Role

As Regional Education Leader in the Heretaunga, Hawkes Bay region Andrea is responsible for supporting our local tauira and strengthening connections with local education communities.

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Education Background

Andrea has worked in the education and social service sector in the Hawkes Bay region for over 25 years. Her teaching experience includes primary, early learning, specialist teaching - early intervention/ learning support ( Ministry of Education) and ITE.

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Research Background

Andrea is currently undertaking PhD studies with Massey University and is an active member of the Massey University Early Years Research Lab. Andrea has an interest in leadership practice and research. She has recently completed research that explores personal experiences as leadership development. Andrea’s other research interests include intentional teaching, inclusive pedagogy and ensuring Kaiako have the skills and confidence to notice, recognize, and respond to the learning and developmental needs of tamariki with disabilities.

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Teaching Interests

Andrea’s teaching and leadership philosophy is grounded in the importance of relationships. She believes that all significant learning across the life span occurs in relationship with others, including the environment. Andrea believes that ākonga deserve rich learning environments with nurturing, responsive Kaiako.

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Recent Publications

Driver, A. (2025). Leading with self-awareness: The antecedent to relational leadership. Journal of Educational Leadership, Policy and Practice, 39, 1-13.