Ohakune School Principal

Ohakune School is a state, co-educational full primary school where relationships come first. Our children, staff and whānau are part of a close-knit community, and our PRIDE values (Participation, Respect, Integrity, Determination, Environment) guide everyday school life.

Close to half of our learners identify as Māori, and te ao Māori is woven into learning through place-based programmes and a local curriculum.

Ohakune School Board is looking for a warm, visible and approachable leader who will listen before changing things and build high trust with staff, whānau, local iwi and the wider community.

You will lead a school with real strengths. Our October 2025 ERO report recognised high quality teaching, shared curriculum leadership and strong relationships at every level. Your priorities will include leading attendance as a strategic focus, embedding the refreshed English and Mathematics curriculum, sustaining our structured literacy approach, moving assessment to the SMART Tool, and working with the board on the 2027 to 2029 strategic plan.

We welcome applications from experienced and first-time principals who bring practical sense, sound judgement, a roll up your sleeves attitude and a sense of humour. Mount Ruapehu sits above the town, and Tūroa and Tongariro National Park are on our doorstep, so if you love the outdoors you will be well looked after.

Applications close at 4pm on Friday 13th November 2026. Interviews will be held at Ohakune School on Saturday 28 November 2026.