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Board of Directors

Dr Paul M Potaka

Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au!
Ko Ruapehu raua ko Tauakira oku maunga
Ko Whanganui raua ko Mangawhero oku awa
Ko Pamoana te tangata
Ko Koriniti raua ko Otoko oku marae
Ko Paul Potaka toku ingoa
Tihei mauriora!
 
Paul has had over 30 years of experience as a teacher and principal in small schools. He recently retired as the Principal of Nelson Central School in Nelson.
 
His qualifications include an Ed D (UNE); M.Ed. Admin. (Hons). Dip. Ed., B.A., and a Dip. Tchg.
Paul’s work experiences have included  District Adviser on Reading responsible for providing inservice training for teachers on a wide range of literacy related professional topics.
He has worked as a Schools Liaison Officer with the Ministry of Education, with regular secondments to the Ministry of Education National Office policy division. 
For six years Paul was a tutor/marker for the Master of Educational Administration programme at Massey University. He has represented principals on national and local committees and was a successful contractor for the Ministry of Education Appraisal Contract in 1998. 
 
Paul was also responsible, in 1996, for setting up a Ministry of Education contract for a pilot programme on integrating the curriculum.
He has a strong commitment to the professional development of teachers and was the holder of the Minolta Dame Jean Herbison Fellow Award in 1999. In 2001 he was the recipient of the Westpac Bank travelling award for principals. 
Paul’s current interests have to do with developing leadership in organisations, especially in schools; human rights in education; the relationship between policy-makers and leaders and how policy is implemented; and, achieving equity for all learners.

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