Who we are
Michaela Allen, Ministry of Education
Michaela Allen oversees the administration of Grow Waitaha and is the link person between the Ministry, providers, and schools. She is a multi-tasker who loves putting plans into action. Michaela brings an experience of primary school teaching and parenting to her role.
Liz Brown, Mātauraka Mahaanui
Liz Brown is the chair of Mātauraka Mahaanui and holds a governance role on the Grow Waitaha project. She ensures that Māori students' success and Ngāi Tahutanga are key considerations in all decisions. Liz enables a local Ngāi Tahu perspective to be embedded in initiatives, from the conceptual stage to the delivery.
Helen Cooper, CORE Education
Helen Cooper is co-leader of the Grow workstream where she helps schools connect, collaborate, and cross-pollinate ideas. She is also in Puaka where she supports the overall direction of the Grow Waitaha initiative. Helen is an experienced education leader who enjoys expanding her own professional learning while also supporting schools and kura nationwide.
Dr Cheryl Doig, Think Beyond
Dr Cheryl Doig coordinates the Grow Waitaha governance group and supports all other workstreams in their combined mahi. She has wide ranging experiences in education, health, leadership, and governance. Cheryl's great sense of curiosity and collaboration helps her to explore future possibilities and influence others.
Steve Edwards, Evaluation Associates
Steve Edwards has a range of roles across the Grow Waitaha project. He works in the Evaluate workstream to monitor the progress and impact of Grow Waitaha. He is one of the leaders of the Navigate workstream and he works directly with schools as a Navigator utilising his extensive experience in leading professional learning.
Dr Chris Jansen, Leadership Lab
Dr Chris Jansen co-leads the Grow workstream and facilitates various Grow initiatives. He also works as a Navigator with various schools. Chris enjoys exploring future-focused pedagogies and shares his experiences and expertise at workshops and conferences around New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific, and Asia.
Garry Williams, Ministry of Education
Garry Williams is a member of the Grow Waitaha governance group. He enjoys exploring how systems can work better for users and builds commitment and enthusiasm for change. Garry brings flexibility to different situations and a knowledge of how collaborative partnerships can utilise strengths together.