In this episode, we get into the planning and preparation required to successfully launch a new school year. As the end of the summer holidays nears, principals across Aotearoa will be orchestrating one of the most critical periods in the school calendar - ensuring everything is ready for students and staff to return to a well-prepared and welcoming learning environment. Our guests share practical insights into the multi-layered preparation process, from managing staff recruitment and timetabling through to facility maintenance, technology readiness, and establishing the right culture and tone for the year ahead. Hosted by Eleisha McNeill. Today’s guests are: Jason Miles, tumuaki of Kaiapoi North School and Vice President of NZPF Rohan Pearse, tumuaki of Frimley School Dawn Akroyd, principal of Napier Girls’ High School. This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education.   You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz

Ever thought about swapping city school leadership for rural life?   From misconceptions, like assuming rural schools would be "easier", to learning unexpected skills like animal husbandry and septic tank management, our guests talk about the unique rewards of leading schools where community connections run generations deep.   Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.   Today’s guests are: Andrew King, principal of Oropi School and president of the NZ Rural Schools Leadership Association Alistair Schaw, principal at Aokautere School near Palmerston North Kylie Piper, tumuaki of Arapohue School in Northland   This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education.   You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz   Additional information:   New Zealand Rural Schools Leadership Association https://www.nzrasla.ac.nz

In this episode, we continue discussing the Professional Growth Cycle for principals, diving deeper into practical implementation, with real examples of how PGC work has helped our guests navigate leadership challenges. We also talk about common pitfalls  principals encounter, and offer advice for people struggling to get started.   Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.   Our guests are: Rose-Anne London from the Teaching Council Ben Hutchings, tumuaki of Mountain View School in Mangere, Auckland John Channer, principal at Fraser Crescent School in Upper Hutt, Wellington.   This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education.   You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz

In this episode, we discuss the Professional Growth Cycle for principals. We’ll talk about how the approach to principal development has evolved from the old ‘banana boxes of evidence’ system to a trust-based model that prioritises meaningful professional learning and honest feedback, and our guests share practical insights on setting impactful goals, building accountability into peer networks, and creating spaces for both professional challenge and emotional support.   Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.   Our guests are: Rose-Anne London from the Teaching Council Ben Hutchings, tumuaki of Mountain View School in Mangere, Auckland John Channer, principal at Fraser Crescent School in Upper Hutt, Wellington.   This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education.   You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz   Additional information Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand https://teachingcouncil.nz/ 

In this episode, we explore how educational leaders can move beyond tick-box compliance to genuinely embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles into their school culture. Our guests share their personal journeys, practical strategies, and honest reflections on what it truly means to create bicultural learning environments where all students thrive. Hosted by Mārama Stewart. Today’s guests are: Billie-Jean Pōtaka Ayton, tumuaki of Kaiti School in Gisborne Mel Jewiss, former tumuaki and now Maori Achievement Collaborative (MAC) facilitator Robyn Isaacson, principal of Flaxmere Primary School This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education.   You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz

What are the first 100 days in the principal role really like? From navigating unexpected challenges and building relationships with staff, students, and whānau, to establishing their leadership vision while managing the day-to-day complexities of school operations, our guests share candid insights about what it really takes to transition into principalship. Hosted by Eleisha McNeill. Today’s guests are: Lori Mravicich, tumuaki of Waiau Pā School Tony Baird, principal of Karamea Area School Richard Washington, principal of Nelson College This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education.   You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz

We continue to talk about attendance in this episode, exploring proven strategies for boosting student attendance through meaningful partnerships. Hear how building strong relationships and addressing root causes—rather than just symptoms—can create lasting change in attendance patterns and student outcomes. A note that attendance services mentioned in this episode were correct at the time of recording. Hosted by Eleisha McNeill. My guests are: Mandy Dodds, tumuaki of Kumara School on the West Coast Chris Bean, principal of Tangaroa College in Otara, Auckland James Christie, tumuaki of Mauku School in the Franklin district This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education.   You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz

Student attendance has become one of the big challenges facing New Zealand schools. With new Attendance Management Plans becoming mandatory from 2026 and expanded attendance services on the horizon, principals are under increasing pressure to find effective solutions to chronic absenteeism. But some schools are beating the odds. In this episode, we sit down with principals who have successfully turned around poor attendance in their schools. Hosted by Eleisha McNeill. My guests are: Mandy Dodds, tumuaki of Kumara School on the West Coast Chris Bean, principal of Tangaroa College in Otara, Auckland James Christie, tumuaki of Mauku School in the Franklin district This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education.   You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz

In this episode of The Principals Aotearoa, Eleisha speaks with Jan Robertson, author of Coaching leadership: Building educational leadership capacity through partnership, discussing how coaching partnerships between educational leaders create powerful opportunities for reflective practice, help bridge the gap between what principals say they believe and what they do, and how coaching partnerships can transform school culture while building leadership capacity across the education system. This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education. You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz Additional information The three Rs for coaching-learning relationships https://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Culture/Leading-staff/Coaching-learning-relationships Coaching with a peer partnerhttps://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Culture/Developing-leaders/Coaching-leaders 

Resilience and the right glasses - Developing the skills for school leadership

The transition from teacher or senior school leader to tumuaki is more than just a title change – it's a professional and personal transformation. This episode talks about the transition into principalship, the differences between senior leadership and principalship, and ERO research into pathways new principals take, and their sense of preparedness for the role. My guests are: Jacqui Brown, principal of New Plymouth Girls’ High School Prisca MacDonald, tumuaki of Tawa Intermediate School Elena Moretti, Director Engagement and Impact, ERO This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education.   You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz   Additional information ERO report summary: Guide for aspiring and new principals: ERO's new principals research   ERO full report: ‘Everything Was New’: Preparing and Supporting New Principals   Principal Development Map https://workforce.education.govt.nz/principals-and-schools/professional-development-and-support-principals/principal-development-map

From recognizing the subtle signs of leadership readiness to providing meaningful development opportunities, we’ll discuss how our guests have successfully mentored teachers into leadership roles and built a culture where potential leaders feel supported to step up. Our guests are: Ian Taylor, principal of Manurewa Intermediate and author of "All the time, Every Time, All of us, Everywhere!" Denise Torrey, former tumuaki of Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo in Christchurch, and now principals’ support officer for the Primary Principals’ Collective Bargaining team. This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education.   You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz

Welcome to Season 2 of The Principals, a podcast series for tumuaki and aspiring tumuaki in Aotearoa New Zealand, hosted by Eleisha McNeill. It’s great to be back. What does leadership potential look like in your staff, and how do you nurture it? In this episode, two experienced principals share how they got to where they are, what they look for in potential leaders, and why it's so important to build leadership capability and capacity in the New Zealand school system. Today’s guests are: Ian Taylor, principal of Manurewa Intermediate and author of "All the time, Every Time, All of us, Everywhere!" Denise Torrey, former tumuaki of Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo in Christchurch, and now principals’ support officer for the Primary Principals’ Collective Bargaining team. This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education.   You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz

The Principals podcast is coming back for a second season! A big thank you to all our listeners for your feedback and for your amazing support.   We’re just starting to record interviews for our second season, and we’re  really keen to hear what’s top of mind for you - what can we cover in the podcast that would help you in your journey towards - or through - principalship? Do you know of a principal with an amazing story that everyone should hear? Drop us an email at principals.podcast@education.govt.nz with your ideas – we’d love to hear them. I’ll pop the email address in the show notes too.   We’ll be back on the 29th of July with new episodes – perhaps on a topic you suggest! See you then!

In this episode, we’re talking with two Pasifika principals and a non-Pasifika tumuaki leading a school with a high Pasikifa population about leading authentically, and things you can do to make sure your Pasifika ākonga feel seen and supported, along with the tools available to school yourself in the Pasifika realm. Mārama’s guests are: Jenny Bernard, principal of Otahuhu Primary School, Auckland Karl Vasau, principal of Rowandale School in Manurewa, Auckland Graeme Norman, principal of Te Kōmanawa Rowley School, Christchurch. This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals.   You can learn more by accessing Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals e-learning modules on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz   The New Zealand Pasifika Principals’ Association (NZPPA) has its own podcast – search it up on your favourite platform.   Episode themes: What it was like for Jenny and Karl as Pasifika ākonga in New Zealand. Finding your identity as Pasifika. The importance of names. Leading as non-Pasifika, ways you can educate yourself on the culture and the community you’re in, and available PD to help you. The importance of building up those around you as leaders, of letting people’s expertise and knowledge shine in your school. Additional information NZPPA - https://www.nzppa.co.nz/   Tautai o le Moana - https://www.tolm.co.nz/

Kō ngā tahu ā ō tapuwai inanahi, hei tauira mō āpōpō Leading an organisation as tumuaki Māori has its own unique challenges and opportunities. We often use the whakatauki Poipoia te Kākako kia pūawai to emphasise the importance of nurturing our tamariki,  A pressing issue right now is how we’re nurturing our aspiring and new principals, in particular our young tumuaki Māori. How do we, as experienced and leading principals, curate leadership journeys that empower new and aspiring tumuaki Māori to last the challenges of the current day? Mārama’s guests are: Marissa Peters, Principal of Tarawera High School in Kawerau Eastern Bay of Plenty Mikaere October, Principal of Trident High School, Whakatāne Leanne Otene, President of New Zealand Principals’ Federation and Principal of 30 years of service this year. This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals.   You can learn more by accessing Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals e-learning modules on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz   Episode themes: What it was like to be tumuaki Māori in the 1990s and how it has changed Learning that walking in both the pākeha and Maōri worlds is a strength, not a weakness The importance of having good role models The importance of knowing who you are and being authentic in that, of finding your voice and standing up for yourself and for your kura and tamariki

Kō ngā tahu ā ō tapuwai inanahi, hei tauira mō āpōpō Leading an organisation as tumuaki Māori has its own unique challenges and opportunities. We often use the whakatauki Poipoia te Kākako kia pūawai to emphasise the importance of nurturing our tamariki,  A pressing issue right now is how we’re nurturing our aspiring and new principals, in particular our young tumuaki Māori. How do we, as experienced and leading principals, curate leadership journeys that empower new and aspiring tumuaki Māori to last the challenges of the current day? Mārama’s guests are: Marissa Peters, Principal of Tarawera High School in Kawerau Eastern Bay of Plenty Mikaere October, Principal of Trident High School, Whakatāne Leanne Otene, President of New Zealand Principals’ Federation and Principal of 30 years of service this year. This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals.   You can learn more by accessing Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals e-learning modules on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz   Episode themes: What it was like to be tumuaki Māori in the 1990s and how it has changed Learning that walking in both the pākeha and Maōri worlds is a strength, not a weakness The importance of having good role models The importance of knowing who you are and being authentic in that, of finding your voice and standing up for yourself and for your kura and tamariki

This episode continues discussing the challenges of recruiting te reo speaking kaiako, and the ways those challenges have been dealt with in the past, including hiring fluent freezing workers as LATs, along with ways to ensure te reo thrives in your kura.   Mārama’s guests are: Robin Fabish, former tumuaki and current Leadership Advisor for the Ministry of Education Nori Parata, tumuaki of Kahukuranui and Tolaga Bay Area school   This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals.   You can learn more by accessing Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals e-learning modules on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz   Show notes Episode themes: The employment of fluent te reo speakers from all walks of life to teach in schools under the Te Akatura programme, was probably one of the first and earliest recognition of the value of having native te reo speakers being trained to be teachers. The importance of training, mentoring and support for these teachers. The importance of learning te reo yourself, and of helping your kaiako learn to ensure the language thrives in your kura, and shows your Māori community you are genuinely committed Ways to ensure your reo speaking kaiako don’t feel lonely, and that other teachers in your kura who speak another language feel they have a community too. Our guests advice on wats to ensure te reo is strong in our schools.   Additional information   E-Bite programme https://workforce.education.govt.nz/principals-and-schools/local-employment-and-recruitment-support/kaupapa-maori-maori-medium-ebite-programme-funding-award   Employing LATS https://workforce.education.govt.nz/principals-and-schools/local-employment-and-recruitment-support/employing-someone-limited-authority-teach

This episode discusses the challenges of recruiting te reo speaking kaiako, and of creative ways of addressing the issue.   Mārama’s guests are: Robin Fabish, former tumuaki and current Leadership Advisor for the Ministry of Education Nori Parata, tumuaki of Kahukuranui and Tolaga Bay Area school   This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals.   You can learn more by accessing Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals e-learning modules on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz   Show notes Episode themes: The difficulties of recruiting all kaiako, and the particular challenge of recruiting te reo speakers, which is even greater in rural and remote areas. Relievers are an additional challenge. The E-Bite programme, which allows fluent te reo speakers to be employed on a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) while they get their teaching qualification. Using kaiāwhina i te reo, kaitautoko i te reo, and kaiārahi i te reo in classes where you can’t find a te reo teacher, treating them like a beginning teacher and providing them with good support. Employing a LAT might sometimes mean assisting someone to apply for the LAT and paying for the application and renewals to keep them on. Ensuring that te reo speaking kaiako have everything they need to do the job, so ensuring there is adequate budget for all they need. Using the knowledge of the tumuaki around you to help with questions you may have.   Additional information E-Bite programme https://workforce.education.govt.nz/principals-and-schools/local-employment-and-recruitment-support/kaupapa-maori-maori-medium-ebite-programme-funding-award   Employing LATS https://workforce.education.govt.nz/principals-and-schools/local-employment-and-recruitment-support/employing-someone-limited-authority-teach

In this episode, Mārama discusses the challenges and opportunities of tumuaki Māori leading a school in an English-medium system.   Mārama’s guests are: Robin Fabish, former tumuaki and current Leadership Advisor for the Ministry of Education Tom Paekau, tumuaki of Te Kura o Tūtarawānanga Merivale School in Tauranga Moana.   This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals.   You can learn more by accessing Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki - The Beginning Pathway for Principals e-learning modules on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz   Show notes Episode themes: The inner challenges of following the directives you have to follow as tumuaki while still wanting to be pono to your own philosophy on education. Your board can be your biggest support. The importance of having mentors as a new tumuaki to help guide you through these challenges. Remember schools do have a lot of autonomy, and that the Education Act says one of your primary roles as school leaders is giving effect to Te Tiriti.   Additional information Dr Ann Milne https://www.annmilne.co.nz