NZCEO

It is time to mark 13 – 15 December 2026 in your calendars so that you can attend the 3-day Symposium being hosted by Whānau Mercy Ministries and Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. https://whanaumercy.nz/catherine-mcauley-symposium/

Maria Neville-Foster Appointed Chief Executive of NZCEO and APIS.

The Board of the New Zealand Catholic Education Office (NZCEO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Maria Neville-Foster as Chief Executive Officer of NZCEO and the Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools (APIS).

The Board recently completed its recruitment process and is delighted to welcome Maria to this important leadership role.

Maria brings extensive leadership experience in Catholic education, strong strategic capability, and a deep commitment to the mission and future of Catholic education in Aotearoa New Zealand. Throughout her career she has demonstrated excellence in educational leadership, stakeholder engagement, organisational development, and strengthening Catholic special character.

NZCEO Board Chair John Gallaher said the board was delighted with Maria's appointment.
"Maria is a respected and values-driven leader whose faith, experience and commitment to service strongly align with the mission of NZCEO. The Board is confident she will provide outstanding leadership as we continue to support Catholic education throughout New Zealand."

Jenny Gordon, Chair, APIS Executive said “APIS and Proprietors welcome and celebrate the appointment of Maria Neville-Foster. Maria is a passionate advocate for high-quality education grounded in Special Character. Her unique combination of skills, leadership and experience positions her well to further strengthen and advance the State Integrated School sector.”

APIS congratulates Maria on her appointment and looks forward to working closely with her in the New Year to support the continued growth and success of the sector.
Maria said she was honoured to accept the appointment.

"I am honoured and excited to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of NZCEO and APIS. Our special character schools are uniquely positioned within New Zealand's education system, and it is a privilege to lead and advocate for this important sector.”

I look forward to building strong relationships with proprietors, school leaders, government agencies, and stakeholders across the education community. I also acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Kevin Shore, whose leadership has strengthened both organisations. It is an honour to build on the strong foundation he has established as we continue to support and grow our special character schools."
As Chief Executive, Maria will provide leadership across NZCEO and APIS, working closely with proprietors, school leaders, bishops, government agencies, and sector partners to advance the mission and objectives of Catholic education.

Maria is currently the Principal of Sacred Heart College, Napier, having held that position since 2018.

She has held education leadership roles in both state and state integrated schools for the last twenty years having initially trained and undertaken her first teaching role in Ireland. Maria has a Master of Arts in Education (Hons) and a Bachelor of Science in Education (Hons) through Limerick University in Ireland.

https://nz.seek.com/job/93738801?ref=cm-ui

Manager Project/Programme Development & Delivery NZ Catholic Education Office Job in Wellington Central, Wellington - SEEK A key focus is the successful development and delivery of programmes and projects that strengthen Catholic education.

PRINCIPAL'S DAY 29 JULY 2026
The Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools (APIS) and the New Zealand Catholic Education Office (NZCEO) wishes all our principals in the state integrated school sector a Happy Principals Day!
The student success in our schools starts with a passionate and driven school leader who can capture the hearts and minds of the students, staff, and the school community. It’s not a job for the feint hearted but it is an incredibly fulfilling role and one that has significant influence in enabling our wonderful young men and women to thrive.
Thank you for what you do every day in promoting and preserving the special character of your school and for ensuring that every child receives the attention and support they deserve.

Congratulations to former Sacred Heart student Samuel Mataele who won the Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest on the 11 July 2026.
The 19-year-old countertenor’s commanding performance wowed the judges and earned Mataele $50,000. Samuel is currently a Bachelor of Music student at the University of Auckland.

Opportunity in one of Aotearoa’s most inspiring locations

St Joseph’s School invites a visionary Catholic leader who is energised by possibility; someone ready to embrace the Queenstown lifestyle, guide a thriving school through growth and change, and build a legacy that will shape the next generation. This role is for a principal who leads with mana, integrity, and purpose, who sees opportunity and is inspired by the chance to guide a cherished culture into an exciting new chapter.
For more information:

https://gazette.education.govt.nz/vacancies/1HAt03-tumuaki-principal-exciting-growth-opportunity/?search=St+Josephs+School+queenstown%3F%23results

Closes 27th July, 2026.

gazette.education.govt.nz

REMINDER - Expression of Interest APIS Workshops - Working Well Together - Proprietor & School Board Relationships - Closing Date Extended

APIS is offering practical workshops in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington for proprietors, particularly proprietor chairs, and presiding members of school boards.
The workshops will focus on one of the most important relationships in a state-integrated school: the relationship between the proprietor and the school board. When this relationship works well, there is clarity, trust, respect, and a shared commitment to the school’s special character and success.
Although APIS does not usually focus directly on school boards, in this case it makes sense to involve presiding members. They are often the key communication link between the board and the proprietor and play an important role in building a constructive partnership.
Others involved in the proprietor–school board relationship are welcome to attend; however, the workshop is particularly focused on proprietor chairs and school board presiding members.
These workshops are for all state-integrated schools, across the full range of faith-based and philosophical special characters. The focus is not on one particular tradition, but on how proprietors and boards can understand each other’s roles, respect each other’s responsibilities, maintain appropriate boundaries, and work together in the best interests of the school community.
We encourage proprietor chairs and presiding members to attend together where possible.
Presenters
The workshops will be led by Dr Kevin Shore and Karen Raitt, bringing together practical governance experience and sector knowledge.
Dr Kevin Shore, CEO APIS, brings significant experience in the state-integrated school sector, including the role of proprietors, the protection of special character, and the practical realities of working well with school boards.
Karen Raitt Deputy CEO, brings strong school governance experience, including seven years with the New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSBA) supporting school boards and good governance practice.
Karen’s interest in integrated schooling also began personally, as a parent of two children who attended a Montessori primary school. This gives her a broad perspective beyond any single faith tradition, with a focus on supporting all integrated schools to build strong, respectful and well-understood relationships between proprietors and boards.
The workshop dates are as follows:
• Auckland – 19 August, 6pm to 8pm
• Wellington – 9 September, 6pm to 8pm
• Christchurch - 16 September, 6pm to 8pm
Further details will be provided once participant numbers have been confirmed.
Please RSVP by 17 July 2026 to [email protected] if you are interested in attending.
Thank you to everyone who has registered their interest to date.

At the Heart of It All - Ireland:
An Irish Pilgrimage into the Story of Catholic Education in Australia and New Zealand.

Here is the digital itinerary link:
https://wetu.com/Itinerary/Landing/a273f01e-4f28-4d9b-9e33-4a0c106a08b0

This signature pilgrimage offers more than a journey through Ireland's sacred places; it is an opportunity to travel alongside like-minded people who share a curiosity about faith, heritage and the stories that have shaped our communities.

At the Heart of it All (Ireland 2027 Pilgrimage)

Magnifica Humanitas for schools, Jules Hickey will be running a free 45-minute webinar (with Michael Stewart) on Thursday at 5.30pm.
Link below:
8f0e9872-dcdb-4dc2-bf83-7dfe263302b9@eb0bc547-d1e0-4cd8-b61f-191e98bdb8cc" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8f0e9872-dcdb-4dc2-bf83-7dfe263302b9@eb0bc547-d1e0-4cd8-b61f-191e98bdb8cc

Since the release of the encyclical, there has been the opportunity to comment on:

Nine to Noon: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019037105/the-pope-calls-for-the-disarming-of-ai

CathNews:

https://cathnewsnz.com/2026/06/05/catholic-ai-advisor-calls-for-transparency-in-military-use/

AI Ready women podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7uBQ90Vdl5GqbLOVYQSISB?si=e47afd5bb8784cce&nd=1&dlsi=36f40f4b44584ac2

The Pope's AI Warning, and Why Women Need to Reclaim Their Agency | Julianne Hickey AI Ready Women · Episode

The Liturgy Centre is excited to announce Fr Paul Turner will be holding a workshop on Saturday 25th July 2026 called Ars Celebrandi, details below.