About the Trust

Sarah Martin is Principal at Stonefields School. She is an educational 'provocateur' who thrives on problem-solving, conceptualising solutions, developing and implementing strategy, maintaining change momentum, building individuals' and team capacity, and challenging teachers' and leaders' mindsets and thinking. As an experienced school leader, she has significant expertise to draw upon, and a strong desire to improve outcomes for all. 

With a deep love of all things educational, Sue Vaealiki has an extensive history in executive leadership for teacher education and programme development spanning tertiary and business worlds.

“I am inspired by the passion and innovation that teachers bring to their work to further equitable outcomes for all learners. My aim as Chair is to ensure that the Trust’s initiatives provide opportunities for collaboration amongst educators that creates positive change and great futures for our young people. He waka eke noa”.  

Michael Absolum is the founder and director of Evaluation Associates, author of Clarity in the Classroom, and a thought leader in assessment for learning. Michael is currently directing the Consortium for Professional Learning (CPL) Leadership and Assessment PLD in the Ministry of Education's Southern, Central South and Northern regions. He is also the co-national lead for the Ministry of Education Maori-medium aromatawai (assessment) project. He has a deep knowledge of the New Zealand education system and what it takes to lead an effective school, create inspired and inspiring teachers and enable students to become powerful engaged learners. He is also one of New Zealand's most highly regarded evaluators.

Brenda Martin has been an educator for 30 years, with over 20 of those years in leadership positions.  Her experience includes national and international schools, new schools and those well established.  She has served low and high socio-economic school communities as Tumuaki/ Principal.

As an internationally accredited coach Brenda continues to contribute to education, working across governance, leadership and teacher development. 

She passionately believes that strong relationships and effective communication can build respectful, inclusive learning environments that enable students to succeed.

Chris Sullivan brings a wide range of experiences to The Stonefields Collaborative Trust as an experienced director, consultant, general manager and project manager and more than 15 years of experience working with public, private, and not-for-profit clients. His areas of expertise include learning design, change management, stakeholder and partner management in new and established teams and organisations. 

Chris currently leads development and strategy at Springboard Trust and is on the boards of the New Zealand Youth Mentoring Trust and Ako Mātātupu Teach First New Zealand.

Chris has worked in a range of sectors including education, GLAM, publishing, B2B, youth and health. Chris has led significant local, regional, national, and international projects. His interest lies primarily in education and the interface of strategy and practice; the use of data and evidence to inform change; and relationship management in complex multi-sector and multi-agency environments. 

Matt Evans is a current business owner and former primary teacher with a real passion for all things education, especially with our young learners inside the classroom and life outside. Originally from Central Otago, with lengthy stays in the UK & Australia, he’s ended up as a long-term resident in Stonefields (14 years and counting). He worked closely with Sarah Martin as Chair of the Stonefields School Board. He truly loves to see young learners grow and learn, no matter how big or small these learnings are, and he wants to give back where he can. 

Jana Benson is our Programme Lead.  She is passionate about learner agency, having completed her doctoral study in this area, and Stonefields School was used as the context for her study.  With extensive experience as a teacher and school leader, Jana now serves as an education facilitator in New Zealand. Her PLD sessions are effective, with evidence and a measure of high participant engagement.  Jana is passionate about asking the question, ‘How much of an impact have we made, and how do we know?’

Sean Bailey  has been involved in the education sector for 25 years. Since 2011, he has led two diverse primary schools in Ōtautahi | Canterbury, and has had the opportunity to work alongside some impactful and inspiring leaders across New Zealand.  Sean has a strong interest and belief in developing collaborative leadership capabilities with teams and is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and insights with you on this journey together.

Brooke Bowers is our Executive Administrator and brings her passion for learning and education to her work. Her great communication and organisational skills support the smooth running of the Trust. Brooke has extensive experience in Ecommerce & Marketing and enjoys continually staying abreast of new developments in the ever-changing digital landscape.