Brett Larsen

Brett Larsen is a Leadership Advisor and Regional Lead for the Beginning Principal Project across Ikaroa Nōta, supporting beginning principals throughout Auckland, Northland, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty. He brings more than 20 years of educational leadership experience gained in both New Zealand and international settings. 

In New Zealand, Brett has served as a principal, Kāhui Ako co-leader, and Lecturing Fellow at the University of Waikato.  Internationally, Brett has been a principal and senior leader of private schools and a senior management consultant supporting schools through national educational reform. As a teacher, he has been the recipient of national awards recognising excellence and innovation in education. 

Brett is deeply committed to people and is passionate about building highly effective school cultures enabling equity and excellence in learning. A pragmatic and values-driven leader, he draws on his extensive experience to support and inspire both current and future educational leaders. 

Brett partners with principals and leadership teams to: 

• clarify vision, set strategic direction, and successfully lead change 

• grow leadership confidence, capability, and succession pathways 

• build collaborative, high-performing teams and organisational cultures 

• create the conditions for excellent teaching, learning, and learner wellbeing 

• develop curriculum that reflects national priorities and the aspirations of the community 

• navigate complex leadership challenges with practical advice, support, and a focus on sustainable improvement. 

Outside of his work, Brett enjoys being out on the water fishing near his home in the Bay of Plenty, seeking elusive birdies on the golf course, and enjoying the company of whānau and friends.