Tumuaki / Principal

Levin East School; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Levin East School in Whanganui invites applications for a Tumuaki / Principal who will lead with warmth and relational leadership. The successful candidate will work in a diverse community to foster high expectations, wellbeing and excellence in learning across Years 1–8.

Rooted in equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, you will champion inclusive practices, strengthen assessment and reporting, and partner with whānau, iwi, and the wider community to shape the school’s next chapter.

Qualifications

• Proven educational leadership with a relational, authentic style.
• Strong interpersonal skills rooted in empathy and active listening.
• Solid grasp of contemporary curriculum, pedagogy and robust assessment frameworks.
• Strategic capability to manage school operations and resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead with Te Tiriti o Waitangi in meaningful partnership with mana whenua and the whānau/community.
• Champion equity, inclusion and diversity so everyone feels welcome, respected and safe.
• Foster wellbeing and positive culture, supporting emotional and physical health of learners and staff.
• Inspire teaching, learning and assessment with holistic approaches and strong reporting.
• Practice collaborative governance with transparent, inclusive decision-making.

Skills

Relational leadership

Empathy

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

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

Leading with purpose, partnership, and community at heart.

Levin East School is seeking an exceptional, relational educational leader to step into the role of Tumuaki / Principal.

Rooted in our vibrant, diverse community, Levin East School is a place where equity, wellbeing, and high expectations meet. We are looking for a highly visible, empathic, and confident leader who will foster an environment where all students and staff flourish.

Our new Tumuaki will:

• lead with cultural responsiveness and honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi; demonstrate a deep commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, working in meaningful partnership with Muaūpoko as mana whenua and our local community
• champion equity, inclusion and diversity: Actively engage with our diverse community so everyone feels welcome, respected, valued, and safe
• foster wellbeing and positive culture:prioritise the emotional and physical wellbeing of learners and staff, nurturing a supportive, respectful, and high-performing environment
• inspire teaching, learning and assessment:drive high-quality, holistic teaching and learning with strengths in effective assessment and reporting processes
• practice collaborative governance:lead with transparent, open decision-making, considering the voices of our community
• grow capability and vision:value and grow the professional capability of our staff.
• provide strategic and resourceful management:confidently and effectively manage the day to day school operations to maximise current and future opportunities.

The successful candidate will bring:

• proven educational leadership with a relational, authentic, and approachable style
• strong interpersonal skills rooted in empathy, clear communication, and active listening
• a strong grasp of contemporary curriculum, pedagogical practice, and robust assessment frameworks
• strategic capability to manage school operations in alignment with our vision.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated team, connect deeply with our whānau and iwi, and shape the next chapter of excellence at Levin East School.

Position commences Term 1, 2027 (or earlier by negotiation).