Area school principals' te rau Titoki leave

Te Rau Titoki refers to the Titoki tree that flowers only in the spring. The seed is held on the tree for a year and then falls to the ground to become the Titoki tree. In that year on the tree the Titoki seed grows, matures and everything that is needed to be the Titoki tree is developed.

The Area School Principals' Te Rau Titoki Leave provides 10, 20 or 30 school weeks' paid leave. The purpose of the Te Rau Titoki leave is to enable Area School Principals to take time to focus on undertaking the community responsibilities outside of leading their school that are integral to their principal role. 

Te Rau Titoki leave allows tumuaki to take some time to be involved in some areas of leadership in the community.

Each year under the Area School Principals' Sabbatical there are 18 sabbaticals available to principals, in state or state-integrated area schools, covered by the Area School Principals' Collective Agreement (ASPCA). In 2022 it is expected 5-6 principals will be allocated Te Rau Titoki leave from this allocation.

Applications for the 2025 Area School Principals’ Te Rau Titoki leave will be opening on Wednesday 3 April 2024.

To apply for this award/sabbatical you are required to use your existing ESL role with an account and login. You can review your ESL account details here: https://applications.education.govt.nz/education-sector-logon-esl/how-use-esl/self-service

If you do not currently have an ESL role, please contact your school's Delegated Authoriser who will be able to set up an ESL role for you for the "Te Mahau Service Portal".

Please make sure you read all the webpages for information on the award before applying.

Am I eligible for an Area School Principals' Te Rau Titoki leave?

If you wish to apply for an Area School Principals' Te Rau Titoki leave, you must:

  • be employed as an area school principal in a New Zealand state or state-integrated school
  • be employed under the Area School Principals' Collective Agreement (ASPCA) or applicable Individual Employment Agreement (IEA) 
  • have completed at least five years' service as a principal in a New Zealand state or state-integrated school
  • have the support of your school’s board of trustees and the submission of a proposal of work to be undertaken during the leave. 

Preference is given to applicants who meet the eligibility and assessment criteria and who have not received a study award or sabbatical in the last five years.

Please note there is no reimbursement of costs associated with the leave.

You can apply for both the Area School Principals' Sabbatical and Te Rau Titoki leave, you can only accept one to undertake.

Contact Us

We're here to help. If you can't find the answer you're looking for in the application guidelines, get in touch with us by calling 0800 165 225 or email teacher.studyawards@education.govt.nz

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