Karen Smith

Karen Smith is joining our team as a Director in January 2025. She will bring significant expertise and new dimensions to our work with leaders and schools.

With almost 30 years of leadership experience in New Zealand Schools, Karen brings a wealth of experience in secondary education to The Education Group. She has worked in co-educational, single sex girls’ schools and, for the last nine years, has served as the Tumuaki of Whangārei Boys’ High School.

During this time, a major focus of her work has been to achieve equitable outcomes for Māori students, along with leading the school through a complete rebuild to create a fit-for-purpose learning environment for the students. She has navigated through highs and lows and brings reflection, knowledge and expertise to The Education Group that we believe will provide schools with significant support and know-how to help support them in their roles.

Karen has been Chair of Te Mānihi Tumuaki (Northland Principals’ Association), a member of the International Boys’ Schools Coalition and the Association of Boys’ Schools New Zealand. She is also a Board Member of The R. Tucker Thompson - Northland’s tall ship. She has worked in schools in both the North and South Islands and brings strong connections with leaders and teachers across the country.

With a passion for improving outcomes for students and extensive knowledge of the challenges currently facing New Zealand secondary, and primary, schools, Karen’s current areas of expertise include:

• Shifting school cultures
• Leading change
• Coaching and mentoring
• Leading high functioning teams
• Strategic planning
• Boys’ education
• Property development
• Health and safety

If you can see an opportunity for Karen to work with you or your school in 2025, please contact Tanya Prentice at The Education Group office at 09 953 0523 or email us here.

We are very privileged to have Karen join our team!