Education Forum appoints three new members

The Education Forum last month appointed three educationalists - drawn from the primary, secondary and tertiary education sectors - as members.

The appointments are: Derek McCormack, vice-chancellor, Auckland University of Technology; Enosa Auva'a, principal, Mount Albert Primary School; and Sherida Penman-Walters, executive principal, Pinehurst School.

Derek McCormack has led the university in many recent developments including its extensive campus redevelopment and its transition to university status. He has participated in education development at a national level over many years.

Enosa Auva'a is national secretary of the Pacific Island Training Provider Organisation New Zealand. He has been an elder of the New Zealand-Aotearoa Presbyterian Church for 23 years.

Sherida Penman-Walters' school was the first in New Zealand to achieve the internationally-recognised 'Investors in People' Standard, was a finalist in the 2003 School of the Year award, and has successfully introduced Cambridge International Examinations for Year 10-13 students.

Education Forum chairman John Morris said he looked forward to the contribution the three had to make to public policy debate on education.

"We welcome three new members with a common concern for the future of New Zealand education."