Updates and News

Looking Ahead……….

As many of you are aware, the Greater Education Renewal Programme (GCERP) has now concluded. With its conclusion, the funding provided through our regional Ministry of Education (MOE) to support the CPPA Mentor Programme has also come to an end.

In response to this, the CPPA Executive met to consider the future of the Mentor Programme. We are pleased to share that the Executive voted unanimously to continue funding the Mentor Programme as an Association. This commitment ensures that the programme will remain in place until the end of 2025.

During this time, the Executive will be actively reviewing and considering options for the programme’s future beyond 2025. As always, our approach will be guided by what best supports you—our members.

We also want to acknowledge the addition of a second MOE Principal Advisor to our region. This provides increased support for principals, alongside the Evaluation Associates role, which continues to assist those in their first three years of principalship.

As we develop the new CPPA Strategic Plan for 2026–2028, your voice will be critical. We encourage you to contribute to shaping the direction of our work and the support we offer.

A reminder that Sue Jackson and Matt Bateman remain available, should you need guidance or support through the Mentor Programme.

Wishing you a well-earned and restful break.

CPPA Executive

We’re excited to share the programme for the CPPA Leadership Conference 2025 – Navigating the Complexities of Change.

Navigating the Complexities of Change. Wednesday 4th June – Thursday 5th June at the Addington Raceway, Christchurch.

Across the two days, we’ll hear from an outstanding lineup of keynote speakers and engage in conversations that challenge, inspire, and support us as leaders in today’s dynamic education landscape.

You’ll find the full programme below — including timings, session details, and speaker information. Please take a moment to read through ahead of the event.

We look forward to connecting with you all next week for what promises to be a fantastic and energising conference.

2025 Keynote Speakers

Richard Gerver is an internationally acclaimed speaker and author, celebrated for his profound insights into leadership, education, and organisational transformation. As a former educator who successfully turned around a failing UK school in just two years, Richard has since established himself as a leading voice on human leadership and change management. One of his most notable achievements includes being named ‘UK Business Speaker of the Year’ three times, a testament to his impact and influence.

Di Foster is a business coach and keynote speaker with a rich background in management and entrepreneurship. After earning a Bachelor of Commerce from Otago University, she embarked on a career that spanned various roles in the knitwear and production industry, eventually leading to executive positions. Her experiences navigating business closures, mergers, and start-ups naturally transitioned into a coaching career, where she now empowers executives and business owners to achieve their fullest potential.

The Honourable Erica Stanford is New Zealand’s Minister of Education and Minister of Immigration. She has been the Member of Parliament for East Coast Bays since 2017. Erica holds a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours in Political Science and a minor in Māori Studies from the University of Auckland. Before entering politics, she worked in export sales and television production. As Minister of Education, Erica is focused on implementing policies that support innovation, equity, and student success in New Zealand’s education system.

Leanne Otene is the President of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF) and an Executive Member of the International Confederation of Principals (ICP), representing Oceania and Asia. With 30 years of leadership experience across diverse schools, she is a strong advocate for principal and teacher wellbeing. Leanne is also the recipient of the NEiTA 2021 Trans-Tasman NZ Principal Award.

Nigel Latta is a registered clinical psychologist, best-selling author, and one of New Zealand’s most recognisable and respected communicators. Known for his straight-talking style, sharp wit, and deep insights into human behaviour, Nigel has tackled everything from parenting and education to criminal psychology and mental health — both on screen and in his books.

We are especially honoured to have Nigel with us this year, following his recent and very public battle with cancer. His presence — and willingness to continue sharing his wisdom with humour and honesty — is something we’re deeply grateful for.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.

Please find attached CPPA’s position on the Government’s proposed curriculum changes and in particular, the pace of change.

It is time for CPPA to add our voice to the growing number of associations who are pushing back against the level of accelerated change hurtling toward us.

We believe the current approach is placing an unsustainable burden on school leaders and teachers.

The tight timelines set by the Government do not account for the practical challenges faced by schools. They are unrealistic and are too important to be left to a process delivered at this pace, which will ultimately compromise outcomes for our learners.

Thank you for your continued confidence in our executive, to represent you.

Kind regards

Lisa Dillon-Roberts

President

Attachments

CPPA's Media Release    PDF, 78.9 KB

Long Term Business Partner of CPPA celebrates a great milestone this year.

The following is a short excerpt taken from the article celebrating the milestone.

If any of you have used this great business, you will know that they do an amazing job through clear communication and skilled people working for the team.

If you have never used them, I would certainly encourage you to get them in for a quote.

Flexibility in the face of change:

Anticipating the unexpected In a world that constantly evolves, Christchurch Electrical prides itself on its adaptability.

The value of flexibility is embedded in the company’s DNA, allowing it to navigate changing circumstances seamlessly.

“We are prepared for the unexpected. Our ability to find solutions and meet high expectations in ever-shifting landscapes is what sets us apart.”

Attachments

Christchurch electrical-v3   PDF, 2.8 MB

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To better enable our Mid Canterbury and South Christchurch Principals, we have our annual Rolleston edition of our CPPA Hauora and Whānaungatanga Connect Time on Thursday 8 August at 3.30pm.

We encourage you to come along for a drink, at the Pedal Pusher Rolleston, with your colleagues on Thursday 8 August from 3.30pm – fantastic way to connect, share the joys, the challenges and welcome any new principals. We hope to see you all.

Register here: https://www.cppa.ac.nz/event/cppa-hauora-and-whanaungatanga-3-2024/

Knowing how to respond to media requests is an important part of modern-day principalship. CPPA has been asked by Pete Burdon from NZ Media Training to advertise an upcoming workshop in Christchurch. It may be of interest to some of you:

Imagine this scenario: the phone rings, and it’s One News on the other end, wanting to discuss a serious allegation regarding your school. Or worse, the news van arrives unannounced, cameras rolling as reporters flood your reception area. Is your school prepared to navigate such media storms?

If not, join us for the half-day seminar, “The School Leaders Survival Guide to dealing with News Media Threats,” on June 26, 2024, in Christchurch. This marks the sixth venue for this essential seminar series over the past 12 months.

Led by experienced School Leader Media Trainer, Pete Burdon, this seminar will equip you, your AP, DP and Board Chair with indispensable strategies. From mastering media interviews to adeptly handling negative media events, including scenarios ranging from student injury or death to serious allegations against you or the school, we’ve got you covered. You may have heard Pete present before, but this seminar gives you the detail you need.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to safeguard your school’s reputation and empower yourself as a leader. Click the link below for further details and insights from past attendees across the country.

Take me to the Seminar Page

“I just wanted to thank you for your seminar as I felt it was incredibly empowering for both myself and my Presiding Member (Board chairperson). The practical nature of your presentation was very helpful and all three of those who attended from our school, commented that it was some of the most helpful PD we have been to in a long time.

Funnily enough, we had the ODT on the line during your presentation and it helped us immensely putting together our response and I am sure we will use this training in the days to come as we have a property / enrolment issue that will be ongoing for some time that I’m sure the media are going to keep chasing.

We are also now going to start making up some crisis communication plans!”

Best wishes and many thanks

Robyn Wood, Principal, George Street School, Dunedin  

We welcome Harry and the team from Civil and Land Construction to our business partner team. Find out about Harry and his commitment to the CPPA below and in the attached video.

Hi,

I am Harry from Civil and Land Construction. We are very pleased to announce that we recently became a CPPA business partner.

A bit about Civil and Land Construction Ltd.

Civil and Land has been around since 2007 and over the last 15 years or so we have been involved with many projects around schools in Canterbury region.

We have a very strong team with diverse skills, so we can offer a very wide range of services from unblocking drains, drainage replacements, footpaths, demolition, retaining walls, new courts, resurfacing or whatever 😀.

A bit about me.

I started my career as a civil engineer and did my first 12 years post grad in the UK. I gained a lot of experience working on great projects and grew a lot in my communication skills while working with diverse cultures in the construction industry. After moving to New Zealand with my family, I worked for Downer until taking over Civil and Land in 2019. Over the last 23 years I have been involved in many construction projects, so I am confident that we can resolve any existing or new infrastructure needs at any schools.

About the staff.

Our staff has a lot of experience working around schools and understand the H&S implications involved. Our staff has been police vetted many times over the years and they all understand the importance of safety first. We have a great positive culture in the business with key staff exceeding 10 years of service.

I have been and will be personally involved with all enquiries and am committed to popping round within 24hrs after you touching base, so please feel free to call, text or email me on 0277022415 or harry@civilandland.co.nz.

Regards

Harry Brand

Managing Director

Civil and Land Construction Ltd

https://civilandland.co.nz/dear-principals/

We have a number of colleagues who have recently left the profession or retired. Come along and share in this time of celebration.

It is that time again. This Thursday – March 14. RSVP now!

The CPPA Annual General Meeting.

Venue: Commodore Airport Hotel

Come along and hear about the past year, and then spend time immediately following celebrating our retiring and leaving principals.

Let us celebrate those members who are moving on from principalship and then join in a drink.

Event order
1:00pm – AGM

2:00pm – Celebrating Principals’ Function

3:30pm – Drinks and nibbles

Click here to RSVP

We are looking forward to our first breakfast connector at 7.30am, Tuesday 13 February at the Hotel Commodore. Details will be out very soon.

We would love to see you to celebrate the start of the term. Come and join us for a drink and some platters at Hotel Montreal.

We’re looking forward to sharing holiday stories and finding out how school has started for everyone.  We encourage you to come along for a drink with your colleagues on Wednesday 7th February from 3.15pm at Hotel Montreal, 351 Montreal St, Christchurch.

Urging principals, boards and school staff to join Hāpai Te Hauora and over 24,000 other people in signing their Petition to urgently call on the Government to stop the repeal of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act and stop prioritising profit over our people.

As you may know the new Government has agreed to repeal world-leading smokefree laws in its first 100 days in office. The Cancer Society (like many of our colleagues in health) is extremely disappointed with this decision. Cancer Society feel this is a backwards step for Aotearoa New Zealand and puts the tobacco industry’s profits ahead of the health of all New Zealanders – especially our children’s.

Tobacco is the deadliest consumer product of all time and still causes more than 2000 cancer deaths every year in New Zealand. The Cancer Society has a long history of advocating for smokefree policies and had welcomed the bold new smokefree laws that are desperately needed to make Smokefree 2025 a reality. “These laws would have made tobacco less available to buy in our communities, less addictive and would have stopped a whole generation from being able to buy tobacco,” says Cancer Society Chief Executive Dr Rachael Hart.

“The public has spoken loud and clear on the subject. The significant support from communities across the country is evidenced by the thousands of submissions made. Beyond that local support, we could also boast they were world-leading with other countries, such as the Conservative UK Government, starting to follow our example”.

The Cancer Society is united with its health sector allies and our community and calls on the new Government to implement the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act as intended.

We would encourage all advocates for health and for young people to utilise their networks and connections particularly community organisations and advocates to urge the Coalition government to re-consider its decision to repeal the Smokefree legislation.

Join Hāpai Te Hauora and over 24,000 other people in signing their Petition to urgently call on the Government to stop the repeal of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act and stop prioritising profit over our people.

You can Sign here: Put our People over Profit – Stop the Repeal of the Smokefree Legislation | OurActionStation

We appreciate that many of you may need to do this in a private capacity through your private correspondence.

We are also asking concerned citizens to write to their to their local MP’s and the Associate Health Minister Hon Matt Doocey. We do have a simple toolkit to help with this so do let me know if you would like a copy of the toolkit.

Please join us is raising our voices to show our disappointment of this decision by the incoming government.

Ngā mihi,

Amanda Dodd

Deputy Health Promotion Manager

021 915 605

Amanda.Dodd@cancercwc.org.nz

… for being a 2024 Medallist in the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, Local Hero competition

“Graeme Norman’s transformative leadership as the Principal of Te Kōmanawa Rowley School is a testament to the incredible impact one individual can have on a community. In an area plagued by economic challenges, his unwavering dedication has brought about a remarkable turnaround that encompasses both academic progress and holistic well-being. Attendance rates, once stagnant at a disheartening 40%, have soared under Graeme’s guidance. His relentless efforts to create an inviting and nurturing atmosphere have led to children eagerly walking through Rowley School’s doors – and during holiday breaks, he remains a dedicated support, on hand most days for anyone who needs him. Graeme’s actions extend far beyond the confines of a job description. He has taken on the role of a guardian and mentor for children who desperately needed hope. Graeme’s impact is a reminder that true heroes aren’t defined by grand gestures, but by the consistent, compassionate actions they undertake to improve the lives of others.”

https://fb.watch/oRaz6JG6wa/

https://nzawards.org.nz/local-heroes/

Save the date for our CPPA Retreat at Hanmer Springs in 2024: 3rd – 5th November.

We have been putting together our dates for our hauora events for 2024.  These are now all updated on our Google calendar.  Feel free to add this to your own calendars.  They will also be on the CPPA website in the new year.

Please put the 3rd – 5th November in your calendar for our CPPA Retreat in Hanmer Springs.  We will be putting tickets up for this in the new year.  Please note it will be first in, first serve for the single rooms, then there will be shared villas after that.