Former Catlins Area School principal Alex McCreadie left at the end of last year and will be replaced by Kate Staniford, originally of Temuka, who will take on the role in the second term.
In the interim, temporary principal Ross Willcocks has been appointed to fill the position until Mrs Staniford's arrival.
Mr Willcocks started at the school on Monday.
He was introduced to staff at a meeting and welcomed by pupils at a powhiri yesterday morning.
Originally of Dunedin, Mr Willcocks' primary role was to act as a temporary or ''emergency'' principal when a permanent principal was not yet appointed or able to start work.
''It's part of what we do and we go and help.''
He did not mind being shifted around for the role.
''It's term by term but it depends on how far away from home I am.''
The last school he relieved at was Waiau Area School at Tuatapere.
Mr Willcocks had retired as a full-time principal but decided he still had ''skills to offer''.
Other staff changes at the school included the departure of deputy school principal Allan Jon and the appointment of two new teachers.
Lisa Hooker was appointed as the new senior science teacher and Taylor Pennell was hired to cover for maternity leave.
Mrs Hooker said the move to Owaka was prompted by her partner's wish to move to a ''colder climate'' as Nelson had become ''too hot''.
