Gerald Koberstein

Principal Advisor

Gerald is a principal advisor based in Whangārei, working primarily with Beginning Principals. He is currently on leave from his role as Principal at Onerahi School, a school with a reputation for being a leader in innovation and growing learners for the future.

Gerald has wide experience as a Principal and teacher across all sectors of the educational community both nationally and locally in New Zealand, and also overseas in the private sector. He has worked alongside leaders from all sectors in a role as a leadership and management advisor and a facilitator in the Principals Development Leadership centre in Wellington. In 2004, He was awarded the prestigious ASB/APPA/TTPA Travelling Fellowship, researching programmes that were being run in the UK and Ireland to enhance and develop principals’ professional development.

Gerald is strongly committed to recognising and developing leadership in others and nurturing the individuality everyone brings to the role. He believes a clear, precise practical approach to strategic planning and vision setting that is developed through effective community wide collaboration is an excellent foundation for principals to scaffold their role. For any plan to be effective it must be owned and understood by all. Reflective practice and self-review are vital to the sustainability of one’s leadership.

His current role involves him working with principals on:

  •  Building and strengthening community engagement.

  • Working and engaging with the wider educational community.

  • Strengthening cultural awareness and responsiveness.

  • Collaborative practice.

  • Strategic thinking and leadership planning.

  • Reflective practice and self review.

  • Work/ life balance and well-being.

Some of Gerald’s key roles in the sector have included President of the Tai Tokerau Principals’ Association, National Vice President of the New Zealand Area Schools Association, and Executive member of the Whangārei Principals Association. Gerald has been recognised for his contribution to the education sector by being made a Fellow of the Auckland Principals’ Association in 2019.

Gerald and his wife Cherry, live in Maunu, Whangārei, on their large garden and avocado orchard. They have three adult daughters who live in Auckland and Whangārei. The next generation of seven grandchildren, keep them ‘busy and future focussed.’