Otago Primary Principals Association

Welcome to the webpage of the Otago Primary Principals Association (OPPA), located in the beautiful city of Dunedin, New Zealand. Established in 1992, OPPA has a rich history, evolving from the Dunedin Headmasters' Association (1959-69), Otago Headmasters' Association (1969-83), and the Dunedin Primary Principals' Association (1984-91).

With the implementation of "Tomorrow's Schools" in 1989, there arose a need for an organization to support and advocate for the welfare of Otago Primary Principals. OPPA became the go-to association for its members, providing collegial support and relevant professional development. In addition to organizing seminars, OPPA maintains regular liaison meetings with the Ministry of Education, Education Review Office, and Group Special Education, ensuring that the voices of Otago primary principals are heard and their needs addressed.

OPPA proudly serves 126 schools in the Otago region, making a significant impact on the education landscape. As an affiliated member of the New Zealand Principals' Federation (NZPF), OPPA has played a prominent role in national leadership. Two Otago principals, Nola Hambleton and Paddy Ford, have even served as presidents of the NZPF. The association has also hosted three successful National Conventions in 1995, 2005, and 2010, demonstrating its commitment to fostering professional growth and collaboration among principals nationwide.

For those interested in delving into the rich history of primary principals' associations in Otago, we recommend reading "Sound Principals, Sound Principles (Primary Principals' Associations in Otago)", a historical account by Danny Knudson, a long-serving Otago principal.

To stay updated with OPPA's latest activities and achievements, please check out our Annual Report and access links to the New Zealand Principal's Federation. Additionally, if you are interested in executive nominations or applying for prestigious awards, you can find the necessary forms on our webpage.

Join us at OPPA, where we strive to create a supportive and empowering environment for Otago primary principals, ensuring the best possible education for our students.