Denise Torrey

Denise Torrey was tumuaki of Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo in Christchurch for 22 years, retiring in 2024. A dedicated educational leader, she served as President of both the Canterbury Primary Principals’ Association during the 2010–11 earthquakes, and the New Zealand Principals’ Federation in 2015. Her passion for leadership development led to the creation of the CPPA Middle Leadership Programme, based on her sabbatical research, with further evaluation completed through a CPPA Fellowship. Denise has held key advocacy roles, including on the governance board of Mana Ake – Mental Health in Schools, and contributed to the national Rauhuia leadership initiative. She has worked with ERO, NZCER and MOE on various leadership initiatives. In 2022, she worked with NZPF to establish the Primary Principals’ Collective Bargaining Union (PPCB), serving as its first Head of Union and later as Principal Support Officer and Lead Negotiator. She was awarded a Woolf Fisher Fellowship in 2019 and visited Harvard in 2023.

Denise’s career reflects her unwavering commitment to strong, values-based leadership – weathering the winds of change and turbulent times.

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