Media release: Education Partnership and Innovation Trust appoints new Executive Director

The Education Partnership and Innovation Trust (EPIT) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr Tim Gander as its new Executive Director.

E te tī, e te tā - Kua kitea nei he kaihautū hōu mō tō mātau waka! E hikaka ana mātau ki te pānui atu i te whakatūnga o tō mātau Kaiwhakahaere Matua hou hei ārahi nei i tā tātau kaupapa. Nō mātau te whiwhi kia whai wāhi ki tēnei takata me ōna pukeka rau.

To all those around the land, we have been successful in finding a new captain for our waka! We are excited to be able to announce we have appointed our new Executive Director to lead our kaupapa. We feel privileged to have secured someone of such talents and skills into our team.

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Co–Chairs Hana o'Regan and Lorraine Mentz both expressed their board's enthusiasm: "Tim’s proven dedication to educational equity and his innovative approach will be invaluable as we continue to advance EPIT's partnerships and collaborations. His extensive experience and commitment to fostering inclusive education aligns perfectly with our goals. We look forward to the positive impact his leadership will have on our initiatives and the communities we serve. His leadership marks an exciting new chapter for EPIT and we are confident that he is well-placed to continue developing EPIT’s kaupapa and status as a key player in the education ecosystem”.

Dr. Gander brings over 20 years of experience in educational leadership and innovation, with a strong focus on driving equitable outcomes and supporting learner success across Aotearoa. His dedication to cultivating inclusive education and expertise in responsibly integrating digital tools align with EPIT's mission to create transformative, high-impact partnerships that address critical educational needs.

Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Gander shared, "Joining EPIT is an incredible privilege, and I'm inspired by the opportunity to lead alongside a community that is so deeply committed to partnerships and collaborations advancing equity and opportunity in education. Together, we will continue to expand EPIT's impact, ensuring that all learners in New Zealand have the resources and support they need to thrive."

Previously, Dr Gander has made significant strides in leading initiatives that prioritise evidence-based practical solutions, enhance AI literacy, and build cross-sector collaboration. As the founder and editor-in-chief of He Rourou, a journal dedicated to practice-based research, and through his leadership at academyEX, Dr Gander has consistently demonstrated his commitment to enabling sustainable, community-driven, and learner-centred advancements in education. His work reflects a vision for education that is both inclusive and adaptive, empowering educators and learners to thrive in a dynamic landscape.

Dr. Gander looks forward to working closely with EPIT's talented team, partners, and communities across New Zealand, fostering initiatives that enhance the educational experience for all learners.

Tim was previously Postgraduate Director at AcademyEX (formerly The Mind Lab). He is an experienced educator who advocates equitable and thoughtful technology integration in education. He has collaborated with teachers on innovative practice-based research in Aotearoa for over a decade, building an understanding of the challenges and opportunities.

Dr Gander takes up his new position on 9 December 2024.

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ABOUT EPIT  

Education Partnership & Innovation Trust (EPIT) is a charitable trust set up to address inequity in education through transformational, collaborative partnerships. Working with innovative leaders, utilising technology and digital assets, we create opportunities for collaboration, innovation and co-creation, to influence education mindsets and bring about embedded systems change.  To achieve this vision, the trust has two areas of focus: Foundational Skills (including early years, literacy, wellbeing, and leadership); and Transitions (home / pre-school to school and school to tertiary study or career pathways). www.epit.org.nz

Media contact:  

Lorraine Mentz, MNZM, Board Co-Chair

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