Season 2, Episode 34: Navigating employment law and professional standards
The Principals (Aotearoa | New Zealand)Show Notes
In this episode, we continue our conversation with three education law experts, turning our attention to employment matters and the growing challenges around social media. We discuss the principles of natural justice and due process, the warning signs that a principal's own employment situation may be escalating, and the legal complexities around long-term sick leave and medical incapacity. We also look at the most common legal mistakes principals make when dealing with teacher capability or conduct issues, and explore the themes emerging around social media misuse and professional boundaries. Please note that this episode was recorded at the end of 2025. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not reflect the official policy or position of the New Zealand government or the Ministry of Education. Hosted by Eleisha McNeill. Our guests are:
Gretchen Stone, education lawyer at Harrison Stone Fi McMillan, education lawyer at Anderson Lloyd Patrick Walsh, education lawyer and tumuaki of Sacred Heart College.
Additional information
Principals Advice and Support Limited (PASL), an optional legal support scheme for principals through the New Zealand Principals' Federation: nzpf.ac.nz The Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand (SPANZ) offers an optional legal fund for secondary principals through Harrison Stone: https://www.spanz.school.nz The New Zealand School Boards Association (NZSBA) provides advice for schools: https://www.tewhakaroputanga.org.nz NZEI Te Riu Roa offers support for member principals: www.nzei.org.nz PPTA (Post Primary Teachers' Association) has field officers who can provide advice for members: ppta.org.nz
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