Rich Matla has a long established background and diverse roles in the education sector ranging from extensive classroom teaching experience, pastoral care and middle management, to school governance, resource development and policy oversight.

Rich works as a consultant in the Leadership Lab Grow Waitaha project and the Cultural capability in Aotearoa kura project where he works with teachers to develop their competence and confidence in culturally sustaining practices.

He also works as a consultant, trainer, mentor in a range of educational settings in both NZ and abroad, with a particular focus on Relational Practices and Cultures. He is a Senior consultant and trainer in restorativeschools.org.nz, that has seen them work with over a thousand primary and secondary schools in New Zealand and deliver training and development work in Australia, Singapore, and Norway. He is passionate and committed to the needs of young people and their development, to the professional growth of teachers, educators and staff groups, and to the quality of workplace cultures and environments.

Rich held the role as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at Heathcote Valley Primary School since 2012 -2018, a role that has had a focus of enhancing teaching practice and forging strong educational partnerships between school and home.

He has also worked as an artist and designer, travelled extensively, been an aid worker, Resort Manager and tour guide and brings this creativity and energy to any role he takes on.