Kia ora e te whānau

As we examine the results of the most recent survey, I want to thank you for your incredibly strong response and support (91% in favour) for NZPF to continue to work on establishing an NZPF Union Arm.

The survey prompted some cautionary reaction from those involved in efforts to establish an NZPF Union Arm in the 1990s.

The 1990s were very different times. It is true that back then, NZPF was in its infancy and probably over-reached itself to satisfy the call from members to establish a Union Arm. NZPF members wanted a stronger voice on the negotiating team of their collective bargaining rounds and wanted better support, particularly in the human resources area-the management of staff and workplace protection around the role of the principal. Human Resources management was a whole new territory brought in by the Tomorrow’s Schools policy which principals were finding a challenge to navigate. They were left vulnerable and isolated, without support from the Union (who always favoured the representation of teachers first), and without support from their Boards of Trustees particularly in the face of conflict.

As its resources grew, NZPF established a Principals’ Advice and Support Limited (PASL) scheme, through a partnership, first with an Insurance company and later with law firm Anderson Lloyd Lawyers of Dunedin. In more recent years, as resources have further increased, NZPF has become the 100% shareholder in PASL.

This was NZPF’s effort to satisfy the need for principals to have their own employment legal advice and protection. The scheme has been a highly successful venture with over one thousand principals subscribing to it. There is more to do and plans to do it, particularly in offering access to legal advice and support for all principals.  Principals are vulnerable and isolated as a result of their unusual employment arrangements. They are members of their own Boards and the very same Boards employ them.

Early in the year when I set out on the Road Show, principals again raised the issue of NZPF establishing its own union arm.  They were bitterly disappointed that no progress had been made on the Accord or on workload and wellbeing issues principals had raised.   

NZPF believes that everyone has the right to be fairly represented in their workplace. Principals are calling for bespoke primary principal representation at the bargaining table of our Collective Agreement. To advance this discussion, representatives from NZPF are meeting with representatives from NZEI on Friday 30 October.

The NZPF of 2020 is well-placed to be at the bargaining table and well-resourced to offer something special to primary principals. That includes energetic advocacy, bespoke representation and powerful legal support in the workplace.

The job of principal has become taxing and complex. Yet we still have those ambitious to lead our schools.  What NZPF will not tolerate is a lack of appropriate support and representation being a distraction to excellent teachers becoming excellent leaders.

The time has long passed for principals to accept mediocracy from those who should be their strongest advocates and supporters.  

I will continue to update you on progress.

Te Akatea Conference
Te Akatea Māori Principals’ Association are holding their conference 9-11 November in Auckland. This will be a fantastic opportunity for all principals to connect with our shared goal to support Māori educational success.

I encourage you to attend.

Further information and registration can be accessed at the Te Akatea website www.teakatea.co.nz.

Ngā manaakitanga

Perry Rush
perry@nzpf.ac.nz