Leanne Otene

Leanne Otene brings three decades of distinguished principal leadership experience to her role as an Executive Member of the International Confederation of Principals (ICP). Her extensive career spans diverse educational settings across Aotearoa New Zealand, where she has emerged as a prominent voice for culturally responsive practices, sustainable leadership, and educator wellbeing.

Currently serving as National Director of Te Arahou o Aotearoa Trust, Leanne leads initiatives to strengthen educational leadership nationwide, ensuring every school embodies excellence, confidence, and cultural integrity for young people. She previously served as President of the New Zealand Principals' Federation (NZPF) from 2023 to 2025, during which she championed practitioner-led systems and collaborative policy development.

Leanne's commitment to holistic education extends to her role as Governing Trustee of The Brainwave Trust, where she contributes expertise on early childhood development and the critical importance of the first thousand days of life.

Her leadership has been recognized internationally, including receiving the prestigious NEiTA 2021 Trans-Tasman NZ Principal Award. Leanne regularly collaborates with government ministries, education departments, and global education bodies, contributing to policy frameworks and authoring resources on leadership, wellbeing, and culturally responsive education.

An accomplished keynote speaker and webinar presenter, Leanne shares her insights at national and international forums, strengthening education systems through advocacy and media engagement. As Convention Lead, she oversees planning for the ICP 2026 Convention, bringing her strategic vision and collaborative approach to this landmark global gathering.

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