Leanne Otene
Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi
Tumu Whakarae · National Director
Te Arahou o Aotearoa Trust
Ngā Toho Mana - Credentials
▪ 33 Years Principal across 5 Kura, Aotearoa
▪ Past President NZ Principals' Federation (NZPF), 2023–2025
▪ Asia Oceania Executive Member, International Confederation of Principals (ICP)
▪ Tumu Whakarae (National Director), Te Arahou o Aotearoa Trust
▪ Keynote Speaker · Author · Media Columnist
Keynote Presentation
KEYNOTE TOPIC
Why Culturally Sustainable Leadership Matters
— Now More Than Ever
Across the world, education systems are grappling with one of the most pressing questions of our time. From international forums to school staffrooms, this kōrero is growing in urgency. Leanne Otene is at the forefront of this dialogue - sharing her insights nationally across Aotearoa and on the global stage as Asia Oceania Representative on the International Confederation of Principals Executive Committee.
ABOUT THIS KEYNOTE
From the corridors of our schools to international forums, one truth is becoming undeniable, you cannot separate identity from achievement. Drawing on 33 years of principalship and her experience on the world stage, Leanne explores what it truly means to lead with cultural confidence; why culturally sustainable leadership protects the gains our sector has fought hard to build, what is now at risk, and what courageous, sustainable cultural leadership looks like in practice. This is not a theoretical conversation - it is urgent, personal, and deeply relevant to every school leader in Aotearoa today.
WHY THIS MATTERS RIGHT NOW
The gains of 30 years can be quietly undone without sustained, courageous leadership. In a time of rapid policy change, leaders who ground their practice in cultural authenticity build schools where all ākonga thrive and where every child's identity is their greatest strength, not something to manage.
“Ko te ahurea, ko te ara”
Culture is the pathway