The Principals (Aotearoa | New Zealand)

This is the fifth and final episode in a special five-part Leading Curriculum podcast series, sitting alongside a range of curriculum leadership resources available on Tāhūrangi. This series features principals across a range of contexts talking about how they are making curriculum implementation work in their setting. For more resources, visit Curriculum Leadership PLD resources for English Mediu...

Curriculum Leadership podcast series  Podcast 4: Leading coherent programmes and strengthening consistent practice – secondary contexts  This is the fourth episode in a special five-part Curriculum Leadership podcast series, sitting alongside a range of curriculum leadership resources available on Tāhūrangi. This series features principals across a range of contexts talking about how they are maki...

Curriculum Leadership podcast series Podcast 3: Leading and shaping your teaching programmes in primary, intermediate and rural schools This is the third episode in a special five-part Curriculum Leadership podcast series, sitting alongside a range of curriculum leadership resources available on Tāhūrangi. This series features principals across a range of contexts talking about how they are making...

Curriculum Podcast series Podcast 2: Building trust as you lead curriculum implementation This is the second episode in a special five-part Leading Curriculum podcast series, sitting alongside a range of curriculum leadership resources available on Tāhūrangi. This series features principals across a range of contexts talking about how they are making curriculum implementation work in their setting...

Curriculum Leadership podcast series  Podcast 1: Why Te Mātaiaho is important - what’s the opportunity?    This is the first episode in a special five-part Curriculum Leadership podcast series, sitting alongside a range of curriculum leadership resources available on Tāhūrangi. This series features principals across a range of contexts talking about how they are making curriculum implementation wo...

In this episode, we discuss some of the key challenges and opportunities facing intermediate school leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand. We talk about managing social media and its impact on young people and their whānau, and how to keep the unique character of intermediate schooling alive amid curriculum change, and how schools can keep whānau engaged when tamariki are starting to find their independ...

Over the next two episodes, we discuss the unique and often underappreciated world of intermediate schooling in Aotearoa New Zealand. We talk about what draws leaders to this level, how intermediate schools support young people through one of the most significant developmental periods of their lives, and what it takes to build a strong school culture when half your roll changes every year. Hosted...

In this episode, we continue our conversation about implementing a knowledge-rich curriculum in New Zealand schools. We look at how teachers can be supported to understand not just what they are teaching but why it matters at each point in the learning sequence, how schools are managing the variability of learners coming in at different levels, and what success looks like beyond achievement data....

Implementing a knowledge-rich curriculum: Part 1 In this episode, we explore what a knowledge-rich curriculum means in practice for New Zealand schools, and how principals are leading that shift from both primary and secondary perspectives. We discuss the difference between knowledge-rich and competency-based approaches, the misconceptions that come up in staff and whānau conversations, and the le...

In this episode, we talk with three principals who have stepped beyond their school gates to take on sector leadership roles. We explore what motivated them to put their hand up, how they balance the demands of leading their own kura with responsibilities to the wider profession, and what surprised them most about working at a sector level. We also discuss how sector leadership has shaped their th...

In this episode, we continue our conversation with three education law experts, turning our attention to employment matters and the growing challenges around social media. We discuss the principles of natural justice and due process, the warning signs that a principal's own employment situation may be escalating, and the legal complexities around long-term sick leave and medical incapacity. We als...

In this episode, we talk with three education law experts about the growing legal complexity of managing parent relationships in schools. We explore why parent behaviour has changed in recent years, what constitutes a vexatious complaint, how to handle OIA and Privacy Act requests, and what steps principals can take when parents threaten staff or make unreasonable demands. We also discuss when and...

In this episode, we explore what it means to lead a Catholic integrated school in Aotearoa New Zealand. We discuss how the Integration Act shapes day-to-day leadership and decision-making, how principals balance their school's special character with New Zealand curriculum requirements, and how the relationship between the principal, the Board of Trustees, and the Catholic proprietor works in pract...

In this episode, we continue our conversation with three experienced area school leaders, focusing on the practicalities of running a kura that spans the full schooling spectrum. We discuss how to approach curriculum planning and delivery across a huge age range, the pastoral care challenges unique to area schools — particularly in rural and isolated communities — and the resource and funding pres...

In this episode, we explore what makes leading an area or composite school uniquely challenging and deeply rewarding. We talk with three experienced area school leaders about managing the breadth of student ages from early childhood through to Year 13, how to approach staffing across primary and secondary settings, and what it takes to build a truly cohesive school culture across a kura that spans...

In this episode, we speak with schooling improvement consultant Linda Bendikson, author of 'It's Not Rocket Science - A guide to the School Improvement Cycle'. Linda shares her journey from rural teaching to leading educational research at the University of Auckland. We explore the distinction between direct and indirect instructional leadership, why good management is the bedrock of effective sch...

In this episode, we explore the distinction between culturally responsive and culturally sustaining leadership in schools. Our guests discuss what it means to honour diversity within kura and how to move beyond surface-level cultural celebrations to embed practices that truly sustain students' cultural identities.   Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.   Our guests are: Sose Annandale, acting principal at R...

In this episode, we continue our conversation about rural school innovation, focusing on how technology connects students and staff to the wider world. Our guests discuss virtual learning networks, digital tools for extending talented students, and the importance of real-world experiences alongside virtual ones. We talk about how rural school clusters share resources and professional development,...

In this episode, we explore how rural schools are transforming their unique challenges into remarkable opportunities for innovation. Our guests talk about structuring learning across multiple year levels, the advantages of knowing every student deeply, and how rural communities become active partners in education. We discuss flexible learning progressions, student agency, and the creative ways sma...

In the second part of this kōrero, Russell Bishop explains why pedagogy must lead structural change, how meaningful feedback transforms teaching practice, and the importance of implementing proven approaches with fidelity. He reflects on cutting through the constant noise of educational reform, his vision of of seeing all learners—Māori and Pākehā alike—thriving with confidence and competence, and...

Professor Russell Bishop explores how whakawhanaungatanga transforms classrooms and schools. He challenges deficit thinking, explains the North-East teaching framework, and argues that relationships aren't just about being nice—they're the foundation for high expectations and accountability. Russell discusses how effective principals support teachers the same way teachers should support students:...

In the second part of this conversation about learning leaders, we explore how our guests principals put their research into practice, with three powerful examples of research-informed change - from student-led conferences to building professional learning communities - plus practical advice for time-poor principals on developing a research mindset. Hosted by Eleisha. Our guests are: Cherie Taylor...

In a world where education trends come and go at lightning speed, how do exceptional school leaders separate the game-changers from the gimmicks? This episode explores why the most effective principals aren't just consumers of education – they're critical thinkers who build their leadership practice on solid evidence rather than wishful thinking. Over the next two episodes, we'll discover how deve...

In this episode, we explore the transformative work of the Māori Achievement Collaborative (MAC) with Hoana Pearson, Te Pitau Mātautanga, the national coordinator for MAC. Hoana shares her journey from believing she couldn't learn to becoming a principal determined to ensure every child knows they can succeed. We discuss the power of authenticity in leadership, and how MAC works to change hearts a...

As the summer break approaches, this episode explores essential self-care strategies for principals. The conversation covers creating boundaries during holidays, maintaining wellbeing throughout the year, and practical approaches including setting firm finish dates, prioritising activities outside education, and the importance of being fully present. Our guests discuss reframing rest as essential...