We carry out independent, in-depth research of different aspects of New Zealand's education system.
We work to understand and report on system performance, evaluate initiatives, promote good practice, identify emerging challenges and opportunities, make recommendations and share evidence-based information.
We produce a range of resources, including research reports, good practice guides, sector insights and practical frameworks relevant to three education settings:
Our Team
ERO’s team of education experts are based across New Zealand and work closely with schools and ECE services every day. Our Evidence and Insights are led by:
David Ferguson
Chief Executive and Chief Review Officer
David Ferguson is ERO's Chief Executive and Chief Review Officer (CRO).
David joins ERO following a career in education leadership spanning schools, governance and system improvement. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive of the Teachers' Institute and has also held leadership and governance roles as Chair of the Teaching Council and a member of the NZQA Board. Prior to this, David was Headmaster of Westlake Boys High School for 15 years.
David brings extensive experience in education, organisational leadership and public service. He is committed to ensuring ERO's work provides high-quality evidence and insights that support better decision-making and improved outcomes for learners across Aotearoa New Zealand.
As Chief Executive and Chief Review Officer, David leads ERO’s work to evaluate and improve the education system, providing trusted evidence and insights to government, educators and communities, while also driving continuous improvement across ERO’s own practices and performance.
Deborah Wood
Deputy Chief Executive Review and Improvement Services Māori and Acting Deputy Chief Executive Evaluation and Policy
Deborah leads ERO’s Education Evaluation Centre | Te Ihuwaka, delivering independent national research and evaluation to strengthen decision‑making and improve outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand’s education system. She also leads ERO’s cross-functional team that focuses on evaluation supporting quality education for learners and their whānau, while growing what the system understands about kaupapa Māori, te reo Māori and te ao Māori to benefit all learners.
Deborah arrived at ERO in 2017 after a lengthy career as a teacher and a leader in both primary and secondary education. Joining ERO first as a Review Officer, before becoming manager of Research and Rangahau Māori where she led foundational research relating to te reo Māori and Māori learner success, and evaluated external agencies work to drive improved decision making.
While her time as Acting Deputy Chief Executive Review and Improvement Services enabled Deborah to focus on ERO’s evaluation approaches to drive improved outcomes for learners in English-medium education.
Deborah has a relentless focus on ensuring quality education for all tamariki and mokopuna, so they have equal opportunities to learn and thrive in inclusive environments. She has a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education with honours.