Lead Pyne House and shape Waihi School’s growing boarding programme

Director of Boarding

Waihi School | South Canterbury, New Zealand

A thriving boarding community. An ambitious new development. A rare opportunity to help shape what comes next.

Some leadership roles are about maintaining what already exists. Others offer the chance to leave a lasting mark.

This is one of those opportunities.

Established in 1907, Waihi School is the South Island's only independent co-educational boarding preparatory school. Set in the heart of rural South Canterbury, Waihi is known for its strong sense of community, exceptional pastoral care, high expectations and commitment to helping young people thrive.

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Boarding to lead Pyne House during an exciting period of growth. With a strong and well-established boarding programme, growing roll numbers and significant investment in expanded boarding facilities, this is an opportunity to help shape the future of boarding at Waihi.

For the right person, this role offers far more than the management of a boarding house. It is an opportunity to create an environment where young people feel safe, supported, challenged and valued, while helping guide an important new chapter in the school's history.

A Community with Strong Foundations

Waihi combines the strength of a long-established school with the energy of a community looking confidently towards the future.

Our boarding programme sits at the heart of school life. It is where friendships are formed, independence is fostered and a genuine sense of belonging is created. Supported by dedicated staff and engaged families, boarders experience a home away from home where relationships matter and every child is known.

As Director of Boarding, you will join a welcoming and collaborative team while having the freedom to bring your own leadership style, ideas and experience to the role.

The Opportunity

As Director of Boarding, you will lead the day-to-day life of Pyne House, ensuring our boarders enjoy a safe, welcoming and well-organised environment.

You'll have the opportunity to:

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for the boarding community, fostering strong relationships, building trust and maintaining meaningful connections with students, families and staff.
  • Help shape the development of expanded boarding facilities.
  • Build on existing strengths while refining systems and practices.
  • Create a positive and engaging boarding experience for students.
  • Lead and support a dedicated boarding team.
  • Foster student wellbeing, growth and belonging.
  • Build trusted relationships with families and caregivers.
  • Work closely with school leadership to strengthen the connection between boarding and wider school life.

This is a role that blends leadership, pastoral care, relationship building and strategic thinking in equal measure.

About You

You may already be an experienced boarding professional, housemaster, dean or pastoral leader. Equally, you may come from a broader education background and be looking for a leadership role where relationships and student wellbeing take centre stage.

You will bring:

  • Strong leadership and organisational skills.
  • Excellent judgement and decision-making ability.
  • Warmth, empathy and resilience.
  • The ability to maintain high expectations while building trust.
  • A genuine passion for supporting young people.

Most importantly, you'll recognise the opportunity this role presents: the chance to help shape a growing programme and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and their families.

We would also welcome expressions of interest from couples who may wish to explore a house parent arrangement, bringing complementary skills and a shared commitment to boarding life.

A Rewarding Role, A Distinctive Lifestyle

Waihi offers the opportunity to combine meaningful professional leadership with life in a supportive rural school community.

Benefits include:

  • Accommodation and meals provided.
  • The opportunity to help shape a growing boarding programme.
  • A meaningful leadership role with real influence.
  • Strong support from staff, families and school leadership.
  • The chance to work closely with exceptional young people.
  • A beautiful South Canterbury lifestyle with space, community and outdoor opportunities on your doorstep.

At Waihi, we believe in less screens, more green. We want children to have the opportunity to explore, build friendships, embrace challenges and simply enjoy being children. Our boarding programme plays a vital role in making that possible.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you are excited by the opportunity to lead a thriving boarding community, help shape an important development and contribute to the future of Waihi School, we'd love to hear from you.

For a confidential conversation or to arrange a visit, please contact:

Kat Thompson Executive Assistant to the Headmaster executive@waihi.school.nz | (03) 687 8071

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