The Right Educational Path
Leading with Purpose, Equity, and Connection
For more than four decades, the New Zealand Principals Federation (NZPF) has stood as the collective professional voice for school leaders across the country. Established in 1982, the Federation today represents over 2,500 principals, serving schools of every type—primary, secondary, public, private, Kura Kaupapa, and Kura iwi.
The NZPF is not a union. It plays a vital role as a professional body, advocating for principals’ needs, providing support throughout their careers, and influencing the shape of New Zealand’s education system. At its heart is a mission both simple and profound: to ensure that every child in Aotearoa has access to high-quality, equitable public education.
A Mission Rooted in Six Key Principles
Guiding all NZPF activities are six principles, developed by members across New Zealand. These values provide a framework for decision-making and advocacy:
Child-Centered Decisions – placing the well-being and learning needs of students first.
Honoring Te Tiriti – upholding the Treaty of Waitangi and embedding Māori language, culture, and history in education.
Equity – advocating for resources and opportunities to be distributed fairly across communities.
Professional Leadership – supporting strong, skilled leadership in every school.
Workforce Well-being – promoting the mental health, balance, and resilience of educators.
Strong Connections – building partnerships with principals, government, communities, and international peers.
“Everything we do is anchored in these principles,” explains Leanne Otene, National President of the NZPF. “They remind us that education is about more than policy or budgets—it’s also about children, culture, and community.”
Supporting Principals Across Their Careers
The NZPF supports principals at every stage of their career, from aspiring leaders to those approaching retirement. This commitment reflects the reality that the principal role is demanding, often isolating, and crucial to school success.
To help members, the Federation provides a wide range of services and benefits, including:
Legal support through its subsidiary, Principal Advice and Support Limited (PASL).
Helpline access, ensuring principals have immediate support in times of crisis.
Grants for professional development, enabling principals to expand their leadership skills.
An in-house researcher, offering timely research and policy advice to strengthen advocacy.
Webinars and learning opportunities, often developed in partnership with professional providers.
These resources, combined with a strong network of regional and local associations, ensure that principals remain connected and supported.
Advocacy and Communication
One of the NZPF’s most important roles is advocacy—both proactive and reactive. The organization regularly collaborates with the Ministry of Education, responds to government policy changes, and amplifies principals’ voices in the media.
Communication with members is constant and multi-faceted, through newsletters, targeted emails, social media, and professional webinars. Each year, leaders of regional associations gather to discuss educational issues and contribute to the NZPF’s strategic planning, ensuring the Federation remains responsive to grassroots concerns.
“Our strength lies in listening to our members,” says Otene. “Principals are on the front lines. Their insights shape our priorities.”
International Connections and Influence
Education does not exist in isolation, and the NZPF places a high value on international collaboration. As a member of the International Confederation of Principals (ICP), the Federation has access to global research, leadership models, and professional development opportunities.
Recently, Otene was elected to represent Oceania and Asia Pacific on the ICP executive council, giving New Zealand a strong voice in international discussions. The NZPF frequently contributes keynote presentations at global forums, sharing best practices and research from Aotearoa.
“These connections broaden our perspective,” Otene reflects. “They help us learn from others while also showcasing the unique strengths of New Zealand’s education system.”
Challenges Facing Principals
Principals across New Zealand face a host of challenges, from workload pressures and staffing shortages to shifting government policies. The NZPF has been instrumental in advocating for structural support to make leadership roles more sustainable.
Working closely with the Ministry of Education, the Federation has co-designed several initiatives, including:
A “Roadmap to Sustainable Principal Leadership” ensuring a pathway of guidance and support for Aspiring through to Experienced Principals.
An induction and transition program for new principals, ensuring they begin with strong foundations.
A leadership support and advisory service, offering mentoring and guidance.
Lobbying for Sector specific Professional Development resulting in Government funding of $30.2 million in the 2025 budget dedicated to principal leadership. In doing so the Roadmap to Sustainable Principal Leadership objectives can be realized.
These initiatives represent progress, but Otene emphasizes that more work is needed: “If we want great schools, we need to ensure principals are well-supported, prepared, and valued throughout their careers.”
Future Goals and Priorities
Looking ahead, the NZPF has identified several priorities to strengthen education in New Zealand:
- A Cross-Party Agreement on Education
Too often, changes in government bring abrupt shifts in education policy. The NZPF advocates for a cross-party agreement that would ensure continuity and stability, allowing long-term strategies to take root and succeed.
- Upholding Te Tiriti
With growing demand from young people to learn Māori language, culture, and history, the NZPF is committed to ensuring schools uphold Te Tiriti and integrate this learning meaningfully into classrooms.
- Valuing Teachers and Principals
Negative narratives about teachers and school leaders—sometimes labeled as “teacher bashing”—damage morale and public perception. The NZPF seeks to counter these messages, advocating for a culture that respects and celebrates educators.
- Listening and Adapting
Above all, the NZPF remains committed to being a responsive, member-driven organization. Its future direction will continue to evolve based on the needs and voices of principals themselves.
Transparency, Equity, and Professionalism
What sets the NZPF apart is its holistic approach. It is not only a lobbying body but also a professional community, grounded in transparency and equity. Its work extends beyond principals, influencing the well-being of teachers, students, and families across Aotearoa.
“Education is a collective endeavor,” Otene says. “Our role is to ensure principals are supported so they can lead schools where every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
A Legacy of Leadership
From its beginnings in 1982 to its role today as a national and international leader, the NZPF has consistently championed the voices of principals. With over 2,000 members, its reach is significant, and its impact on New Zealand education is undeniable.
As it looks toward the future, the Federation remains steadfast in its mission: advancing equity, honoring culture, supporting professional leadership, and strengthening the vital role of principals in shaping society.
For Otene and the NZPF, the goal is clear: “If we can create stable, well-supported, and visionary leadership in schools, we can create an education system that truly reflects the aspirations of Aotearoa. That is our purpose, and that is the legacy we are building.”
At a Glance
Who: New Zealand Principals Federation (NZPF)
What: The voice and legislative representation for New Zealand’s school principals
Where: Wellington, New Zealand
Website: www.nzpf.ac.nz
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