New support for struggling Northland principals

Te Tai Tokerau Principals Association president Pat Newman

An advisor tasked with supporting struggling Northland principals has been appointed and starts today.

The new role of Northland Principal Advisor has been filled by David Hain, who recently retired as principal of Totara Grove School, Whangarei.

Ministry of Education spokeswoman Katrina Casey said she was delighted with the appointment.

"He has the wisdom and wealth of experience that will make him a valuable resource for Northland principals."

The new role, the only one of its kind in New Zealand, was developed at the end of last year as a collaboration with the ministry, New Zealand Principals Federation and the Te Tai Tokerau Principals Federation.

It is hoped the role would help combat the high turnover of principals and high rate of statutory intervention in the region.

The role is mainly pastoral and requires Mr Hain to support principals on an emotional and practical level.

"Tai Tokerau principals have a challenging job," Ms Casey said.

"Many schools are in remote locations, and school communities face a number of economic, social and health issues."

Principals were dealing with hugely complex issues and Mr Hain would provide additional support, she said.

While the position was funded by the ministry, Auckland UniServices was the employer as it was the provider of professional development for the ministry.

Te Tai Tokerau Principals Association president Pat Newman said: "Most of the problems we're having are around relationships between boards and principals and understanding of each other."