About Our School:
Westland High School, located in the heart of Hokitika, offers a broad and inclusive learning environment for rangatahi from Years 7–13. The kura has a strong sense of place, a close-knit community, and a proud West Coast | Te Tai Poutini identity grounded in resilience, connection and belonging.
Hokitika is a town where community matters, relationships are strong, and the school is at the heart of local life. Surrounded by stunning coastline, bush, and mountains, Hokitika offers a lifestyle of balance and connection. Outdoor education, sport, arts and leadership opportunities sit alongside strong academic and pastoral systems that ensure rangatahi are known and supported to achieve their personal best. A bilingual unit enriches the learning environment and strengthens cultural identity across our kura.
Following extensive stakeholder engagement with staff, rangatahi, whānau, mana whenua and the Board, this appointment represents a pivotal opportunity to strengthen stability, foster trust and shape a cohesive, future focused learning environment grounded in cultural integrity and community connection.
A Principal Recruitment Allowance will be available for an eligible candidate. There is also a well-maintained 3-bedroom schoolhouse available (on a rental basis).
To find out more information about the school: https://youtu.be/dronnN9LLCU
About The Role:
The Principal | Tumuaki is the professional leader of Westland High School and works in partnership with the Board, staff, students, whānau, mana whenua and the wider community.
This is a highly visible leadership role within a small, connected town. The successful appointee will:
- Provide visible, relational leadership across the kura and community
- Strengthen authentic partnership with Ngāti Waewae and Ngāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio
- Establish clear and consistent behaviour expectations to ensure safe, focused learning environments
- Champion academic achievement alongside diverse pathways including vocational, cultural, sporting and outdoor opportunities
- Empower staff through high-trust leadership and build leadership capability
- Build pride and confidence in the school through steady, values-led leadership
This is an opportunity to lead with integrity and purpose in a community where schools and education are deeply valued and leadership is highly visible.
Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidate profile, shaped by stakeholder voice, includes:
- Proven experience in secondary leadership
- Strong relational capability and emotional intelligence
- Demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice
- Experience in working with mana whenua
- Ability to lead calmly and steadily, prioritising cohesion and trust
- Experience in establishing effective behaviour management systems and supporting teaching staff in classroom management
- Strategic and operational capability (HR, finance, systems and compliance)
- A high-trust leadership style that empowers others
- Commitment to long term leadership within a close knit community
You will be culturally grounded, firm yet fair, visible and values driven. A leader who listens, acts with integrity, is supportive and follows through.
To view the position description: click here
To view the candidate briefing pack: click here
To Apply:
For a confidential discussion or to request the candidate briefing pack, please contact:
Rosie Robinson, 027 221 2080 rosie.robinson@brannigans.co.nz or Sally Wynn-Williams, 027 478 5554 sally.wynn-williams@brannigans.co.nz
Applications close 19 April 2026