It is with pleasure that I present my annual Chair Report for The KingsWay Trust (KWT), covering the period from June 2024 to May 2025.
The last twelve months have been a time of dynamic growth, leadership collaboration, and steady progression across our network of schools and preschools. The Trust has continued to build on its mission to provide Christ-centred, accessible, quality education for children and young people in the Auckland region, while also investing in the systems, people, and infrastructure needed for long-term sustainability.
Schools
KingsWay School, Silverdale
The KingsWay School Primary Pavilion opened successfully in mid-2024 and has since provided purpose-built learning spaces for Years 0-2. We acknowledge the continued leadership of Executive Principal Graeme Büdler and his senior leadership team, who are managing strong roll growth and overseeing a growing multi-campus vision. Planning continues for the new Arts Centre and other developments in alignment with the recently increased roll cap to 2,100 students from 2025.
Jireh Christian School, Avondale
Jireh Christian School has sustained strong enrolment demand and made significant gains this year. A long-awaited double classroom was successfully installed during the July break. Alongside this, leadership held discussions around future site planning on its land, both leased and owned. We thank Principal Sandra Bosman and her team for their commitment to the school's Christ-centred mission and resilience in a constrained site environment.
KingsGate School, Pukekohe
KingsGate continues to expand its provision of Year 7-13 education. Plans were developed in consultation with the school, and construction is close to completion of a third teaching pavilion. Banking partners have provided the necessary support for this next phase. Principal Jared Stein and the school community are to be commended for their dedication as the school continues to transform from operating at a small site in 2022 to the purpose-built facilities of today, all the while maintaining a growing enrolment base.
Horizon School, Snells Beach
The Trust completed a significant field development project for Horizon School in early 2025. Under Principal Daniel Bennett, who joined the school in Term 4 of 2024, Horizon has welcomed new staff and navigated an ERO review period with a focus on strategic planning and health and safety compliance. Roll numbers remained stable in 2024, although they have declined in early 2025. Refreshing of a long-term site development plan is a priority going forward.
Kumeū Christian School / West Auckland Development KWT continues to work with Kumeū Baptist Church to secure a new school site in West Auckland. The Trust has engaged in subdivision and resource consent planning to facilitate a Christian Y1-13 pathway. This vision, though long-term, is gaining momentum and represents a key strategic direction.
Preschools: KingsWay Educational Services Ltd (KES)
KES has continued efforts to improve visibility and viability. Preschools Manager Randy Alingalan has provided stable leadership, and efforts at Red Beach and Snells Beach have included marketing campaigns and community engagement. The Silverdale centre continues to operate strongly. We are grateful to the Board of KES and all preschool staff for their work in maintaining Special Character and learning quality.
Trust Leadership and Operations
This year saw the continuation of strong governance from our trustees and the solidifying of our CEO, Philip Mark Bradley, in his second year. Philip Mark has implemented new systems for project oversight, financial reporting, and executive leadership. Notably, his focus on building trust-based relationships across our network and his commitment to seeing students and staff love God and His Word long-term are deeply aligned with our founding mission.
Our operations manager, Allan Grav, has made continued strides in strengthening financial systems, overseeing key capital projects, and supporting site-level developments. The first steps of retirement of long-serving Financial Controller Kenneth Brown in 2024 marked the end of an era for the KWT, though he remains serving our Preschools. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ken for his faithfulness and diligence over many years.
Finance and Capital Works
The Trust has remained financially healthy despite economic pressures, inflationary costs, and construction delays. Final Essential Property Maintenance Package (EPMP) projects were completed at several schools. Capital projects such as the field at Horizon, the Primary Pavilion at KingsWay, and the relocated classroom at Jireh were delivered. Modest Attendance Dues increases have supported our operational needs. We continue to steward our borrowing and assets responsibly.
Special Character and Partnership with NZCPT
The Trust continues its strong partnership with the NZ Christian Proprietors Trust (NZCPT), collaborating on Special Character reviews, integration of property, and principal support. Joint work continues toward building a Principals' Community of Practice and expanding Special Character training for teachers and board members.
Looking Ahead
The KingsWay Trust looks forward to continued growth and strategic development. Key upcoming priorities include:
Further planning for capital projects at KingsWay, Jireh Christian School and Kumeu
Refreshed Long term planning for KingsGate and Horizon Schools
Supporting an online Christian school application to the Charter School Agency with NZCPT
Continuing to improve KES preschool performance
Enhancing governance structures and principal support
Conclusion
I am deeply grateful for the dedication of our trustees, staff, school leaders, and partner organisations. Our vision to enable accessible, Christ-centred, quality education for children and young people continues to guide us, and is as vital as ever, in a world where pressure against Christian norms continues to develop. With a firm foundation in Christ and a bold vision for the future, we move forward with confidence.
Ma Ihowa koe e manaaki, mana koe e tiaki
May God bless you and keep you.