New NZEI president seeks quality public education for all kids

Lynda Stuart, new president of NZEI Te Riu Roa, says she is driven by a belief in quality public education for all New Zealand children.

Ms Stuart, principal of May Road School in Mt Roskill, Auckland, has been an active member of NZEI for her entire career – more than 30 years – and was elected to the two-year term during the most recent school holidays. 

“I want to ensure a quality public education system is retained and enhanced in New Zealand as I believe that this is the only way that we can meet the needs of all of our children. Ensuring that equitable outcomes are the focus for educational policy is at the heart of all that I do.”

Ms Stuart says going into an election year will mean that NZEI members will need to continue their advocacy for education. “There have been some great wins over the years, but we need to challenge those policies that are not in the best interests of tamariki and educators.”

Ms Stuart has been president of the Auckland branch of NZEI, a counsellor for NZEI and has represented NZEI on education focus and advisory groups and in public forums. She has been an active media spokesperson for NZEI and quality public education. She has also represented NZEI at international conferences and is a member of the Education Council.

As a principal, she is a strong believer in working in partnership with boards of trustees, staff, students and community. “Students deserve the very best teaching and learning opportunities available to them. That drives me in all of my work.’’