Te Uru Amokura | Springboard Trust is pleased to announce a new three-year partnership with Westpac that will significantly strengthen our unique support for school leaders across Aotearoa New Zealand and extend this impact into Australia for the first time.
Westpac’s commitment will directly enhance the delivery and growth of our flagship Strategic Leadership for Principals Programme (SLPP) enabling Te Uru Amokura | Springboard Trust to increase access to strategic leadership development for school principals across Aotearoa. The partnership will also enhance our skilled volunteering model with contributions and commitment from leaders within the Westpac team. In 2026, through Westpac’s Australian partner the Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN), principals in Victoria and Queensland will be able to participate in a programme that has been proven to build confidence, strengthen strategic capability and improve long-term outcomes for students, schools and their communities
Te Uru Amokura | Springboard Trust Board Chair Ian Narev says the partnership reflects a strong alignment of purpose and a shared commitment to educational equity.
“Over nearly 20 years, Te Uru Amokura | Springboard Trust has worked with dedicated and inspiring school leaders across the country to help them improve educational outcomes. Regular independent evaluations, combined with the enthusiastic advocacy of hundreds of school leaders, have validated the impact we are having. Westpac’s long-term commitment to this partnership shows its vision and dedication to a strong community and provides vital support that will enable us to continue our work and accelerate our impact.”
Anthony Miller, CEO, Westpac Australia views investment in education as critical to unlocking opportunities for a better future.
“Every child deserves the chance to unlock their potential, no matter where they live or what challenges they face, and that starts with the basics – being able to read and do maths. We’re refining the focus of Westpac Foundation and uniting all our philanthropic and community investment programmes to drive a greater impact and scale.”
Phil Gardner, CEO, Australian Business and Community Network acknowledges the importance of school leadership in driving better outcomes for students.
“Strong school leadership is an effective way to strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes for students. When principals are supported by experienced business mentors, they can create the conditions for students to thrive and build the foundational skills that support learning now and into the future.”
Te Uru Amokura | Springboard Trust Chief Executive Dale Bailey says this partnership marks an important milestone for the organisation’s growth and future impact.
“We are proud to be associated with Westpac and look forward to a relationship that supports greater futures for young New Zealanders and young Australians alike. This volunteering and financial support provides us with great confidence for the future of Te Uru Amokura | Springboard Trust.”
This partnership reinforces a shared belief that investing in school leadership creates meaningful and lasting change for learners, whānau and communities across generations.