Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand (ECNZ) is an incorporated society of members governed by a Council elected by members at Annual General Meetings (AGM). The Council's role is that of a governance body, overseeing ECNZ's policies and strategic direction. The Council meet five times each year.

Council is responsible for:

• Consulting with members of ECNZ in a regular and systematic manner
• Developing the ECNZ’s strategic vision and direction and approving its strategic plan
• Employing and managing the performance of the Chief Executive.

ECNZ Council is comprised of a National President, and eight members. Two member positions are reserved for Māori and one for Pasifika. There is an elected staff representative on the Council.
 

Clare Wells - National President

I have been involved in ECE since the 1970s as a teacher, advocate, union activist and policy advisor. I believe every child has a right to access high quality ECE and have championed and campaigned for universal access to quality ECE services, the development of a qualified and progressive teaching workforce, and a partnership with government that supports the growth of community-based ECE services.

Christine Taare - Kaiwhakahaere

I have had 26 powerful years learning how I can be the best version of me and ignite children’s love for learning. While I have worked in various early childhood settings, tertiary education and government, I currently work at the Gisborne Kindergarten Association.

Dr Lesley Rameka - Council Member

I am a Senior Research Fellow at the Faculty of Education, University of Waikato. I have worked in early childhood education for over 35years, beginning my journey in te kohanga reo, and working in a number of professional development and tertiary education providers over the years.

Meritiana Lolesio - Council Member Pasifika

 I have been part of leadership teams and governance roles in the early childhood, tertiary and community spaces, advocating for children: in particular, equity for Pacific children and services. Appreciating the uniqueness of my culture has been foundational in navigating the educational terrain that many of our Pacific children travel. 

I am a Chartered Accountant by profession and practised in Wellington city for more than 40 years with two different CA firms. I retired as a Partner from BDO Wellington in December 2011 after 32 years in that role. 

Wiremu (Bill) Kaua - Council Member Māori, Kaumātua

I have tribal affiliations with Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau a Mahaki, Ngāti Horowai, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Rongowhakaata, Ngā Tāmanuhiri, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Ruapani, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Ngāti Rakaipaaka.
I have spent many years in senior management in the public and private sector and have a thorough understanding of government and legislative requirements.

Nick McKissack - Council Member

Cathy Wilson - Council Member

Teenā koutou katoa
Ko Tau/hara te mau/nga i kukume mai ai ki tōku ngākau
Ko Waikato te awa i tau mai tōku wairua
E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o Mangakino e noho nei au
Nō England, Aotearoa ōku tupuna.
I tipu ake au ki Pōneke.  Por/neke
E noho ana au ki Pōneke a Mangakino.
Ko Cathy Wilson tōku ingoa.
Ko Kaiwhakahaere matua, Montessori Aotearoa NZ

Teenā koutou katoa. Cathy has been the Chief Executive officer for Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand (MANZ) since 2015. She is from a teaching background and is both State and Associated Montessori Internationale (AMI) teacher trained from 0-18 years. She has worked as a tutor for the Aperfield Montessori Trust and delivered numerous workshops for the Early Childhood Council, Victoria University and Montessori conferences both in New Zealand and overseas.  Cathy represents MANZ on many Ministry of Education, Teaching Council, Education Review Office and New Zealand Qualification Authority governance and advisory groups as well as two global boards.