Network for Learning welcomes two new Board Directors

Network for Learning (N4L), a Crown technology company based in Auckland, New Zealand, has announced the appointment of Tony Brennan and Deidre Shea MNZM as new directors to its Board.

The inclusion of Tony Brennan and Deidre Shea brings a blend of education sector leadership and international expertise to N4L's Board. These appointments aim to utilise their comprehensive knowledge and connections within the New Zealand and Australian education ecosystems. Their arrival on the Board coincides with the retirement of Clare Curran and follows the recent passing of Board member Anthony Briscoe.

Tony Brennan, hailing from Wellington but currently based in Sydney, Australia, became the first international director of N4L in August 2024. Mr Brennan has over two decades of experience in senior leadership and governance across the education, technology, and government sectors. He contributes his expertise as an Independent Director of Education Services Australia, playing a significant role in national education priorities. Mr Brennan also co-founded EduGrowth, a key entity for education technology and innovation in Australia, where he previously served as director and chairman. His background includes roles as a corporate lawyer and Adjunct Law Professor, where he provided corporate governance education and board training for the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Deidre Shea resides in Auckland and holds directorship at Education Payroll and is a Commissioner with the Tertiary Education Commission. Additionally, she chairs the Alternative Education Consortium Te Hīkoi and serves as a leadership advisor to Zayed College for Girls. Her extensive career in education includes her tenure as principal of Onehunga High School. Ms Shea has held executive roles with the Auckland Secondary School Principals' Association and the Secondary Principals' Association of New Zealand (SPANZ), where she was President from 2019 to 2021. She has also chaired the NCEA Professional Advisory Group for the Minister of Education. In 2022, she was honoured as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to education.

N4L Board Chair Jeremy Banks expressed enthusiasm about the appointments, stating, "As schools navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape, N4L is delivering on its commitment to ensuring every learner has access to effective digital tools that enhance their education. We are delighted to welcome Tony and Deidre to the N4L whānau and Board of Directors. These appointments will help support N4L's mahi in advancing digital equity and creating secure, reliable online environments for all schools across Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as supporting our focus on future-proofing schools' digital infrastructure."

He further acknowledged the contributions of former Board members, saying, "We also wish to acknowledge the late Anthony Briscoe, as well as Clare Curran, for their outstanding contributions. I, and N4L more broadly, will miss Anthony greatly and give thanks for his contributions. We also wish Clare all the very best for her future endeavours."

Tony Brennan shared his sentiments on joining the Board: "I'm very pleased to be joining N4L at such a pivotal time. As technology continues to play an increasingly vital role in education, the work that N4L does in creating secure, reliable online environments for schools has never been more critical. I'm excited by the coming initiatives and opportunities that will help to ensure the delivery of cutting-edge technology that continues to meet the growing needs of education."

Deidre Shea expressed, "I'm delighted to join the N4L Board and help them deliver on their purpose of improving digital learning experiences and outcomes for all. I've worked alongside N4L in previous roles and I share their passion and commitment to ensuring every learner in Aotearoa New Zealand continues to have access to quality digital resources that can enhance their education."

The other members of the N4L Board include Chair Jeremy Banks, Deputy Chair Sharon Creswell, and directors Elle Archer and Ming-chun Wu.