Change of principals for Makauri School

Departing principal Brendon Fiebig, left, with Makauri School’s new principal Cambell McNaught. Mr Fiebig had to make the tough call of resigning after his home was placed in Category 3 after Cyclone Gabrielle. Picture by Paul Rickard

“Excited and looking forward to the opportunity,” is how Makauri School’s new principal Cambell McNaught summed up the year ahead . . . not without some sadness, though, for departing principal and friend Brendon Fiebig.

Mr Fiebig made the tough decision to hand in his resignation after their family home in Whataupoko was assessed as Category 3 following Cyclone Gabrielle.

A landslide affecting the house at the end of Russell Street initially saw it yellow-stickered. Soon afterwards it was discovered the land remained fragile and continued to move, causing the Category 3 risk assessment that deems it uninhabitable.

Mr Fiebig has been the principal at Makauri School for the past two years. He has mixed emotions about leaving — saying he will miss the “incredible school” but is grateful to be leaving it in good hands.

Cambell McNaught has worked in education since 2010 as a teacher, including the past five years as deputy principal at Gisborne Central School. He is looking forward to building new connections at Makauri with staff, parents, children and the wider community — and has a few family connections already through Ngatapa Rugby & Associated Sports Club, both as a player for the men’s cricket and football teams — where he played alongside Mr Fiebig — and the coach of a “nippers” rugby team.

“It’s an exciting time to be taking over at Makauri as building works will come to completion just before school starts back in 2024. We will have a refreshed admin and entrance space as well as two refurbished classrooms,” said Mr McNaught.

“Understanding where our priorities lie”, was the deciding factor for Mr Fiebig and his family to return to Morrinsville, Waikato — where they will be closer to family members.

The painful process of waiting for a buyout settlement and insurance payout from EQC while juggling the mortgage and a rental property also contributed to that decision.

“Makauri school and SuperGrans Tairāwhiti Trust have been fantastic and people have been amazing,” he said.

Mr Fiebig has secured a new position as principal of a school in the Morrinsville area.

“I will be sad to see Brendon and his family leave the area but know we will keep in touch,” said Mr McNaught.