Dr Lorraine Hammond AM
Dr Lorraine Hammond AM is Professor Early Year Literacy at the University of Notre Dame, however she began her career as a secondary teacher. She has worked and researched in the areas of early literacy, high impact instructional strategies, including explicit teaching and learning difficulties since 1990. Awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2002 to investigate support for student with reading disabilities, Lorraine has been recognised by an Australian Government National Teaching Award (2016) for outstanding tertiary teaching and in 2017 the Australian Council for Educational Leadership recognised her work in schools promoting high impact instruction. In 2019, Lorraine received an Order of Australia (AM) for her significant contribution to tertiary education and the community. Since 2017, Lorraine has developed and presented professional learning on evidence-based literacy strategies for the Kimberley Schools Project in the north of Western Australia in regional and remote community schools as well as school systems in every state of Australia. Lorraine is a member of the Expert Advisory Panel to the Australian Educational Research Organisation (AERO) and in 2024 was inaugurated into the WA Women's Hall of Fame for her contribution to evidence-based reading instruction in schools and universities.
Dr Lorraine Hammond AM is Professor Early Year Literacy at the University of Notre Dame, however she began her career as a secondary teacher. She has worked and researched in the areas of early literacy, high impact instructional strategies, including explicit teaching and learning difficulties since 1990. Awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2002 to investigate support for student with reading disabilities, Lorraine has been recognised by an Australian Government National Teaching Award (2016) for outstanding tertiary teaching and in 2017 the Australian Council for Educational Leadership recognised her work in schools promoting high impact instruction. In 2019, Lorraine received an Order of Australia (AM) for her significant contribution to tertiary education and the community. Since 2017, Lorraine has developed and presented professional learning on evidence-based literacy strategies for the Kimberley Schools Project in the north of Western Australia in regional and remote community schools as well as school systems in every state of Australia. Lorraine is a member of the Expert Advisory Panel to the Australian Educational Research Organisation (AERO) and in 2024 was inaugurated into the WA Women's Hall of Fame for her contribution to evidence-based reading instruction in schools and universities.
Jann Marshall
Jann Marshall’s career spans secondary teaching, national assessment, and senior leadership across New Zealand’s education system. She began her career as a secondary school teacher, where she was actively involved in national assessment and moderation, gaining practical insight into how qualification standards are applied in practice.
Jann then joined NZQA for the first time, taking on roles that strengthened assessment quality, consistency, and the national qualifications system. During this period, she was also involved in the design and implementation of NCEA, giving her deep insight into qualification framework design, system‑level assessment practice, and the implications of major national reform for schools and educators.
She later moved to the Ministry of Education, where she held senior leadership roles focused on supporting schools, improving teaching and learning outcomes, and delivering national education priorities. Her work centred on connecting policy design with implementation and enabling the schooling system to respond effectively to change.
Jann subsequently returned to NZQA as Deputy Chief Executive, Assessment, where she is responsible for New Zealand’s national secondary qualifications, their ongoing implementation, and the implementation of future qualifications. She also oversees NZQA’s secondary regulatory functions, which support provider quality, maintain system integrity, and uphold the credibility of New Zealand’s qualifications at a national level.
Across her career, Jann has remained committed to enabling meaningful, high‑quality pathways that support every young person in Aotearoa New Zealand to thrive beyond school.
Jann Marshall’s career spans secondary teaching, national assessment, and senior leadership across New Zealand’s education system. She began her career as a secondary school teacher, where she was actively involved in national assessment and moderation, gaining practical insight into how qualification standards are applied in practice.
Jann then joined NZQA for the first time, taking on roles that strengthened assessment quality, consistency, and the national qualifications system. During this period, she was also involved in the design and implementation of NCEA, giving her deep insight into qualification framework design, system‑level assessment practice, and the implications of major national reform for schools and educators.
She later moved to the Ministry of Education, where she held senior leadership roles focused on supporting schools, improving teaching and learning outcomes, and delivering national education priorities. Her work centred on connecting policy design with implementation and enabling the schooling system to respond effectively to change.
Jann subsequently returned to NZQA as Deputy Chief Executive, Assessment, where she is responsible for New Zealand’s national secondary qualifications, their ongoing implementation, and the implementation of future qualifications. She also oversees NZQA’s secondary regulatory functions, which support provider quality, maintain system integrity, and uphold the credibility of New Zealand’s qualifications at a national level.
Across her career, Jann has remained committed to enabling meaningful, high‑quality pathways that support every young person in Aotearoa New Zealand to thrive beyond school.
Professor Jenny Poskitt
Professor Jenny Poskitt is Director of College Projects in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Massey University (MU), and President of the New Zealand Assessment Institute. Jenny’s interest in assessment began as a primary school teacher and continues into her university research, teaching and academic committee work. Research projects include Evaluation of the Assess to Learn PLD, the National Curriculum Exemplars, OECD study on enhancing student learning through formative assessment, whilst research publications span topics of national and international assessment interests.
Jenny is well regarded for translating assessment theory into practice, from conference presentations with teachers through to advising the Scottish and Welsh governments on assessment reform. She serves on various national advisory groups e.g., MOE, RNZCGP Academic Tahuhu, Chairs the NZQA TOGA, and is also the NZ representative on the International Educational Assessment Network (IEAN).
Professor Jenny Poskitt is Director of College Projects in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Massey University (MU), and President of the New Zealand Assessment Institute. Jenny’s interest in assessment began as a primary school teacher and continues into her university research, teaching and academic committee work. Research projects include Evaluation of the Assess to Learn PLD, the National Curriculum Exemplars, OECD study on enhancing student learning through formative assessment, whilst research publications span topics of national and international assessment interests.
Jenny is well regarded for translating assessment theory into practice, from conference presentations with teachers through to advising the Scottish and Welsh governments on assessment reform. She serves on various national advisory groups e.g., MOE, RNZCGP Academic Tahuhu, Chairs the NZQA TOGA, and is also the NZ representative on the International Educational Assessment Network (IEAN).
Leah Gates
Leah Gates was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Auckland Business Chamber in 2025. She continues to lead the Chamber’s Employment division and oversees government relations, major projects, training, and a dedicated team that has helped more than 28,000 individuals transition into employment over her 20-year tenure. Leah is widely respected as an expert in youth employability and brings deep experience and strong networks across both the job seeker and employer landscapes.
The Auckland Business Chamber connects businesses with people through inclusive employment services, supporting youth, the unemployed, migrants, people with disabilities, Māori and Pacific communities, and high school students to become work-ready and matched with the right employers. Their values are rooted in recognising potential, offering support with respect and aroha, and understanding the whole person.
A key barrier to employment—access to driver licences and reliable transport—is being addressed through Chamber Drive, now the largest provider of driver licence training in Auckland.
Prior to her work at the Chamber, Leah owned a PTE and web development company delivering Microsoft and A+ Certification programmes. Raised across the Pacific Islands and educated in Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Leah holds a strong affinity with Pacific communities and is driven by a lifelong commitment to empowering people through employment.
Leah Gates was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Auckland Business Chamber in 2025. She continues to lead the Chamber’s Employment division and oversees government relations, major projects, training, and a dedicated team that has helped more than 28,000 individuals transition into employment over her 20-year tenure. Leah is widely respected as an expert in youth employability and brings deep experience and strong networks across both the job seeker and employer landscapes.
The Auckland Business Chamber connects businesses with people through inclusive employment services, supporting youth, the unemployed, migrants, people with disabilities, Māori and Pacific communities, and high school students to become work-ready and matched with the right employers. Their values are rooted in recognising potential, offering support with respect and aroha, and understanding the whole person.
A key barrier to employment—access to driver licences and reliable transport—is being addressed through Chamber Drive, now the largest provider of driver licence training in Auckland.
Prior to her work at the Chamber, Leah owned a PTE and web development company delivering Microsoft and A+ Certification programmes. Raised across the Pacific Islands and educated in Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Leah holds a strong affinity with Pacific communities and is driven by a lifelong commitment to empowering people through employment.
Pete Jones
Pete Jones is the Tumuaki of Manurewa High School, the largest high equity index secondary school in Aotearoa with over 2400 students made up of over 53% Pasifika, 33% Maaori, 18% Asian and a beautiful mix of more than 60 different nationalities.
Pete came to Aotearoa in 2006 and restarted his teaching career at Manurewa High School as a Health & Physical Education teacher. In 2016, Pete was appointed as Tumuaki. He is driven by the desire to provide a culturally sustaining curriculum, guided by the school's indigenous educational framework Te Ara o Taawhaki, that is relevant for every student. A curriculum that focuses on learners' identity, interests and passions and prepares them for a successful future beyond school, happy, confident and proud of who they are, where they come from and where they are going.
Manurewa High School is the largest school Trades Academy lead provider with pathways in construction, engineering, logistics, hospitality, IT, tourism and uniformed services. The school had 80 Trades places in 2016 when he became Tumuaki, they now have 645 places and work with over ten other South Auckland secondary schools. They average a 90% success rate at NCEA Level 2 and NCEA Level 3 with 90% of students progressing into tertiary study, apprenticeships or employment. They have consistently been one of the top-performing Trades Academies across Aotearoa. Pete also chairs the Ara Education Charitable Trust based at Auckland Airport, which works with a range of schools that sit geographically around the airport precinct.
Pete Jones is the Tumuaki of Manurewa High School, the largest high equity index secondary school in Aotearoa with over 2400 students made up of over 53% Pasifika, 33% Maaori, 18% Asian and a beautiful mix of more than 60 different nationalities.
Pete came to Aotearoa in 2006 and restarted his teaching career at Manurewa High School as a Health & Physical Education teacher. In 2016, Pete was appointed as Tumuaki. He is driven by the desire to provide a culturally sustaining curriculum, guided by the school's indigenous educational framework Te Ara o Taawhaki, that is relevant for every student. A curriculum that focuses on learners' identity, interests and passions and prepares them for a successful future beyond school, happy, confident and proud of who they are, where they come from and where they are going.
Manurewa High School is the largest school Trades Academy lead provider with pathways in construction, engineering, logistics, hospitality, IT, tourism and uniformed services. The school had 80 Trades places in 2016 when he became Tumuaki, they now have 645 places and work with over ten other South Auckland secondary schools. They average a 90% success rate at NCEA Level 2 and NCEA Level 3 with 90% of students progressing into tertiary study, apprenticeships or employment. They have consistently been one of the top-performing Trades Academies across Aotearoa. Pete also chairs the Ara Education Charitable Trust based at Auckland Airport, which works with a range of schools that sit geographically around the airport precinct.
Steve McCracken
Steve McCracken, of Ngāi Te Rangi descent, is originally from the Bay of Plenty and trained as a physical education teacher at the University of Waikato. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management and is nearing completion of a Master’s in Secondary School Leadership.
After moving to Auckland in 2003, Steve spent 12 years at Westlake Boys High School before taking up his first principalship at Kaipara College in 2017. In 2021, he was appointed Principal of Whangaparāoa College, a large and rapidly growing Year 7–13 secondary school with approximately 1,950 learners on Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast.
Since his appointment, Steve has led Whangaparāoa College through a period of significant growth and innovation, with a strong focus on student achievement, wellbeing, and future-focused learning. Under his leadership, the college has achieved record NCEA results, established a Trades Academy, and strengthened a values-based culture through Āhuatanga Whangaparāoa. A champion of innovation, he has also driven the integration of emerging technologies to better prepare learners for the demands of the future.
At a national level, Steve has taken on key leadership roles across the education sector. He is the Chair of the Secondary Principals’ Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (from January 2026) and Chair of the Phase 5 Curriculum Assurance Group. He also serves on the Minister of Education’s Professional Advisory Group (PAG) for NCEA reform, contributing to the design of assessment, pathways, and the future of senior secondary schooling.
Steve’s leadership is deeply grounded in community. He works closely with local iwi, agencies, and employers to broaden opportunities for young people, and is an active contributor to public education dialogue through local media, national forums, and sector networks. His leadership reflects a commitment to equity, innovation, and ensuring every learner is known, supported, and able to thrive.
Steve McCracken, of Ngāi Te Rangi descent, is originally from the Bay of Plenty and trained as a physical education teacher at the University of Waikato. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management and is nearing completion of a Master’s in Secondary School Leadership.
After moving to Auckland in 2003, Steve spent 12 years at Westlake Boys High School before taking up his first principalship at Kaipara College in 2017. In 2021, he was appointed Principal of Whangaparāoa College, a large and rapidly growing Year 7–13 secondary school with approximately 1,950 learners on Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast.
Since his appointment, Steve has led Whangaparāoa College through a period of significant growth and innovation, with a strong focus on student achievement, wellbeing, and future-focused learning. Under his leadership, the college has achieved record NCEA results, established a Trades Academy, and strengthened a values-based culture through Āhuatanga Whangaparāoa. A champion of innovation, he has also driven the integration of emerging technologies to better prepare learners for the demands of the future.
At a national level, Steve has taken on key leadership roles across the education sector. He is the Chair of the Secondary Principals’ Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (from January 2026) and Chair of the Phase 5 Curriculum Assurance Group. He also serves on the Minister of Education’s Professional Advisory Group (PAG) for NCEA reform, contributing to the design of assessment, pathways, and the future of senior secondary schooling.
Steve’s leadership is deeply grounded in community. He works closely with local iwi, agencies, and employers to broaden opportunities for young people, and is an active contributor to public education dialogue through local media, national forums, and sector networks. His leadership reflects a commitment to equity, innovation, and ensuring every learner is known, supported, and able to thrive.
Leeann Watson
Leeann Watson is the Chief Executive of Business Canterbury, the largest membership business support organisation in the South Island with approximately 2,800 members, representing over 60,000 employees. Leeann is a strong voice for Canterbury business and creating a thriving economy that contributes to the quality of life for the people of Canterbury.
Leeann has been involved in various governance roles in education, sports and government working groups including as a current business advisor to the Minister for Small Business.
Leeann interfaces with the business community at all levels and across all sectors and has many years’ experience in working in partnership with both Local and Central Government.
Leeann Watson is the Chief Executive of Business Canterbury, the largest membership business support organisation in the South Island with approximately 2,800 members, representing over 60,000 employees. Leeann is a strong voice for Canterbury business and creating a thriving economy that contributes to the quality of life for the people of Canterbury.
Leeann has been involved in various governance roles in education, sports and government working groups including as a current business advisor to the Minister for Small Business.
Leeann interfaces with the business community at all levels and across all sectors and has many years’ experience in working in partnership with both Local and Central Government.
