The Principals (Aotearoa | New Zealand)

Every year, principals face the same challenge: with limited time and budgets, how do you choose professional learning opportunities that will genuinely improve teaching and student outcomes? This episode combines insights from ERO's research on PLD effectiveness with practical, real-world strategies for making smarter professional development decisions. While ERO found that most school leaders were strategic in their choices, many...

In part two of this conversation, our rural principals share honest insights about managing release time with ever-changing priorities, bringing professional learning opportunities to isolated communities, and supporting staff wellbeing when burnout creeps in. This episode offers practical wisdom for staying grounded and connected in the demanding role of rural school leadership.

Our guests are:

• Ally Gibbs, principal of Mulber...

Leading a rural school comes with unique rewards and challenges. Mārama Stewart speaks with three passionate rural principals about what drew them to rural education and how they navigate life in close-knit communities. Our guests share how they look after their hauora, maintain professional boundaries, and stay connected through networks like RASLA. From bleeding generators to managing septic systems, they remind us that rural pri...

In this episode, we explore how principals can effectively support teachers through the professional growth cycle – moving beyond the old appraisal system to create meaningful, growth-focused practice. Our guests share practical strategies for using data effectively, fostering professional curiosity, and creating systems that support teachers before challenges become competency concerns.

Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.

Our guests are:

In this episode, we explore the leadership challenges and opportunities that come with implementing curriculum and pedagogical changes in schools. Our guests share their approaches to leading educational transformation, from building staff knowledge and confidence to creating sustainable change that improves student outcomes.

Hosted by Mārama Stewart.

Our guests are:

• Arihia Stirling, tumuaki of Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae
• Cath...

In this episode, we discover how this free, confidential service helps school leaders navigate challenges from board conflicts to strategic planning, and why reaching out for support - even when you don't need anything - can transform your leadership journey.

Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.

Our guests are:

• Former Leadership Advisor Phil Toomer, principal of Meadowbank School in Auckland
• Former Leadership Advisor Jackie Barron, ...

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 pr...

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...

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 Hut...

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 professi...

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 K...

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, tumuak...

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.

M...

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 thei...

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...

In this episode, our guests reflect on their first few years of principalship, discussing what it means to lead an entire school community, and providing tips for balancing strategic vision with daily operations, building resilience in high-pressure roles, and developing future leaders.

My guests are:

• Jacqui Brown, principal of New Plymouth Girls’ High School
• Prisca MacDonald, tumuaki of Tawa Intermediate School
• Elena Moretti,...

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’ Hi...

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 So...

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 capa...