Regional Leadership Advisor - Canterbury

Role overview

The Ministry of Education New Zealand is seeking an experienced Regional Leadership Advisor to support school leadership across the Canterbury region. This is a fixed-term, full-time appointment based in Christchurch, starting 28 January 2027, and running for approximately 1 to 2 years as a secondment.

The role is designed for a current or recently retired school principal who can coach, guide, and influence other principals and school leaders as they navigate challenges and implement education priorities. Support will be delivered in person and remotely, through individual coaching, cluster-based work, seminars, presentations, and wānanga.

The successful person will contribute to leadership development across primary, intermediate, and secondary settings, helping strengthen collaboration, share effective practice, and lift leadership capability in schools and kura.

Key responsibilities

• Provide practical coaching and advisory support to principals and school leaders across Canterbury.
• Work one-on-one, in clusters, and with larger groups using a mix of face-to-face and remote support methods.
• Help leaders respond to current challenges and deliver education priorities effectively.
• Enable collaboration between principals and tumuaki so knowledge and expertise can be shared across local and national networks.
• Support transformational change in schools and kura by encouraging strong leadership and shared learning.
• Contribute to regional and national sharing of effective practice and innovative approaches to curriculum, teaching, and learning.
• Work alongside regional colleagues as part of an integrated Te Mahau team.
• Report to the Director of Education and remain supported by the national chief advisor and the wider leadership advisor network.

Candidate profile

• You should be a highly experienced current or recently retired school principal, ideally within the last 12 to 24 months.
• Strong first-hand understanding of a principal’s responsibilities is essential.
• Experience across both primary and secondary sectors is important, with the ability to work across the wider schooling system.
• You will be respected in the sector, demonstrate integrity, and build strong relationships with others.
• Proven success in school management, strategic leadership, and instructional leadership is expected.
• You need the capability and willingness to coach leaders across primary, intermediate, and secondary education.
• You must be willing to follow Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Organisation and team context

Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga provides support nationally, regionally, and locally across the education sector, and in some cases directly to ākonga and whānau. Te Mahau | Education Services acts as the main connection point between the Ministry and education providers, helping ensure schools and communities can access the expertise, programmes, and resources needed for children and young people to thrive.

The team supports the implementation of government and Ministry policy, strengthens education and community leadership within a self-managing system, and works toward improved aspiration and educational achievement for all learners.

Application information

This position requires a completed Expression of Interest form and a CV. A cover letter is not required. Only two attachments should be uploaded: the EOI form with a letter of endorsement from your Board, and your CV.

For further information, applicants may contact the Director of Education for Canterbury.

The current or most recent employment terms and remuneration will apply.

Applicants needing assistance or adjustments during the recruitment process can request support.

Important dates

Advertisement date: 21 June 2026.

Applications close at 5:00 pm on Monday, 27 July 2026.