Karl Zimmerman

Karl is a principal advisor for schools in the Manawatu-Whanganui-Taranaki-Ruapehu region.

He has had over 20 years of principal experience in urban and rural schools in Whanganui, Taranaki and King Country, most recently as Principal of St Anne’s Catholic School in Whanganui.

Karl has strong Catholic school connections. He has also led many Principal Associations and was recently leading the Whanganui Takitini collaborative with ECE, primary and secondary leaders as well as working closely with local iwi. He was seconded to the Education Review Office part time in his last three years as a principal.

Karl believes that building trusting and strong relationships is imperative for principals in their role as school leaders. He continues to explore new pedagogies to ensure that schools create learning environments that are engaging and build skills that ākonga need for lifelong learning.

Karl lives in Whanganui with his wife Clare, with two children at home and two at university. His interests include spending quality time with his family, keeping fit, following his children’s activities, tramping, and reading.