Acting Principal, Commencing 2027

Awanui School; Awanui; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Awanui School in the Far North invites applications for an experienced educational leader to serve as acting principal for three terms during parental leave, commencing Term 1, 2027 (date to be confirmed). The school serves Years 1–6 in a small rural setting with strong whānau and community connections.

The successful applicant will combine teaching in a new entrant/Year 1 class with whole-school leadership, foster positive relationships with students, staff and families, and apply sound

Qualifications

• Registered New Zealand teacher with current practising certificate.
• Experience in a senior leadership role (secondments will be considered).
• Demonstrate a strong record of effective classroom teaching, ideally with junior and new entrant students.
• Collaborative, values-driven leadership style and the ability to hit the ground running.
• Committed to fostering positive relationships with students, staff, whānau, and the wider community.
• Sound knowledge of the New Zealand Curriculum and effective assessment practices.
• Demonstrate strong organisational, communication, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Teach a new entrant/Year 1 class for part of the week while providing leadership across the school.
• Lead school leadership initiatives and support staff and students in a small rural setting.
• Foster strong relationships with whānau, community partners and governance groups.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Relationship building

Organisational skills

Education

Registered NZ teacher with current practising certificate

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Principal

Commencing Term 1, 2027 (date to be confirmed).

Awanui School is seeking an experienced and passionate educational leader to serve as acting principal for three terms while our principal is on parental leave.

Awanui School caters for students in Years 1–6. We are a small rural school in the Far North with a strong sense of whānau and community connections, with a commitment to the success and wellbeing of every learner.

The successful applicant

• Registered New Zealand teacher with a current practising certificate.
• Experience in a senior leadership role (secondments will be considered).
• Demonstrate a strong record of effective classroom teaching, ideally with junior and new entrant students.
• Collaborative, values-driven leadership style and the ability to hit the ground running.
• Committed to fostering positive relationships with students, staff, whānau, and the wider community.
• Sound knowledge of the New Zealand Curriculum and effective assessment practices.
• Demonstrate strong organisational, communication, and leadership skills.

Teaching component

This is a teaching principal position, and the successful applicant will teach a new entrant/Year 1 class for part of the week while providing leadership across the school.

We offer a rewarding leadership experience in a unique Far North setting.

Physical address:

172 State Highway 1, Awanui