\u201cSo, when principals themselves are covering classes because they can\u2019t find teachers<\/a>… the entire system suffers.\u201d<\/p>\n Otene added the workload is unsustainable, with many principals clocking 58-hour weeks.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the stats tell us they suffer 1.7 times the rate of burnout compared to the general population.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you\u2019re working those hours, while implementing rapid curriculum changes <\/a>with insufficient consultation, something has to give.\u201d<\/p>\n The Government\u2019s announced several incoming changes for schools, including scrapping NCEA<\/a>, a new curriculum, increased learning support funding, and the removal of the clause<\/a> requiring boards to give effect to the Treaty of Waitangi.<\/p>\n A recent NZEI survey also found 73% of principals are likely to quit within five years.<\/p>\n The Ministry of Education\u2019s acting education workforce leader, Jolanda Meijer, said they recognise the pressure on new principals and have support in place.<\/p>\n \u201cThe ministry provides programme support for beginning principals in their first two years of principalship,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n It will double the number of leadership advisers from 16 to 32 next year to help principals navigate policy changes and receive coaching. <\/p>\n Extra supports are also available for rural and hard-to-staff <\/a>schools.<\/p>\n Otene said the federation is working closely with the ministry on an aspiring principals programme and encouraging experienced principals to mentor.<\/p>\n \u201cWe take that seriously. We want quality people in those positions.\u201d<\/p>\n But she warned the pace of change is wearing senior principals down.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re not as keen to go and support a young teacher, they just don\u2019t have enough hours in the day,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n At least 350 principal roles have been advertised each year since 2022, with 17% being re-advertised.<\/p>\nNZPF President Leanne Otene. Photo \/ Michael Cunningham<\/p>\n