Statutory manager appointed to Wesley College Board

A limited statutory manager has been appointed to the board of Wesley College in Paerata, with the move aimed at strengthening governance in key areas of the school.

The Ministry of Education confirmed the appointment in a notice published in the New Zealand Gazette on February 9, with the Wesley College Board announcing the following day that experienced education leader Kevin Bush had taken on the role.

Deputy Secretary of Education Isabel Evans said the appointment would bring “additional governance expertise and an independent perspective”.

“The Board of Trustees remains in place and continues to lead the core governance of the school. The LSM’s role is to support and strengthen governance in specific areas, working constructively with the Board,” Evans said.

“The appointment will be regularly reviewed to make sure it remains appropriate and continues to support stability, effective governance and confidence across the school community.”

Four-week review underway

Bush told the Franklin Times he brings 30 years’ experience as a school principal, alongside work as an ERO leadership partner and a leadership adviser with the Ministry of Education over the past three years.

He will report to both the Wesley College Board and the Ministry of Education.

His first task is a four-week scoping review.

“The first step is meeting with the board and senior leadership team to fully understand the current situation,” Bush said.

If student input is required, he said it would be gathered in line with best-practice safeguarding.

“If it becomes important to speak with students, that will happen in line with best practice, meaning an appropriate adult will be present to ensure everyone feels supported and safe.”

Bush confirmed Oranga Tamariki is not involved in the process but said he would share information if concerns about student safety arose, as required in any role involving student wellbeing.

Focus on governance and school systems

The areas outlined in the Gazette notice include employment matters, school policies and procedures, health and safety, and communications.

Bush said his role relates solely to governance at the school and does not extend to the hostels, which were historically managed by the separate Wesley Trust Board and are now closed.

“My focus areas are personnel, policies and procedures, health and safety, and communications within the school itself,” he said.

The scoping report will be delivered to the Ministry of Education and the Board at the end of the four-week period, after which they will decide on next steps. Bush’s appointment currently covers the completion of this report and his work will be carried out both on site and from his office, he said.

Powers of the statutory manager

Under the Gazette notice, the limited statutory manager will take on the board’s functions and duties as an employer, oversee the establishment of policies and procedures, and manage communications. The role will also include advising the board on health and safety for students and staff.

The board retains its primary duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Board presiding member Mrs P Tala’imanu said the appointment was a standard governance measure focused on strengthening internal systems.

“The LSM will work alongside the Board to oversee its duties as an employer, review school policies and procedures, provide advice regarding the health and safety of students and staff, and manage formal communications,” she said.

“The appointment is designed to strengthen the Board’s internal systems and ensure that human resource practices continue to support high-quality educational outcomes.

“Daily operations at Wesley College are unaffected. The school remains focused on its core priority – the education and wellbeing of its students.”