The
Parents’ Alliance The
Parents’ Alliance Te Kotahitanga o ngā Mātua 家长联盟 पारिवारिक मंच

Cameron Bagrie

Chair and Spokesperson

I’m a father of two daughters - one at university and one at school. You’ll usually find me on the sidelines of their sporting events. I’ve been an economist for more than 20 years, including over 11 years as Chief Economist at ANZ and time at NZ Treasury and Statistics NZ. I now run my own economic consultancy, Bagrie Economics, and am a leading economic commentator.

Education is an issue I care deeply about. I spent eight years as a trustee of Life Education New Zealand. I bring independence, personal passion and evidence-based rigour to the Parents’ Alliance.

Anya Zohrab

Co-founder and Executive Director

I’m a mother of three children, each at a different school chosen to suit their individual needs. One of them, always adventurous, wanted to experience boarding school and is now a long way from home. It breaks my heart a little, but I am also proud of his boldness and resilience.

My career includes a decade in the public sector, including advising Labour Ministers - mainly Hon Annette King - and Hon David Seymour. I spent nearly eight years in banking, and have undertaken not-for-profit work and co-owned a small business. I bring practical policy experience and a determination to ensure families have a genuine voice in education.

Hon Kris Faafoi

Director

I’m a father of three boys - two at secondary school and one at primary. In summer, I spend many hours coaching their cricket teams or umpiring their matches. In winter, I watch a great deal of junior club and school football.

I began my career as a television and radio journalist with TVNZ and the BBC before entering Parliament and serving as a Minister in the Ardern Labour Government. I was the MP for the Mana electorate for ten years. Since leaving politics in 2022, I’ve worked in an advocacy leadership role. I bring experience in building relationships across different communities, alongside the everyday perspective of a parent navigating the school years.

Cat Moody

Director

I’m a mother of two young children - one who is a new entrant and one in early childhood education. Like many parents, I know what it means to juggle competing demands while continuing to show up for your tamariki.

I was the economic advisor to the Ministers of Finance, Hon Michael Cullen and Hon Bill English. My work at the New Zealand Treasury, HM Treasury in the UK and the World Bank showed me how profoundly educational achievement shapes life outcomes, economic opportunity and social mobility. I believe people do their best when given genuine opportunities to learn, grow and contribute.

David Farrar

Co-founder and Director

I’m a father of two boys, and I feel very fortunate that they attend a wonderful school with exceptional teachers. I want every parent in New Zealand to have the same confidence in their child’s education that I do.

I’ve spent my adult life involved in public policy, including founding Curia Market Research and editing Kiwiblog. Like many New Zealanders, I’m deeply concerned by the decline in reading, mathematics and science achievement, and believe we must confront it honestly if we are to reverse it.

Joanne Chaplow

Director

I’m a mother of four adult children who, between them, experienced state, state-integrated, private and home-school education. That breadth has given me a firsthand view of how differently our schools operate and serve families.

My career spans property valuation, property development and commercial banking, alongside governance and volunteer roles in schools and their communities. One thing has remained constant: parents are rarely given a genuine seat at the table. They deserve to be heard, informed and treated as partners in their children’s education - not as bystanders.