Crown technology company, Network for Learning (N4L), has welcomed two new directors, Tony Brennan and Deidre Shea MNZM, to its Board.
The appointments bring both education sector leadership and international expertise to the N4L Board, as well as leveraging each board member’s extensive knowledge and relationships within the New Zealand and Australian education ecosystems.
Their appointments follow the retirement of Clare Curran and the recent passing of Anthony Briscoe.
Born and raised in Wellington, based in Sydney, Australia, Mr Brennan was appointed in August and is the first international Network for Learning (N4L) director. He brings more than 20 years of senior leadership and governance experience across education, technology, and government sectors.
Mr Brennan is an Independent Director of Education Services Australia, a ministerially-owned company instrumental in delivering national education priorities and initiatives across Australia. He also co-founded EduGrowth, Australia’s peak body for education technology and innovation, where he served as its director and chairman, fostering connections among educators, providers, government representatives, consultants, investors, and EdTech entrepreneurs. He has also previously worked as a corporate lawyer and Adjunct Law Professor, where he taught corporate governance and facilitated board training for the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Ms Shea, based in Auckland, is a Director of Education Payroll – Rārangi Utu ā-Mātauranga – as well as a Commissioner with the Tertiary Education Commission, Chair of the Alternative Education Consortium Te Hīkoi and leadership advisor to Zayed College for Girls. Holding a variety of leadership roles in education during her career, she is a former Principal of Onehunga High School and has served as an executive member of both the Auckland Secondary School Principals’ Association and the Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand (SPANZ), the latter of which she was President of from 2019 to 2021. Ms Shea has also chaired the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Professional Advisory Group for the Minister of Education.
In the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours, she was appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education.
“As schools navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape, N4L is delivering on its commitment to ensuring every learner has access to effective digital tools that enhance their education,” said N4L Board Chair, Jeremy Banks.
“We are delighted to welcome Tony and Deidre to the N4L whānau and Board of Directors. These appointments will help support N4L’s mahi in advancing digital equity and creating secure, reliable online environments for all schools across Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as supporting our focus on future-proofing schools’ digital infrastructure.”
“We also wish to acknowledge the late Anthony Briscoe, as well as Clare Curran, for their outstanding contributions. I, and N4L more broadly, will miss Anthony greatly and give thanks for his contributions. We also wish Clare all the very best for her future endeavours.”
Mr Brennan said he was very pleased to be joining N4L at such a pivotal time.
“As technology continues to play an increasingly vital role in education, the work that N4L does in creating secure, reliable online environments for schools has never been more critical,” he said.
“I’m excited by the coming initiatives and opportunities that will help to ensure the delivery of cutting-edge technology that continues to meet the growing needs of education.”
Mrs Shea said she was delighted to join the N4L Board and help them deliver on their purpose of improving digital learning experiences and outcomes for all.
“I’ve worked alongside N4L in previous roles and I share their passion and commitment to ensuring every learner in Aotearoa New Zealand continues to have access to quality digital resources that can enhance their education,” she said.
Mr Brennan and Mrs Shea join the following N4L board members: Chair Jeremy Banks, Deputy Chair Sharon Creswell and the organisation’s two other directors: Elle Archer, and Ming-chun Wu.
