Here are the top pay packets at the top private schools. St Kentigern, a network of four private schools in Auckland, has been found to pay its senior staff – mostly principals – an average of more than $370,000 a year. Its combined roll of 3506 makes it easily the largest private school in the country and among the largest schools in New Zealand. $205,875 ($1.6m, 8)Founded in 1850, Christ’s is the oldest private school in the country and was modelled on the upper crust of the English public school system. Half the size of its crosstown private rival St Andrew’s, the elder institution still boasts – outside eccentric colossus Dilworth – the country’s largest private school investment portfolio.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 26, 2025 17:30 UTC