Paul Ferris QSMCEO
Paul works with Proprietors of schools and diocesan bodies to ensure their interests are represented to the government and education sector agencies. Prior to joining NZCEO in 2016 Paul served as a Principal in state and state-integrated schools, most recently at Kavanagh College in Dunedin. Paul is a life member of SPANZ and has a number of other awards, including a QSM in 2012 and a Laureate Award from NZCEO.

Contact details

04 496 1779

0274 898 822

p.ferris@nzceo.org.nz

Rosalie ConnorsManager Special Character

NZCEO welcomed Rosalie Connors as the Manager, Special Character in 15 January 2020. Rosalie comes with excellent Catholic education teaching and leadership experience, having worked in Catholic primary and secondary schools, and at diocesan level.  Her most recent experience has been with the Catholic Institute of Aotearoa and prior to that as the Review and Development Advisor for the Diocese of Palmerston North.

Rosalie has worked at a national level on the revision of the Catholic Special Character Review document and the Catholic School Elaborations: Standards for the Teaching Profession.

Rosalie has a Masters in Religious Education and is currently completing an education doctorate with a focus on faith leadership in Catholic schools, both with the Australian Catholic University.

Contact details 04 496 1736

r.connors@nzceo.org.nz

Heather Richardson, Bmath, CPA, CAChief Financial Officer
Heather joined NZCEO in 2016. She manages the strategic financial planning and financial administration for the Office and NZCEO Finance Ltd, including the National Attendance Dues and Capital Indebtedness Sharing Scheme and the Catholic Education Trust Fund. Heather has over twenty years experience in financial reporting and assurance including as a senior audit manager for Deloitte NZ, and as financial controller for a large Canadian public company.

Contact details

04 496 1797

h.richardson@nzceo.org.nz

Karen Raitt, MBAManager, Policy and Projects
Karen has joined NZCEO in July 2019. She is responsible for providing governance advice, managing projects, developing publications and resources and also oversees NZCEO’s brand and communications. Karen is a lead organiser for the Catholic Education Convention. Karen has worked for many years in the sector, has experience of integrated school governance and supporting the school system to ensure all students can reach their potential. She has worked widely in the public sector in Wellington and in the private sector in the UK.

Contact details

496 1763

k.raitt@nzceo.org.nz

Jane O'ConnellOperations Administrator
Jane has responsibility for the administration of supplementary agreements for property updates, maximum roll increases etc. She maintains the network database and co-ordinates the production of publications and mailouts. Her previous experience included school administration work.

04 496 1729

Adele PedreschiFront Office Staff
Adele is our longest serving staff member, having joined the office in 1995. She provides secretarial support, front-line work on communications and publications, and is the voice of the office on our phone line. Originally from Peru, she lived in North Carolina USA, and moved to New Zealand in 1989.

04 496 1739

Maria McKeeAdministrator
Maria has a varied role including administration of the office accounts, providing support in the collation of reports, publications and papers, and helping to maintain and edit the website. Her earlier experience included roles at State Insurance and NZI Insurance.

Contact NZCEO Staff Members