We’re almost there! The final school event is looming, the last tasks are almost off the desk and the final bell is closing in. What a year it has been and what a lot has been achieved.

Day one, term one, we knew we were in for stormy times. Already we were planning for a ‘Red Light Setting’ pandemic response.  Still reeling from the residue of vaccination mandates, we now faced relentless ‘change-management’ as COVID continued to evolve through the Omicron stage.  

As Omicron peaked then receded, we faced the challenge of reengaging students in their learning, assessing where they were at and planning a way forward to compensate for the lost learning time. It was a time of constant review, and reprioritizing learning goals.  Individually and collectively schools grappled with the questions - ‘What is most important to teach?’ and ‘What is the right next step for each ākonga’?

Then came the next set of questions – ‘Which teachers are here today?’, ‘Which students are here today?’ and ‘What else do we need to manage today?’

What was NZPF doing during this time?

Alongside the national executive, it has been my privilege to advocate for you on many issues, at national, regional and local levels.  As well as the ongoing changes of COVID, the introduction of the Local Histories Curriculum, the ‘Curriculum Refresh’ review, the appointment of new leadership advisors, the introduction of the ‘Professional Growth Cycle’ appraisal process and shifting from deciles to EQI, have all been on our radar.

I thank you for your feedback which has strengthened our collective advocacy to influence MOE decision-making throughout the year.

At an organisation level, NZPF progressed all four Annual Plan workstreams this year – Leadership, Curriculum, Student Advocacy and Legal / Policy / Constitution work.  One of the many highlights of the year was the annual NZPF Conference in the ‘mighty’ Canterbury.  Other highlights include the NZPF Mathematics Curriculum Road Show, MOOT 2022, advancing systems thinking in leadership PLD and Curriculum Refresh support.

We strongly advocated throughout for additonal relief staffing, sick pay provision and guaranteed ‘Teacher-Only Days’ for 2023 and achieved positive outcomes on all fronts. 

The 40th NZPF Anniversary Event was another highlight at which past presidents and life members gathered to share cherished memories. We also acknowledged those whose ‘shoulders we stand on’, including John Fleming (past president, 1993 - 1995), and life members, Ian Payne and Ken Morris, all of whom passed away this year.

In 2022, the Federation continued to support the newly established PPCB Union to strengthen current and future collective bargaining.  Primary and secondary unions are presently negotiating the collective agreement and we hope for a positive outcome in the New Year. 

The harbour is in sight ...

 As I conclude my term as NZPF President, I thank you for your support this year.  It has been a privilege to serve the profession in this role and, as Immediate Past President next year, I look forward to progressing projects already underway and supporting incoming President, Leanne Otene.  My special thanks to Jason Miles (Vice President), Julie Hepburn, Karen Brisco and Gavin Beere for their steadfast support throughout the year.  I also acknowledge our national office team, Liz Hawes, Sadie O’Rourke and Nina Netherclift for the work they do, to support us all. 

So, we are nearly there.  The finish line is in sight.  We have all given our best and done what we could for the communities we serve. 

Kia kaha to you all.  You are taonga. All the best for the festive season.  Have a wonderful holiday break.  Hapaitia te ara tika pumau ai te rangatiratanga mo ngā uri whakatipu.