Who we are and what we do
NZSTA is a membership-based national organisation representing the interests of its member boards. Membership of NZSTA is open to boards of any state or state-integrated school.
School boards are the largest single group of crown entities in the country, accountable directly to the government and the local community for the quality of education in their school. There are approximately 18,000 people currently serving on 2,425 state and state integrated school boards. Approximately 2,232 school boards of trustees are NZSTA member boards (around 92 percent of the total number of school boards).
NZSTA has a contract with the Ministry of Education to deliver a fully-integrated range of services free to all boards to support and enhance their capability in governance and employment. NZSTA is also an active party in relevant education related decisions and national policy formulation and works alongside the Ministry of Education in negotiating Collective Agreements with unions.
NZSTA is a not-for-profit incorporated society with charitable trust status.
Contact us for further information.
Our purpose
Our mission is to lead and strengthen school governance in New Zealand.
To this end, NZSTA wants all state and state-integrated schools effectively governed by a board whose primary focus is every student achieving their educational potential.
Mission statement
Our Mission is to Lead and Strengthen School Governance in New Zealand
Vision
New Zealand School Trustees Association is the most influential leader of effective school governance in Aotearoa, embodying the intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
This ensures that all schools are effectively governed so that every student realises their highest possible educational potential.
Core principles
- Effective community-led governance.
- Honour and embody the principles and obligations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi of participation, partnership and protection(1) which underpin education in New Zealand.
- An equitably, and adequately, state funded system of education.
- Membership is well respected, represented and supported.
- To work with good intent and high integrity.
(1) Sir Hugh Kāwharu, 1991
Strategic objectives
a) Provide effective leadership
b) Fit for purpose resources and support
c) Value the skills of school trustees
d) Promote community and public understanding of the board’s governance role.
e) Provide high quality Professional Development
f) A sustainable and strengthened organisation for the future
g) Honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi