Tumeke Tumuaki is an initiative created by the Principals’ Council of NZEI Te Riu Roa in 2022 which recognises and celebrates the amazing contribution principals make to education.
This year the event will be celebrated on Wednesday 31 July.
This year’s whakataukī embodies the importance of collectivism and unity for principals:
Ki te kotahi te kākaho ka whati, ki te kāpuia e kore e whati | A single reed will break, but if it is bunched together it will not.
The day celebrates principal members, highlighting and recognising the unique contribution and strengths they bring to our collective mahi and acknowledging the critical work they do every day.
Some key points about celebrating Tumeke Tumuaki:
• Tumeke Tumuaki is our chance to recognise principals as the cornerstone of our education system.
• The celebrations highlight the work that principals do for their schools, tamariki and communities, which often goes unsung.
• Tumuaki are the rock within our education system. The support and resourcing they receive to carry out this essential role is nowhere near enough to meet the many demands. Instead, they dig deep daily and draw from their own time, resources and personal connections to manage their roles.
• Tumeke Tumuaki shows our commitment to listening to principals and standing beside them to help make their profession sustainable.
• Supporting principals is essential as they resolve crucial issues that enable tamariki to thrive.