The Board of the New Zealand Catholic Education Office (NZCEO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Maria Neville-Foster as Chief Executive Officer of NZCEO and the Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools (APIS).
The Board recently completed its recruitment process and is delighted to welcome Maria to this important leadership role.
Maria brings extensive leadership experience in Catholic education, strong strategic capability, and a deep commitment to the mission and future of Catholic education in Aotearoa New Zealand. Throughout her career she has demonstrated excellence in educational leadership, stakeholder engagement, organisational development, and strengthening Catholic special character.
NZCEO Board Chair John Gallaher said the board was delighted with Maria’s appointment.
“Maria is a respected and values-driven leader whose faith, experience and commitment to service strongly align with the mission of NZCEO. The Board is confident she will provide outstanding leadership as we continue to support Catholic education throughout New Zealand.”
Jenny Gordon, Chair, APIS Executive said “APIS and Proprietors welcome and celebrate the appointment of Maria Neville-Foster. Maria is a passionate advocate for high-quality education grounded in Special Character. Her unique combination of skills, leadership and experience positions her well to further strengthen and advance the State Integrated School sector.”
APIS congratulates Maria on her appointment and looks forward to working closely with her in the New Year to support the continued growth and success of the sector.
Maria said she was honoured to accept the appointment.
“I am honoured and excited to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of NZCEO and APIS. Our special character schools are uniquely positioned within New Zealand’s education system, and it is a privilege to lead and advocate for this important sector.”
I look forward to building strong relationships with proprietors, school leaders, government agencies, and stakeholders across the education community. I also acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Kevin Shore, whose leadership has strengthened both organisations. It is an honour to build on the strong foundation he has established as we continue to support and grow our special character schools.”
As Chief Executive, Maria will provide leadership across NZCEO and APIS, working closely with proprietors, school leaders, bishops, government agencies, and sector partners to advance the mission and objectives of Catholic education.
Maria is currently the Principal of Sacred Heart College, Napier, having held that position since 2018.
She has held education leadership roles in both state and state integrated schools for the last twenty years having initially trained and undertaken her first teaching role in Ireland. Maria has a Master of Arts in Education (Hons) and a Bachelor of Science in Education (Hons) through Limerick University in Ireland.
Ngā mihi
Kevin Shore
Chief Executive Officer