Photo: PIMPPs Gathering Term 3 2020 – Principals of Clayton Park School, Alfreston College, Weymouth School, Rowandale School, Homai School, Manurewa East School and Papakura Intermediate (Absent: Roscommon School, Manurewa South School and Waimahia Intermediate)

I believe that if a principal is to be successful they need to ensure that they have a strong, reliable, knowledgable and caring group or network of principals surrounding and supporting them when needed. I know of examples where this type of network or support would have kept a principal out of trouble because I know from experience that it did for me. Is it pride that prevents some principals from reaching out? Does that same pride also prevent some principals from wanting to help others? I am very blessed to belong to 4 amazing such groups:

1. Manurewa Principals Association (MPA) This group is my local Principals Association and is made up of 32 primary, intermediate and secondary schools. Its very important for local principals to network and to be on the same page in relation to things that will benefit our schools and communities because the students in your area or community are all connected in some way or another. Within our Association we have 3 Kahui Ako and this further strengthens the connection and support. I am the Treasurer of this Association and our President is Rosina Wikaira.
2. New Zealand Pasifika Principals Association (NZPPA) This is a national group with 72 members across the country and 35 in Auckland. We hold termly meetings across the country and our members sit on all the main Ministry of Educations reference and working groups. Pasifika Identity as a leader is school is something that needs to be celebrated and nurtured to ensure communities are also reflected in the leadership level as well. The Government has announced a $2 Million funding top up to an initiative called Tautai o le Moana which looks to building the capacity of Principals in relation to best practice Pasifika and NZPPA leads this work. I am the Treasurer of this Association and our President is Filivaifale Jason Swann.
3. NZEI Principals National Leadership Group (NLG) This is a National Leadership group for NZEI made up of 26 principal representatives from all parts of the country and also representing all the main groups. I sit on this group as the principal representative of Counties Manukau NZEI Area Council. Our voice is used by the union to better inform and and help create its work in relation to industrial and professional issues for principals and other sector members. Meeting principals from across the motu is so valuable because the differences in experiences and knowledge which only add to ones kite.
4. Pacific Island Manurewa Papakura Principals (PIMPPs) This is a group of 10 Pacific/ Maori principals who work in Manurewa and Papakura. We meet informally once a term for coffee or lunch and to Talanoa about whats hot and whats not. 

Photo: Tautai o le Moana – First residential (Wellington) – NZPPA

Photo: MPA Executive group

Photo: NZEI Paid Union Meeting – Auckland Principals