Barbara Ala'alatoa
Barbara Ala'alatoa embodies the Samoan proverb "O le ala i le pule o le tautua" (The pathway to leadership is through service). A strong advocate for education's transformative power, she has excelled as a principal [Sylvia Park Primary School], chaired the Education Council and Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu, and in 2022 was recognized with the Officer of the NZ Order of Merit. During her time as Chair, the Education Council developed key professional standards and leadership strategies for teachers.