One of ACE Aotearoa’s newest board members proudly describes herself as a lifelong learner—a title she embraces with enthusiasm and purpose. Anne Troy, elected to the Board at the 2024 AGM, brings with her an impressive legacy of dedication to adult and community education.
Anne currently teaches ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) at Wellington High School and Community Education Centre (CEC), where she also coordinates funded courses and delivers leadership training in Mental Health First Aid. With more than 20 years of experience in adult education, Anne’s teaching journey has spanned the globe, including roles in South Korea, the UK, Istanbul, Italy, the Czech Republic, and here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“I love supporting migrants as they begin a new chapter of their lives—helping them build connections, find employment, and establish a sense of community,” Anne shares. “I’m very much a hands-on tutor. Having lived and worked in several countries, I understand firsthand the challenges of starting over in a new environment.”
Anne’s passion for education and community made her decision to join the Board a natural progression.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to grow, contribute, and support the sector from a governance perspective. It’s a space I care deeply about,” she explains. Serving on the Board has already provided Anne with a broader view of the diverse learning opportunities taking place across the country.
“This year, I had the privilege of being a judge for the ACE Aotearoa Awards. It’s been incredibly inspiring to see the amazing work happening throughout our communities. People are doing life-changing work and making a real impact.”
Anne believes her dual role—as both a current educator and Board member—brings valuable insight to the table.
“I work with one of the largest ACE providers in the country, and I’m still actively teaching. That gives me a unique perspective. I also come from a multicultural background—my mother is Singaporean—so I’m connected to a variety of communities and bring a diverse lens to the Board.”
A true lifelong learner, Anne is currently studying te reo Māori and is planning to pursue formal governance training this year to further enhance her contributions to the Board.
“I’m committed to growing in this space so I can represent our learners and educators more effectively,” she says.
With her deep experience, cultural insight, and unwavering passion, Anne is enjoying helping to shape the future of adult and community education in Aotearoa.