Linda brings expertise in investment strategy, governance and public sector funding system design. She has a deep understanding of social sector infrastructure including early childhood education and has been a director on several boards including Deputy Chair of Weltec and Whitireia polytechnics. 

In 2008 Linda co-founded Daisies Early Education and Care, 2 small family-owned centres in Wellington. She is managing director of Kalimena Advisory, founded in 2020 following a successful career at PwC and Deloitte, where she was lead New Zealand partner for Deloitte Access Economics. She has 2 adult children.

Simon has more than 15 years of experience in education policy, system transformation, and strategic leadership. As Chief Executive of the Early Childhood Council, he has championed the interests of 1,500 ECE centre providers nationwide, leading sector-wide advocacy, policy development, and operational reform.

Simon has held senior roles in the Ministry of Education, where he oversaw charter school policy, managed complex transitions, and advised ministers on high-profile education reforms. Simon is known for his analytical rigour, systems thinking, and ability to drive meaningful change in politically sensitive environments.

Melissa is a values-based leader with extensive experience across finance, governance, and organisational transformation. She has held Chief Financial Officer and cross-functional senior leadership roles in the ECE sector, overseeing portfolios spanning finance, ICT, property, and support services. She brings strong understanding of how funding systems, operational frameworks, and governance structures shape outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Her professional focus has been on ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainability across complex, community-focused organisations. Guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Melissa is deeply committed to improving equity and access within Aotearoa’s early childhood education system.

Kelly brings 20 years’ experience in educational leadership and governance, with a strong understanding of early childhood education and literacy. As Director of New Shoots Children’s Centres (Sunnynook and Miniland), she has operated services and has deep knowledge of the funding system.

Kelly is currently involved in research projects supporting ECEs and transition-to-school programmes in vulnerable Auckland communities. A strong advocate for the early childhood sector, Kelly is committed to improving equity, quality, and access for all tamariki and whānau. Kelly is a member of the Ministry of Education’s Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC).

Sarah is deputy chief executive (Wellington) and principal economist at NZIER, bringing significant knowledge and expertise in economic principles and market dynamics. Her experience includes providing economic advice and supporting cost-benefit analysis at the Ministry of Health, developing systematic reviews, cost-effectiveness analysis reports, and health technology assessments for the Canadian, Australian and New Zealand health sectors, and teaching economics at both tertiary and secondary levels.

Kylie brings a strong understanding of how quality early childhood education supports working parents and those wanting to enter the workforce, and contributes to more inclusive workplaces. She has extensive experience in People and Culture leadership roles across professional services, property, and telecommunications and is currently Chief People Officer at Fletcher Building. 

Kylie also brings a personal perspective on the value of ECE as a mum and step-mum to five children, and ‘Kiki’ to her (step) mokopuna, Riley, Aria and Hunter.