This annual day of recognition will be celebrated on Wednesday, 29 July.
It is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and leadership of our principals, who continue to serve as the backbone of our school communities.
Their role is particularly critical right now as the sector navigates rapid curriculum changes and the removal of Te Tiriti obligations for school boards – changes progressed without genuine consultation with educators or Māori.
Te Rā o Tumeke Tumuaki is an initiative launched by NZEI Te Riu Roa Principals’ Council in 2022 to honour and acknowledge the contributions of principals.
This year's theme
This year’s theme, chosen by our tumuaki, is the whakataukī: He waka eke noa (We are all in this together).
By selecting this whakataukī, our principals are signalling the importance of unity and collective responsibility as they lead through unprecedented sector shifts.
It is a call for solidarity that speaks to their shared goals and the mutual support required to navigate the current educational landscape.
Resources
In late June, we will start uploading resources to this page that you can use to show appreciation for our tumuaki.