Principal

Waikanae School; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Waikanae School on the beautiful Kāpiti Coast is seeking an outstanding educational leader to guide the next chapter of our journey. The successful candidate will be highly visible, approachable and community-minded, with a genuine commitment to developing strong relationships with students, staff, whānau and the wider community.

You will lead with integrity, authenticity and compassion, build trust through open communication and promote student wellbeing, belonging and achievement.

Qualifications

• Experienced educational leader with a strong understanding of teaching, learning and curriculum.
• Lead with integrity, authenticity and compassion.
• Be a visible and engaging presence throughout the school.
• Build trust through open communication and strong relationships.
• Support and develop staff while fostering a positive, high-trust culture.
• Promote student wellbeing, belonging and achievement.
• Provide clear and consistent leadership for behaviour and wellbeing.
• Be committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice.
• Work collaboratively with our Board, staff, whānau and community to shape the future of the school.

Responsibilities

• Lead with integrity and authenticity to support teaching, learning and curriculum.
• Maintain a visible and engaging presence across the school community.
• Foster strong relationships with students, staff, whānau and the wider community.
• Provide clear guidance on behaviour and wellbeing and support staff development.

Skills

Educational leadership

Relationship building

Communication

Community engagement

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

Growing connected, thriving learners who pursue excellence

Waikanae School is a vibrant and well-established primary school located on the beautiful Kāpiti Coast. Our school is known for its strong sense of belonging, positive relationships, inclusive culture and deep connections with our community. At the heart of our school is whanaungatanga - ensuring every learner feels connected, valued and supported to thrive.

We are seeking an outstanding educational leader to guide the next chapter of our journey.

We are looking for a principal who will build on the many strengths of our school while providing clear leadership for the future. Our next principal will be highly visible, approachable and community-minded, with a genuine commitment to developing strong relationships with students, staff, whānau and the wider community.

The successful candidate will:

• Be an experienced educational leader with a strong understanding of teaching, learning and curriculum
• Lead with integrity, authenticity and compassion
• Be a visible and engaging presence throughout the school
• Build trust through open communication and strong relationships
• Support and develop staff while fostering a positive, high-trust culture
• Promote student wellbeing, belonging and achievement
• Provide clear and consistent leadership for behaviour and wellbeing
• Be committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice
• Work collaboratively with our Board, staff, whānau and community to shape the future of the school

We offer the opportunity to lead a thriving school with committed staff, engaged families, strong community support and a culture that values both people and learning.

If you are a relational leader who values people, community and educational excellence, we would love to hear from you.

Physical address:

Seddon Street, Waikanae

Postal Address:

Seddon Street, Waikanae, 5036