TPP Season 2 Episode 13 Preparing for the start of a new school year
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
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TPP Season 2 Episode 12 Going rural: Making the transition from urban to country schools
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
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TPP Season 2 Episode 11 Real-world PGC implementation
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
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TPP Season 2 Episode 10 Mastering the Professional Growth Cycle for principals
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/
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Season 2, Episode 9 Te Tiriti o Waitangi: More Than Just Compliance
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
Experienced school leaders and officials share stories and offer tips about leading schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. This series sits alongside the online learning programme: Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki | The Beginning Pathway for Principals, which can be accessed on the Education LMS https://training.education.govt.nz.
New Zealand