Our Governance Group

Ally is an experienced educator of over 30 years in schools. She has taught across all levels of primary and have been specialist Director of Gifted and Talented in a large Auckland School. She then specialised in Digital Communication and Technologies, first as a cluster lead and then director of ICT in a full Primary School. Currently Ally is the principal of 12 years at Mulberry Grove School, a small isolated school on Great Barrier Island. Students have been involved with online learning with VLN Primary since 2012. Ally has facilitated and taught online connecting with a small group of rural schools for 2 years. Ally believes, “The ability for our students to connect with others, to share learning and experience the world with few boundaries is significant. Kōtui Ako embodies our school vision by “Opening a World of Possibilities.” 

Brendan’s connection with the VLN began 17 years ago while working at Fiordland College with Otagonet and SILK. Brendan began with teaching Geography online and was the coordinator for distance learning. Then he moved onto Coromandel Area School (Coronet) and then Waihi College (Volcanics). Throughout this time and including now as Principal of Reporoa College Brendan has been a strong advocate for the VLN as being the way for smaller rural secondary schools to compete with their larger urban cousins for curriculum delivery. Brendan believes that the strength of the organisation was demonstrated recently with the COVID-19 pandemic response and has a definite future in the education landscape of New Zealand.

Curtis joins the Governance Group as an experienced principal. He comes to us with an extensive background across both primary and secondary school contexts. Curtis has the advantage of understanding first hand the opportunities and challenges across both sectors.

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko Tokatoka te Maunga

Ko Wairoa te Awa

Ko Kaipara te Whanga

Ko Rod Collins toku papa

Ko Bronwyn Collins toku māmā

Ko Zane Gaylor toku tuakana

Ko Kylie Mounter toku tuahine

Ko Jade Waisanen toku whaiaipo

Tokorua āku tamahine

Ko Madison raua, ko Zoe āku tamāhine

Kei Ripiro tōku kainga noho

Ko ahau te tumuaki o te Kura Tuarua o Tunatahi

Ko Curtis Gaylor tōku ingoa

As a member of the Governance Group I aim to support the continued growth of Kōtui Ako VLN to help ensure the network remains a practical resource for schools.

Having worked closely with the VLN in my role as Principal, I’m happy to offer my time and perspective to help the group function effectively over the next few years. My focus is simply on being a reliable voice for rural schools and contributing where I can to keep the collaboration moving in the right direction.

Dr Gabrielle Wall is an experienced governance professional with a strong track record in education system leadership, digital equity, and networked learning across Aotearoa New Zealand.

She brings extensive experience working across schools, organisations, and government agencies to design and support scalable solutions that expand access to learning, particularly for underserved communities.

Gabrielle is currently the General Manager of the Greater Christchurch Schools’ Network, where she leads initiatives to improve equitable access to learning through digital connectivity, device provision, and system coordination. Alongside this, she holds a number of governance and statutory roles, including positions as Commissioner and Limited Statutory Manager in schools as well as being a Ministerial appointee to Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu.

With a background spanning governance, psychology, and education, Gabrielle brings a thoughtful, evidence-informed approach to leadership. Her work is underpinned by a commitment to equity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and ensuring that system innovation delivers meaningful outcomes for Māori and other priority learners.

Gabrielle is excited to be involved with Kōtui Ako at a time when online and networked learning models are increasingly important for expanding opportunity and inclusion. She is particularly motivated by the potential to strengthen collaboration across schools, support high-quality learning

pathways, and ensure that all learners regardless of location can access engaging, future-focused education. Her own children attend the remote Karamea Area School, one of the most isolated mainland settlements in Aotearoa.

Kia ora koutou

I have the privilege of being the Tumauki of Te Kura Tuarua o Katikati (Katikati College) in the beautiful Bay of Plenty.

My journey with Kōtui Ako VLN began in 2020 as an e-Dean. During that time, I saw firsthand how online learning acts as a vital bridge for our rangatahi, particularly in smaller rural settings where access to a broad curriculum can be limited by geography or staffing. Now, having served as Tumauki for the last five years, I am eager to contribute to the Governance Group for the 2026-2029 term to ensure this bridge remains robust, equitable, and future-focused.

Kia ora,

Ko Otawa tōku maunga

Ko Rapa-rapa-a-hoe tōku awa

Ko Hei tōku marae Ko Waitaha-a-Hei tōku iwi

Ko Te Arawa tōku waka

Nō Te Puke ahau

Ko Mikaere October tōku ingoa

Mikaere has worked in both a large secondary school and smaller community school, which gives him insight into the considerations of different settings. He is passionate about making education equitable and providing learning opportunities for ākonga through both curriculum and extra-curricular activities.