The Principals (Aotearoa | New Zealand)

In this episode we discuss the importance of consistency of approach when managing behaviour. We also cover behaviour management frameworks, and what you should and shouldn't do when dealing with serious incidents.   My guests are: Vaughan Couillault, President NZ Secondary Principals Assn, Papatoetoe High School Leanne Otene, President New Zealand Principals Federation, Manaia View School Gretche...

A 2024 ERO report put the spotlight on rising levels of violence and disruption in schools. It’s a trend being seen around the world, and it’s become worse in New Zealand in the last couple of years. Most people stepping into the tumuaki role will have seen poor behaviour in their own classrooms, but what powers do tumuaki have that teachers don’t, and what can tumuaki do to try to mitigate bad be...

Today we’re continuing to talk about the health and safety responsibilities of tumuaki for people at your school. Today we're focusing on education outside the classroom – EOTC – more about the planning that's required, the risks, and what can happen when things go wrong. We’ll hear from Murray Burton, principal of Elim Christian College at the time of the 2008 Mangatepopo canyoning tragedy, in wh...

The health and safety of people at your school is one of the big responsibilities shared by tumuaki and school boards. As the principal, you have the most significant health and safety role in your school, and understanding your responsibilities should be a priority when you start in your new role. This episode covers your legal obligations for health and safety, what should be covered in a school...

As a new tumuaki, your relationship with your school board is one of your most important because it impacts directly on what you and the kura can achieve. In this episode we’ll talk about the board's role in the school, how tumuaki can get the most out of the relationship, and what you can do if issues arise.   My guests this week are: Belinda Weber, chief advisor governance at Te Whakarōputanga K...

Today we’re talking about the unique opportunities and challenges rural principals  face leading a country school.   My guests are: Andrew King, NZRASLA president, tumuaki of Oropi School - Bay of Plenty Pete Wilkinson, principal of Northern Southland College and Southland Secondary Schools Chair Erin Browne, tumuaki of Upokongaro School, Whanganui.   This podcast was produced for the Ministry of...

In this episode, we continue the conversation about building relationships with iwi, hapū and mana whenua, discussing common mistakes and how to avoid them, the importance of growing your knowledge of te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and what good relationships with mana whenua can mean for a kura.   My guests are: Robin Fabish, former tumuaki of Tamatea High School in Napier, currently worki...

Fostering a relationship with mana whenua that’s built on good faith and partnership is an important part of school leadership in Aotearoa, but relationships take time when you build them from a foundation. In this episode we talk about ways to begin, build, and maintain relationships with local iwi and hapū.   My guests this week are: Robin Fabish, former tumuaki of Tamatea High School in Napier,...

Forging partnerships with whānau can make a big difference to the outcomes for ākonga in your school. Today we’re talking about relationships with whānau, including the best ways to engage and connect with families and caregivers who are reluctant to get involved.   My guests this week are: Ngaire Ashmore, tumuaki of Auckland Girls’ Grammar School John Prestidge, principal of Motueka High School N...

Being a tumuaki is all about relationships, and good relationships with whānau, the school community and the wider community are essential. Today, we’re talking about ways to connect, build and maintain relationships with your school and wider community.   My guests are: Ngaire Ashmore, tumuaki of Auckland Girls’ Grammar School John Prestidge, principal of Motueka High School Ngahina Transom, tumu...

Being a tumuaki is a big job, and it can feel overwhelming and more than a little lonely at the top - but you’re not alone. Today, we’re talking about support available to new principals, and networks you can tap into for advice.   My guests this week are: Saane Faaofo Oldehaver, currently seconded to the Ministry of Education for one year as leadership advisor Pasifika from her tumuaki role at Au...

Today we’re talking about the process of transition into the tumuaki role, and the challenges that come with becoming principal.   My guests this week are: Tom Paekau, who moved into the role of tumuaki at Merivale School in Tauranga from a previous principal role at Te Puke’s Rangiuru School Nita Pond, who moved into the role of tumuaki at Whanganui Girls College after assistant principal and dep...

Today we’re talking about the law as it applies to schools and to the principal role. While you don't need to be a lawyer to be a principal, you do need to understand how legislation, natural justice and judge-made law affect your role.  We talk through relevant legislation, powers you do and don’t have under law, managing legal risk, give tips for avoiding legal fishhooks, and let you know where...

Welcome to The Principals, a podcast series for new school principals in Aotearoa New Zealand.   This week, we’re talking about the basics of the tumuaki role – how it differs from other senior leadership roles in a school, your new responsibilities as principal, and how the role changes depending on the kura itself.    My guests this week are: Leanne Otene, president of the New Zealand Principals...