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A reference group of sector representatives and academic experts has worked with the Ministerial Advisory Group and the Ministry of Education to develop the draft strategic plan.

The following members of the Early Childhood Advisory Committee and ECE Research Policy Forum are part of the Reference Group:

  • Karen Affleck, Steiner Education Aotearoa New Zealand
  • Sandie Burn, NZEI Te Riu Roa
  • Susan Bailey*, Playcentre Aotearoa New Zealand
  • Jill Bond*, NZ Kindergartens Inc.
  • Margaret Carr, University of Waikato
  • Thelma Chapman, Christian Early Childhood Education Association of Aotearoa
  • Kararaina Cribb*, Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust
  • Susan Foster-Cohen, Early Intervention Association of Aotearoa New Zealand (EIAANZ)
  • Jayne Franklin, Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
  • Phil Grady*, Early Childhood Leadership Group
  • Angus Hartley*, Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust
  • Marianne Kayes, Hospital Play Specialists Association of Aotearoa New Zealand
  • Lealofi Kupa, Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens
  • Shelley Hughes*, NZEI Te Riu Roa
  • Jo Lambert*, Barnardos New Zealand
  • Helen May, University of Otago
  • Helen McConnell, Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu
  • Sean McKinley*, Playcentre Aotearoa New Zealand
  • Claire McLachlan, University of Waikato
  • Anne Meade, ECE Research Policy Forum Consultant
  • Linda Mitchell, University of Waikato
  • Keith Newton*, Barnardos New Zealand
  • Raewyn Overton-Stuart, Home Early Learning Organisation (HELO)
  • Susan Phua, New Zealand Home-based Early Childhood Education Association
  • Hellen Puhipuhi, Pacific representative ECAC
  • Lesley Rameka, University of Waikato
  • Peter Reynolds, Early Childhood Council
  • Esther Tinirau*, Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust
  • Maree Stewart*, Early Childhood Leadership Group
  • Charmaine Thomson*, NZEI Te Riu Roa
  • Clare Wells*, NZ Kindergartens Inc.
  • Cathy Wilson, Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand (MANZ)
  • Kathy Wolfe, Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand

* Note: These reference group members served part-terms on the group for their organisation.