The Principals (Aotearoa | New Zealand)

Season 2 Episode 20 Practical strategies for self-care

As the summer break approaches, this episode explores essential self-care strategies for principals. The conversation covers creating boundaries during holidays, maintaining wellbeing throughout the year, and practical approaches including setting firm finish dates, prioritising activities outside education, and the importance of being fully present. Our guests discuss reframing rest as essential leadership practice rather than optional luxury.
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill
Our guests are:
Roger Phillipson, psychologist at the Ministry of Education
Heidi Haywood, principal of Dunedin North Intermediate
Michael Fletcher, principal of Chaucer School.

Season 2 Episode 19 Choosing effective PLD

Every year, principals face the same challenge: with limited time and budgets, how do you choose professional learning opportunities that will genuinely improve teaching and student outcomes? This episode combines insights from ERO's research on PLD effectiveness with practical, real-world strategies for making smarter professional development decisions. While ERO found that most school leaders were strategic in their choices, many struggled to evaluate whether their PLD actually shifted teaching practices or improved student outcomes. Our guests will share their approaches for identifying genuine learning needs, vetting PLD providers, and ensuring professional development translates into classroom improvements. From asking the right questions before committing to a programme to building systems that sustain learning beyond the workshop, discover how to move beyond professional development that looks good on paper to PLD that creates lasting change for both you and your staff.
 
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill
 
Our guests are:
Alistair Sinton, tumuaki of Mount Maunganui College
Jen Rodgers, principal of St Clair Primary School and on the NZPF executive
Elena Moretti, director of engagement and impact at the National Research Centre
 
Additional information
Principal Development Map (MOE) with PLD recommendations https://workforce.education.govt.nz/principals-and-schools/professional-development-and-support-principals/principal-development-map

Season 2 Episode 18 Overcoming isolation in rural school leadership: Support and wellbeing

In part two of this conversation, our rural principals share honest insights about managing release time with ever-changing priorities, bringing professional learning opportunities to isolated communities, and supporting staff wellbeing when burnout creeps in. This episode offers practical wisdom for staying grounded and connected in the demanding role of rural school leadership.
Our guests are:
Ally Gibbs, principal of Mulberry Grove School, Great Barrier Island
Kylie Piper, tumuaki of Arapohue School in Northland
Greg Allen, tumuaki of South Makirikiri School in Rangitīkei.
Additional information
New Zealand Rural Schools Leadership Association (RASLA) https://www.nzrasla.ac.nz

Season 2 Episode 17 Overcoming isolation in rural schools: Community and connection

Leading a rural school comes with unique rewards and challenges. Mārama Stewart speaks with three passionate rural principals about what drew them to rural education and how they navigate life in close-knit communities. Our guests share how they look after their hauora, maintain professional boundaries, and stay connected through networks like RASLA. From bleeding generators to managing septic systems, they remind us that rural principalship extends far beyond leading teaching and learning.
This is part one of a two-part conversation exploring rural school leadership in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our guests are:
Ally Gibbs, principal of Mulberry Grove School, Great Barrier Island
Kylie Piper, tumuaki of Arapohue School in Northland
Greg Allen, tumuaki of South Makirikiri School in Rangitīkei.
Additional information
New Zealand Rural Schools Leadership Association (RASLA) https://www.nzrasla.ac.nz

Season 2 Episode 16 Supporting kaiako through their professional growth cycle

In this episode, we explore how principals can effectively support teachers through the professional growth cycle – moving beyond the old appraisal system to create meaningful, growth-focused practice. Our guests share practical strategies for using data effectively, fostering professional curiosity, and creating systems that support teachers before challenges become competency concerns.
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
Our guests are:
Rose-Anne London from the Teaching Council
Stephanie Thompson, principal of Beachhaven School in Auckland
Isaac Day, former tumuaki and leadership advisor in Nelson/Tasman
Additional information
Teaching Council https://teachingcouncil.nz/professional-practice/professional-growth-cycle/

Season 2 Episode 15 Leading curriculum and pedagogical change

In this episode, we explore the leadership challenges and opportunities that come with implementing curriculum and pedagogical changes in schools. Our guests share their approaches to leading educational transformation, from building staff knowledge and confidence to creating sustainable change that improves student outcomes.
Hosted by Mārama Stewart.
Our guests are:
Arihia Stirling, tumuaki of Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae
Catherine Law, principal of Avonside Girls’ High School
Lorraine Taylor, principal of Silverstream School.

Season 2 Episode 14 Your Leadership Lifeline: The Leadership Advisory Service

In this episode, we discover how this free, confidential service helps school leaders navigate challenges from board conflicts to strategic planning, and why reaching out for support - even when you don't need anything - can transform your leadership journey.
 
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
 
Our guests are:
Former Leadership Advisor Phil Toomer, principal of Meadowbank School in Auckland
Former Leadership Advisor Jackie Barron, principal of St Hilda’s Collegiate School in Dunedin
Leadership Advisor Melissa Anderton
Leadership Advisor Amy Hacker.
 
Additional information
Ministry of Education Leadership Advisors - https://workforce.education.govt.nz/principals-and-schools/professional-development-and-support-principals/leadership-advisors

Season 2 Episode 13 Preparing for the start of a new school year

In this episode, we get into the planning and preparation required to successfully launch a new school year. As the end of the summer holidays nears, principals across Aotearoa will be orchestrating one of the most critical periods in the school calendar - ensuring everything is ready for students and staff to return to a well-prepared and welcoming learning environment.
Our guests share practical insights into the multi-layered preparation process, from managing staff recruitment and timetabling through to facility maintenance, technology readiness, and establishing the right culture and tone for the year ahead.
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
Today’s guests are:
Jason Miles, tumuaki of Kaiapoi North School and Vice President of NZPF
Rohan Pearse, tumuaki of Frimley School
Dawn Akroyd, principal of Napier Girls’ High School.
This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education.
 
You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz

Season 2 Episode 12 Going rural: Making the transition from urban to country schools

Ever thought about swapping city school leadership for rural life?
 
From misconceptions, like assuming rural schools would be "easier", to learning unexpected skills like animal husbandry and septic tank management, our guests talk about the unique rewards of leading schools where community connections run generations deep.
 
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
 
Today’s guests are:
Andrew King, principal of Oropi School and president of the NZ Rural Schools Leadership Association
Alistair Schaw, principal at Aokautere School near Palmerston North
Kylie Piper, tumuaki of Arapohue School in Northland
 
This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education.
 
You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz
 
Additional information:
 
New Zealand Rural Schools Leadership Association https://www.nzrasla.ac.nz

Season 2 Episode 11 Real-world PGC implementation

In this episode, we continue discussing the Professional Growth Cycle for principals, diving deeper into practical implementation, with real examples of how PGC work has helped our guests navigate leadership challenges. We also talk about common pitfalls  principals encounter, and offer advice for people struggling to get started.
 
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
 
Our guests are:
Rose-Anne London from the Teaching Council
Ben Hutchings, tumuaki of Mountain View School in Mangere, Auckland
John Channer, principal at Fraser Crescent School in Upper Hutt, Wellington.
 
This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education.
 
You can learn more by accessing the e-learning modules for principals on the Education LMS: https://training.education.govt.nz