Aspiring Principal Programme and Leadership Advisory Expansion

Budget 2025 brings a significant investment of $30.2 million over four years to strengthen school leadership across Aotearoa. This includes the establishment of a new Aspiring Principal Development Programme, aimed at growing the capabilities of 200 future leaders. The programme is designed to broaden leadership skills and improve pathways to principalship, ensuring a strong pipeline of well-prepared candidates for the role.

In addition, the Leadership Advisory Service will be expanded, doubling its capacity from 16 to 32 full-time equivalent positions. This enhancement means that principals across the motu will have access to more targeted and comprehensive support. The increase includes not only more regional Leadership Advisors (LA) but also more specialist LA roles - focusing on rural and small school teaching principals, Māori, Pacific, and area & composite school principals.

Leadership advisory roles (regional and special focus) will be advertised next week in the Education Gazette with applications closing on Friday 25th July. This is a great opportunity for experienced current and recently retired principals to support and coach principals across their region. We encourage you to discuss this opportunity with your colleagues and consider applying. It is an excellent opportunity to make a significant contribution to principal support and development.

This investment recognises the importance of a well-supported, diverse, and effective principal leadership system and reflects a commitment to ensuring every school has strong leadership at the helm. It’s a timely opportunity for NZPF to continue advocating for sustainable leadership support and to help shape the evolving framework of professional learning and career development for current and future principals. 

Jen Rodgers, Jason Miles, Stephanie Thompson, Leanne Otene