Principal/Tumuaki U5

Taumarunui High School; Waikato; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Principal Recruitment Allowance (PRA)

Job summary

Taumarunui High School in New Zealand seeks a Principal/Tumuaki to lead curriculum renewal, governance and community partnership across Years 7–15 and wharekura. The successful candidate will set high expectations, communicate effectively, and build strong kura-hapori relationships while upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The role focuses on delivering cohesive learning, strategic planning, and strong professional leadership to reflect the school’s diverse needs.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to lead curriculum development and assessment.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and inclusive schooling.
• Capability to build relationships with kura and hapori.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kura’s curriculum, internal evaluation, personnel, finances and property.
• Drive the Board’s strategic plan and periodical reviews.
• Engage with leaners, families and the wider community to raise outcomes.
• Provide clear, collaborative leadership and high professional standards.

Skills

English

Health and physical education

Learning languages

Mathematics and statistics

Science

Social sciences

Technology

Te reo Māori

The arts

Job description

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

Taumarunui is a welcoming district known for its natural environment and a strong sense of community. Set under Mt Ruapehu, and on the upper Whanganui River, Taumarunui offers affordable housing, an abundance of outdoor activities and sports, and easy access to Lake Taupo. This is the place to live the quintessential, small town, rural Aotearoa-New Zealand lifestyle.

The school is financially sound with the Board now initiating a change, improvement and development programme to reflect the new curriculum and in response to learner and community needs. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the re-visioning process, implement change and make a real difference.

Our new Principal/Tumuaki will:

• Have high standards and expectations in all areas of kura life
• Be an outstanding communicator, collaborative, and empathetic
• Build strong relationships within the kura, and hapori
• Have a presence that imbues confidence and reflects the mana of the school
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and have excellent personal dispositions
• Deliver a well-balanced, cohesive curriculum that reflects the diverse needs of our rangitahi, our local hapori and Govt direction
• Honour the principles and give practical effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Competently lead and manage the kura’s curriculum, internal evaluation, personnel, finances, property and assist to develop and deliver the Board’s strategic plan

Whilst an experienced Principal is preferred, first‑time Principals and other school leaders should not be deterred from applying, and will be considered. A comfortable, refurbished school-owned house is available if required.

The successful applicant may be eligible for the Principal Recruitment Allowance (PRA) of an additional $50,000pa.

Position starts Term 2, April 27, 2027 (or earlier by negotiation).