Dunedin North Intermediate (DNI) principal Heidi Hayward will assume the role in January next year.
She has been the principal at DNI for the past 10 years and has been on the Principals’ Federation executive for four years.
"I see it as a real privilege to represent principals and to continue advocating for the kind of education system our children deserve," Ms Hayward said.
The Principals’ Federation was the largest professional body representing school principals in New Zealand, supporting more than 2000 principals across all school types.
It met regularly with the Ministry of Education and other officials and advocated for equity, wellbeing and strong leadership in schools, she said.
It also offered support services such as a helpline and legal advice for principals, supported professional development and connected principals through regional associations and national events.
A big goal for Ms Hayward was a stable, long-term plan for education.
While this would not be easy to do, it was essential, she said.
"We need a clear, sector-led direction that sits outside the political cycle, something with enough time and consistency to actually see things through and evaluate what’s working.
"When priorities are reset every election cycle, coherence and stability become almost impossible to maintain."
Prior to becoming principal at DNI in 2015, Ms Hayward was principal of Waitati School for five years.
She has also been on the Otago Primary Principals’ Association since 2013.
She is a member of the Māori Achievement Collaborative, the Teacher Only Day Sector Advisory Group and the ERO Curriculum IQA 2024.
Her appointment was also beneficial for Dunedin.
"It’s really important that schools in the South have a strong voice at the national table." — Allied Media
