Principal / Tumuaki

Sacred Heart College (Napier); Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sacred Heart College Napier is seeking a principal to lead a Catholic girls’ secondary school in Hawke’s Bay. The role focuses on faith leadership, academic excellence, and strategic school development within Years 9–13 and wharekura.

You will guide professional learning, wellbeing, and community partnerships to advance student achievement and character. Applicants should demonstrate strong faith, governance capability, and an ability to foster Te Tiriti o Waitangi and cultural responsiveness

Responsibilities

• Be a visible and authentic witness to the Catholic faith.
• Lead and strengthen the Catholic special character and mission of the College.
• Inspire excellence in teaching, learning, and student achievement.
• Foster a culture of faith, belonging, wellbeing, and high expectations.
• Champion Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Māori, and cultural responsiveness.
• Build strong relationships with students, whānau, parish, iwi, the Proprietor and the wider community.
• Lead strategically while remaining visible, approachable, and connected to the College community.

Job description

Sacred Heart College (Napier) Hawke's Bay

Full time, Permanent

Secondary (Years 7-15) / wharekura, Principal

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

Sacred Heart College Napier is a state-integrated Catholic Secondary School for girls in Years 9-13, located in the beautiful Hawke's Bay.

Founded by the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, the College is a nurturing faith community where our Catholic Special Character is at the centre of all we do.

Guided by Gospel teachings, we foster young women of faith, courage, compassion, and integrity, committed to excellence and social justice.

Our students are empowered to develop a love of learning and approach life with confidence, resilience, and self-discipline.

A strong spirit of sisterhood enhances opportunities across sport, the arts and cultural activities, service and leadership supporting students to grow and celebrate together.

Our HEART Gospel values - Hope, Equity, Aroha, Respect, and Tenacity - shape College life and guide students in faith, learning and leadership.

The School Board invite applications from exceptional Catholic leaders to continue to build on the strong foundations of the College. We are seeking a faith and education leader who will:

• Be a visible and authentic witness to the Catholic faith
• Lead and strengthen the Catholic special character and mission of the College
• Inspire excellence in teaching, learning, and student achievement
• Foster a culture of faith, belonging, wellbeing, and high expectations
• Champion Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Māori, and cultural responsiveness
• Build strong relationships with students, whānau, parish, iwi, the Proprietor and the wider community
• Lead strategically while remaining visible, approachable, and connected to the College community

A willingness and ability to participate in religious instruction appropriate to the special character of the school is a condition of appointment.

Application packs available from 28 September 2026.

Applications close 4.00pm on Thursday 22 October 2026.

Physical address:

12 Convent Road, Napier