Educational leadership today means navigating constant change without clear pathways. This article explores values-based, people-centred leadership, wayfinding principles, and the power of vulnerability to guide teams through uncertainty with clarity and connection.

Shelley McKay shares reflections on her second term as NZEALS Co-President, highlighting the power of cross-sector dialogue, the impact of recent conferences, and the importance of honouring long-serving leaders. She invites members to share their leadership stories and help shape the future of education in Aotearoa. A thoughtful and inspiring read for all.

Dr Penny Smith reflects on her leadership journey, shaped by empathy, intentionality, and a drive to grow others. She shares insights on mentoring, leading change, and maintaining wellbeing, emphasising that leadership is a privilege requiring courage, foresight, and continuous learning.

Meet Isaac, NZEALS’ newest Council member, whose journey from principalship to doctoral research has been driven by a deep commitment to leadership that uplifts teaching and learning. Based in Te Tai Aorere, Isaac brings rich experience, fresh insight, and a collaborative spirit to the NZEALS whānau. Discover what drew him into this vibrant network.

Join Us at NZEALS 2026 Be part of the conversation at the NZEALS Conference, Ka mua, ka muri: Honouring the past, embracing the present, designing the future, May 13–15 in Wellington. Connect, learn, and help shape the future of educational leadership.

This volume explores effective leadership in early childhood and primary education in Aotearoa New Zealand, blending research and practice across diverse cultural contexts. Edited by Tracey Carlyon and Rosina Merry, it offers practical strategies, reflective frameworks, and insights grounded in mātauranga Māori and relational leadership. A must-read for educators seeking to lead with integrity and...

As a visiting researcher at Waseda University, I explored Japan’s highly centralised education system, where governance and teacher placement are controlled nationally. Despite limited autonomy, principals demonstrate strong instructional leadership, and Japan achieves high equity and PISA performance through collective responsibility, cultural values, and investment. School visits revealed efficiency, respect, and student-led responsibilities, highlighting lessons...

My five-week sabbatical across Georgia and California explored leadership preparation and high-needs schools, culminating at the UCEA Convention in Los Angeles. I observed well-resourced schools prioritising student wellbeing and progress, and robust university programmes supporting aspiring principals through research-based, collaborative learning. Beyond education, cultural highlights included Halloween in Covington, the Federal Election buzz, and stunning...

This research explores the experiences of ECE leaders during COVID-19, revealing the emotional toll, leadership challenges, and adaptive strategies they used. It highlights five key approaches to effective leadership and wellbeing support, offering insights and inspiration for leaders navigating crisis. A powerful reflection on resilience, connection, and leading through uncertainty in early childhood education.

Principals in newly built or refurbished schools face unique challenges: aligning innovative, open-plan environments with pedagogy while meeting system-driven accountability requirements. Interviews with 20 Aotearoa principals reveal how leaders balance formal mandates with trust-based, collegial practices—navigating tensions between monitoring and support, compliance and flexibility, and distributed leadership versus clear authority.