Campaign Launched To Boost School Board Participation

Te Whakarōpūtanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa - the New Zealand School Boards Association (NZSBA) has officially launched its national campaign, Get on Board 2025, to mobilise participation in the upcoming triennial school board elections.

The campaign aims to increase nominations and voter turnout for school boards (formerly boards of trustees) across Aotearoa, encouraging Kiwis to step forward and help shape the future of their local schools.

Created in-house, Get on Board 2025 builds on previous campaigns and brings a fresh new look, modernised resources and a digital-first approach designed to reach more prospective board members than ever before.

"School boards play a critical role in our education system. They make decisions that affect students, teachers and whānau across the country," says NZSBA President Meredith Kennett.

"This campaign is about making sure all New Zealanders understand the value of community participation in their children’s education - and feel empowered to take part."

With updated messaging, vibrant visuals and a strong focus on video storytelling and social media, the 2025 campaign is designed to highlight the value of school board service and the impact local governance has on student success.

Key features of the Get on Board 2025 campaign include:

• A new campaign identity and refreshed resources for schools and boards, including digital and print-ready assets.
• In collaboration with Foxton-based animator Fraser Munro, a promotional video (also translated into te reo Māori).
• A redeveloped website - schoolboardelections.org.nz - built by our digital partner Somar featuring improved accessibility, clearer content and easier navigation for prospective candidates and voters.
• Advertising across print, radio and digital (as well as TV via Whakaata Māori).

It sits alongside Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group’s Whakapapa Decisions campaign to increase Māori participation in the elections.

The triennial elections are scheduled for September 2025. Nominations for most schools are now open, and NZSBA encourages everyone who is passionate about their school community to consider standing or nominating someone they know.

Visit www.schoolboardelections.org.nz for more information and join one of our community webinars or in-person sessions to see what it’s all about.

© Scoop Media