Media release –12 noon, 29 June 2022

NZSTA launches national ‘Get on Board!’ campaign in call for 2022 school board election nominations 

School communities are swinging into campaign mode as nominations open for the September 2022 school board elections. 

“If you’re passionate about the education and future of kids in your community, then why not stand for your local school board?” says New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSTA) President, Lorraine Kerr. 

“Boards bring local knowledge and values to the leadership and decision making of schools, and work with principals, school staff and whānau to help tamariki reach their potential. 

“You’ll be involved in everything from embedding the curriculum and planning for the year ahead, to supporting the principal with raising student achievement and working through the many issues that crop up in our schools – it’s a big responsibility and a true privilege.”  

Today marks the launch of Get on Board! – a five-week NZSTA-led national campaign to raise awareness and appeal to would-be nominees across a wide range of cultural and professional backgrounds.  

Ms Kerr says COVID-19 has been a powerful reminder of how important school boards are for keeping tamariki safe, well and engaged in their learning. She looks forward to seeing plenty of nominations and high voter turnouts across Aotearoa communities in September. 

“School board elections roll around every three years and give whānau a say in the future of their local schools; don’t pass up the opportunity to vote – the higher the turnout the better the result.” 

Contracted by the Ministry of Education to manage the elections, NZSTA has been working closely with schools and kura across the country to help them prepare, delivering guidance on holding fair elections and supporting boards to provide stable leadership throughout any membership changes. 

“Schools will be in touch with nomination forms for parents soon, followed by more information about when and how to vote – watch our promotional video to find out if it’s for you.” 

Nominations close on 3 August. Visit NZSTA’s School Board Elections website for more information, including promotional material, campaign resources and a live Korari webinar Q&A session for nominees on 21 July.