Principal - Tumuaki

Waterlea Public School; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterlea Public School in Auckland, North Island, invites applications for a dynamic principal to lead our Years 1–8, with a 50-acre farm, coastal habitats and a maunga on our doorstep.The successful candidate will inspire academic excellence, champion equity and wellbeing, build authentic partnerships with whānau and mana whenua, and provide strong, sustainable leadership. Commencement: 27 January 2027.

Qualifications

• Dynamic and strategic leader for Waterlea Public School.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion and student wellbeing.
• Ability to build strong whānau partnerships and community links.

Responsibilities

• Inspire academic excellence and set high expectations for every learner.
• Champion equity, inclusion, and holistic wellbeing of tamariki.
• Build authentic partnerships with whānau, mana whenua and the wider community.
• Embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi through culturally sustaining practice.
• Empower staff with strong leadership and sustainable governance.

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Waterlea Public School – Auckland, North Island

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

What could learning become when the moana, a 50 acre working farm, coastal habitats and a maunga are all on a school’s doorstep?

At Waterlea School, this is our everyday setting. Our next principal will have the opportunity to draw on this remarkable environment to deepen learning connected to our whenua, natural world and local histories.

Our community is ambitious for its tamariki. It wants every child to flourish, realise their full potential and become a confident, capable learner ready for the future.

As Waterlea enters a new strategic cycle, the Board is seeking a dynamic principal who will:

• Ako: Inspire academic excellence and set high expectations for every ākonga.
• Hauora & Manaakitanga: Champion equity, inclusion, and the holistic wellbeing of our tamariki.
• Whanaungatanga: Build authentic, reciprocal partnerships with whaanau, mana whenua, and our wider diverse community.
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Honour our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embedding culturally sustaining practice.
• Rangatiratanga (Leadership): Empower our staff while providing strong, strategic, financial, and sustainable organisational leadership.

This is your chance to build on Waterlea’s strengths and shape its next chapter with ambition, integrity and purpose.

Commencement: 27 January 2027