18 January 2008
New Executive Director Appointed to Independent Schools of New Zealand
Deborah James has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Independent Schools of New Zealand (ISNZ). ISNZ is a
Wellington-based organisation that represents 80% of the 30,000 New Zealand children who are educated in the private
sector. Ms James is currently the Director of Development at St Margaret's College in Christchurch.
A trained teacher with a strong history of voluntary and professional work in not for profit organisations Ms James has
had a long involvement with independent schools. She was a student at Chilton St James School in Lower Hutt and more
recently she served on the Selwyn House School board for 12 years, the last four as Chairman.
Chairperson of ISNZ Peter Ferguson welcomes the appointment of Ms James to the role of Executive Director. "Ms James has
both the experience and understanding of the nature of independent schools, and the passion for the important role they
play in New Zealand, to ensure that she will serve our organisation extremely well", said Mr Ferguson.
Private sector rolls have increased by over 25% since 2000 said Mr Ferguson, as parents are obviously increasingly
concerned that they make the best educational decision for their children.
ISNZ works to support the continuing development of its 44 member schools, and to be a voice for choice in education.
Ms James will replace the current Executive Director Joy Quigley at the end of February. Joy Quigley is moving to
Kerikeri with her husband.
ENDS
www.isnz.org.nz