about us

History

The AIS started with informal meetings of our non-catholic integrated schools in 1984. These meetings followed the annual meeting of the Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools at the Airport Hotel, Wellington. As the numbers of non-catholic schools grew it became apparent that there was sufficient interest to move to a more formal arrangement and it was agreed it would be prudent to have a forum where non-catholic schools could discuss matters that were relevant to their schools. In June 1988 interested schools met at the Catholic Education Office and Peter Mirams ( Waikato Diocesan School ) was elected Chairman and Brian Cheer ( Nga Tawa School ) was elected Secretary/Treasurer. The first formal meeting of the new Association of Integrated Schools was held in June 1989 with a total of thirteen schools attending. The AIS continued to grow as more schools integrated and the total number of member schools is 66 today.

Purpose:

To provide support for all integrated schools. AISNZ represents the non-catholic integrated schools. These schools consist mainly of schools whose special character is Christian, Ruldolf Steiner or Montessori.

The Association has an independent voice and works closely with other associations. It has a formal relationship with the Catholic Education office, in regard to discussions with the New Zealand Government, by virtue of common interests.
The AIS NZ executive works closely with Mr Pat Lynch, the Executive Director of the NZ Catholic Commission.
The AIS NZ has 3 representatives on the APIS Executive, one of whom by convention is the Deputy Chair of APIS (Association of Proprietors Of Integrated Schools).
We believe that all Integrated schools have common interests by virtue of the fact that we are all integrated and subject to the Integration Act. As such we need to speak with a united voice, as often as possible, on those matters which are of common interest to us.

The Objectives of AIS are:

1. to safeguard and promote the interest of integrated schools, particularly member schools.
2. to encourage the formation of new integrated schools, particularly those who will be eligible for membership of the Association.
3. to promote public interest in and support for integrated schools, and particularly those who are members of the Association.
4. to safeguard and improve the terms of employment and working conditions of those working in member schools.
5. to act in co-operation with the government or any other institution, Authority, Board, Society, Association or Committee working for the advancement of education and the promotion of the objects of the Association.
6. to affiliate with any other Association or organisations which have similar objects.

AIS NZ Executive:

The AIS NZ Executive is elected every twoyears and meets 3 times a year. The Executive seeks to:

1. be representative of all AIS NZ schools
2. meet quarterly
3. ascertain the key educational and proprietary issues that are common to the interests of all
4. plan and organise the AIS NZ conferences and annual meetings