I'm Stephen M. Autagavaia, a dedicated educator with a long career in New Zealand schools, spanning roles from literacy support to principal leadership. I am passionate about student learning, wellbeing, and building strong school communities where akonga can thrive. I am committed to tikanga Maori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in education, and I enjoy collaborating with families, staff, and communities to design engaging learning experiences. I bring a collaborative, data-informed approach to leadership, with a focus on inclusive practices, staff development, and holistic student outcomes. I look forward to continuing to contribute to high-quality teaching, meaningful curriculum design, and positive school culture.

Stephen Mu. Autagavaia

I'm Stephen M. Autagavaia, a dedicated educator with a long career in New Zealand schools, spanning roles from literacy support to principal leadership. I am passionate about student learning, wellbeing, and building strong school communities where akonga can thrive. I am committed to tikanga Maori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in education, and I enjoy collaborating with families, staff, and communities to design engaging learning experiences. I bring a collaborative, data-informed approach to leadership, with a focus on inclusive practices, staff development, and holistic student outcomes. I look forward to continuing to contribute to high-quality teaching, meaningful curriculum design, and positive school culture.

Available to hire

I’m Stephen M. Autagavaia, a dedicated educator with a long career in New Zealand schools, spanning roles from literacy support to principal leadership. I am passionate about student learning, wellbeing, and building strong school communities where akonga can thrive. I am committed to tikanga Maori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in education, and I enjoy collaborating with families, staff, and communities to design engaging learning experiences.

I bring a collaborative, data-informed approach to leadership, with a focus on inclusive practices, staff development, and holistic student outcomes. I look forward to continuing to contribute to high-quality teaching, meaningful curriculum design, and positive school culture.

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Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
Māori
Advanced

Work Experience

Dean of Tararua House; Subject Teacher (Social Science and Business Studies) at Freyberg High School, Palmerston North
October 1, 2023 - Present
Dean of Tararua House and teacher for Years 9–10, specialising in Social Science and Business Studies; responsible for pastoral care, student wellbeing, and curriculum delivery.
Principal at St Patrick's Catholic School, Taumarunui
November 30, 2015 - July 1, 2018
Principal leading school operations; steered the Education Review and External Catholic Character Review in 2016.
Director of Religious Studies; Pastoral Dean; Senior Leader at Hato Paora College, Taumarunui (Fielding)
July 1, 2018 - December 31, 2023
Director of Religious Studies; member of the Senior Leadership Team; led curriculum reviews and pastoral care; contracted to assist MoE with Religious Studies curriculum (Sept 2019 – Apr 2020).
Special Needs Coordinator (SENCO); HOD Life and Faith; SENCO Vocational Pathways Coordinator; HOD Social Studies at Wesley College, Auckland
July 1, 2008 - November 27, 2015
SENCO and HOD roles; led assessment, careers advice, and pastoral programmes; coordinated staff development and student support.
Dean at St Mary MacKillop
January 1, 2006 - May 31, 2008
Dean contributing to school leadership.
Literacy Support at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate, Otara
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2002
Junior literacy support and related learning initiatives.
Team Leader Year 6/7/8 at Tamaki Intermediate
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1995
Led Year 6–8 students with a focus on curriculum integration and assessment.
Junior Level Coordinator / Deputy Principal Middle School at Viscount School
January 1, 1996 - December 31, 1998
Coordinator and deputy principal responsibilities across middle school.
Assistant Principal at Otahuhu College
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2005
Assistant Principal; leadership and administration.

Education

Diploma of Teaching, Primary at University of Auckland
January 1, 1987 - February 3, 2026
Trained Teachers Certificate at Auckland Education Board
January 1, 1989 - February 3, 2026
First Time Principals Programme at University of Waikato and Evaluation Associates Ltd
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2017

Qualifications

Diploma of Teaching, Primary
January 1, 1987 - February 3, 2026
Trained Teachers Certificate
January 1, 1989 - February 3, 2026
First Time Principals Programme
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2017

Industry Experience

Education, Non-Profit Organization, Government, Professional Services

Experience Level