PRESS RELEASE
4 October 2012
New General Manager returns to education sector.
The Ruahine Kindergarten Association’s (RKA) new General Manager, Alison Rudzki, was welcomed on her first day with a
powhiri and morning tea, 1 October 2012.
“Kindergartens provide a strong foundation and key long-life benefits to a child’s education”, says Rudzki. “The power
of kindergarten is the developing of self confidence and self directed learning skills, as well as providing a smooth
transition into their school years.” RKA is the umbrella association for 25 kindergartens throughout the Manawatu,
Rangitikei, Pahiatua and Foxton.
A defining feature of RKA Kindergartens is the 100 per cent qualified teachers. Their quality early childhood education
focuses on innovative learning through play, guided by Te Whariki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum. Each
kindergarten is diverse, but all offer a combination of child-directed learning, teacher-facilitated learning and group
time, with an emphasis on regular opportunities for family and community involvement.
Ruahine Kindergarten Association Board Chairperson, Bruce Pearson, says the new General Manager selection process was a
rigorous one. “We are excited by Alison’s appointment. She has an extensive management and education background and we
know she is looking forward to the role”.
Having immigrated to New Zealand from the UK in 2001, Rudzki made Palmerston North home when she took up a role with
Massey University. 15 years of academic teaching, blended with marketing and management roles, has provided her with a
well-rounded strategic planning skillset, one she knows is needed for overseeing a large collection of centres.
With major changes to the early childhood education in New Zealand, Rudkzi is looking forward to implementing the
associations newly formed strategic plan. Her immediate priority is to visit each of the RKA’s kindergartens by the end
of November. Rudkzi says while there will be challenges ahead, she has missed working in education and is thrilled to be
back in the sector she is most passionate about.
-ENDS-
Ruahine Kindergartens Association is a non-profit organisation and member of New Zealand Kindergartens Inc., operating
25 kindergartens in the region. They employ 100% qualified, registered teachers and maintain appropriate adult to child
ratios. Research shows these factors help create positive educational and social outcomes.