ABOUT US
OUR VISION
The vision is to support young people in becoming resilient, capable and purpose-driven learners who are prepared for life, intentionally contributing to their community through the lens of sport and high performance.
our values
- Excellence by aiming high and by persevering in the face of challenges by continuous assessment.
- Innovation, inquiry, and curiosity by thinking critically, creatively, and reflectively, and through data insights.
- Diversity as found in our different cultures, languages, and whakapapa.
- Equity through access to data insights, fairness and social justice.
- Community and participation to uplift the people around us including whanau and supporters.
- Ecological sustainability which includes care for the environment and exemplifying engagement.
- Integrity which involves being honest, responsible, accountable, and acting ethically.
- Respect the individual, each other, and human rights.
MEET THE BOARD
DAVID DOME
An employee of Wellington Phoenix for 18 years, 13 of them as General Manager, David has led the development and expansion for the club from one team in 2008 to two professional teams and eight Academy teams. Throughout his career, David has built up a network of sporting and education contacts from around the world which, combined with an overtly community focussed business approach, has led to a strong vision in the development of the proposed charter school.
Richard kerr-bell
Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kuri, Te Aupouri
A strategic governance leader with fifteen years of service to advancing New Zealand businesses and organisations in education, sports, and social services. Currently steering strategic initiatives as Director at Te Ope Whakaora Salvation Army New Zealand Rūnanga. Member of the Tikanga Māori Tertiary Review of Qualifications Working Group since December 2013. Past educator at AUT, University of Otago (Senior Lecturer), and Otago Polytechnic.
BRett o'riley
Brett has an extensive involvement with the education sector. CEO of NZTech (2009-2011) involved with the development of the digital technology curriculum, Deputy CE Ministry of Science + Innovation (2011-2012), and CEO of ATEED (2012-17) including responsibility for Study Auckland and international education. CEO of the Employers and Manufacturers Association (PTE) from 2019-2024, Member of the Establishment Board of Te Pukenga in 2019-2020.
Brett chaired the 21C Digital Technologies Reference Group for Associate Education Minister, the late Hon Nikki Kay, which produced the report “Future Focused Learning in Connected Communities”. He has been an advisor to AUT, University of Auckland, MIT, and Media Design School in several capacities, and was the Executive Chair of partnership school, City Senior School.
Read More
Read Less
RAKESH NAIDOO MNZM
Is a senior public servant that has led national initiatives that strengthen public safety, meaningful engagement and community trust across Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse communities, particularly during times of crisis. Rakesh is a foundational member of the Football For All programme, a Wellington Phoenix initiative that provides fully subsidised football and futsal access to over 2,000 young people.
Respected for his governance experience and 30 years of community service, he has served on both national sport and community organisations. In 2023, Rakesh was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Read More
Read Less
DR SOLA FREEMAN
An educational consultant with over 20 years’ experience in education, community sport and business. A background as a teacher, principal and lecturer in initial teacher education, with deep knowledge and understanding of curriculum and pedagogy.
As Board Chair of an integrated school, Sola led the school’s growth over 9 years from a full primary to offering a successful secondary programme – including starting a dedicated secondary campus.
For over 10 years Sola was an academic at Victoria University of Wellington, including lecturing trainee teachers, producing a PhD in the teaching of science, and undertaking research in tertiary student learning experiences, intentional teaching, philosophies of learning, curriculum and pedagogy.
Sola has been on the Capital Football Board for seven years and is currently the Board Chair.
Read More
Read Less
MEET THE STAFF
KAREN VAN GEMERDEN
Director of Business (CEO)
Karen is an experienced education and business professional with a strong background in school operations, financial management, and leadership across both charter and private schools. She holds a Master of Educational Management (MEdM) with Distinction and a Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS), equipping her with a strong foundation in both strategic leadership and practical administration.
Karen has successfully led initiatives that enhance school performance, streamline operations, and support student success. Her work spans governance, budgeting, compliance, and program development, with a focus on creating sustainable and student-centered learning environments. She is passionate about education that is both innovative and grounded in strong systems, and she brings a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to every role.
Read More
Read Less
Ryan Clark
Principal, New Zealand Performance Academy of Aotearoa
Ryan Clark is an experienced education leader who has worked across schools, councils and national organisations to support quality teaching and learning for young people. Most recently, he has served as Education Lead at Wellington City Council, where he partnered with schools and community organisations to design learning experiences that build confidence, connection and lifelong wellbeing.
Ryan has also worked as a Deputy Principal and as a curriculum advisor at Sport New Zealand. Throughout his career, he has focused on developing learning environments where strong relationships, high expectations and effective teaching practice enable students to understand their strengths and develop a strong sense of self. His leadership approach is shaped by respect for Te Ao Māori ways of knowing and being, alongside a belief in the importance of identity, belonging and self-belief. He encourages students to be curious, creative and self-motivated, and to take ownership of their learning journey.
Ryan is excited to step into the role of Foundation Principal at the New Zealand Performance Academy of Aotearoa. He believes NZPAA represents a unique opportunity for students to engage deeply in both academic learning and athletic growth, while developing the skills, knowledge and resilience they need to succeed in all areas of life.
“I feel privileged to join NZPAA and to work alongside staff, students and whānau. This is a school with a clear purpose and a strong sense of community. I look forward to supporting our students to set meaningful goals, work hard and grow into confident, capable young people who are prepared for whatever paths they choose.”
Read More
Read Less
ZAK BROWN
Director of Sport and Wellbeing
Zak has a diverse portfolio of experience across the Education and Sport & Recreation sectors. He has recently led the Healthy Active Learning initiative across the Wellington region, which supports schools to foster tamariki wellbeing through the development of quality physical activity and health environments, systems and experiences. Zak also has experience in numerous teaching, sports coaching and pastoral roles, bringing a well-rounded set of skills to the role of Director of Sport & Wellbeing at NZPAA.
Zak is passionate about developing the holistic wellbeing of rangatahi and is eager to work alongside students, staff and external agencies to ensure the best sport and wellbeing opportunities are provided at NZPAA.
“Success in my role sees students being equipped with the skills and values to manage themselves in the big wide world, whatever their next steps might be following school. I am looking forward to connecting with the students, learning about who they are and their future aspirations. As someone who is passionate about sport, education and wellbeing, stepping into this role is incredibly exciting”.
Read More
Read Less
Karla Morton
Director of Curriculum
With over 25 years of teaching experience, Karla has led and inspired students in Mathematics across Lower Hutt, London, Canterbury, and most recently Upper Hutt. Her career spans a wide range of leadership roles focused on senior academic achievement, student progression, and the development of needs‑based programs in the senior school.
Karla has held the respected role of Specialist Classroom Teacher in two kura, where she supported and strengthened teacher pedagogy. She also served a four‑year tenure as a Kāhui Ako Across School Lead, co‑leading the implementation of a comprehensive Wellbeing Strategy from preschool through to Year 13 across multiple schools.
A lifelong learner, Karla holds a Master of Arts in Education (Leading Innovation and Change) from St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London, alongside qualifications from Exeter University and Massey University. In 2025, she furthered her studies with courses at Victoria University and collaborations with Auckland University. She is passionate about staying current with educational research and translating new pedagogical insights into effective classroom strategies.
Beyond her professional achievements, Karla is the parent of two teenage athletes—one pursuing a sporting and academic scholarship in the United States, and the other training with the Wellington Phoenix Academy. This personal journey gives her a deep understanding of the challenges young athletes face: striving for excellence while balancing education, independence, and personal growth.
Karla is excited to bring her expertise to the New Zealand Performance Academy, supporting the Principal and Board in developing a curriculum that empowers students to achieve both academically and athletically, preparing them for success well beyond their teenage years.
Read More
Read Less
NZPAA is proudly based at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) in Upper Hutt—a world-class facility that hosts elite sports organisations such as the Wellington Phoenix Football Club and the Wellington Hurricanes Rugby team. NZCIS also regularly welcomes international sporting teams, creating a dynamic and professional environment that inspires excellence. This unique location directly enhances our student wellbeing and performance strategy, offering access to advanced infrastructure, expert personnel, and a culture of high achievement. Students benefit from:
world-class facilities
- Purpose-built indoor and outdoor turf fields with integrated performance data collection
- Strength and conditioning zones designed for individualised training and assessment
- Recovery pools and medical suites to support physical wellbeing
- Sensory-friendly and wellbeing spaces to promote emotional balance
- A safe, supervised environment that supports consistent training regardless of weather
medical and
emergency support
- Onsite access to medical professionals including physiotherapists and team doctors for rapid response to injuries or health concerns
- Emergency protocols aligned with NZCIS site-wide procedures, rehearsed regularly for student safety
Respected for his governance experience and 30 years of community service, he has served on both national sport and community organisations. In 2023, Rakesh was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
mentoringship and
culture building
- Daily exposure to professional athletes fosters a culture of resilience, discipline, and wellbeing literacy.
- Opportunities for guest speakers, workshops, and observational learning in athlete welfare and performance