Contribute to the advancement of online, flexible and distance learning and teaching in Aotearoa, New Zealand
The Flexible Learning Association of New Zealand (FLANZ) is currently seeking people to strengthen our advocacy of distance and online learning and teaching in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Following the 2020 pandemic, the education sector is experiencing a renewed interest in distance and online learning and teaching. With the International Council of Distance Education holding their annual conference in Wellington, November 10-13th, 2025 looks to be an important year for distance and online learning in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
2025 provides a unique opportunity to get involved in distance and online learning as attitudes change and the spotlight falls on education practice in Aotearoa, New Zealand and the Pacific.
FLANZ is currently seeking a Treasurer, Webmaster and Vice President and bi-cultural representative to join our Executive Committee.
Please contact President@flanz.org.nz to discuss these opportunities. Contact Treasurer@flanz.org.nz in the case of the Treasurer’s role.
About FLANZ
The Flexible Learning Association of New Zealand works to enhance flexible learning practices across all sectors of education in New Zealand, advance current thinking and contribute to research and scholarship, in open, distance and flexible learning. Members of the Executive Committee are volunteers.
Treasurer
Some experience of managing a relatively simple Xero environment would be welcomed although a handover period will ensure smooth running of the accounts. The role requires an hour a week to review income and expenditure, and ensure invoices are properly uploaded to Xero. Payments are approved through the online banking system so there is never a need to go into a branch. There is a monthly commitment to produce from Xero a balance sheet and profit and loss report. You will also have administrator rights to the FLANZ website in order to download membership invoices and to a PayPal account to download appropriate documentation. We use Xero as our primary documentation storage for annual reporting and auditing. If you are interested in this role contact Simon Atkinson, outgoing Treasurer at treasurer@flanz.org.nz
Webmaster
FLANZ has a single website at flanz.org.nz which is hosted directly at wordpress.com. The site has been significantly restructured recently and the incoming Webmaster needs only to ensure initially that blog posts are correctly structured, and that plug-ins are kept up-to-date when prompted by the system. They also must liaise with the treasurer to ensure that plug-ins that require payment are dealt with promptly. No more than an hour or two a week would ordinarily be required for this role. Further enhancements and improvements in coming years are then open to discussion with the wider executive committee.
Vice President
The Vice President is responsible for FLANZ membership and engaging with institutions and associations within Aotearoa New Zealand. Their focus is on growing the FLANZ community and developing partnerships with like-minded organisations. The Vice President also supports the President in chairing meetings and establishing broader international connections.
Bicultural representative
FLANZ is looking to strengthen its commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi, through the establishment of a named Bicultural Representative position on the Executive Committee. The Bicultural Representative would have a key voice in guiding the path of FLANZ in bicultural matters through promotion of te ao Māori, te reo Māori, and tīkanga Māori. They will also have a role in establishing the Bicultural Representative role as well as protocols and practices for FLANZ into the future.