Amanda Malu has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ). This significant appointment was announced by the ENZ Board, which expressed strong confidence in her ability to lead the organization. Amanda Malu will officially take on her new role in September. Until then, Dr. Linda Sissons will continue to serve as the Acting Chief Executive, a position she has held since November 2023.
Amanda Malu comes to ENZ with a wealth of experience and a solid track record in leadership roles. She is currently the Deputy Chief Executive Service Delivery at the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). In this role, she has been responsible for overseeing critical service delivery functions, demonstrating her capability to manage large teams and complex operations. Before her tenure at ACC, she served as the Chief Executive at Whānau Āwhina Plunket, one of New Zealand’s leading child health organizations.
During her six years at Whānau Āwhina Plunket, Amanda Malu led the organization through extensive changes. She was instrumental in driving initiatives that improved service delivery and organizational efficiency. Her leadership was marked by a commitment to positive outcomes, not only within the organization but also for the communities it served. Her ability to navigate and manage change will be invaluable in her new role at ENZ.
Amanda Malu’s experience is not limited to the health sector. She has held senior marketing and communication roles in the education sector, including at the Tertiary Education Commission. Her work there involved strategic planning and communications, providing her with insights into the challenges and opportunities within the education system. Additionally, she has experience in the polytechnic sector, where she worked in marketing and international student recruitment. This blend of experience in both marketing and education will be crucial as she steps into her new role at ENZ.
The ENZ Board Chair, Tracey Bridges, highlighted Amanda Malu’s strong leadership qualities and her ability to build cohesive teams. According to Bridges, Amanda has consistently demonstrated an ability to unite teams around common goals and drive positive results. Her deep understanding of the public sector, combined with her experience in education and marketing, positions her well to lead ENZ into its next phase.
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao is the government agency dedicated to promoting New Zealand as a high-quality education destination. It aims to showcase the excellent education opportunities and student experiences available in New Zealand. ENZ also encourages New Zealand students to study overseas, fostering international education exchanges that benefit both students and the broader educational community.
With approximately 110 staff in 16 locations around the world, ENZ works closely with New Zealand’s diverse education sector. This includes schools, English language providers, Private Training Establishments, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (Te Pūkenga), and universities. Internationally, ENZ collaborates with a range of education stakeholders, including government agencies and education providers, to identify and encourage sustainable growth opportunities for New Zealand’s education sector.
Amanda Malu’s appointment comes at a time when international education is facing significant challenges and opportunities. In this context, Amanda’s experience in managing change and her strategic vision will be critical in steering ENZ through this period of transformation. Amanda’s background in marketing and communication will be particularly useful in these efforts, helping to effectively convey the value of New Zealand’s education offerings to a global audience.
