Kathy Wolfe
Chief Executive

Kathy believes strongly that every child in New Zealand deserves the highest possible quality early childhood education and is committed to strongly advocate this position on behalf of the organisation.

She is also a firm believer that all New Zealand children have the right to know and enjoy the dual cultural heritage of Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnered along with their own cultural heritage.

“I am passionate about people growing through learning and development, access to education for all and making a difference within communities. A well-known quote by the late great Nelson Mandela sums up my belief.”

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" - Nelson Mandela

Kathy has over 15 years in tertiary education spanning universities, industry training and polytechnics. She started up and implemented a shared services joint venture company for two polytechnics - WelTec and Whitireia in New Zealand; prior to that she was Deputy Chief Executive and then Chief Executive of an Industry Training Organisation. 

Kathy is an experienced senior executive who has previously held senior executive roles within health, leisure, retail and property investment including not-for-profits and especially member based organisations.

With a substantial background in working in collaborative partnerships in the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, Kathy has a well-respected track record in leadership.

Her career started as a para-legal and moved into senior general management roles in South Africa, United Kingdom and New Zealand.  Kathy holds a MBA from Victoria University, is an alumnus of The Executive Connection (Global CE network) and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors. She is currently Chair of two not-for-profit organisations, one of which is SPACE (Supporting Parents alongside Children’s Education).

Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro nona te ngahere - ko te manu e kai ana i te matauranga nona te ao.

The one who partakes of the flora and fauna that will be their domain. The one who engages in education, opportunities are boundless.