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December 10, 2024 EdTechNZ

EdTechNZ Executive Council in the spotlight

Introducing the EdTechNZ Executive Council: a group of passionate leaders bringing a wealth of expertise and a shared vision for the future of education technology in Aotearoa. Together, they’re here to inspire innovation, spark collaboration, and make a real difference in how technology transforms learning across New Zealand.

Sarah Weersing

HGM Legal

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Who are you and what is your background?

I am Special Counsel at Hudson Gavin Martin, a boutique law firm specialising in Tech, Media and Intellectual Property. I am passionate about helping my clients achieve their strategic and financial objectives through capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, exit events, joint ventures, corporate structuring, IP commercialisation, and other commercial transactions. Having practiced corporate/commercial law in the US for over 15 years before moving to New Zealand and qualifying as a NZ solicitor, I especially enjoy supporting trade between the US and NZ by advising NZ companies preparing to expand to the US market.

What was the motivation for getting involved with EdTechNZ, and what are you looking to contributing over the coming year?

I have had a lifelong interest in education, mentoring and literacy, beginning with earning a bachelor’s degree from my alma mater’s School of Education and Social Policy. I have also served in various volunteer roles with literacy organisations and mentoring programmes throughout my career. As a lawyer, a significant part of my legal practice focuses on helping technology companies grow and innovate through strategic transactions and sound governance. As a mother of a junior high school student, I see the impact of technology on student learning daily. I am looking forward to leveraging my interests and experience to help the NZ EdTech community develop and provide equal access to increasingly innovative EdTech tools necessary for students at all levels to reach their potential and excel in our tech-reliant world.

Truman Pham

Neurofrog

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Who are you and what is your background?

I am a Strategic Innovation Advisor at Neurofrog, an Edtech startup that empowers organisations, enterprises, and governments with AI-based and neuroscience-inspired parenting solutions that ignite life-changing moments. I am also a Learning Designer at The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand. Upon relocating to New Zealand 10 years ago, I developed and delivered blended/hybrid masters and postgraduate programmes at AcademyEX, which equipped more than 5,000 educators with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital age. I have over 20 years of experience in education innovation, EdTech, and engineering in both Vietnam and New Zealand.

What was the motivation for getting involved with EdTechNZ, and what are you looking to contributing over the coming year?

I am passionate about improving access to and the quality of education, particularly in ways that support economic and environmental sustainability. EdTechNZ, whose purpose is to enhance learning with technology that reflects our unique Aotearoa identity, plays a vital role in achieving such improvements. I have collaboratively organised activities and events that support EdTech export to key markets, and I will continue to do so while I am a member of the Executive Council. I am also working on an initiative to support EdTech businesses that focus on tertiary education.

I am also a Fellow of Asia Society’s Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative. My extensive international experience, along with my global network of professionals and leaders, enables me to support EdTechNZ members in developing international connections and partnerships.

Sandy Brown

N4L

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Who are you and what is your background?

Kia ora tātou. I am Chief Government Affairs Officer at the Network for Learning. N4L provides internet and networking to all state and state-integrated schools in New Zealand. In my role, I look after N4L’s connections to Wellington, particularly in the areas of policy and strategy. I also oversee our data and insights function. I have been at N4L for ten years, moving here from the Ministry of Education. I have also had senior roles at the Ministry of Justice and the Tertiary Education Commission.

What was the motivation for getting involved with EdTechNZ, and what are you looking to contributing over the coming year?

I am keen to support the EdTech community in developing and delivering products that will enhance education in New Zealand and grow our economy. I have worked in education policy, in both the school and tertiary sectors. I have familiarity with RS&T policy and funding.

Kelly-Ann Maxwell

TTRO

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Who are you and what is your background?

I am a Key Account Manager, and I run JointheDotsCo, a bespoke advisory that works alongside ambitious leaders to develop expertise, strategies and the connections they need to simplify the path to growth and go beyond business as usual. I grew up in global creative tech agencies, driving technology solutions across global markets and I love the speed at which technology changes the world. One of my key clients is TTRO, a global EdTech company driving lifelong learning through innovation and transformative learning experiences.

What was the motivation for getting involved with EdTechNZ, and what are you looking to contributing over the coming year?

For me, it’s a combination of firstly, getting NZ ahead of the global technology wave starting with Education and secondly, supporting NZ EdTech companies to shake things up worldwide. With 74% of EdTech companies in New Zealand currently exporting their products and services, NZ could be leading the way in harnessing the power of technology to create more engaging, accessible, and effective learning experiences both here and abroad. I love to meet new people and get very excited about NZ businesses taking that step into global markets. Please do reach out, even if its just to connect and grab a coffee!

Shanon O’Connor

Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tahu

Tōnui Collab

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Who are you and what is your background?

Ko Shanon O’Connor toku ingoa, he uri ahau o Ngati Porou me Ngai Tahu. He Kaiwhakahaere o Tōnui Collab ki Te Tairāwhiti. I am the Founder and Director of Tōnui Collab, a STEMM Education Partner based in Te Tairāwhiti. We partner with kura, marae, and hapori to create opportunities for rangatahi to explore, create, and thrive through collaborative STEMM exploration.

What was the motivation for getting involved with EdTechNZ, and what are you looking to contributing over the coming year?

When we look at digital technology tools that enhance learning experiences, Māori learners are underserved. I joined EdTech NZ to better understand the EdTech environment in Aotearoa, and advocate for the development of EdTech tools that better serve our taitamariki. I am also keen to grow our Māori EdTech community – our hapori is small but mighty!

I would love to chat in person or online with members of our hapori that are designing EdTech tools that support tauira Māori.

Noah Ghebremichael

University of Auckland

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Who are you and what is your background?

Kia ora, ko Noah taku ingoa. I serve as Chair of EdTechNZ and Senior Manager leading the Business Development team at Executive & Professional Development at the University of Auckland Business School. With over 14 years of experience in capability development, strategic partnerships, and business development, I focus on fostering collaboration and building frameworks that enable collective impact. My educational background spans business, entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation commercialisation, all of which contribute to enabling success across the sector.

What was the motivation for getting involved with EdTechNZ, and what are you looking to contributing over the coming year?

The intersection of human wisdom and artificial intelligence motivates my work, as it enables collaborative intelligence that allows us to achieve more good together. EdTechNZ provides a platform to harness this potential, bringing together diverse expertise to enable meaningful change. Over the next year, EdTechNZ will continue to position itself as a leading platform for thought leadership, advocating for initiatives that support the growth of EdTechNZ startups and SMEs and access to international markets. Strengthening governance frameworks will ensure activities align with our mission, fostering member growth and enhancing stakeholder engagement.

Please connect and lets collaborate on opportunities that advance partnerships, strategic alignment, governance frameworks, and scalable solutions within the EdTech sector.

Julia Novak

Ministry of Education

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Who are you and what is your background?

I’m the General Manager of NZC&TW in the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education. Before joining the Ministry in 2022, I worked for 15 years at the University of Auckland, first in the Maths Department, then as Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning for the Faculty of Science. In 2020, I set up Ranga Aoha Ako (the Learning and Teaching Design Team), supporting learning and teaching across the whole University.

What was the motivation for getting involved with EdTechNZ, and what are you looking to contributing over the coming year?

My career started in R&D at Vodafone, where I worked in fraud and modelling. I have a PhD in Cryptography and have always been an active user of technology.

Happy to talk – don’t hesitate to reach out.

Michael Zhang

Teacher Representative

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Who are you and what is your background?

I have been a teacher in NZ for the last nine years, teaching Design and Visual Communication, Digital, and general technology. I’ve taught from Year 7 all the way to Year 13. I am a huge advocate for learning creative thinking, critical thinking, and developing a love of learning.

What was the motivation for getting involved with EdTechNZ, and what are you looking to contributing over the coming year?

The opportunity arose to be part of the council as a teacher’s voice. I’ve spent most of my teaching career thinking about how to leverage technology as an effective way to realise the lofty aspirations we have for the education sector. There’s so much on a teacher’s plate, so how can we, in the next year, bring more to schools, teachers, and students?

I’m happy to have a korero so please reach out.

Dean Watson

Thinkladder

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Who are you and what is your background?

I’m originally from Melbourne, but moved to Auckland a little over five years ago to work in an EdTech startup full-time. 10 years into my EdTech journey, I love the people and the work more than ever! I’m helping out three EdTechs at present as the first sales hire at the following: Thinkladder, which helps educators and secondary students identify and reframe their limiting beliefs — EduMaxi, which puhlishes the Te Reo Singalong picture story series for primary school students; and Infrairis, which delivers animated explainer videos that help businesses with their visual storytelling. I also help a wide range of EdTechs pro bono, because in a small country like New Zealand, if we’re going to win on the world stage, we all need to help one another win together.

What was the motivation for getting involved with EdTechNZ, and what are you looking to contributing over the coming year?

I wanted to get involved because I knew I’d be the least experienced person in the room. Having never worked at the governance level before, I was very curious to see what that would be like. I love making a difference, and one of the best ways to do that is to constantly surround yourself with people who know a lot more than you do and who you might even like to become one day. Lastly, I want to help connect everyone in the EdTech community, and becoming a part of EdTechNZ seemed like a great way to do that. So far, it has been!

I’m happy to help anyone working in EdTech. Introduce yourself and let’s have a chat! You can reach me directly at deanrobertwatson@gmail.com. My friend and fellow EdTechNZ member, Adam Walmsley (co-founder of Code Avengers) and I, love helping lots of EdTechs in our spare time. We run EdTech Jobs NZ, consolidates all of NZ’s EdTech jobs and talent in one place. It’s free to join and it would be great to have you as a member! Lastly, if you’re an employee of a startup or curious about working in one, check out The Kiwi Startup Employee Survival Guide 2025.

Mahsa McCauley

AUT

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Who are you and what is your background?

I am a Senior Lecturer and Co-Director of STEM-TEC at Auckland University of Technology. Over the past four years, I have served on the Executive Council of the AI Forum team, which has fuelled my passion for collaboration and innovation in AI. My dedication to empowering women in technology is exemplified through my role as the founder of She Sharp, a charitable trust that provides vital networking and learning opportunities for women. I actively encourage young girls in New Zealand to explore the exciting possibilities of technology careers, striving to create a more inclusive future. My commitment to addressing the gender gap in tech has been recognised with several accolades, including the Unsung Hero Award at the Women in Cybersecurity Awards in 2023. I am currently collaborating with the Ministry of Education to revamp New Zealand’s digital curriculum, set to launch in 2027.

What was the motivation for getting involved with EdTechNZ, and what are you looking to contributing over the coming year?

It has been an honour to serve on the EdTechNZ board for the past two years, during which I’ve collaborated with the NZTech Board, the Inclusion and Diversity Sub-Board, and the Executive Council of AI Forum NZ. My aim is to bridge the gaps between industry, government, and academia, particularly addressing critical challenges such as the gender gap in tech and the skills gap that exists between industry and educational institutions. I aim to leverage my diverse experience, academic expertise, and industry connections to contribute to the growth and development of New Zealand’s AI sector. I am excited about the opportunity to continue this vital work on the Executive Council, where I can contribute to shaping a more equitable and innovative future in AI and education.

I’m always eager to discuss education, AI, and women’s empowerment in technology.

Alana Pellow

Education New Zealand

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Who are you and what is your background?

I have 30+ years of experience in education across New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Africa, and Asia in teaching, education recruitment, higher education, and currently support the Education Products and Services subsector (EdTech and Ed Publishing) with the New Zealand Government agency Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao. I am a passionate advocate for the transformative power of education in people’s lives and the vital role technology can and is playing in supporting this.

What was the motivation for getting involved with EdTechNZ, and what are you looking to contributing over the coming year?

I have had the privilege of serving EdTechNZ and its members for over 3 years and continue to be motivated to connect our community to each other and signpost the support and resources they need, particularly in export. I’m passionate about creating visibility for our local EdTech ‘shop window’ and all the extraordinary services and tools being developed at scale for Aotearoa NZ and the world.

Always up for a kōrero kawhe, catch up over coffee, any time.

EdTechNZ EdTechNZ is the voice of EdTech in New Zealand, supporting the growth of the sector. Our purpose is to drive the creative use of technology, inside and outside the classroom, for better student outcomes. We aim to facilitate a world class education system for all New Zealanders and showcase local EdTech to the world.