Barbara Frances Alaalatoa has been made a Officer of the NZ Order of Merit for services to education.

Ms Barbara Ala’alatoa chaired the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand from 2015 until 2019.

During Ms Ala’alatoa’s tenure, the Education Council has worked on designing and promoting ‘The Code of Professional Responsibility’ and agreed Standards and Practices for teaching in New Zealand ‘Standards for the Teaching Professional’, as well as releasing a Leadership Strategy for the teaching profession and an Educational Leadership Capability Framework in August 2018.

She has continued as the Principal of Sylvia Park Primary School in Mt Wellington, Auckland. 

 Ms Ala’alatoa is Chair of Te Aho o te Kura Pounamu and lead Principal for the Maungakiekie Kāhui Ako.

Barbara Ala’alatoa is on the line with us. Talofa Lava thank you very much for taking time out to talk with us and congratulations on being made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.