Together, Simon, Tim, and Yao bring a unique combination of international experience, education leadership, community engagement, and practical industry knowledge to Eastern Bridge Education.
EBE is guided by leadership with diverse experience across education, local government, community engagement, and international relations. Together, Simon, Tim, and Yao provide governance that ensures inclusive, high-quality adult education and meaningful outcomes for learners across Aotearoa.
Their combined backgrounds across education, local government, workplace training, finance, and migrant support have helped shape EBE into a learner-focused organisation grounded in community, accessibility, and real-world outcomes.
With strong connections across Hawke’s Bay and diverse communities throughout Aotearoa, the team shares a commitment to creating education that is practical, inclusive, and genuinely supportive of learners from all backgrounds. Their hands-on approach and shared vision continue to drive EBE’s growth as a trusted provider of workplace training, ESOL, digital skills, and adult education programmes.
We believe education should be accessible, practical, and connected to real outcomes. Our programmes are designed to help learners build confidence, improve communication, strengthen workplace capability, and progress toward employment, further study, and community participation.
We understand that many adult learners balance study alongside work, family, language barriers, or previous negative experiences with education. We meet learners where they are with a flexible and learner-centred approach that encourages engagement, progress, and success.
We believe strong communities are built through inclusive education, cultural understanding, and meaningful opportunities. We create learning environments that value diversity, respect, safety, encourage belonging, and help learners build confidence and connection.
We operate within a strong quality assurance framework aligned with NZQA requirements and continuous improvement practices. Programmes are developed to support learner achievement while maintaining educational quality, learner wellbeing, and industry relevance.
Simon is a founding partner and CEO of Eastern Bridge Limited, a consultancy supporting local government, international relations, and migrant engagement initiatives.
Simon brings a global perspective shaped by more than a decade living and working across China, South Korea, and New Zealand. His professional background spans education, media, local government, international engagement, and regional economic development, with experience across research, consulting, and leadership roles.
Passionate about creating accessible education opportunities, Simon has a particular focus on supporting migrants, international learners, and visitors to New Zealand. Having been an international student himself, he understands the challenges and opportunities that come with studying and living abroad. He completed a Master’s degree at Renmin University in Beijing and also worked as a research assistant at a university in South Korea.
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Tim is the Head of Domestic Education, bringing more than a decade of experience in adult education and a deep understanding of the sector. His expertise has been instrumental in shaping EBE’s practical, learner-focused approach, helping ensure programmes remain effective, engaging, and impactful for learners and communities.
Known for his work in workplace literacy and numeracy, Tim combines strategic leadership with a hands-on teaching approach. He remains actively involved in programme delivery, working directly with learners to build essential skills that support employment, workplace success, confidence, and everyday life.
Widely respected across the education and employment sectors in Hawke’s Bay, Tim has helped countless learners improve their personal and professional opportunities through meaningful, outcomes-focused education. His ability to connect with learners, employers, and fellow educators alike has made him a strong advocate for accessible adult learning and practical training that leads to real-world results.Â
Yao Hongze is an integral part of the leadership team, helping strengthen connections with communities across Hawke’s Bay, particularly within Asian communities. As a Community Connector, Yao plays an important role in building relationships and supporting culturally responsive programme delivery, helping ensure education and training remains accessible, inclusive, and relevant to learners from a wide range of backgrounds.
Alongside his community engagement work, Yao brings strong expertise in finance and business operations, managing organisational finances and administration with care and precision. His knowledge also extends into the classroom, where he teaches workplace financial literacy programmes that help learners develop practical money management and everyday financial skills.
Known for his empathy, local knowledge, and supportive approach, Yao helps create meaningful connections between learners, communities, and education. His ability to work across both operational and learner-facing areas continues to support an inclusive, community-focused learning environment.
Our team is dedicated to helping learners, employers, and communities achieve their goals.
If you’re looking to enrol, partner with us, or simply learn more about what we offer, please get in touch. We’d love to help.
ORGANISATIONS
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LEARNERS
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