“Let people fly”—A guide to effective distributed leadership practice within a kindergarten association

This qualitative study examined distributed leadership enactment within Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens in Aotearoa New Zealand, exploring effective practices, systems, and processes. Drawing on perspectives from teachers, positional leaders, and chief executives, findings revealed that intentional, values-based, supportive structures alongside clearly communicated leadership expectations enable effective distributed leadership. The article offers practical recommendations.