking a few minutes to recalibrate and gain a renewed sense of purpose through professional learning. 

What do you do in your spare time? 

I enjoy switching off by reading or pottering in the garden. I’m married to Sam – a graphic designer and musician – and we’re at the stage now where we have just one teenager living at home. Our older two are currently travelling overseas and studying jazz at university in Wellington. During school show season, you’ll find me designing and building stage sets and sewing costumes. I love any creative endeavour! 

Finding the Stories Behind Major Gifts

Major gifts rarely come out of the blue. Behind every transformative donation is a mix of motivations, values and long-standing relationships — and uncovering those stories has become one of the most important parts of modern fundraising. Across Australia and New Zealand, prospect research is the quiet craft making this possible.

The quiet engine behind major gifts

Prospect research helps fundraisers understand who their strongest supporters are and why they might give. It blends strategy, curiosity and careful analysis all while respecting and protecting privacy, and is an essential part of the major donor journey across charities, universities, schools, arts organisations, hospitals and community groups.

Fundraising Research and Consulting (FR&C) has shaped this field for over 20 years, supporting more than 700 organisations. Their work spans individuals, companies and foundations, offering wealth screenings, donor profiles, new prospect identification and due diligence. At its core, the aim is simple: give fundraisers accurate, timely insights so they can build stronger, more confident relationships.

Why human-led research matters

In an era of automation, prospect research still requires human judgment. FR&C conducts all research manually, ensuring accuracy and nuance while protecting client data. Strict adherence to Australian and New Zealand privacy legislation means information is handled carefully, stored securely and deleted once each project is complete — a critical reassurance for teams working with sensitive supporter information.

Surfacing what you already have

One of the most powerful truths in fundraising is that many major donors are already connected to you. Alumni, volunteers, recurring donors and community champions often have both affinity and capacity. FR&C’s Wealthscan screening service helps organisations reveal these hidden prospects within their own networks, including links to philanthropic trusts, across both Australia and New Zealand.

Understanding the philanthropic landscape

Giftsearch, FR&C’s searchable database, has become a staple resource for fundraisers wanting to understand giving patterns. With more than 1.2 million publicly reported donations to over 450 organisations, it provides a clear and accurate picture of philanthropic activity across Australia and New Zealand — without hours of manual searching.

When deeper insight is needed

Sometimes fundraisers need more than a list. FR&C’s profiling service offers a richer look at a prospect’s interests, career history, philanthropy and networks. For significant or naming-rights gifts, their due diligence work helps organisations assess reputational risk.

And with many teams stretched for time, FR&C’s prospect rating service helps determine connection, interest and capacity — giving clarity on where to focus effort for the greatest impact.

Contact: Molly Masiello | molly@fundraisingresearch.com.au | www.fundraisingresearch.com.au | FR&C LinkedIn

Upcoming Online Events

WEBINAR | Digital Safety Q&A: Best Practice in a Changing Landscape

Back by popular demand, online safety expert Kirra Pendergast returns for an interactive Q&A session on digital safety and best practice in schools.

This session will tackle the most pressing questions from Advancement professionals — from managing media consent in the age of AI and revoking permissions, to influencing leadership and governance around digital risk.

Bring your questions and real-world scenarios as Kirra shares practical insights and examples to help your school strengthen its digital safety practices with confidence.

Event Details

Date: Thursday 20 November 2025
Time: 4:00 – 4:30pm AEDT. Please check your local times.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free for Members. $75.00+gst for Non-Members
For our New Zealand & Asian colleagues GST is not payable.

Thank you to CTRL+SHFT for partnering with us for this webinar

Learn More / Register

Engaging the Next Generation of School Parents

Article submitted by Grant Dusting, Director of Strategy at McCrindle.

Understanding the emerging generation of parents 

You don’t need me to tell you that the education landscape is transforming. But while everyone is talking tech and AI, our stakeholders are people at the end of the day (at least, for now)! Engaging your parent community means understanding Generation Y (born 1980-1994) and Generation Z (born 1995-2009), who over the next decade will become the dominant cohort of parents. As digital natives expecting greater flexibility, accessibility, and approachable leadership, this emerging generation of parents brings distinct expectations for communication and engagement to schooling. 

Realities for today’s parents and barriers to engagement 

Our latest research reveals parents, despite a strong desire for involvement, are often time-poor. The increasing number of women and mothers in the workforce, and families feeling rushed, highlights the need for flexible school involvement. Common barriers like lack of time and work schedule conflicts exist. Schools must develop robust engagement strategies with clear communication, minimising administrative burdens, and aligning with the digital expectations of Gen Y and Z. 

Shifting parental expectations: from contributor to consumer? 

We’re observing a subtle but significant shift towards a ‘consumer’ approach to education. While parents desire partnership, many view the school as leading, sometimes transactionally. Schools that can reframe this mindset and foster genuine partnership are more likely to have a highly engaged parent community. 

Leadership response: develop a robust parent engagement strategy 

Looking to the decade ahead, creating strong partnerships with parents is crucial for fostering thriving learning environments. Effective leadership demands a robust engagement strategy to enhance trust and collaboration. This strategy must acknowledge the evolving expectations of Gen Y and Z, supporting their involvement, mitigating barriers, and adapting to the shifting parent-school dynamic. McCrindle’s Thriving Schools Index offers a valuable framework for enabling schools to understand community needs, pinpoint barriers, and craft targeted approaches for stronger connections. 

For a deeper dive into these insights and an exploration of the future of education, the full Reimagining Education Towards 2035 report is available. Access it free with your McCrindle+ subscription for exclusive content.  

Download our free Reimagining Education Towards 2035 infographic. 

Sign up for McCrindle+ here.  

Educate Plus members receive 10% off our Thriving Schools Index package – mention your membership when enquiring. 

Thank You to our Valued Partners and Sponsors

Thank You to our Partners … 

We’d like to extend a huge ‘Thank You’ to our valuable Strategic and Chapter Partners, who support Educate Plus and the NZ Chapter in our activities and enable 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 Educate Plus Strategic Partners … 
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Connect with Your Colleagues

Stay Connected …

Keep in contact with your fellow Advancement professionals to keep abreast of best practices, discover new approaches and technologies and gain valuable industry insights.

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.