Meet Emalene

Emalene Cull

Wahine Toa | Heart-led | Strategic Change-Maker

Meet Emalene: Strategic thinker, creative leader, and deeply grounded educator. A proud descendant of Ngāi Tahu, Taranaki, and the spirited people of Poland, Emalene brings a rich blend of cultural heritage, empathy, and insight to every space she enters. As Principal of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Paeroa and Consultant with Momentum Learning, she’s known for her ability to lead with both heart and clarity—navigating change, building connection, and creating impact that lasts.

Rooted in evidence-based practice and the science of learning, Emalene’s curriculum expertise is matched by her strategic mindset. She has led whole-school curriculum design and review processes that honour culture, integrate The Arts and Te Ao Māori, and uplift both kaiako and ākonga. Her work supports schools to move from intention to action—ensuring learning is both meaningful and measurable.

With a strong foundation in emotional intelligence and a natural talent for collaborative leadership, Emalene guides teams through complex change with calm, courage, and care. Whether she’s mentoring leaders, co-designing strategy, or sparking innovative ideas, she brings people together to do their best thinking—and their best work.

From classroom practice to system-level strategy, Emalene is all about growing confidence, capability, and cultures of learning—thoughtfully, creatively, and with a whole lot of heart.

Emalene’s Experience Includes

Emalene Cull brings over 20 years of experience in education, spanning classroom teaching, curriculum leadership, and principalship across diverse Catholic school communities. With a career grounded in the values of connection, creativity, and service, she has led transformative change in both urban and regional settings—supporting schools to grow inclusive cultures, strengthen teaching practice, and embed strategic vision.

Emalene’s leadership is backed by deep expertise in curriculum design, emotional intelligence, and the science of learning. She has successfully led school-wide curriculum reviews, designed culturally responsive learning pathways, and supported kaiako to lift outcomes for all learners. Her strategic approach is strengthened by her natural ability to connect with others, guide change thoughtfully, and bring clarity to complex challenges.

In her role as a Momentum Learning Consultant, Emalene partners with leaders and teams to design and deliver professional learning that is practical, research-informed, and values-led. Whether facilitating leadership wānanga, coaching principals, or co-constructing strategy, Emalene’s approach is always anchored in purpose, partnership, and possibility.