Our Client:
Buller High School is a dynamic, co-educational Year 9-13 secondary school located in the stunning Buller Kawatiri district on the West Coast of New Zealand. With a roll of approximately 340 students, the school enjoys well maintained facilities and offers a broad range of academic, vocational and extracurricular opportunities, fostering a safe and inclusive environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Guided by the values of Respect, Relationships, Responsibility and Resilience, Buller High School aims to inspire and empower students to achieve excellence and contribute positively to society.
A well maintained 3-bedroom schoolhouse is available (on a rental basis) for the successful applicant.
The Role:
We are seeking a visionary, inspiring and compassionate Principal to lead Buller High School into its next chapter. As Principal, you will have the opportunity to make a real and lasting impact on both the school and the wider Buller Kawatiri community. You will provide strategic leadership and foster a culture of high expectations, support, belonging, and encouragement for all students and staff.
Key Responsibilities will include:
- Leading the school’s academic and extracurricular programmes to ensure students receive a high-quality education tailored to their needs and aspirations
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with iwi, whanau, staff, the Board, and the local community
- Providing leadership that models the school’s values of Respect, Relationships, Responsibility and Resilience
- Guiding and mentoring staff, fostering professional development and a positive school culture
- Ensuring strategic goals are met, with a focus on wellbeing, achievement and equitable outcomes for all students
Skills and Experience:
We are looking for a Principal who is a passionate educator, a confident leader, and someone who will thrive in our close-knit Buller community.
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Proven secondary leadership experience, with a visible, hands-on approach
- Integrity, humility, and sound judgement, with the confidence to make clear decisions and hold high expectations
- A strong track record in teaching and learning, with a focus on lifting achievement, especially in literacy, numeracy and student pathway
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to build trust with students, staff, whānau, iwi and community partners
- Experience in strategic planning and leading change with a continuous improvement mindset
- A genuine commitment to inclusive practice, supporting neurodiverse learners and diverse student needs
- A clear understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and experience working in partnership with Māori and local iwi
- Confidence in curriculum design, assessment, and the development of academic and vocational pathways
- An appreciation of the Buller Kawatiri district—its people, its strengths, and its unique social and economic context
To view the position description: click here
To Apply:
If you are an experienced leader who is passionate about making a difference and ready for a role that offers both professional challenge and personal fulfilment, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
To apply, please submit your CV along with a cover letter that outlines your suitability for the role, specifically addressing how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and skills and experience required by the position. For more information or initial confidential phone enquiries please contact Rosie Robinson 027 221 2080 or rosie.robinson@brannigans.co.nz or Sally Wynn-Williams 027 478 5554 sally.wynn-williams@brannigans.co.nz
Applications close 5pm 7 January 2026
Please note the Brannigans offices will be closed from 12pm 22 December, reopening 7 January 2026
