Ms Barbara Ala’alatoa, of Auckland, ONZM for services to education
Barbara Ala’alatoa chaired the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand from 2015 until 2019. She is a member of the Tomorrow’s Schools Review Independent Taskforce, looking at future options for the schooling system to improve equity and achievement. She has continued as the Principal of Sylvia Park Primary School in Mt Wellington, Auckland. Students are involved in shaping the school’s culture, and the higher-than-average achievements of Year 5 to 8 students led the Education Review Office to profile the culture and teaching practice of the school in 2018. She remains active with the Pacific Principals Association and is a member of the Auckland Primary Principals Association. Ms Ala’alatoa is Chair of Te Aho o te Kura Pounamu and lead Principal for the Maungakiekie Kāhui Ako.