The Principals (Aotearoa | New Zealand)

Season 2 Episode 31 Leading an Area School: Curriculum, Pastoral Care and Resources

In this episode, we continue our conversation with three experienced area school leaders, focusing on the practicalities of running a kura that spans the full schooling spectrum. We discuss how to approach curriculum planning and delivery across a huge age range, the pastoral care challenges unique to area schools — particularly in rural and isolated communities — and the resource and funding pressures that come with the territory. We also hear some inspiring examples of innovative programmes that make the most of the multi-level nature of area schools, and our guests share their advice for tumuaki who are considering stepping into an area school leadership role for the first time.
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
Our guests are:
Nori Parata, tumuaki of Tolaga Bay Area School and Kahukuranui
Karyn Gray, principal of Raphael House Rudolf Steiner School in Lower Hutt, Wellington
Stephen Beck, tumuaki of Hurunui College in Hawarden, North Canterbury, currently on secondment to the Ministry of Education as a South Island area school leadership advisor

Season 2 Episode 30 Leading an Area School: Staffing and Culture Across Year Levels

In this episode, we explore what makes leading an area or composite school uniquely challenging and deeply rewarding. We talk with three experienced area school leaders about managing the breadth of student ages from early childhood through to Year 13, how to approach staffing across primary and secondary settings, and what it takes to build a truly cohesive school culture across a kura that spans age two to 18. We also discuss the particular demands of leading in rural and isolated communities, where the principal's role extends well beyond the school gate.
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
Our guests are:
Nori Parata, tumuaki of Tolaga Bay Area School and Kahukuranui
Karyn Gray, principal of Raphael House Rudolf Steiner School in Lower Hutt, Wellington
Stephen Beck, tumuaki of Hurunui College in Hawarden, North Canterbury, currently on secondment to the Ministry of Education as a South Island area school leadership advisor.

Season 2 Episode 29 It's not Rocket Science with Linda Bendikson

In this episode, we speak with schooling improvement consultant Linda Bendikson, author of 'It's Not Rocket Science - A guide to the School Improvement Cycle'. Linda shares her journey from rural teaching to leading educational research at the University of Auckland. We explore the distinction between direct and indirect instructional leadership, why good management is the bedrock of effective schools, and how her four-step improvement cycle helps schools stay focused on solving problems systematically.

Season 2 Episode 28 Culturally responsive vs culturally sustaining leadership

In this episode, we explore the distinction between culturally responsive and culturally sustaining leadership in schools. Our guests discuss what it means to honour diversity within kura and how to move beyond surface-level cultural celebrations to embed practices that truly sustain students' cultural identities.
 
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
 
Our guests are:
Sose Annandale, acting principal at Rewarewa School
Mere Berryman, professor at the University of Waikato
Richard Crawford, tumuaki of Fairfield College in Hamilton
 
Additional information
Tapasā: Cultural Competencies Framework for Teachers of Pacific Learners
Rongohia te Hau - student and whānau voice tool

Season 2 Episode 27 Innovation in rural schools: Networks, technology and freedom

In this episode, we continue our conversation about rural school innovation, focusing on how technology connects students and staff to the wider world. Our guests discuss virtual learning networks, digital tools for extending talented students, and the importance of real-world experiences alongside virtual ones. We talk about how rural school clusters share resources and professional development, and the unique freedoms that allow rural principals to turn ideas into action quickly.
 
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
 
Our guests are:
Lisa Bates, principal at Upper Atiamuri School in South Waikato
Greg Allan, tumuaki of South Makiriri School in Rangitikei
Jane Cochran, vice-president of NZRASLA and tumuaki of Brunswick School near Whanganui
 
Additional information
RASLA - New Zealand Rural and Primary and Area School Leadership Association https://www.nzrasla.ac.nz
VLN - Virtual Learning Network: www.vln.school.nz 
Mind Plus: www.mindplus.co.nz  

Season 2 Episode 26 Turning constraints into opportunities - Rural school innovation

In this episode, we explore how rural schools are transforming their unique challenges into remarkable opportunities for innovation. Our guests talk about structuring learning across multiple year levels, the advantages of knowing every student deeply, and how rural communities become active partners in education. We discuss flexible learning progressions, student agency, and the creative ways small schools capitalise on their local environments - from native gullies and river trails to AgriKids programmes and community expertise.
 
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
 
Our guests are:
Lisa Bates, principal at Upper Atiamuri School in South Waikato
Greg Allan, tumuaki of South Makiriri School in Rangitikei
Jane Cochran, vice-president of NZRASLA and tumuaki of Brunswick School near Whanganui
 
Additional information
RASLA - New Zealand Rural and Primary and Area School Leadership Association https://www.nzrasla.ac.nz

Season 2 Episode 25 Leading to the North-East with Russell Bishop, part 2

In the second part of this kōrero, Russell Bishop explains why pedagogy must lead structural change, how meaningful feedback transforms teaching practice, and the importance of implementing proven approaches with fidelity. He reflects on cutting through the constant noise of educational reform, his vision of of seeing all learners—Māori and Pākehā alike—thriving with confidence and competence, and the deep satisfaction of seeing his research make a real difference in schools.
Hosted by Mārama Stewart.

Season 2 Episode 24 Leading to the North-East with Russell Bishop, part 1

Professor Russell Bishop explores how whakawhanaungatanga transforms classrooms and schools. He challenges deficit thinking, explains the North-East teaching framework, and argues that relationships aren't just about being nice—they're the foundation for high expectations and accountability. Russell discusses how effective principals support teachers the same way teachers should support students: with care, rigour, and unwavering belief in potential.
Hosted by Mārama Stewart.

Season 2 Episode 23 Learning leaders: Putting research into practice

In the second part of this conversation about learning leaders, we explore how our guests principals put their research into practice, with three powerful examples of research-informed change - from student-led conferences to building professional learning communities - plus practical advice for time-poor principals on developing a research mindset.
Hosted by Eleisha.
Our guests are:
Cherie Taylor-Patel, principal at Flanshaw Road School in West Auckland
Robin Fabish, leadership advisor and former tumuaki of Tamatea High School in Napier
Isaac Day, leadership advisor and former tumuaki of Enner Glynn Primary School in Nelson

Season 2 Episode 22 Learning leaders: Developing a research mindset

In a world where education trends come and go at lightning speed, how do exceptional school leaders separate the game-changers from the gimmicks? This episode explores why the most effective principals aren't just consumers of education – they're critical thinkers who build their leadership practice on solid evidence rather than wishful thinking. Over the next two episodes, we'll discover how developing a professional reading habit and research mindset helps you ask the right questions, spot patterns others miss, and lead change that actually sticks. From navigating conflicting research to translating insights into practical school improvements, learn why thinking like a researcher – whether you're pursuing a doctorate or simply committed to lifelong learning – might be the most powerful tool in your leadership toolkit.
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
Our guests are:
Cherie Taylor-Patel, principal at Flanshaw Road School in West Auckland
Robin Fabish, leadership advisor and former tumuaki of Tamatea High School in Napier
Isaac Day, leadership advisor and former tumuaki of Enner Glynn Primary School in Nelson.