Clayton’s story

Clayton's story

For our 10-year anniversary, we’ve asked several long-standing team members to reflect on their role at N4L, what drives them, and what they see for the future of technology in learning.

Meet Clayton Hubbard, Enterprise Architect

Kia ora, I’m Clayton and I’m an Enterprise Architect and I’m 4 making the internet safer for kura.

I’ve been working at N4L for the last 10 years and I’m intensely passionate about what we do here. In my role, I lead the architecture and delivery engineering team, who ensure that our products meet the requirements of the 2,450+ schools that we look after.

I initially started out working in sales, which I loved but it was such an inspiring shift to move from a business that was focused on profitability to one focused on purpose. From there, I never looked back. Getting up in the morning to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment that genuinely makes a difference — that’s meaningful mahi to me. I look at my children and I know I’m helping shape the future of their learning here in Aotearoa. I feel really lucky to be able to say that.

When I meet the ākonga we work with and see first-hand the world of opportunities our technological products and services unlock for them, I feel really inspired. They play such a huge role in our future in shaping what’s possible.

One of my proudest moments over the last decade was when we reached our target to connect 500 schools to broadband. It was so awesome to see how excited the teachers were about what the future might hold. These inspiring moments come often and in both small and significant ways. Connecting communities with internet that don’t have that luxury. Supporting kaiako on their digital journey. Implementing internet safeguards for kura — it all contributes to our kaupapa as a company and what gets us out of bed every day.

When I think about the future and the next 10 years of learning and tech, I believe we’ll see an increased ability to merge the physical and digital world to do things like combat climate change. When I think about that, I feel really hopeful and excited about what’s ahead.

If you liked Clayton’s story you can find out more in this video.

Greg’s story
Man smiling sitting in front of a green background with caption: I'm for helping all akonga thrive in a digital world
I whakapapa to Twizel and am the proud dad of three. Starting out as a secondary school teacher, my team’s role is to engage  with schools and figure out their needs to support them along their technical journey. No two schools are the same — that’s one of the things I love the most. Read the full story.
Adeel’s story 
Man smiling sitting in front of a plum coloured background with caption: I'm for providing online learning opportunities for kura
I moved with my family to NZ to be able to provide a better education for my children. I feel extremely grateful to work for a company that contributes to the educational needs of young Kiwis. The transformation over my time has been huge and I think that will continue for the next decade. Read the full story.
Katreena’s story
Woman smiling sitting in front of a blue background with caption: I'm for technology helping making a better future for akonga
Growing up in the Philippines, where my family ran an internet café. We grew a sense of community and that’s what sparked my interest in technology and the opportunities it opens up in people’s lives. Really feeling like I’m making an impact and helping serve our education community, is one of the things I love the most. Read the full story.

Celebrating 10 years of school & kura connections