Leading with Heart: How One School in New Zealand is Transforming Education Through Presence, Equity and Joy

In this powerful episode of The Spark Changemakers Podcast, Nikki sits down with Shannon McDougall, the principal of Tokoiti School in South Otago, New Zealand — a small rural school with a mighty vision. Shannon shares how he's turned his lifelong passion for equity, wellbeing and creativity into a living, breathing culture of authenticity and connection.

From making education completely free for every child, to developing Te Noho Tahi — a holistic wellbeing model that centres human presence over performance — Shannon’s leadership is a masterclass in conscious education. He opens up about how his school has embedded daily rituals that uplift staff and students, how AI is being harnessed to create more space for human connection, and why relationship is at the heart of all true transformation.

This is more than a conversation about schools — it’s about humanity, belonging, and what becomes possible when we lead from who we are, not just what we do.

✨ Topics include:

• Making education truly free and accessible
• Putting teacher wellbeing first (and meaning it)
• The Te Noho Tahi wellbeing model and “space for listening”
• AI as a time-saving gift for relational practice
• Building a whole-school culture of presence, equity and love

🔗 Connect with Shannon:

• Learn more about Tokoiti School: https://tokoiti.school.nz/
• Explore Te Noho Tahi, Shannon's relationship and wellbeing framework here
• Dive deeper into Shannon's philosophy over on his blog: https://tenohotahi.substack.com/