Thursday, 10 September 2026
What it's Like on the Receiving End of an Investigation
- What are your rights when you are under investigation
- Fair and proper investigation processes
- Terms of Reference
- Reviewing recent cases and assessing risks and issues
Presented by Fi McMillan, Special Counsel, Anderson Lloyd and Rebecca Laney, Associate, Anderson Lloyd
Description
Attend and earn 1 PLD/CPD Hour
This Session is included in the Te Mahere Whanake Tumuaki Principal Development Plan list of Courses and Programmes on the Education Workforce website.
Chair
Simon Kenny, Principal, Fergusson Intermediate School
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rights and procedural protections available to principals and school leaders who are the subject of an investigation
- Identify the elements of a fair and proper investigation process, including the role of Terms of Reference, and apply lessons from recent cases to manage risks effectively
Presenters
Rebecca Laney, Associate, Anderson Lloyd
Rebecca is an Associate in Anderson Lloyd’s employment team, specialising in employment, health and safety, and education law. She has particular expertise in conducting employment and health and safety investigations. She regularly advises and represents both respondents and complainants, including in matters involving school boards and principals.
Simon Kenny, Principal, Fergusson Intermediate School
Simon has taught in a number of schools in Wellington and was the Principal of a small contributing School (Birchville School) before winning the Principal position at Fergusson Intermediate where he has been for the past 9 years. Leading the school community has been a huge privilege and opportunity to learn and grow. Simon’s wife is also a Principal and they have a 19 year old son who went to both of their schools as a young student before escaping to college and who is now at Massey University. Simon is passionate about equitable education and empowering all of our amazing young people. He works in a high energy environment and absolutely loves his school, his team and his community.
Fi McMillan, Special Counsel, Anderson Lloyd
Fi specialises in employment and education law. She is the legal advisor to the NZPF "Principals' Advice and Support Scheme." Prior to becoming a lawyer Fi worked as a primary school teacher in New Zealand and in the UK, and completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Child Advocacy. She has also worked on several Boards. This experience puts her in a strong position to advise on legal issues affecting schools. Fi is committed to working with her clients to find the best possible outcome, whether that can be achieved by constructive discussions and resolution of issues or through more formal processes.
