Kawerau college's new head named

The new Year 7 to 13 college in Kawerau will be led by a former deputy principal of the school, Helen Tuhoro.

The Establishment Board of Trustees said Mrs Tuhoro accepted the position after being selected by the board from the four shortlisted applicants.

Mrs Tuhoro, a long-time Kawerau resident, is deputy principal of Trident High School in Whakatane. She spent 11 years at Kawerau College, four as deputy principal, before taking up the number two position at Trident in 2000. Before joining the college, Mrs Tuhoro taught for six years at Kawerau Intermediate School, specialising in music.

The new Year 7 to 13 school is expected to open next year and will be built on Kawerau College's River Rd site following a Ministry of Education decision to close the college and intermediate school.

"I have lived in Kawerau for 30 years and have taught at both of the schools affected by the closure, so I have empathy and understanding for families who are concerned about the changes," Mrs Tuhoro said.

"I loved my time at Kawerau Intermediate and Kawerau College. In their heyday they were humming, they thrived - and we can achieve that again.

"It's important to acknowledge the past and the people who have contributed in the past, and the successes that have come out of Kawerau - and that are still coming out of the town today."

Aaron Rangihika, chairman of the Establishment Board of Trustees, said choosing the principal for the new school was a crucial decision.

"After much consideration, we have finalised the appointment of Helen Tuhoro," Mr Rangihika said. "We have worked through a demanding and, at times, challenging process and are very happy with the outcome."

There were 12 expressions of interest in the position and four applicants were shortlisted.

Mr Rangihika said applications for the position of deputy principal closed last Friday and, because the ministry had decided to close the college and intermediate school, all teaching and staff positions would be advertised.

Four architects had been shortlisted to design the new school and will be presenting their plans and ideas to the board today.

Mr Rangihika said a presentation of the final architectural plans should be available to the Kawerau community by mid-August.