Tumuaki Principal

Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Principal

English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts

Strategic and visionary leadership, a strong whānau-based culture, supporting inclusivity and diversity

Mountainview High School (MVHS) is a state co‑educational secondary school located in Timaru, providing education for Years 9 to 13 students with a roll of approximately 500. It’s an exciting and progressive high school that pursues personal excellence in all.

With views over the hills, ocean and distant mountains, the school campus provides a stunning working and learning environment for students and staff. With a whānau system giving every student a sense of belonging and incorporating tūrangawaewae, the school’s ākonga thrive in the whānau environment. Strong performing arts and creative programmes are key strengths of the school.

With a mission to engage and inspire every student to strive for individual excellence by providing diverse opportunities within a well‑resourced, challenging, supportive and caring environment, the Board are seeking a tumuaki who is:

• An experienced educational leader with demonstrated senior leadership in secondary education.
• Genuinely inclusive and culturally competent, embracing diversity, honouring tikanga and cultural identity, liberal, non‑judgmental, aligned with our values.
• Warm, approachable, and people‑focused, easy to talk to, connects genuinely with students, staff and whānau and builds strong relationships across the school and community.
• Fair, firm and consistent, setting clear boundaries and maintaining a safe, respectful environment.
• Empowering, motivating with effective delegation and coaching skills.
• Visible and actively involved in school and community life, approachable and acting as a proud ambassador for MVHS.

Our new tumuaki will have:

• Research‑informed and collaborative change leadership skills.
• Proven expertise in teaching, learning, and pastoral care, with deep pedagogical strength, understanding diverse learning needs, literacy/numeracy expertise, and strong pastoral leadership.
• Positive energy, humour and genuine enthusiasm, creating an engaging, uplifting school culture.
• Financial, operational and property management skills.
• Sound judgement, operating with integrity, professionalism, discretion and resilience.

Please send your CV, and direct enquiries to: