Graeme Budler

Executive Principal

Graeme has been married to Colette for 30 years and has three children who have all had the privilege of attending KingsWay School. He enjoys a wide range of interests including running, golf, drama, cycling, Bible study and academic reading. Graeme is involved in leadership at his church, is a member of several Boards and has led several missions both locally and abroad. His personal goal is to be proficient in Te Reo Māori as soon as possible.

Graeme has experience with a wide range of ages and stages of students having taught primary, intermediate and more recently senior levels. Prior to his time at KingsWay School, he taught in both the state and private education sectors for 10 years and left education briefly for three years to join Scripture Union as a full time worker.

Graeme commenced his tenure at KingsWay in 2002 and has served as Head of Middle School, Deputy Principal, Associate Principal and currently as Executive Principal since 2015. He has a passion for Christian education and has been integrally involved with shaping the KingsWay School curriculum. His goal is to continue to improve on the current achievements and strategic initiatives of the school and progress the excellent reputation that the school enjoys both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, he aims to ensure that the school and its remote campuses remain Christ-centred and an inspirational, professionally stimulating learning environment that provides the best outcomes for students and their families.

Principal's Update

The Board and management are committed to ensuring that KingsWay remains a vibrant Christian school of choice that prepares graduates to be servant leaders in the Kingdom of God. KingsWay’s student roll continues to grow exponentially, and currently, there are 1600 students with an expected student roll of 2100 in the next ten years. In 2019, the Board and Proprietors adopted the 2030 Strategic Growth and Development Plan. This document signals a new chapter for the school's growth, not only in facilities but in the capacity and capability of the school to deliver exceptional students outcomes.

In the meanwhile, the school continues to experience success in all areas of the curriculum. Interest in sport continues to grow at KingsWay. We currently have more than 100 sports teams. Academically KingsWay students consistently achieve higher when compared both nationally and to similar decile school rankings (see academic results for 2020). Interests in the arts continue, with a highlight being the annual dance festival and biannual Senior School production. From 2022, the school has a full-time Arts Director who oversees and enhances the co-curricular arts programme.

The outworking of KingsWay’s Christian unique character remains a passionate vision of school leaders. Staff receive weekly professional development to equip them with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to share their faith and subject content from a biblical worldview.

I am confident that KingsWay School, with God’s help, is poised and ready to take on the next 30 years. I am looking forward to being part of this journey. I will endeavour to ensure that the necessary leadership team is in place to continue this incredible vision for outworking quality Christian education in Auckland. If you wish to partner with the school in the education of your child, please contact us for more information or request a tour.