Kia ora,
“He waka eke noa – We are all in this together”
Why this matters now
The future of education and the technology that enables it isn’t something we watch unfold from the sidelines. It’s something we shape together.
Across Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world, the education sector – like many other sectors – is under immense pressure. Economic uncertainty, constrained budgets, and the rapid pace of technological change are placing significant strain across the system. Yet within this uncertainty lies a powerful opportunity – the chance to reimagine and innovate.
At EdTechNZ, we stand for a vision of lifelong learning enabled by technology that is inclusive, adaptive, accessible, and deeply human. We believe in technology that empowers – not replaces – human connection, creativity, and potential. And we believe in collective action, where our sector leads with integrity, shares knowledge, and acts for future generations.
To our current EdTechNZ members – ngā mihi nui. Your resilience, collaboration, and perseverance continue to inspire us. You are the heartbeat of this movement. In challenging times, your work brings light and momentum.
To those not yet part of our network – we invite you to join. You don’t need to be an EdTech organisation to belong here. If you’re passionate about the role of technology in shaping a more equitable lifelong learning system – whether as an educator, policymaker, innovator, or business leader – there’s a place for you in our community. Partner with us. Sponsor an initiative. Lend your expertise.
Our Strategic Focus for 2025
In 2025, EdTechNZ is sharpening its focus around two key priorities:
- Strengthening the EdTech ecosystem in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Help us grow and scale EdTech export solutions from Aotearoa New Zealand to the world.
These priorities are being guided by insights from our EdTechNZ community, Executive Council and our newly formed EdTechNZ Stewardship Groups. These Stewardship Groups, composed of dedicated EdTechNZ members, aim to lead initiatives on critical themes such as growth and capability building, internationalisation and exports, AI-readiness, and policy influence. These groups aren’t committees in name only – they are designed to be action hubs that will help shape a resilient, future-focused EdTechNZ sector.
For further insights, I encourage you to read articles included in this newsletter and written by Dr Mahsa McCauley, EdTechNZ Executive Council member and NZTech Board member; Tim Haynes, Chair of EdTechNZ’s Growth and Export (Start-up and SME) Stewardship Group; and Dr Guy Bates, Chair of EdTechNZ’s AI in Education Technology Stewardship Group.
Honouring those who help us move forward with our Strategy Days
We would like to extend our gratitude once again to Waipapa Taumata Rau – University of Auckland and Amazon Web Services for their generous support of our 2024 Strategy Day.
We are equally grateful to Accelerate Impact Partners and Hudson Gavin Martin for their support of our 2025 Strategy Day.
- A heartfelt thank you to Wendy Kerr, whose facilitation brought both strategic clarity and human warmth to our sessions. Her leadership, combined with her deep commitment to education, innovation, and technology, guided our 2025 Executive Council’s strategy day with wisdom and grace. Connect with Wendy Kerr here and learn about her work through Accelerate Impact Partners here.
- Special thanks to Sarah Weersing and Hudson Gavin Martin for generously hosting our 2025 Strategy Day. This vital moment allowed the Executive Council to align, imagine, and act together. Learn more about Hudson Gavin Martin’s work on Tech, media and IP-centric businesses here.
- To Graeme Muller, CEO of NZTech, and the entire NZTech team – your unwavering support and belief in the inclusive and transformative potential of EdTechNZ is foundational to our collective progress. Learn more about the wider impact of the NZTech ecosystem here.
- And finally, to the EdTechNZ Executive Council team, your expertise, leadership, and unwavering passion for the sector are inspiring. I am deeply grateful for the collective energy, vision, and commitment you bring to EdTechNZ, and I’m honoured to be on this journey with you. Let’s continue paddling together, moving the waka forward, and shaping a brighter future for our sector and the generations to come. Learn more about the EdTechNZ Executive Council members here.
A note from me
For those who don’t yet know me, my name is Noah Ghebremichael, and I’m honoured to serve as Chair of EdTechNZ Executive Council, alongside a dedicated group of leaders. We are leaders from across the ecosystem, working together to build a stronger, more connected future for lifelong learning enabled by education technology in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
In addition to this, I work at Waipapa Taumata Rau – University of Auckland, as part of the Executive and Professional Development team at the Business School. I am passionate about weaving together human wisdom and technological innovation to create meaningful impact for lifelong learners, organisations, and communities.
Connect with me here and learn more about my work at Executive and Professional Development here.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Noah Ghebremichael
Chair, EdTechNZ
Read full news here: Our Strategic Focus for 2025
