About Axcel Institute

Chris is the founding director of Axcel Institute and is also a director of The Education Group Limited. He has a track record of success in developing and implementing innovative study programmes that are relevant to today’s commercial environment and provide accelerated opportunities for students to learn new skills and fast track their earning potential. Chris has a substantial history in New Zealand’s business and education sectors, and was formerly the Managing Director of Information Technology Institute, Strategic Development Manager, NZ Trade Development Board (now NZ Trade and Enterprise) and was the inaugural director of the Enterprise Unit at UNITEC. Chris' passion is social ballroom and Latin dancing.

Kerry is co-director of Axcel Institute and is also a founding director of The Education Group Limited. Prior to becoming an education consultant and researcher Kerry was Principal at a large full primary school in West Auckland. Before establishing the Education Group in 2004 with her colleagues Kay Hawk, Jan Hill and Nicky Knight, Kerry was employed by Massey University in the Institute for Professional Development and Research. Kerry has extensive experience in leading major research projects such as the development of the national curriculum exemplars and assessment for learning. Over the last four years she has worked in a wide range of state and integrated schools, across all the deciles. She has worked extensively with Boards of Trustees, Principals, senior leaders and Team Leaders in the areas of leadership, and building a school-wide learning culture. She has extensive experience in strategic planning, setting up and reviewing performance management systems, training appraisers, classroom coaches and professional development coordinators, conducting Principal appraisals, and facilitating professional development (or mentoring) groups for Principals and Deputy Principals. Her curriculum expertise is in literacy and assessment, especially formative assessment. Kerry has worked in numerous schooling improvement initiatives which have included coordination of leadership development, assessment, school review and professional development programmes across clusters of schools.