As the summer break approaches, this episode explores essential self-care strategies for principals. The conversation covers creating boundaries during holidays, maintaining wellbeing throughout the year, and practical approaches including setting firm finish dates, prioritising activities outside education, and the importance of being fully present. Our guests discuss reframing rest as essential leadership practice rather than optional luxury. Hosted by Eleisha McNeill Our guests are: Roger Phillipson, psychologist at the Ministry of Education Heidi Haywood, principal of Dunedin North Intermediate Michael Fletcher, principal of Chaucer School.

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 struggled to evaluate whether their PLD actually shifted teaching practices or improved student outcomes. Our guests will share their approaches for identifying genuine learning needs, vetting PLD providers, and ensuring professional development translates into classroom improvements. From asking the right questions before committing to a programme to building systems that sustain learning beyond the workshop, discover how to move beyond professional development that looks good on paper to PLD that creates lasting change for both you and your staff.   Hosted by Eleisha McNeill   Our guests are: Alistair Sinton, tumuaki of Mount Maunganui College Jen Rodgers, principal of St Clair Primary School and on the NZPF executive Elena Moretti, director of engagement and impact at the National Research Centre   Additional information Principal Development Map (MOE) with PLD recommendations https://workforce.education.govt.nz/principals-and-schools/professional-development-and-support-principals/principal-development-map

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 Mulberry Grove School, Great Barrier Island Kylie Piper, tumuaki of Arapohue School in Northland Greg Allen, tumuaki of South Makirikiri School in Rangitīkei. Additional information New Zealand Rural Schools Leadership Association (RASLA) https://www.nzrasla.ac.nz

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 principalship extends far beyond leading teaching and learning. This is part one of a two-part conversation exploring rural school leadership in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our guests are: Ally Gibbs, principal of Mulberry Grove School, Great Barrier Island Kylie Piper, tumuaki of Arapohue School in Northland Greg Allen, tumuaki of South Makirikiri School in Rangitīkei. Additional information New Zealand Rural Schools Leadership Association (RASLA) https://www.nzrasla.ac.nz

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: Rose-Anne London from the Teaching Council Stephanie Thompson, principal of Beachhaven School in Auckland Isaac Day, former tumuaki and leadership advisor in Nelson/Tasman Additional information Teaching Council https://teachingcouncil.nz/professional-practice/professional-growth-cycle/

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 Catherine Law, principal of Avonside Girls’ High School Lorraine Taylor, principal of Silverstream School.

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, principal of St Hilda’s Collegiate School in Dunedin Leadership Advisor Melissa Anderton Leadership Advisor Amy Hacker.   Additional information Ministry of Education Leadership Advisors - https://workforce.education.govt.nz/principals-and-schools/professional-development-and-support-principals/leadership-advisors

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