Swings + Roundabouts Spring 2021

Message from ECC President Dr Darius Singh Kia ora - At the time of writing in mid September, your ECC continues making significant strides at full speed toward our short, mid and long term horizon goals, throughout our leadership transition and COVID lockdowns. New CEO – Simon Laube After the ECC Board’s comprehensive recruitment campaign that attracted over 30 high calibre applicants, I’m delighted to announce Simon Laube as our new Chief Executive. Simon joins us with a long early learning association in key influential positions, including Principle Advisor and Director within the Ministry of Education leading portfolios like Te Kohanga Reo Treaty claim, Early Learning Student Achievement. Simon has also worked in Partnership Schools, as a Private Secretary for a former Minister and held other influential positions in strategy, investment, and community well-being. He holds degrees in Law, Arts (political science major) and an Executive Masters in Public Administration. We welcome Simon bringing his in-depth knowledge and experience in early childhood education policy, and regulatory and funding frameworks, to the role. One of the many positive referee statements about his accolades and achievements was: “I believe being on the other side of the (education sector) fence as such, is a bonus. He understands how it all works, knows what is possible and what is probable, so whilst pushing and wanting things for early childhood, he knows how to navigate and get it through." The timing is perfect - at a chapter in the ECC’s 30-year history where advocacy and government policy deliverables for our membership have never been more crucial to ensure: ● Excellence in our teaching and learning ● Equitable outcomes for our teachers, and ● Extended trajectories for our tamariki. We’re confident Simon will hold true to our legacy and lead the next chapter of ECC to even greater outcomes. Simon continues his journey in the early learning sector with us beginning 18 October. In the interim, I’d like to acknowledge Sue Kurtovich’s incredible support for our ECC board, national office staff and membership as acting CEO for the past few months. It’s been invaluable to have Sue’s deep knowledge and experience to draw on and see us through this leadership transition period. As a former ECC president, CEO and life member, many of us have worked with Sue already, and know her passion for quality and progress in our sector. Her September 2021 { 8 }