Chief Executive
Provides national leadership and coordination and includes corporate services such as human resources, communications and finance.
Leading the organisation is Nancy Bell as Chief Executive. As an early childhood teacher, tertiary educator and parent, Nancy is committed to NZCA's vision of high quality early childhood education that responds to what parents need and supports their aspirations for their children. She is excited by New Zealand's changing early childhood education landscape and to know that we are playing a big part in its progress.
Nancy Bell
Chief Executive
Contact: Chief Executive
Kaupapa Māori
Appointed as Kaiārahi, Kahuwaeio Katene (Tuwharetoa and Ngāti Kahungunu) provides cultural guidance and support to staff throughout the organisation. A mother of 8, grandmother of 26 and great grandmother to 18, Kahu was involved in the beginnings of the Kohanga Reo movement as well as qualifying and working as as an early childhood teacher. She is passionate about the difference that quality early education makes to children and families.
Pouhere Kaupapa Māori
Roimata Kirikiri (Ngāti Rākaipaka, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngai Tahu and Ngāti Porou) took up the position of Pouhere Kaupapa Maori this year, coming from a background as parent, teacher and senior manager supporting Māori development within the education sector. Roimata works across the organisation to achieve good outcomes for Māori children in ECE services in Aotearoa and is passionate about building a bicultural nation for the 21st century.
Roimata Kirikiri
Pouhere Kaupapa Māori
Contact: Pouhere Kaupapa Māori
Initial Teacher Education Programmes
Sue Vaealiki has been involved in management and academic leadership in tertiary and early childhood education organisations. She enjoys the challenge of working in a dynamic organisation that provides innovative initial teacher education. Her passion is to see our graduates making a difference in the lives of young children and intergrating a bi-cultural approach in their teaching.
Sue Vaealiki
Director Academic Programmes
Contact: Director Academic Programmes
Beginning as a Playcentre parent, Jane Ewens has wide ECE sector, management and government experience including tertiary education. As Director Education Delivery, Jane is passionate about growing strong, reflective and responsive teachers through NZCA’s high quality, initial teacher education and professional development programmes. She believes that teachers, children and parents working together is the way to ensure strong learning foundations for children.