For more than a decade, the New Zealand Principals’ Federation has been structured, steadied, and steered by an extraordinary person, Liz Hawes. Technically the Executive Officer, Liz has been a constant behind the scenes, ensuring the NZPF has not only survived through a decade of constant political and professional upheaval, but thrived. She might have stepped into retirement, but Liz leaves behind an organisation strengthened by her wisdom, compassion, and loyalty. One that, like Liz, is primed to step into its next phase of life.
When a principal is elected to be the President of the NZPF, there isn’t a specific training regime that comes with it. It’s clear that the role is quite different from leading in a school; the passion and purpose is the same, but the responsibilities and leadership duties are very different. Meetings with Ministers, back-to-back media interviews, public scrutiny; all while representing an entire profession. It doesn’t come easily for every appointee.
For the last 15 years, Liz Hawes hasn’t just kept the office lights on, she’s guided 10 presidents through the complexity of education policy, the challenges of ministerial relations, and the competing demands of their presidencies. She made each president believe they could do the job – because she believed in them first.
Liz’s long-held dream of having a single table shared with every president she served almost came true at her farewell in December 2025. The appreciation in the air was intoxicating. Many presidents remembered starting out a little naïve and quickly feeling overwhelmed. Despite that, they grew into confident and skilled public leaders because Liz guided them there.
No matter what issues would crop up, Liz was the strategist and advisor at their shoulder. Presidents recalled diplomatic edits to their fiery emails, rewrites of their overly long speeches, and the many times she quietly saved them from political traps. Liz would rehearse tough interviews, walk them through political nuance, rescue them with last-minute edits, and sometimes send the sharp text that began, “Why on earth did you say that?” No matter what, Liz ensured every president emerged composed, credible, and capable.
Amongst the laughter and tears of joy at her farewell, Liz, filled with gratitude and grace, said that “every president changed her, every leader taught her something, and NZPF became a family she cherishes as much as they cherish her.”
Liz had a knack for anticipating the presidents’ needs before they arose and prevented more than a few “spectacularly stupid decisions,” as several presidents joked. Her coaching was legendary for its balance of wit and candour. Her critiques, blunt and fearless, were delivered with compassion and care.
All 10 presidents Liz served had their strengths, their weaknesses, and their quirks. Liz brought out the best in each of them. Across the board, Liz is remembered as a brilliant strategist, a friend, and a core support during their tenures.
“Liz kept me safe. She made me look good. She helped me survive,” one president said.
The federation is stronger because of her, and every leader she supported is better because of her unwavering commitment, well-earned respect and deep loyalty.
If you haven’t had the chance to meet or work with Liz, you’ll likely know her name and face from this magazine. Liz has been the editor and core author of this NZ Principal magazine, driving the publication forward and keeping it filled with rich information for almost 60 magazines!
In Liz’s wake, the NZPF has introduced two new roles (for now). Dr Kim Hailwood has been brought on as a research and policy officer and Alex Maplesden has been brought on as the senior communications advisor. Together, they bring a great set of skills and experience that are already building on the solid foundation Liz created. And with a new President in town, the future for the federation is looking bright.