Primary principals are at a breaking point, with a new insights poll from NZEI Te Riu Roa revealing 73 per cent are likely to quit within five years.
This looming exodus is driven by burnout from curriculum changes that the government is pushing for without adequate consultation.
The poll, conducted from 28 October to 5 November, found that:
• 97 per cent of primary principals consider the timeline for implementing the new curriculum changes unrealistic.
• 99 per cent say the frequent policy and curriculum shifts have left insufficient time to consolidate previous changes.
• 99 per cent report the pace of curriculum change has placed significant additional pressure on tumuaki and principals.
• 90 per cent describe the professional learning and resources provided by the Ministry of Education to support implementation as insufficient.
• 96 per cent confirm the cumulative effect of curriculum changes and increased workload has adversely impacted their health and wellbeing.
• 73 per cent reveal they are likely to quit within the next five years due to the workload and wellbeing impacts of the curriculum changes being railroaded by the current government.
Martyn Weatherill, Principal Representative for NZEI Te Riu Roa, says the insights from the poll highlight the alarming effects constant change is having on principals’ workload, stress levels, and overall wellbeing.
“Government-mandated changes to the curriculum were turned around at breakneck speed earlier this year. Principals expressed their frustration at the pace and lack of consultation then.
“Now we're heading into curriculum change Groundhog Day; another rush to implement a new, NEW (as we’re calling it) curriculum, directed by a government that has failed any reasonable test of consultation with us.
“Our primary challenge is that we weren’t provided with the time, training, or resources to absorb the speed and complexity of the imposed changes. All of this takes a massive toll on our workload, stress levels, and wellbeing. We are not being listened to when we say it’s too much. Our professional expertise is being ignored and we are feeling disrespected.”
Kerry Hawkins, Principal of Waverley Park School in Invercargill, says he's seeing a pace of change unprecedented in his 40 years as a school leader: “This is the most absurdly paced policy change I’ve seen. My initial reaction was gnashing of teeth and frustration at the lack of consultation and respect shown to the profession.
“The mathematics programme we use is DMIC (Developing Mathematical Inquiry Communities). It is culturally appropriate, well-grounded in research, and proven to be effective. Why would we replace it?
“I’m starting to feel that curriculum changes under this government are like New York taxis: Wait a moment, and you’ll get another one.”
Mr Weatherill says the country will lose principals if things keep going this way.
“The number of principals saying they’re leaving in five years (73 per cent) is almost double the turnover rate noted in a recent Education Review Office report.
“We're already seeing educators head across the ditch to Australia because they simply can’t keep working the way they have been.”
The insights poll surveyed 228 primary school principals nationwide regarding the curriculum changes and the resulting impact on their workload, health, and wellbeing.