The Principals (Aotearoa | New Zealand)

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 thinking as school leaders, and what advice they would give to principals who are considering getting involved.

Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.

Our guests are:

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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 also look at the most common legal mistakes principals make when dealing with teacher capability or conduct issues, and explore the themes emerging around social media misuse and professional boundaries. Please note that this episode was recorded at the end of 2025. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not reflect the official policy or position of the New Zealand government or the Ministry of Education.

Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.

Our guests are:

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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 how to trespass a parent from school grounds, and the importance of having a robust complaints policy.

Please note that this episode was recorded at the end of 2025.

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not reflect the official policy or position of the New Zealand government or the Ministry of Education.

Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.

Our guests are:

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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 practice. We also look at the unique funding and property challenges of the dual funding model, what it means to find and retain tagged staff in a competitive market, and what our guests enjoy about leading a Catholic integrated school.

Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.

Our guests are:

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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 pressures that come with the territory. We also hear some inspiring examples of innovative programmes that make the most of the multi-level nature of area schools, and our guests share their advice for tumuaki who are considering stepping into an area school leadership role for the first time.

Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.

Our guests are:

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 age two to 18. We also discuss the particular demands of leading in rural and isolated communities, where the principal's role extends well beyond the school gate.

Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.

Our guests are:

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 schools, and how her four-step improvement cycle helps schools stay focused on solving problems systematically.

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:

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Tapasā: Cultural Competencies Framework for Teachers of Pacific Learners

Rongohia te Hau - student and whānau voice tool

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, and the unique freedoms that allow rural principals to turn ideas into action quickly.

Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.

Our guests are:

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RASLA - New Zealand Rural and Primary and Area School Leadership Association https://www.nzrasla.ac.nz

VLN - Virtual Learning Network: www.vln.school.nz 

Mind Plus: www.mindplus.co.nz  

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 small schools capitalise on their local environments - from native gullies and river trails to AgriKids programmes and community expertise.

Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.

Our guests are:

Additional information

RASLA - New Zealand Rural and Primary and Area School Leadership Association https://www.nzrasla.ac.nz