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Chair AGM Report 2025

It is my privilege to present this report, which highlights the activities and achievements of the NZ Christian Proprietors Trust (NZCPT) during the 12-month period from June 2024 to May 2025.

The mission of NZCPT is to partner with communities across New Zealand to expand the provision of quality, state-integrated Christian schooling that is authentically Christ-centred in belief and practice. We seek to be a preferred partner of the Crown and communities desiring a Special Character education for their children, and to grow the number of Christian schools where there is need.

This past year has been a season of both consolidation and advancement. We have seen clear evidence of God's provision and faithfulness, even as we navigate a rapidly changing educational environment.

The change in government in 2023 ushered in a significant reset and the introduction of Charter Schools. The new government has engaged with the state-integrated school sector at a more proactive level. NZCPT is part of a Proprietor group working through the Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools to seek the Minister’s support for growth.

Leadership and Governance

This is the second year of CEO Philip Mark Bradley’s leadership following his induction in 2023. The Trust has benefited greatly from Philip Mark’s strategic acumen, his relational leadership style, and his deepening understanding of Christian education. He has strengthened systems, improved financial reporting processes, and has been active in laying a strong foundation for future growth. His active participation across all levels of the organisation has brought relationship building, coherence, and clarity to our work.

The Trustees have met quarterly and maintained an ongoing review of strategic goals, operational delivery, and governance representation. A succession and trustee diversification plan remains active and is progressing well. We have also welcomed new contributors in both formal and informal capacities, with a continued emphasis on theological depth and educational expertise.

Strategic Priorities

Significant progress was made in advancing the Trust’s two-year strategic priorities, including:

Strategic Planning: A formalised strategic planning process commenced in early 2025 to better align our priorities with those of our partner Land Trusts and Boards. This includes capital planning, Special Character development, and local community partnerships.
Special Character Leadership: With the Gender Position Statement and Guidance now adopted by all schools and land trusts in our network, attention has turned to the development of a broader Special Character Strategy. A Joint Special Character Subcommittee with the KingsWay Trust was formed, and planning is underway for a Community of Practice to support Principals and lead teachers across the network.
Proprietor Appointees: The challenge of sustainable representation at school board level has been addressed through the appointment of new local Proprietor appointees, the development of induction materials, and trialling a distributed governance model. Further work in this area continues into 2025.
Cross-Trust Collaboration: Strong collaborative relationships have been maintained and strengthened with other Christian Proprietors, including The Christian Schools’ Trust (CST), Christian Education Trust (CET), and Elim Education. A shared voice on national educational matters continues to emerge. The successful establishment of Wellington Hills Christian College (opening Term 1, 2025) is a testament to this cooperation.

Growth and Property

NZCPT schools collectively now serve over 3,000 students, with most schools maintaining waiting lists. The Trust has supported new school projects and expansions across the network:

Harvest Christian School celebrated the opening of its new Waipapa Road campus in November 2024. A special opening ceremony and strong community turnout demonstrated deep local support.
Excellere College has nearly reached capacity, with construction of four new classrooms beginning in 2025.
KingsGate School completed its first full year on its new Blake Road site and is soon to occupy a third teaching pavilion to accommodate its expanding Year 7–13 curriculum.
Kaitaia Satellite Campus, a strategic priority, was explored with Ministry engagement and community development planning.
Braddock Christian College (Online School): NZCPT is submitting a second-round application for New Zealand’s first state-integrated online Christian school, with the desire to open in 2027.

Special Character and Theology

Dr Jacqui Lloyd continues to lead our Special Character development efforts across the network. A Special Character Review was completed of KingsWay School, showing encouraging progress. Our “Theological Framework” and “Statement of Faith” are increasingly informing policy, pedagogy, and pastoral care.

A review of the infallibility clause in our Statement of Faith took place in late 2024, and all land trusts confirmed their endorsement of the 11-point statement currently in use.

Staff turnover and cultural pressures remain significant challenges to the embedding of Special Character across all levels of school life. NZCPT remains committed to strengthening this foundation and resourcing those entrusted with teaching and leading in our schools.

Financial Stewardship

The Trust remains in a sound financial position. Improved financial reporting processes in 2024 led to earlier, clearer, and more consistent information being provided to trustees. We are grateful to our CEO and administrative team for raising the quality and timeliness of reporting.

Increased costs across the education sector—including insurance, infrastructure, and staffing—have led to some pressure, and funding streams are being reviewed. NZCPT is also beginning to explore philanthropic partnerships to support capital and Special Character initiatives.

Future Focus

In 2025 and beyond, NZCPT will:

Establish a national Principals’ Community of Practice
Develop a sustainable model for Proprietor representation at school boards
Continue formal collaboration with CST and CET
Promote the Braddock Christian College vision
Expand theological training, mentoring, and resourcing to support Christian staff formation
Finalise an updated NZCPT Strategic Plan

Acknowledgements

I am deeply grateful to my fellow Trustees, our CEO Philip Mark Bradley, the NZCPT administration team, and all those who serve on school boards and Land Trusts. Your faithful contribution and prayerful leadership are foundational to everything we do.

We particularly honour departing trustees Vaughan Darby and Eoin Crosbie. Vaughan is a distinguished pioneer of NZCPT with close to 20 years of service to the work very close to his heart. Eoin has brought the value of being a current Christian educator to the table and has completed a number of school Special Character reviews.

To our principals and staff in schools: thank you for your perseverance, wisdom, and commitment to Christ-centred education. Amidst policy shifts and social pressure, your work is not in vain. You are forming lives for eternity.

To God be the glory for the progress made and the hope that lies ahead.

Mark Larson
Chair, NZ Christian Proprietors Trust