New Chief Executive for Life Education Trust

Experienced volunteer sector leader Mark Weatherall has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Life Education Trust (NZ). Mark brings strong leadership and a wealth of governance and management expertise to Life Education Trust.

He has established a well-regarded career over the last 25 years working in the for-purpose, volunteer sector.  

Mark is currently General Manager of Community and Development at Rowing NZ and has held previous roles of Executive Director at Te Araroa Trail, Chief Executive at Canoe Racing NZ, Chief Executive of Poverty Bay Rugby and General Manager of Club Development at Surf Life Saving NZ.

Life Education Trust Board Chair Rob Simcic says Mark’s appointment is significant for the organisation as it continues to expand its services.

“In any given year at Life Education Trust we work with more than 280,000 tamariki and at our heart, our people are the enablers of all we achieve and the essence of our success. Our regional structure involves 32 separate entities managed by 32 boards made up of 220 volunteer trustees, employing 65 people working right across Aotearoa. Mark has a strong background in community-based organisations providing community services, and working with national funders, sponsors, local and central government. He is a great fit to lead our organisation as we work to our vision that all tamariki, rangatahi and their community will have the life education they deserve.”

Mark is a life member of two regional volunteer clubs and Surf Life Saving NZ, recognised for his work in a range of volunteer roles outside his day to day employment. He also served as NZ Surf Life Saving Team Manager for the World Champion teams in 2012, 2014 and 2016.

“I am really excited to be joining the Life Education Team and further building on the Trust’s long history of making a real difference to the lives of our rangatahi and tamariki across Aotearoa,” says Mark.

Mark will commence the role on November 11.

After 14 years as Chief Executive, John O’Connell will stay with Life Education Trust into 2025 in a contract role leading strategic projects, along with supporting the Chief Executive transition.