Meet The Team
Jill Bond – Chief Executive Officer, New Zealand Kindergartens
Jill is a purpose-driven chief executive and proud advocate for the for-purpose sector, motivated by work that creates lasting value for people, communities and future generations. She is energised by improvement of systems, services, and, most importantly, people and, by the opportunity to lead organisations that exist to make a genuine difference.
Her leadership skills were shaped and refined at the heart of the public sector, across housing, education and health. Over more than three decades, she has worked alongside Ministers, boards, iwi, sector leaders and frontline teams, gaining a deep understanding of how complex systems operate and how meaningful, sustainable change is achieved. She is known for quickly getting to the heart of issues, painting a clear and compelling picture for change, and bringing people with her aligning hearts, minds and hands around a shared purpose.
Developing people sits at the core of her leadership. She is a committed mentor and coach, deeply motivated by growing capability, confidence and courage in others. She takes pride in creating environments where expertise is shared generously, leadership is grown intentionally, and emerging leaders are supported to step into their potential.
As Chief Executive of New Zealand Kindergartens (NZK), an organisation that has been legally constituted for 100 years (1926 – 2026), Jill leads with optimism and intent, honouring a proud legacy while ensuring NZK remains viable, influential and fit-for-purpose for the future. Her focus is on stewarding the organisation so it continues to be a strong, trusted voice for quality early childhood education, while adapting to the changing needs of Tamariki, whānau and communities across Aotearoa.
Her work is values-led, impact-focused, and grounded in a strong belief that when we invest in people, we create better outcomes for generations to come.
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.
