LEADING LIGHTS Issue 3 | 2024
Shelley McKay is Deputy Principal of Taumata School, Tauranga.
Karyn Gray is Principal of Raphael House Rudolph Steiner School, Wellington.
Shelley and Karyn are Co-Presidents of NZEALS
As we reflect on 2024, NZEALS has continued to pursue its vision of Empowering Educational Leaders with great commitment and passion. This year, we have focused on engaging all leaders, regardless of role or sector, creating an inclusive space where leadership development thrives. Our strategic goals – to Connect, Create, Contemplate, Critique, and Celebrate – have guided our efforts to bring people together from across Aotearoa to share, challenge, and grow as leaders. A key highlight was our biennial conference, where Lisa and the Canterbury team orchestrated an inspiring three-day event filled with thought-provoking discussions and rich leadership learning.
Looking ahead, our focus for 2025 is two-fold: rebuilding NZEALS as a leadership group that represents and supports leaders from all sectors and levels, and deepening our commitment to leadership research. We want to be a beacon for leaders across New Zealand, offering relevant support that addresses the diverse and complex challenges they face. In a leadership landscape often focused on advocacy, we are determined to carve out a unique role that is inclusive, research-driven, and accessible to all who aspire to lead and grow. We look forward to engaging more deeply with our community and co-creating the journey together.
As we prepare for our next major event, the 2026 conference in Wellington, we will build on the strong foundations set this year. Our aim is to create another memorable and impactful gathering that continues to foster leadership excellence across the country. We are excited for what lies ahead and invite you to be part of the journey as we strengthen NZEALS, deepen our impact, and celebrate the stories of leadership that inspire us all.
Shelley and Karyn