Te Kura is proud to announce the appointment of Christine Te Kiri as Deputy Chief Executive Curriculum, a moment formally acknowledged at Kirikiriroa Marae with local iwi and kaimahi from our Hamilton office.
Christine’s appointment reflects both her proven leadership and the significant impact she has already made across Te Kura. Having served as Acting DCE Curriculum since May 2024, she has led school-wide curriculum transformation that strengthens equity, learner engagement and cultural integrity.
Christine Te Kiri and her whānau at the entrance of Kirikiriroa Marae
An experienced and highly respected education leader, Christine has championed future focused curriculum design grounded in kaupapa Māori. Under her leadership, Te Kura has seen a 25 percent increase in ākonga engagement, alongside measurable improvements in NCEA achievement. She has also played a key role in expanding flexible and online learning opportunities, supporting learners across Aotearoa and overseas.
Christine is particularly well known for her people centred approach to leadership. Guided by whanaungatanga, she works alongside teams to co-design solutions, ensuring ākonga and whānau remain at the heart of decision making.
Reflecting on her appointment, Christine says:
“This role is a privilege and a responsibility. I am deeply committed to ensuring our curriculum honours who our ākonga are, supports their aspirations and provides pathways that enable them to thrive, wherever they are in the world.”
Te Kura Chief Executive Te Rina Leonard welcomes Christine’s appointment:
“Christine brings exceptional mana, clarity of vision and a deep understanding of our learners and kaimahi. Her leadership has already had a profound impact on Te Kura, and I am delighted to see her confirmed in this role.”
Pou Tikanga Adam Whauwhau also acknowledges the significance of the appointment:
“Christine’s appointment is something we can all be proud of. In a Te Kura first, she becomes the fourth wahine Māori to join the Executive Leadership Team, strengthening Māori leadership and representation at the highest level of our organisation.”
Nau mai, haere mai Christine. We look forward to the continued impact of your leadership for ākonga, whānau and kaimahi across Te Kura.