Nicky Whitham-Blackwell is set to start at St Hilda’s Collegiate at the start of term 3 in July this year.
She said she was ‘‘delighted and honoured’’ to be given the opportunity to lead the school.
‘‘My mission and purpose has always been to create the conditions within which our young women can not only flourish, but influence the world around them in positive and brave ways.’’
She is an associate principal at Westlake Girls’ High School in Auckland.
St Hilda’s Collegiate School Board presiding member Gretchen Beardmore said the recruitment had been ‘‘thorough and highly competitive’’, and there were many very high-calibre applicants.
Ms Whitham-Blackwell stuck out for her proven track record of exceptional leadership, her passion for girls’ education, and ‘‘strong understanding of and commitment to special character’’.
She has also completed a master of educational leadership. Her thesis explored the wellbeing of girls in high-performing, single-sex schools.
‘‘With over 26 years of experience in girls’ secondary school education in New Zealand, nine of these years in senior leadership positions, Nicky brings with her an extensive skill set and a deep commitment to the values that are important to our school,’’ Ms Beardmore said.
St Hilda’s Collegiate’s previous principal, Jackie Barron, stepped down at the end of last term after 11 years years in the role.
She said at the time those past years had been ‘‘the most rewarding of her life’’.
‘‘I’m very happy here and I really enjoy the job — but you always want to go before people wish you would.’’ — Allied Media
