Waikato Principals' Association
Welcome to 2026.
The Waikato Principals’ Association (WPA) is the collective voice for primary and intermediate school principals in the greater Waikato region.
WPA is a strong lobby and support group that has influence at both the local and national level
The WPA is a strong and viable professional organisation that has a history of successful service, initiatives and representation of principals’ interests in addressing the needs of primary and intermediate school education in New Zealand.
Schools act as collective, visible, and ongoing educational environments where actions support a shared vision of a commitment to growth through practices that inspire, support, and sustain a school culture centered on learning.
He Manawa tītī – “A person with the heart of a tītī,” Someone with great endurance, perseverance, and resilience, often used to honour leaders or staff who have demonstrated long-term commitment despite challenges.
Making Connections Days 2026
Term 2 (Week 6) Thursday 28th May 2026
Term 3 (Week 6) FRIDAY 28th August 2026
Term 4 (Week3) Thursday 29th October 2026
Please email the WPA administrator to indicate your interest and to be added to our “wait list”. [email protected]
Participation in the Waikato Principals Association Singapore Delegation 2026 represents an exceptional professional learning opportunity. This visit, marking ten years since the original delegation to Singapore in 2016, will allow principals to experience first-hand one of the world’s most highly regarded education systems. Engaging directly with Singaporean educators and seeing their practices in action will provide valuable insights into innovative teaching, leadership, and system-level strategies that are currently influencing global education trends, including those currently shaping our own sector in New Zealand.
The delegation will strengthen international networks, deepen our understanding of future-focused education initiatives, and inspire new thinking to enhance outcomes in our schools. The knowledge and connections gained will have a lasting impact, benefitting not only individual principals but also the communities and learners we serve.
Costs: $3,500NZD
This trip is open to all principals who are members of the Waikato Principals Association and are eager to expand their professional horizons, collaborate with international peers, and bring back fresh perspectives to their schools.
We eagerly anticipate your participation in this transformative and exciting learning journey. This is an excellent opportunity for school boards to invest in the future trajectory of your school, with significant subsidies from the WPA. We encourage you to seize this chance to enhance your leadership skills and contribute to the future success of your institution.
Come along and join your colleagues for our Term 3 Making Connection Day, to be held on a bus touring our very own local Waikato schools!! The WPA Executive have decided it’s time to take a look at some of our locally talented principals and beautiful schools within our own region. This will be a great day for plenty of mixing and mingling with colleagues and business partners alike! So jump aboard and register now!
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