The Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Pili as the new Senior School Principal, commencing in Term 1, 2026. After a comprehensive process, the Board unanimously selected Ms. Pili for her outstanding experience, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to the community. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for our collegiate.
Christine’s extensive background includes 18 years of experience in educational leadership, including her most recent role as Associate Principal and Principal Delegated Authority at Tangaroa College, where she has successfully overseen school property, finance, and staffing. Her leadership is characterised by a unique balance of collaborative and relational engagement, with a sharp focus on strategic insight and outcomes-driven results. A leader who leads with humility and integrity, Christine inspires others by leading with mana and heart. She is a passionate advocate for all ākonga; a student-focused leader who believes in providing every student with the opportunity to succeed.
Ms. Pili’s commitment to cultural responsiveness aligns perfectly with our school values. A champion of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, she actively integrates Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems into her leadership. Her dedication to building authentic relationships with families and community is a key strength, and her strong focus on Māori and Pasifika achievement has been evident in her leadership of initiatives like fono and hui to discuss stronger pathways for students.
As a visionary for academic excellence, Christine is an expert on curriculum and NZQA requirements. She uses student achievement data to improve outcomes in core subjects like literacy and numeracy. Ms. Pili is also committed to creating seamless pathways for students by forging strong connections with the tertiary sector, trades, and the world of work. Her leadership style includes personally leading professional development sessions, demonstrating her commitment to staying connected with and growing her team.
We are confident that Christine Pili’s comprehensive skill set and alignment with our values of Respect, Whanaungatanga, and Excellence make her the ideal leader to help nurture, inspire and empower our students to become lifelong achievers.
SEHC Board of Trustees