Tumuaki | Principal

Makarika School; Makarika; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

School board support

Engaged whānau

Meaningful East Coast impact

Job summary

Makarika School on the East Coast invites a passionate, creative tumuaki to lead our rural full primary kura for 2027. You will nurture confident, capable tamariki, place identity and place at the centre of every decision, and work closely with whānau, iwi, and local hapū to realise a localised curriculum grounded in te reo me ōna tikanga.

You will bring relational leadership and a solutions‑focused mindset to every challenge.

Qualifications

• Excellence in practice across multilevel rural teaching using the refreshed NZ Curriculum.
• Cultural capability with te reo Māori and tikanga delivery.
• Inclusive leadership supporting diverse tamariki using strengths-based practices.
• Relational mindset grounded in manaakitanga, tika, pono and whanaungatanga.
• Active participation in East Coast community life and local networks.

Responsibilities

• Lead teaching and learning across a rural full primary setting.
• Partner with whānau, marae, hapū and iwi to localise curriculum.
• Model and sustain culturally responsive leadership practices.
• Support neurodiverse learners and promote inclusive opportunities.
• Foster strong relationships within the kura and wider community.

Skills

Multilevel rural teaching

Cultural capability

Inclusive leadership

Relational mindset

Community involvement

Job description

Location: Makarika, Ruatoria, East Coast

Me Ako Tahi Tatau – Learning Together

Kei te rapaina tangata ngakaunui, tangata whakaaro auaha hai tumuaki mo to tatau nei kura.

Mena ka whai oranga koe i roto i te ahurutanga o tenei kaenga taiwhenua piri tata. Āno hoki, He tangata ngakaunuitia ana ki te reo me nga tikanga, ā, kia ako ai nga tamariki i roto i te mātotorutanga o ō ratau whanau, marae, hapu, iwi, ā, me tono mai!

Are you a passionate, creative educational leader who puts tamariki at the centre of every decision? Makarika School seeks an inspiring, solutions-focused fixed-term tumuaki for 2027 to nurture confident, capable tamariki connected to their identity and place.

About our kura

Located near Ruatoria in Ngāti Porou, Makarika School is a vibrant full primary kura grounded in our whenua, whakapapa, marae, and hapū. Our curriculum is underpinned by our core KATA values:

• Kaitieki – caring for our learning, culture, and environment.
• Attitude – positivity, resilience, and personal best.
• Think – critical thinking, creativity, and solutions-focused learning.
• Aroha – kindness, empathy, and respect for all.

Key requirements and attributes

• Excellence in practice – outstanding practitioner skilled in multilevel rural teaching and the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum.
• Cultural capability – commitment to te reo me ōna tikanga, Te Tiriti, and localised curriculum with marae and hapū guidance.
• Inclusive leadership – experience supporting neurodiverse tamariki using strengths-based practices.
• Relational mindset – builds authentic, reciprocal relationships grounded in Tika, Pono, Aroha, and Manaakitanga.
• Rural adaptability – resourceful leader who actively participates in East Coast community life.

What we offer

• A welcoming, supportive, and tight-knit kura community.
• Eager tamariki who love learning and connecting with their surroundings.
• A supportive, engaged school board and whānau.
• The chance to make a meaningful, lasting impact on East Coast education.