Kia ora koutou

For over twenty-five years the New Zealand Principals' Federation has been dedicated to providing leadership, advocacy and support for principals in their professional role. More than ever school leaders need each other locally and the Federation nationally. You are encouraged to make use of the services available including Helpline and NZPF Legal Advice & Support.

We use our extensive communications network, in particular the Federation Flyer, website and magazine to keep members informed, up to date and involved. We value your input and feedback and further encourage you locally to network with other principals to ensure maximum support is available to all principals.

With approximately 2300 principals as members from primary, secondary, area, intermediate, tertiary, private, state and integrated schools across the country, the collective voice of the Federation is well respected and sought. The NZPF meets regularly with the Minister of Education,  Secretary for Education, the CEO of the Education Review Office as well as officials from the School Trustees’ Association, the Ministry of Education, other sector heads and reference groups.

Our Executive, comprising 15 practising principals from around New Zealand, has considerable teaching and leadership experience in large, small, rural and urban schools. They work hard on your behalf and support, when requested, comes from a wide reaching network of practitioners who face similar daily realities and issues.

Through the NZPF you also have membership of the International Confederation of Principals. Founded in 1990 by 9 nations, the ICP represents over 150 000 educational leaders worldwide, linking and supporting school principal organisations to enhance their members' learning and the life opportunities of their students. New Zealand has a particular role in nurturing links with the Asia-Oceania region. Close links continue especially with the UK and Australia.  

Our national conference in Queenstown will be Truly Remarkable and promises to enthuse, enlighten and energise you. Some assistance with regional conferences promotes more local networking, advocacy and support. The Presidents' Moot  in March helps strengthen local associations and allows issues to be voiced directly. 

I am released from Havelock School in order to carry out my presidential duties. It is always a privilege to meet colleagues throughout New Zealand to discuss issues and to celebrate the successes of our school communities. Helping you meet the challenges of leading New Zealand education is always the aim of the Federation.  

Noho ora mai ra

Ernie Buutveld