Tara Kanji to become the new principal for Tauranga Girls College

Outgoing Tauranga Girls College principal Pauline Cowens and her replacement, Tara Kanji. Photos / File and Supplied

A new principal for Tauranga Girls College has been announced.

Tara Kanji will take over from the long-serving Pauline Cowens, who has spent 19 years at the school, 17 as principal.

Kanji said it was a privilege and honour to be appointed to the position "and I am looking forward to contributing to the ongoing success of Tauranga Girls College".

Cowens said the school was excited about the appointment and board of trustees chairwoman Megan Cleverly said she was pleased Kanji had accepted the role.

Kanji, originally from the Bay of Plenty, has more than nine years' experience in senior leadership roles, including assistant principal at Cambridge High School, and is the deputy principal for learning and teaching at Sacred Heart Girls College in Hamilton.

Cleverly said the board was impressed by the many qualities Kanji possessed "and her proven record to build meaningful professional relationships, leading change management and her commitment to student engagement and learning to improve student outcomes".

"She is a passionate educator who is both inspired by and committed to the education of young women and having the experience of working at a girls' college; she understands the special character of Tauranga Girls College.

"Her leadership style is collaborative, rich in equity and diversity and this will enable her to establish a collaborative environment to lead the school into the future."

Kanji will begin at the school in January.