Hon Trevor Mallard
Acting Minister of Education

12 December 2006 Media Statement
Appointments to Teachers Council

Acting Education Minister Trevor Mallard today announced the appointment of Kathy Smith and Toni Waho to the New Zealand Teachers Council for the next three-years.

Former Ministry of Education Group Manager, Kathy Smith replaces Joanna Beresford as Chairperson of the Council, and Kura Kaupapa Principal Toni Waho replaces Debra Marshall-Lobb as a Council member.

“Kathy’s leadership skills, allied with an understanding of teacher issues and the wider education environment, make her an ideal person to head the Council and act as a voice for New Zealand teachers," Trevor Mallard said.

"She has extensive experience in the education sector, including management roles at the Ministry of Education between 1996 and 2006.

"Toni Waho, Principal of Palmerston North's Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Mana Tamariki, brings valuable skills to the Council with his knowledge of Maori education, and in particular, the Kohanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa programmes."

Trevor Mallard also paid tribute to departing Chair Joanna Beresford, for her significant contribution to the Council.

"Joanna took on the Chair at a critical time in the Council's history. She has ensured the Council is now well placed to be the leading professional organisation for teachers.

"Debbie Marshall-Lobb's has also made a strong contribution to the Council with her leadership of Kura Kaupapa Maori. She has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Council."

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Background information on appointments

Kathy Smith was Group Manager at the Ministry of Education from 1996 until June 2006. In this role Kathy was responsible for regulatory framework issues, early childhood education, special education, the social policy-education interface, and the interface with the early childhood and school sectors. The role also encompassed joint management of a team of pouwhakataki. This team was set up to work at a local level to improve educational outcomes for Maori. Its role included improving the performance of at risk schools, advice on Pasifika education issues, advice on special education policy, and management of regional offices.

Toni Waho is Principal of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Mana Tamariki (Palmerston North). Mr Waho is an experienced teacher, having commenced teaching in Te Kōhanga Reo in 1990, and been a registered teacher since 1996. Tony is a leader within the Kōhanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa Māori movements, and is a fluent speaker of Te Reo. Mr Waho is a trustee of the Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust, and a member of the Committee of Management, Te Atihau Whanganui Incorporation.

ENDS

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