The Principals (Aotearoa | New Zealand)

Season 2, Episode 37: Implementing a knowledge-rich curriculum: Part 2

In this episode, we continue our conversation about implementing a knowledge-rich curriculum in New Zealand schools. We look at how teachers can be supported to understand not just what they are teaching but why it matters at each point in the learning sequence, how schools are managing the variability of learners coming in at different levels, and what success looks like beyond achievement data.
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
Our guests are:
Stephen Grady, principal at Matuangaru School in Auckland
Catherine Law, principal at Avonside Girls' High School in Ōtautahi Christchurch, seconded to the Ministry of Education to lead knowledge-rich curriculum development.

Season 2 Episode 36 Implementing a knowledge-rich curriculum: Part 1

Implementing a knowledge-rich curriculum: Part 1
In this episode, we explore what a knowledge-rich curriculum means in practice for New Zealand schools, and how principals are leading that shift from both primary and secondary perspectives. We discuss the difference between knowledge-rich and competency-based approaches, the misconceptions that come up in staff and whānau conversations, and the leadership practices that can't be left to chance.
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
Our guests are:
Stephen Grady, principal at Matuangaru School in Auckland
Catherine Law, principal at Avonside Girls' High School in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and seconded to the Ministry of Education to lead knowledge-rich curriculum development

Season 2 Episode 35 Stepping Up for the Sector: Leading Beyond Your School

In this episode, we talk with three principals who have stepped beyond their school gates to take on sector leadership roles. We explore what motivated them to put their hand up, how they balance the demands of leading their own kura with responsibilities to the wider profession, and what surprised them most about working at a sector level. We also discuss how sector leadership has shaped their thinking as school leaders, and what advice they would give to principals who are considering getting involved.
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
Our guests are:
Louise Anaru, principal of Kaitaia College in the Far North and president of SPANZ (Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand)
Mark Potter, principal of Berhampore School in Wellington and immediate past president of NZEI Te Riu Roa
Lisa Dillon-Roberts, tumuaki of Merrin Ngā Whetū Kohara and president of the Canterbury Primary Principals' Association
Additional information
SPANZ (Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand): https://www.spanz.org.nz
NZEI Te Riu Roa: https://www.nzei.org.nz

Season 2 Episode 34 Navigating employment law and professional standards

In this episode, we continue our conversation with three education law experts, turning our attention to employment matters and the growing challenges around social media. We discuss the principles of natural justice and due process, the warning signs that a principal's own employment situation may be escalating, and the legal complexities around long-term sick leave and medical incapacity. We also look at the most common legal mistakes principals make when dealing with teacher capability or conduct issues, and explore the themes emerging around social media misuse and professional boundaries. Please note that this episode was recorded at the end of 2025. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not reflect the official policy or position of the New Zealand government or the Ministry of Education.
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
Our guests are:
Gretchen Stone, education lawyer at Harrison Stone
Fi McMillan, education lawyer at Anderson Lloyd
Patrick Walsh, education lawyer and tumuaki of Sacred Heart College.
Additional information
Principals Advice and Support Limited (PASL), an optional legal support scheme for principals through the New Zealand Principals' Federation: nzpf.ac.nz
The Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand (SPANZ) offers an optional legal fund for secondary principals through Harrison Stone: https://www.spanz.school.nz
The New Zealand School Boards Association (NZSBA) provides advice for schools: https://www.tewhakaroputanga.org.nz
NZEI Te Riu Roa offers support for member principals: www.nzei.org.nz
PPTA (Post Primary Teachers' Association) has field officers who can provide advice for members: ppta.org.nz

Season 2 Episode 33 Navigating legal challenges in school leadership

In this episode, we talk with three education law experts about the growing legal complexity of managing parent relationships in schools. We explore why parent behaviour has changed in recent years, what constitutes a vexatious complaint, how to handle OIA and Privacy Act requests, and what steps principals can take when parents threaten staff or make unreasonable demands. We also discuss when and how to trespass a parent from school grounds, and the importance of having a robust complaints policy.
Please note that this episode was recorded at the end of 2025.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not reflect the official policy or position of the New Zealand government or the Ministry of Education.
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
Our guests are:
Gretchen Stone, education lawyer at Harrison Stone
Fi McMillan, education lawyer at Anderson Lloyd
Patrick Walsh, education lawyer and tumuaki of Sacred Heart College
Additional information
The Ombudsman's website has guidance on responding to OIA requests and determining whether a complaint is vexatious: ombudsman.parliament.nz
The Privacy Commissioner's website has guidance on Privacy Act requests: privacy.org.nz
The Ministry of Education's stand-down and suspension guidelines are available online: education.govt.nz

Season 2 Episode 32 Leading an Integrated School

In this episode, we explore what it means to lead a Catholic integrated school in Aotearoa New Zealand. We discuss how the Integration Act shapes day-to-day leadership and decision-making, how principals balance their school's special character with New Zealand curriculum requirements, and how the relationship between the principal, the Board of Trustees, and the Catholic proprietor works in practice. We also look at the unique funding and property challenges of the dual funding model, what it means to find and retain tagged staff in a competitive market, and what our guests enjoy about leading a Catholic integrated school.
Hosted by Eleisha McNeill.
Our guests are:
Kay Tester, tumuaki of Te Kura o Hato Petera e Paora (Saints Peter and Paul School) in Lower Hutt
Kate Nicholson, principal of Trinity Catholic College in Ōtepoti Dunedin
Daniel Pepper, principal of St Dominic's Catholic Primary School in Auckland
Additional information
The New Zealand Catholic Education Office (NZCEO) https://www.nzceo.org.nz

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