Following an “enormous” number of applications for the role of principal of Wānaka Primary School (WPS), the school board has announced the successful applicant.

Rob Rush, who is currently principal at Clearview Primary in Rolleston (near Christchurch), will begin at Wānaka Primary in the new year.

Long-serving principal Wendy Bamford will retire at the end of this year.

WPS board chair Brendan Hearle said the number of applicants for Wendy’s role has been “double the normal response rate in New Zealand”.  

Rob has more than 20 years’ experience in education.

“We had applicants from all over New Zealand and overseas which is testament to the hard work that all of the teaching staff and management have put into this school, hence making it known as one of the best schools in New Zealand,” he said.

Rob comes with a wealth of experience with over two decades in the education sector in New Zealand, Brendan said.

“Rob has both been a teacher and principal of several schools in both the North and South Island and is a keen mountain biker and multisport athlete so will fit in well to our community,” he said.

“The Board would like to formally welcome Rob to the Wānaka community and we look forward to working with him from 2025 onwards.”

PHOTOS: Supplied