Nominations for Regional Executive - Waitaha Canterbury

JOSEPH DURKIN-GORMAN

Riccarton High School

Personal information

Kia ora! I am 29 years old and in my 5th year of teaching. I currently teach Maths and Statistics at Riccarton High School. I was born and grew up here in Ōtautahi-Christchurch, educated at local public schools, studied in Wellington, and moved back here to teach. I have a wonderful cat, Peaches.

Professional information

2026 – present, Mathematics and Statistics Teacher, Riccarton High School. 2024 – 2025, Mathematics and Statistics Teacher, St Thomas of Canterbury College. 2023, Mathematics Teacher, Papanui High School. 2022 – 2023, Day Reliever, Papanui High School. 2024, Te Ahu o Te Reo Māori ki Kāi Tahu, Taumata 3. 2020, GDipTchg (Secondary), Victoria University of Wellington. 2019, BMus (Hons), Victoria University of Wellington. 2017, BMus, Victoria University of Wellington.

Association information

PPTA Canterbury Executive member, 2025. PPTA Waitaha Canterbury Regional Chairperson, 2026 – present. PPTA Surplus Staffing Nominee, 2024 – present. PPTA representative on Unions Canterbury, 2025 – present. PPTA representative on CTU Stand Up (Youth Union Movement), 2025. Convenor and member of the Establishing Teachers Committee, 2024 – 2025. Member of the Professional Issues Advisory Committee, 2025. Establishing Teachers Representative, Waitaha-Canterbury Regional Committee, 2023 – 2025. Branch Secretary and Establishing Teachers’ Representative, St Thomas of Canterbury, 2024 – 2025. Canterbury Regional Delegate to Annual Conference, 2023 – present. Completed PPTA Mahi Tika Levels 1, 2, and 3. Pay Equity interviewing team member. PPTA member: 2022 – present.

Personal statement

Teaching has given me a strong belief in the power of public education, to change lives and build the kind of society we want to live in. That’s why I believe teachers need a strong collective voice. Having previously represented Canterbury on PPTA National Executive and served as our regional chair, I understand the privilege and responsibility of advocating for our members. I am standing for Executive again because I want to ensure Canterbury teachers’ voices are heard, both within PPTA and in the wider fight for public education that serves our young people. Since I started teaching, education has been in constant flux. We’ve seen rapid changes to curriculum, assessment, qualifications and administration, often with decisions made about us rather than with us. Through it all, teachers have continued to show up for our ākonga and give them the best education we can. My involvement in PPTA at branch, regional, and Executive levels has shown me how powerful a member-led organisation can be when members are listened to and empowered. I have met with branch chairs and grassroots members across Waitaha Canterbury, and I want to take this kōrero to the Executive table. I believe my role is to listen first, represent members honestly, and turn our concerns into collective action. I believe teaching should be a profession graduates want to join - one where teachers are trusted and supported to do their jobs well. With significant challenges ahead, including AI, curriculum change and bargaining for our next STCA, collective action is more important than ever. I want to help ensure Waitaha Canterbury teachers have a united voice, so that together we can shape the future of our profession and public education. Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa, let us keep close together, not far apart.

KACY LEDGERWOOD

Cashmere High School

Personal information

Kia ora koutou, ko Kacy Ledgerwood tōku ingoa. I am a 29-year-old Physics and Science teacher at Cashmere High School. I am in my 7th year of teaching, and though most of that time was spent in the Aoraki region, I am now happy to call Ōtautahi my home after moving here at the beginning of the year with my husband and daughter.

Professional information

• Bachelor of Arts and Science from University of Otago, completed in 2018.
• Master of Teaching and Learning with Distinction Endorsed in Secondary Education from University of Otago, completed in 2019.
• Physics, Chemistry and Science Teacher at Mackenzie College (2020-2021).
• TIC Physics and Co-Assistant HOD Science at Timaru Boys’ High School (2022-2025).
• Physics Teacher at Cashmere High School (2026 – Present).
• Association information
• PPTA member since 2020.
• Completed Mahi Tika 1 and 2, due to complete 3 this year.
• Timaru Boys’ High School Branch Chair and NET’s Representative (2022-2025).
• Aoraki Regional NET’s Representative (2022-2025)
• Cashmere High School Branch Women’s Contact (2026 - present).
• Waitaha Canterbury Regional NET’s Representative (2026-present).
• Member of the Establishing Teacher’s Committee (2026-present).

Personal statement

I believe firmly that we are stronger together and I have seen that strength in action many times in my career. For our profession to truly flourish, staying united is our greatest asset. Navigating shifting policies and ongoing challenges is far easier when we work together. I am deeply passionate about fostering that solidarity, keeping us aligned, connected, and focused on our shared purpose of furthering our teaching profession

I am passionate about supporting early-career teachers. Entering the classroom in 2020, my seven years in education have seen continuous pandemic disruptions, curriculum overhauls, industrial action, and legislative shifts. I have watched far too many new teachers burn out and leave—a devastating loss for our profession and our learners.

New and establishing teachers bring vital energy, skill, and knowledge, and they are the future of education. Allowing them to leave early directly threatens the quality of our entire system. To make secondary teaching an attractive, sustainable career where new teachers stay and thrive, we must secure better working conditions, competitive pay, and guaranteed, quality mentorship in every school.

I believe strongly in the power of collective action, having seen it shine in recent years as our profession has faced an increasing number of changes and challenges. As a result, I would be honoured to represent our region on the PPTA National Executive to ensure that our region’s establishing teachers, and the wider teachers of Waitaha continue to have their voices heard.

BERNIE LEE

St Thomas of Canterbury College

Personal information

Recognised for my red beret; it's PPTA Red all the way. I am an educational activist, environmentalist, tramper, and scuba diver — but above all, I am unapologetically committed to unionism and collective action. I'm married with a grown-up son and daughter, and now have a new Doberman, Poppy, who keeps me grounded and energised. I care deeply about advocating for you and driving positive, meaningful change in our profession.

Professional information

2021 PhD Canterbury University (Part-time). 2019 PhD Canterbury University (Study Award). 2017 PGrad Applied Practice — Digital & Collaborative Learning. 2010 MEdL Canterbury University. 2010 PGrad Endorsement e-learning & Technologies. 2003 BTchLn Christchurch Teachers College. ASL Kahui Äk0 2023-2025. College Chaplain St Thomas of Canterbury College (Current). Teacher of English, Social Science and Religious Studies (Current).

Association information

2026- PPTA Waitaha/ Canterbury Executive member. 2026- PPTA & MoE study Award Focus Group. 2026- PPTA Surplus Staffing Nominee. 2026- PPTA Convenor Membership Standing Committee. 2025- PPTA & Moe study Award Focus Group. 2025- PPTA Canterbury Executive member. 2024- PPTA Canterbury Executive member. 2024- PPTA National Women's Representative. 2024- PPTA Surplus Staffing Nominee. 2023 -PPTA Canterbury Executive member. 2023 — PPTA National Women's Representative. 2023 - PPTA Surplus Staffing Nominee. 2023 - PPTA & MoE study Award Focus Group. 2022 -PPTA National Women's Representative. 2022 - PPTA Surplus Staffing Nominee. 2022 -PPTA & MoE study Award Focus Group. 2021 - 2022: Canterbury Executive member

Personal statement

Recognising our worth as educators and upholding our shared vision is central to our profession. Yet recent changes with rapid Government driven curriculum and NCEA reforms, continues to impact our workload, making it increasingly unmanageable. These absurd constant shifting directives and intensified changes has created further administrative and professional stress. Our strained workloads compromise both teacher wellbeing and student outcomes. Teacher shortages are worsening and declining relative pay and high living costs are steering teachers to alternative job prospects. The need for collective action is urgent.

I bring broad experience from regional and national committees, including work with the Ministry of Education and as a Teacher Study Awards panellist. As a Surplus Staffing Nominee, I've ensured transparent CAPNA processes, and in my PPTA Executive role, I've remained focused on supporting and advocating for members.

These experiences have deepened my knowledge and strengthened my ability to lead. I am confident in my capacity as an activist to be a strong, effective voice for Kaiako, and to promote sustainable, positive change.

With integrity, commitment, and purpose, I will continue to represent our region and its aspirations.

Ehara taku toa takitahi, engari, he toa takitini.

My strength is not that of a single person, but instead, the strength of many.

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ANNABEL REDDY

Cashmere High School

Personal information

My name is Annie Reddy, I am 36 years old. Prior to becoming a teacher I had a number of different jobs: Jockey, tattoo studio manager, accountant. At 23, when I decided it was time to head to university, I studied law and later pivoted to Criminology as I was interested in the broader study of crime within a New Zealand sociological context. After an illness and a major relocation I was offered a job as a teacher aid. I had previously considered a career in teaching but the time I spent working in the classroom galvanised my decision to devote my life to the craft of education. During my time in teaching I have taught a range of subjects in an even broader variety of contexts. At this time I work at Te Iringa O Kahukura Cashmere High School as a Spanish and ESOL teacher.

Professional information

I have been a teacher for about 9 years in full time, part time, and relief positions. I also spent two years working for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa as a Literacy and Numeracy teacher in Christchurch Men’s, Christchurch Women’s, and Christchurch Youth Prisons. As a teacher I have often been called upon to fill gaps, and as such I have taught English, Social Studies; Tourism, Commerce, Spanish and ESOL. Teaching has introduced me to some of the best people I will ever know, and enriched my life beyond what I ever could have expected. I feel gratitude towards this profession and engaging in union work to ensure the ongoing success of this vocation is my way of ensuring that I can give back to the community that has given me so much.

Association information

I have been a member of the PPTA since late 2017. I have volunteered at some level since I joined teaching including a stint as a regional hardship coordinator in the Hutt Valley during the 2023 strike action. In 2025 I held the position of Rainbow Representative for Waitaha Canterbury. I currently hold the positions of Women’s coordinator as well as Financial Liaison in Waitaha Canterbury. In addition to these roles I have also held the position of Branch Chair of Cashmere High School for the last two years.

Personal statement

Over the last several years I have been involved with union efforts around education for teachers regarding the rise in online extremism. From my background in Criminology and my time spent teaching in prisons I have gained experience and knowledge in that specific area and I am keen to support the safeguarding of our teachers and the young people in our care.

It is my firm belief that our association needs to be current and forward facing in regards to new technologies and ideologies that will affect how and what we teach and in what ways those lessons will be received.

I hope to be able to work to support the holistic needs of current and future educators at a policy level in the coming years.