Teaching Principal U1

Ongarue School; Ongarue; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ongarue School, a small rural Years 1 to 8 school in King Country, seeks a teaching principal who puts students and learning at the heart of every decision, builds warm relationships, and shares a commitment to making a difference.

Join a supportive community that values Enviroschool principles, sustainability, and hands-on learning. Start date Term 1 2027 and lead with integrity, care, enthusiasm, and a touch of fun to inspire staff, whānau, and learners.

Qualifications

• Puts students and learning at the heart of decision-making.
• Builds warm, trusting relationships with students, staff, whānau and community.
• Demonstrates strong teaching practice, sound organisation and commitment to improving outcomes.
• Embraces rural education opportunities and Enviroschool values.

Responsibilities

• Lead as teaching principal focused on student learning.
• Foster relationships with students, staff, whānau and community.
• Support strong teaching practice and organisational efficiency.
• Lead with integrity, care, enthusiasm and a sense of fun.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship building

Teaching

Organisation

Integrity

Education

Educational leadership experience

Job description

A small school with big opportunities

“Our students have drive, resilience, show a genuine love of learning and deserve a principal with the same qualities.” – Ongarue School senior student.

Nestled in the beautiful King Country, just 20 minutes north of Taumarunui, Ongarue School is a small, well‑resourced Years 1 to 8 rural school with wonderful students, fantastic grounds and a supportive community.

Our school offers something special. Here, every student is known, relationships matter, and learning extends well beyond the classroom.

As one of our younger students proudly shared: “Ongarue School is very good and we hang out together.”

With a spacious campus, beautiful natural surroundings and strong community connections, Ongarue provides opportunities for creative, hands‑on learning. As an Enviroschool, we value kaitiakitanga, sustainability and making the most of our unique environment.

Our vision, “We work, we learn, we do,” reflects our practical and connected approach to education.

We are looking for a teaching principal who:

• puts students and their learning at the heart of everything they do
• builds warm, trusting relationships with students, staff, whānau and the wider community
• brings strong teaching practice, sound organisation and a commitment to making a difference
• embraces the opportunities and unique character of rural education.
• leads with integrity, care, enthusiasm and a sense of fun.

This is a wonderful opportunity for an experienced leader or aspiring principal ready to take their next step, supported by a committed board and community.

Come and discover what makes Ongarue School special.

Start date is term 1 2027.