Meet The Team
Jill Bond – Chief Executive Officer, New Zealand Kindergartens
Jill Bond is a contemporary leader, passionate change-maker, and proud advocate for the For-Purpose sector. As Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand Kindergartens since 2019, Jill brings a bold, future-focused energy to her role—driving innovation, while honouring the proud heritage of one of Aotearoa’s most trusted education networks.
With a distinguished career spanning Housing, Education, and Health in the public sector, Jill has held senior and executive leadership positions across government. Her deep understanding of systems, governance, and policy is matched by her commitment to empowering people and organisations to thrive. Whether designing strategy, leading change, or working alongside Ministers of the Crown, Jill brings insight, clarity, and purpose to every challenge.
Jill holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Waikato, and a Master of Public Administration through the Australian and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG), completed in partnership with Victoria University of Wellington. She served on the ANZSOG Alumni Advisory Council for four years and is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.
Described as a “positive disruptor,” Jill is known for her ability to paint a compelling picture for change—engaging hearts, minds, and hands to move collectively toward ambitious goals. Her leadership centres on building sustainable, fit-for-purpose services that deliver genuine value and impact for Tamariki, whānau, and communities across the motu.
Meet The NZK Board
Governance Excellence at NZK: Guided by the Institute of Directors’ Four Pillars
The New Zealand Kindergartens Board governs the work of the Peak Body, as well as nine local Kindergarten Associations. It is committed to governance excellence through the adoption of the Institute of Directors’ Four Pillars of Governance Best Practice and the Good Governance Code – Waehere Whakahaere Tika. These frameworks shape how the Board leads with clarity, integrity, transparency and accountability.
- Determining Purpose
The Board actively leads and affirms NZK’s purpose—to advocate for and support high-quality, teacher-led early childhood education across Aotearoa. It takes full ownership of strategic direction, ensuring all decisions align with our enduring mission and values. - An Effective Governance Culture
NZK’s governance culture is grounded in trust, ethics, and open dialogue. The Board fosters diversity of thought, respectful challenge, and shared responsibility, supporting a collaborative environment that nurtures bold thinking and principled decision-making. - Holding to Account
With a clear separation of governance and management, the Board ensures robust oversight of organisational performance. Through informed monitoring, transparent reporting, and constructive engagement with the Chief Executive, the Board holds itself and management accountable for delivering on strategic goals. - Effective Compliance
NZK’s Board upholds high standards of legal and fiduciary responsibility, ensuring compliance with both the letter and the spirit of the law. Governance excellence is maintained through sound processes, regular evaluations, and a deep commitment to public trust and sector leadership.
Together, these pillars underpin the Board’s role as kaitiaki of New Zealand Kindergartens’ legacy and future—ensuring the organisation remains fit-for-purpose, future-focused, and deeply connected to the communities it serves.
Our NZK Network Leadership Team
Our local Kindergarten Association General Managers and Chief Executives work together with our NZK Chief Executive Officer as a virtual leadership team focusing on operational and strategic priorities to enhance the future of teacher-led, quality early childhood education.
