Leadership Advisor Special Focus - Rural & Small School Teaching Principal

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our ākonga in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

• Rural and Small School Teaching Principal
• Commences Term 3, 20 July 2026
• Fixed-term, full-time role
• North Island

There is a vacancy for a Rural and Small School Teaching Principal based in and serving the North Island region.

This is a 1 – 2-year secondment position and will commence in Term 3. 

In addition to the regional roles, the expanded Leadership Advisory service is looking to fill a range of special focus roles. These roles will provide more nuanced support to specific parts of the principal sector in the region and beyond.

These Leadership Advisors will provide dedicated and responsive support to specific parts of the principal/ school sector across broader geographic areas We are looking for experienced principals with successful sector experience and strong connections within the network to share your experience, provide advice, coaching and support to others in similar situations.

The rural & small school teaching principal leadership advisor (North Island) will work with Te Mahau and the sector to develop innovative and effective ways to assist with the unique challenges faced by rural & small schools as teaching principals.

Special focus leadership advisors will work with the sector and Te Mahau to develop innovative and effective ways to meet the current and emerging needs of principals.

They will also form effective relationships with Te Mahau across the regions they serve, will work closely with the other special focus advisor in their sector and collaboratively with leadership advisors across New Zealand.  

You will report to the Director of Education in your rohe and be supported nationally by the Chief Advisor.  

You will use your knowledge, expertise and experience to provide support and advice, addressing issues where and when they arise as a highly trusted educational professional. Your focus will be on improving leadership capability in schools and kura.

You will work closely with regional colleagues and play a key role in facilitating the sharing of good practice across the system, supporting collaborative networks such as clusters of schools, to shape innovative approaches to curriculum design and teaching and learning.

For more details about the role, you can view and download the  Rural Small Schools  Expectations Document

You can view and download the Expression of Interest (EOI) form here

 

Applicant's current /most recent terms of employment and remuneration will apply.    

About you | Mōhou ake

You will be a highly experienced current or recently retired school Principal (within the last 12 months).

We are looking for deep first-hand knowledge of the principal’s role and their responsibilities and the ability to work well across the sector.

You will have had experience as a rural and / small school teaching Principal.

You will also:

• Have mana and status in the sector, someone who relates well to others and leads with integrity.

• Have proven successful capability in school management and strategic and instructional leadership
• Have the ability to coach and support leaders across the sector (primary, intermediate, and secondary.
• Have the ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

At Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga, we provide services and support nationally, regionally, and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to ākonga and whānau.

Te Mahau is the key interface between Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education and education providers. It is our role to ensure that sector leaders and the communities in which they operate have access to the expertise, programmes and resources that will allow our children and young people to reach their full potential.

We give effect to government and Ministry policy and support education and community leadership within a self-managing system; to bring about the positive changes required to lift aspiration and raise educational achievement for all.

 Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your completed Expression of Interest (EOI) and CV by using the ‘apply' button.  We’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

Applications are invited for the North Island Rural & Small School teaching principal Leadership Advisor role, by secondments of 12 or 24 months.

Please note – there is no need to provide a cover letter. Only two attachments are to be uploaded.
Attachment 1 – EOI Form with a letter of endorsement from your Board
Attachment 2 - Resume

For general enquiries about this Special Focus Leadership Advisor role please contact Marcus Freke, Director of Education, Waikato - marcus freke@education.govt.nz.

Applications close 5.00 pm, Friday 25 July 2025  

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.