10 December 2025 at 3:35 pm
Education New Zealand Chief Executive Amanda Malu steps down
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao Board Chair Tony Gray announced today that Amanda Malu has decided to move on from her role as Chief Executive.
Amanda has been appointed Secretary for Children and Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children, starting in early 2026.
She was appointed as ENZ Chief Executive in June 2024, taking charge on 30 September 2024. She was previously Deputy Chief Executive, Service Delivery at Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), and Chief Executive of Whānau Āwhina Plunket.
NZ Board Chair Tony Gray acknowledged Amanda’s outstanding contribution to Education New Zealand and the international education sector as she led ENZ through a period of complex change.
“In a relatively short time, Amanda has built up positive relationships across Government and the sector, represented ENZ at the highest levels and effectively promoted New Zealand’s international education offering around the world.
“In addition, Amanda has delivered an organisational reset which has helped set ENZ up well for the future.
“We are immensely grateful for Amanda’s leadership and we wish her every success with her new role. In the meantime, business continues as usual and our team worldwide remains focused on delivering the Going for Growth Plan ambitions for New Zealand.”
The ENZ Board has commenced immediate recruitment for a new Chief Executive.
“Between now and her departure date, we will be working with Amanda and the leadership team to ensure a smooth transition,” Tony said.