Principal - Tumuaki

Waitomo Caves School; Waikato; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

School house to rent

Job summary

Waitomo Caves School in the heart of Waitomo Caves Village seeks an exceptional educational leader to become our next Principal. This vibrant, small rural primary welcomes a visionary capable of inspiring learners academically, socially, and emotionally while upholding manaakitanga and strong community connections.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced principal or rising leader with integrity, te ao Māori values, and outstanding communication and strategic abilities to guide teaching,

Qualifications

• Proven record of leading a school or similar educational team.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice.
• Ability to build relationships with students, staff, board, whānau and community.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school and staff to ensure high quality teaching and wellbeing.
• Develop and implement strategic plans aligned with vision and values.
• Engage with iwi, whānau and wider community to strengthen partnerships.
• Oversee operations, governance interfaces, and safeguarding learner progress.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive school culture and professional growth.

Skills

Educational leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Te Tiriti knowledge

Strategic leadership

Communication

Education

Master's in Education Leadership

Job description

Primary and intermediate (Years 1-8) / kura tuatahi, Principal
English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts

‘Growing Your Glow’ - Te Whakatipu i to Uira

After 21 years of stable, progressive leadership Waitomo Caves School Board is seeking an exceptional educational leader to become our next Principal.

Nestled in the heart of the iconic Waitomo Caves Village, Waitomo Caves School is a vibrant, small rural, full primary school where strong community connections, manaakitanga, and a commitment to learner progress is at the centre of all we do.

We are looking for a visionary and relationship focused leader who will continue to build on our positive culture and inspire our learners to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our ideal candidate will:

• Be a highly effective and future focused educational leader with strong integrity.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice.
• Build and sustain genuine relationships with students, staff, the board, whānau, iwi, and the wider community.
• Have high expectations for teaching, learning, and wellbeing.
• Lead a collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Have excellent communication, organisational, and strategic leadership skills.
• Be practical, adaptable and excited by the opportunities of leading a small rural school within a diverse community.

We offer

• Curious and engaged learners.
• A dedicated and motivated staff team.
• Unique learning opportunities utilising our diverse local and surrounding environment.
• The opportunity to lead a school where community, culture, and learner wellbeing are highly valued.
• An exceptional lifestyle in one of New Zealand's most unique outdoor environments.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced principal or aspiring leader ready to make a meaningful difference in our school community.

A school house is available to rent.

This position begins January 2027.