Meet the principal: Joe Eccleton
Serving as the Executive Principal of Christ’s College, New Zealand’s only independent school for boys from Years 9 to 13, is a privilege that Joe Eccleton never takes for granted.
“Stepping into this role is not just a professional milestone for me; it is an opportunity to lead an institution with a rich history of academic excellence, character development, and community contribution,” he says.
“My journey to this position has been shaped by a lifelong passion for education, a belief in its transformative power, and a commitment to nurturing young men who will go on to have a meaningful impact on the world.”
Growing up in Hawke’s Bay, Joe was fortunate to attend an independent boys’ boarding school – “an experience that instilled in me a deep appreciation for the role education plays in shaping lives and the unique opportunities that come with single-sex education”.
“It was there that I learned the importance of camaraderie, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence, which are values I now strive to uphold and instil in the boys of Christ’s College,” he says.
“I firmly believe that education is the most powerful tool we have to empower individuals and uplift communities. It is not simply about academic achievement but about fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and providing our boys with a platform to develop a true sense of self-worth. At Christ’s College, we are entrusted with the incredible responsibility of guiding young men through their formative years, helping them discover what motivates them, and equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive in an ever-changing world – to be at their best.
“One of the things that most inspires me is that Christ’s College is such a strongly people-centred school. Having this opportunity to work alongside incredible staff gives me a real sense of purpose. All our teachers are committed to shaping and cultivating each boy while also building resilience and inspiring individual growth so that every student is best prepared for what lies ahead.”
Joe’s commitment is to ensure that students have the best opportunity to flourish in all areas – academically, culturally, emotionally, and spiritually.
“We want to cultivate an environment where an aspirational mindset is nurtured, where excellence is not just celebrated but expected, and where kindness, respect, and integrity are the cornerstones of our community,” he says.
For Joe, Christ’s College will always be a school that embraces both tradition and innovation, “as it is in this unique balance that we find inspiration for our future”.
“As an educator, I am filled with optimism and energy as we continue the school’s proud legacy of empowering our boys to make a difference.”