New Zealand Catholic Education Office (NZCEO)
The New Zealand Catholic Education Office (NZCEO) is a catalyst engaging Catholic schools to become leaders in New Zealand education, delivering outcomes in the spirit of the Gospel.
The New Zealand Catholic Education Office is the office of the New Zealand Council of Proprietors of Catholic Integrated Schools. The office also serves the educational requirements of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference. It assists the Conference and the Proprietors of Catholic Integrated schools in their mission of providing Catholic education.
The staff of the office are responsible on a day-to-day basis to the Board of Directors of NZCEO Ltd. Members of the New Zealand Council of Proprietors of Catholic Integrated Schools are the shareholders of the Company.
The Office works with schools and diocesan educational bodies to promote a full understanding of Catholic education.
It liaises with the Government, Departments of State and a wide range of other organisations on matters relating to Catholic Integrated schools and New Zealand education generally.
It also acts as the office for the Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools (APIS) which represents proprietors of all New Zealand’s Integrated Schools. The Government recognises the Association as the official negotiating body for matters affecting Integrated Schools in general. Integrated schools are schools within the State system of education which have a special character. This is normally of a religious nature or one which reflects a particular educational philosophy.
Introduction
The New Zealand Catholic Education Office (NZCEO) exists to serve and strengthen Catholic education across Aotearoa New Zealand, ensuring that our schools remain vibrant communities of faith and learning. As we look ahead to 2026–2028, this strategic plan provides a clear framework for how NZCEO will respond to emerging challenges, embrace opportunities, and continue to support the mission of Catholic education in a rapidly changing environment.
Grounded in Gospel values and the principles of Catholic social teaching, this plan outlines our priorities for the next three years. It reflects our commitment to collaboration with dioceses, schools, and stakeholders, and to fostering excellence in leadership, governance, and educational outcomes. The strategic plan is designed to guide decision-making, allocate resources effectively, and ensure that NZCEO remains a trusted advocate and partner for Catholic schools.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to safeguard and strengthen authentic Catholic education by providing leadership, advocacy, support, and advice to Catholic Proprietors and the wider Catholic education network. We work to ensure that Catholic schools remain places where faith, learning, and service are integrated, and where young people can encounter Christ and grow as His disciples.
National Leadership and Advocacy
NZCEO provides national leadership on behalf of Catholic education. We represent the interests of Catholic schools and Proprietors with Government, the Ministry of Education, Crown agencies, education sector organisations, and other key stakeholders. We advocate for policies, funding, and legislative settings that recognise and support the unique role of Catholic and state-integrated schools within New Zealand’s education system.
We work closely with the Ministry of Education on matters including:
- Education policy and legislation
- State-integrated school property
- Integration Agreements
- School network planning
- Maximum roll changes
- Funding and resourcing matters
- Governance and compliance requirements
Many of these activities are undertaken in partnership with diocesan education offices and Proprietors.
Supporting Catholic Proprietors and Schools
We provide high-quality advice, resources, guidance, and practical support to Catholic Proprietors, Boards, and school leaders. This includes support in areas such as:
- Catholic special character
- Governance and stewardship
- Employment and leadership matters
- Enrolment and preference processes
- State-integrated school property
- Policy development and implementation
- Strategic planning and organisational capability
NZCEO also shares information, resources, research, and professional learning opportunities that help strengthen educational and governance practice across the Catholic school network.
Strengthening Catholic Character
NZCEO works alongside diocesan Catholic education offices, which provide direct support to schools in areas such as Religious Education, Catholic Character, faith formation, and local school matters. At a national level, NZCEO develops frameworks, resources, policies, and initiatives that help strengthen Catholic identity and mission across the network.
National Projects and Collaboration
NZCEO leads and supports significant national initiatives on behalf of Catholic Proprietors and the Bishops. These include sector-wide policy development, governance projects, special character initiatives, attendance dues and capital indebtedness arrangements, investment funds, and collaborative programmes that benefit Catholic schools nationally.
We also serve as the secretariat for the Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools (APIS), providing leadership and advocacy on behalf of all state-integrated school Proprietors across New Zealand.
Building Connections and Influencing Change
NZCEO actively contributes to national conversations about education and works in partnership with a wide range of organisations, including government agencies, Catholic education bodies, education sector organisations, and community partners. Through these relationships, we help shape policy, share expertise, and advocate for the interests of Catholic education.
Bringing the Network Together
NZCEO facilitates national forums, communications, publications, and events that connect Catholic education communities across the country. This includes organising the national Catholic Education Convention and supporting opportunities for collaboration, professional growth, and shared learning and Kōtui, NZCEO’s national newsletter, which is published twice each term and shares news, policy updates, resources, professional learning opportunities, examples of effective practice, and developments from across Catholic education in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Looking Beyond New Zealand
As part of a global Catholic education community, NZCEO maintains relationships with international Catholic education organisations and supports collaboration and information sharing across the Pacific and beyond. This international perspective helps ensure that Catholic education in New Zealand remains connected to global developments while responding to local needs.
Our Mission in Action
Every aspect of our work is guided by a commitment to supporting Catholic schools to become vibrant faith communities, educationally excellent, and confident in their special character. Through leadership, advocacy, partnership, and service, NZCEO works to ensure that Catholic education continues to flourish for future generations.