Tumuaki/Principal
https://www.sheffield.co.nz/Job-Search?Id=572
- Strategic and visionary educational leader with a passion for Ōtautahi East
- Collaborative, team focused, engaging with community and with a love of learning
About our Kura:
Rāwhiti School serves students from Years 1-8, located in North New Brighton, a culturally diverse suburb of East Christchurch. The school has a current roll of 550. Rāwhiti School offers a compelling, forward-thinking environment grounded in community resilience, innovative learning spaces, and a strong culture of biculturalism, inclusivity, and restorative values.
The school actively integrates Te Ao Māori, supporting language, culture, and identity within teaching at all levels. A bilingual programme (Ata Hāpara) offers education in both English and Māori from New Entrant to Year 8 level.
The school name, Rāwhiti, means “rising sun” and reflects its vision of rising above the ordinary. Its architectural design incorporates local identity, bicultural heritage, and community symbolism.
About The Role:
We are seeking a passionate and experienced educational leader, who aligns with our ethos of “rising above the ordinary”, supporting culturally responsive teaching, valuing strong community partnerships, and thrives in flexible, student-centred learning environments.
Our new Tumuaki-Principal will be:
- An experienced visionary educational leader, with a track record of success in leading “teams of teams,” fostering shared leadership and collaboration
- A strategic thinker, skilled in leading long-term planning, implementing strategy, and delivering results
- Empathetic, with a deep understanding of learners and their families and whānau, promoting a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment
- Approachable, engaging and present, interacting openly with students, staff, and whānau and building effective relationships
- Innovative and adaptable, leading change and embracing new ideas
- Passionate about education and inspiring others to grow and thrive
- Skilled at managing difficult conversations and de-escalating tense situations
- A values-aligned leader, enacting and upholding the values of Rāwhiti School in every aspect of their leadership.
Our new Tumuaki-Principal will have:
- A love for the East of Ōtautahi Christchurch
- Sound understanding of Te Ao Māori and tikanga, commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to learning te reo
- Excellent community engagement skills, open to listening to the community and understanding its unique needs and aspirations
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- A restorative approach to behaviour management, promoting dignity, respect, and growth
- Energy and drive, bringing enthusiasm and resilience to the role, and embracing the dynamic nature of the kura
- Adaptability and the ability to navigate challenges with flexibility and emotional strength
- Strengths-based leadership, focusing on building from strengths
- A great sense of humour.
How to Apply:
Candidates can download a Candidate Brief and apply, in strict confidence, online at www.sheffield.co.nz
To apply by email, please attach your cover letter and CV and send to cvchc@sheffield.co.nz quoting 9056aa. Applications close on 7 October 2025. Emails will be electronically acknowledged, and further correspondence may be by email.
For more information please phone Andrea Bankier on +64 27 447 8102.
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