Many in Tokoroa knew Whetu Te Hiko was the suspect in the murder of teacher Lois Dear after his arrest on July 24, but one of those who did not expressed his shock yesterday.
Forest View High School principal Robert Blucher said Te Hiko had attended the school from Form
3 and kept out of trouble.
"He was no problem, so we're all quite shocked," he said.
He said Te Hiko was not a great academic achiever but had been involved in the school's kapa haka group.
"In his older years, he was one of the leaders."
Te Hiko had also sung and played guitar in school productions, and stayed at the school at least until the end of the Form 6. He also played rugby league outside of school.
A resident of the caravan park where Te Hiko lived before his arrest said Te Hiko still played league and had talked about it the weekend before police took him into custody.
Family members would not comment yesterday, but the principal of the primary school in Atiamuri that Te Hiko attended said relatives of his had removed their children from the school after his arrest.
"They've been really devastated by this business," Jill Fowler said.
At Te Hiko's first appearance, several of his relatives cried.
His aunt, Lexie Te Hiko, said they were in shock and felt sympathy for Ms Dear and her family.
"We're very sorry for Lois," she said. "We're crying today for her, and for Whetu, being our boy."
Police have not revealed whether Ms Dear knew Te Hiko, but her brother, Harley Dear, said the name was not known to the family when they were told of the arrest.
Authorities at Strathmore School, where Ms Dear's bashed body was found on July 16, would not comment.
