Thursday, 19 March 2026
Chair
Maria McKenzie, Cluster Manager, Remutaka Resource Teacher and Learning and Behaviour, Masterton Primary School
Unlocking Excellence: A Framework for Effective School Governance
- Great governance drives great schools. Explore a powerful new governance framework released by the NZSBA that clarifies your role, strengthens decision-making and keeps your board focused on what matters most
- Develop a working understanding of the key principles, practical tools and real-world strategies to help your board stay strategic, set clear expectations and build strong partnerships
Whether new or experienced, you’ll gain fresh insights and a clear roadmap for success.
Presented by Belinda Weber, Chief Advisor Governance, Te Whakaroputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa New Zealand School Boards Association
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the key principles and structure of the NZSBA governance framework and how it applies to effective school governance
- Apply practical strategies to strengthen board decision-making, maintain a strategic focus, and build effective school–board partnerships
Presenters
Maria McKenzie, Cluster Manager, Masterton Primary School
Maria leads a team of itinerant specialist teachers who work across 53 schools in the Wairarapa and Upper Hutt region alongside education and service providers, to identify local needs and resources, and plan support based on the evidence of what works, to best support children and young people to learn, thrive and belong. She has leadership experience and has held governance leadership roles across educational, health, community and not for profit sectors. With an academic background in Psychology, Neuroscience and Education, Counselling and Small Business management Maria has worked across a wide range of sectors supporting people and organisations to embrace and manage transitions and change.
Belinda Weber, Chief Advisor Governance, Te Whakaroputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa New Zealand School Boards Association
Belinda Weber is the Chief Advisor, Governance at NZSBA, New Zealand School Boards Association, where she leads national work on strengthening school board effectiveness. With a background in governance development, policy design, and sector leadership, Belinda works to support boards to stay strategic, accountable, and student-focused. She was central in designing NZSBA’s refreshed school governance framework and policy suite, helping boards clarify their roles and lift school performance. Known for her clear, practical approach and sector knowledge, Belinda works alongside boards, principals, and advisors to grow governance capability and drive meaningful change across schools in New Zealand.
David Graham, Principal, Goodwood School
David Graham is an experienced school leader having led primary schools across the Waikato for over 25 years. He is currently the principal of Goodwood School (a primary school of 400 students). In 2026, Goodwood School won the New Zealand Education Excellence Award for School Leadership (Large Primary School). David is a mentor in the National Aspiring Principals’ Programme and has an interest in supporting school leaders to manage multiple and often competing legislative demands.
