Establishment Principal | Tumuaki

Pookino No 2 school; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Pookino No 2 School is seeking a foundation principal to lead a new Year 1–8 school in the Pōkeno community, opening in Term 1 2028. You will shape the vision, culture and learning approach for a ground-up establishment with a focus on high expectations and innovative practice.

The successful candidate will build partnerships with mana whenua, whānau and the wider community, recruit and develop the foundation team, and prepare robust administration and safety systems for readiness at opening.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of school or large educational programs.
• Strong curriculum and pedagogy expertise aligned to high expectations.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and iwi relations.
• Experience supporting diverse learning needs with inclusive practices.

Responsibilities

• Establish an educational philosophy and culture of high expectations.
• Lead a coherent curriculum and future-focused teaching practices.
• Build partnerships with mana whenua, whānau and the wider community.
• Appoint staff and develop a cohesive foundation team.
• Establish administration, wellbeing, inclusion and health & safety systems.
• Prepare the school for opening and operational readiness.

Skills

School leadership

Curriculum expertise

Pedagogical expertise

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Inclusive education

Change leadership

Education

Principal certification (NZ)

Job description

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About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape a new school from the ground up. The establishment board is seeking a strong educational leader to shape the vision, identity and learning culture of this new Year 1-8 school.

Located in the growing Pōkeno community, the school is planned to open in Term 1 2028. The site will also accommodate a Parkside School satellite learning support unit.

The foundation principal will shape the school's educational vision, culture and learning approach, establishing the policies, procedures and systems that support high-quality teaching, innovative and future-focused learning, and strong learner outcomes. The work involves:

• establishing a clear educational philosophy and culture of high expectations
• leading a coherent curriculum, effective teaching and future-focused pedagogical practice that supports learner progress and achievement
• building meaningful partnerships with mana whenua, whānau and the wider community
• appointing staff and developing a cohesive foundation team
• establishing effective administration, wellbeing, inclusion and health and safety systems
• preparing the school for opening and operational readiness

Our ideal applicant will:

• bring proven school leadership and deep curriculum and pedagogical expertise
• demonstrate a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and building meaningful relationships with iwi
• understand and respond effectively to diverse learning needs, including inclusive education and learning support
• have the vision, initiative and sound judgement to establish and lead a new school
• work effectively and collaboratively with the establishment board, with a clear understanding of governance and management responsibilities
• build trusted relationships with staff, whānau and the wider community
• be open to advice, learning and leading through change.

Role Principal

Sector Primary and intermediate (Years 1-8) / kura tuatahi

Position Full-time, Permanent

Learning areas English, Health and PE, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Te reo Māori, Technology, The arts