As the President of the National Association of Secondary Deputy and Assistant Principals (NASDAP), my primary focus is ensuring that senior leaders across Aotearoa feel supported and effectively represented. From my base at Karamū High School, I see the unique space we occupy—balancing complex daily operations with the strategic vision required for our communities. Drawing on my background in Art, Design, and Technology, I view this role as a collaborative design challenge, where we work together to build robust frameworks that support both staff and ākonga. My commitment is to advocate for our profession, ensuring our collective voice is heard in national policy and that we have the resources to lead with confidence.

Looking forward, our 2027 Conference in Christchurch will be a vital opportunity to strengthen these connections. Gathering in a city defined by its own purposeful redesign, we will focus on the essential exchange of ideas and the "courageous change-making" happening across our schools. The isolation of senior leadership is best countered by the strength of our network, and being present in Christchurch is crucial for sharing the practical strategies that drive our sector forward. I look forward to joining you all as we connect and collaborate to shape the future of secondary leadership in New Zealand.

I also encourage you to take full advantage of your regional representatives. I urge you to seek financial support through them to help make your regional Professional Learning and Development (PLD) initiatives come to life. These localized opportunities are the heartbeat of our association, and by working closely with your reps, we can ensure that every region has the backing it needs to foster growth and innovation at the local level.

Mā te huruhuru, ka rere te manu.

Damien Hollands