Only 8% of primary principals can do their job in 50 hours a week or less, according to NZCER’s 2024 National Survey of primary principals. Most (71%) worked 56 hours or more, up from 66% in 2016.
The survey of 187 principals found 89% enjoyed their job. But 40% disagreed that the work-related stress in their job was manageable, and only 43% called their workload manageable, up from 29% in 2019.
The New Zealand Primary Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey points the same way. Its 2021 data report, published in January 2022, surveyed 411 primary school leaders. Deakin University researchers including Professor Phil Riley wrote it, with funding from NZEI Te Riu Roa.
That report found school leaders had significantly lower general health and more frequent symptoms of burnout than the New Zealand working population average. Sheer quantity of work was the biggest source of stress, followed by lack of time to focus on teaching and learning. In the previous 12 months, 28% had faced threats of violence and 29% physical violence.
More recent figures come from the union. An NZEI Te Riu Roa poll of 228 primary principals in late 2025, focused on curriculum change, found 96% said the combined effect of curriculum changes and workload had harmed their health and wellbeing. The union, which has opposed the pace of the Government’s curriculum changes, reported that 73% were likely to quit within five years.
What the law and the agreements say
The board employs the principal. Under section 36 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of its workers, and the Act defines health as physical and mental health.
The Primary Principals’ (NZEI Te Riu Roa) Collective Agreement, which runs to August 2028, draws boards’ attention to the Act. Where a principal’s health and safety is shown to be at risk in carrying out their duties, it says the employer will take all reasonable steps to remove or minimise that risk.
The Secondary Principals’ Collective Agreement goes further. It says the board will consult the principal on appropriate supports for their wellbeing, which may include a wellbeing plan and regular check-ins to make sure the principal has the support they need.
Annual leave is covered too. The secondary agreement’s latest settlement calls regular annual leave “an essential part of supporting principal wellbeing”. Boards must keep clear leave records, principals are entitled to six weeks a year, and the board must arrange cover while the principal is away.
Under the primary agreement, principals take annual leave when the school is closed for instruction, in the year it falls due, unless the board and principal agree in writing to carry it over. A board can ask a principal to work during the holidays, but the agreement says it will try to make sure that requirement isn’t unreasonable.
Longer breaks and outside support
The Ministry of Education offers 105 Primary Principals’ Sabbaticals a year, each giving 10 school weeks of paid leave to reflect, rejuvenate and study. There are also 20 Long-Serving Principals’ Sabbaticals of 20 weeks for principals with at least 15 years’ service.
A primary applicant needs at least five years as a principal in state or state-integrated schools and the support of their board, including any agreed costs. The most recent round ran through June. Secondary principals can apply for 40 full-time equivalent sabbaticals of three, five or 10 weeks, with up to $5,000 in costs reimbursed.
Principals can also apply for a Primary Principals’ Study Award, a paid leave option for study. There are 75 full-time teacher equivalent awards a year, shared with teachers.
For day-to-day support, the Ministry’s leadership advisory service has 32 seconded or recent principals working regionally through Te Mahau. Their support covers principal and staff wellbeing as well as board and community relationships, and most of it is face to face. Sandy Hastings, a recent leadership advisor, says “Being a principal can be a lonely place”.
Boards with a question about their obligations as an employer can call the NZ School Boards Association (NZSBA), formerly NZSTA, on 0800 782 435. The Ministry’s circulars point boards there for human resources advice.
