https://ojs.victoria.ac.nz/nzaroe <p>The New Zealand Annual Review of Education Te Arotake a Tau o Te Ao o te Matauranga i Aotearoa (NZAROE) provides a forum for researchers, policy makers and implementers, and practitioners to present well-documented analytical reviews of policy issues of significance to the New Zealand educational sector, as well as recent research addressing key educational developments and trends, set in a comparative international context.</p> Victoria University of Wellington en-US The New Zealand Annual Review of Education 1171-3283 <p>The Author(s) retain ownership of the copyright in the Article but hereby grant the Publisher an exclusive license to publish the article.</p> <p>NZAROE gives authors full permission to deposit their articles in publicly accessible institutional repositories, providing that:</p> <ul> <li>Articles are placed in repositories after publication.</li> <li>Metadata about articles include the DOI and journal issue information.</li> </ul> https://ojs.victoria.ac.nz/nzaroe/article/view/9822 <p>A recent Education Review Office (ERO) report on preparation and support for new principals in Aotearoa New Zealand revealed that they are not always well prepared for aspects of their role (ERO, 2023). Three key drivers for preparation were found to be previous leadership experience, participation in post-graduate study related to school leadership, and coaching and mentoring support. While this report focused on both primary and secondary principals in their first 5 years as principals, two other recent qualitative studies have looked specifically at pathways to principalship in secondary settings. The first study involving interviews with eight recently appointed principals, highlighted the importance of career choices, postgraduate study, targeted professional learning and development (PLD), exposure to elements of a principal’s role, and mentoring. The second study explored the enablers and challenges experienced by five female principals of co-educational schools. Aspects that were identified as both challenges and enablers in this study included the attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of principals and others, the support and encouragement received, mentoring and PLD experiences, and work life balance. This article will draw on the findings of the two studies and the ERO report to highlight the challenges in current principal preparation in the secondary sector and make recommendations for aspiring leaders considering principalship, current principals and Boards of Trustees, and policy makers.</p> Craig Morrison Meredith Raukura Kate Thornton Copyright (c) 2025 Craig Morrison, Meredith Raukura, Meredith Raukura, Kate Thornton 2025-06-24 2025-06-24 30 5 22 10.26686/nzaroe.v30.9822 https://ojs.victoria.ac.nz/nzaroe/article/view/9823 <p>Diversity is on the rise In Aotearoa New Zealand. This article conducts an updated exploration of New Zealand's educational landscape in light of this cultural richness, emphasizing the importance of tailored policies and initiatives to address disparities and foster intercultural understanding within the context of superdiversity. It highlights the need for broader shifts towards creating inclusive educational environments, while also acknowledging and rectifying historical injustices experienced by Māori, as tangata whenua or people of the land. Integrating intercultural perspectives offers a promising pathway for societal transformation, championing respect, comprehension, and inclusivity across diverse communities in New Zealand and beyond. Although research on cultural responsiveness in New Zealand classrooms is growing, there is a notable gap in studies addressing Pasifika learners' experiences and the impact of Māori-medium education on student success. A stronger foundation in Pasifika pedagogical approaches and Māori education models will further inform New Zealand’s transition toward intercultural education. This thorough examination emphasizes the ongoing necessity for concerted efforts to address educational disparities and nurture intercultural understanding in New Zealand's evolving educational landscape.</p> Abdelhamid Safa Copyright (c) 2025 Abdelhamid Safa 2025-06-24 2025-06-24 30 23 38 10.26686/nzaroe.v30.9823