A high number of principals have resigned in Hastings and Havelock North this year alone.
Ministry of Education deputy secretary Katrina Casey said there were 47 schools and kura in the Hastings District, which includes Havelock North and 11 of those had a change of principal in 2017.
Although, she noted that many of these principals moved within the Hawke's Bay area to other roles.
The 11 include Hastings Central School, Kereru School, Ebbett Park School, Irongate School, Pakowhai School, Camberley School, Waimarama School, Lucknow Primary, Taikura Rudolf Steiner, Riverslea School and High School, Iona College.
Flaxmere School principal and Hawke's Bay Primary Principals Association president Robyn Isaacson said although she couldn't comment on particular principals, the ones she was "aware of are either moving on to other positions within the education sector or some are just retiring".