Spelling Bee Aotearoa New Zealand Trustees

Janet Lucas, QSM, Founder of the Spelling Bee Aotearoa New Zealand

Bob Symon, IT Manager, ANZ

Spelling Bee Aotearoa New Zealand Patron

Chloe Wright ONZM

Chloe Wright, (ONZM) co-founder of the Wright Family Foundation, wife of Wayne Wright, and Patron of the Aotearoa New Zealand Spelling Bee, sadly passed away in September 2023.

Chloe’s passion and enthusiasm for the Spelling Bee is missed enormously. Chloe was a great friend within our close-knit team.

Janet and Bob are delighted that Chloe and Wayne’s granddaughter, Ally Wright, has picked up Chloe’s mahi within the Aotearoa New Zealand Spelling Bee.

Through the Wright Family Foundation, Chloe supported the educational development of all New Zealanders, unleashing children’s potential. This work will continue.

As Patron of Spelling Bee Aotearoa New Zealand, Chloe's goal was to grow this event to be one of the most highly regarded scholastic events in New Zealand.

Chloe said “My vision is to create articulate readers and writers who may go on to higher education with confidence. The event has the goal of expanding children’s vocabulary and encouraging a love of language – which is something we are passionate about fostering”. 

Programme Director

Janet Lucas organises the regional spelling bees and the National Spelling Bee Final. She also oversees the Teachers Award.

Administator

Bob Symon manages all the logistics including sponsor liaison, venue bookings, travel, and accommodation for spellers, teachers, officials.

Words

Owen Scott is a trained lawyer and actor but now a non-fiction writer, editor and broadcaster. He oversees the development of all the resources including the wordlists, supporting documentation, prepares the words and is the Pronouncer at both the regional Spelling Bees and the Final.