The Principals (Aotearoa | New Zealand)

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 by Eleisha McNeill.

Our guests are:

Jonathan, tumuaki at Glen Eden Intermediate School in Auckland and former principal of Pasadena Intermediate School

Jo Smith, former tumuaki at Tamatea Intermediate School in Napier and now leadership advisor at the Ministry of Education

Hamish Ruawai, tumuaki at Palmerston North Intermediate Normal School and leadership advisor seconded to the Ministry of Education

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.

Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.

Our guests are:

Stephen Grady, principal at Matuangaru School in Auckland

Catherine Law, principal at Avonside Girls' High School in Ōtautahi Christchurch, seconded to the Ministry of Education to lead knowledge-rich curriculum development.

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 leadership practices that can't be left to chance.

Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.

Our guests are:

Stephen Grady, principal at Matuangaru School in Auckland

Catherine Law, principal at Avonside Girls' High School in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and seconded to the Ministry of Education to lead knowledge-rich curriculum development

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:

Louise Anaru, principal of Kaitaia College in the Far North and president of SPANZ (Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand)

Mark Potter, principal of Berhampore School in Wellington and immediate past president of NZEI Te Riu Roa

Lisa Dillon-Roberts, tumuaki of Merrin Ngā Whetū Kohara and president of the Canterbury Primary Principals' Association

Additional information

SPANZ (Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand): https://www.spanz.org.nz

NZEI Te Riu Roa: https://www.nzei.org.nz

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:

Gretchen Stone, education lawyer at Harrison Stone

Fi McMillan, education lawyer at Anderson Lloyd

Patrick Walsh, education lawyer and tumuaki of Sacred Heart College.

Additional information

Principals Advice and Support Limited (PASL), an optional legal support scheme for principals through the New Zealand Principals' Federation: nzpf.ac.nz

The Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand (SPANZ) offers an optional legal fund for secondary principals through Harrison Stone: https://www.spanz.school.nz

The New Zealand School Boards Association (NZSBA) provides advice for schools: https://www.tewhakaroputanga.org.nz

NZEI Te Riu Roa offers support for member principals: www.nzei.org.nz

PPTA (Post Primary Teachers' Association) has field officers who can provide advice for members: ppta.org.nz