After 20 years, time for fishing and golfing

RETIRING: Westbrook School caretaker Kerry Crozier on a ride with help - (front left clockwise) Andreas Maru,10, Kerra-Lee Muncaster,11, Jason Gray,10 and Olivia Tahuriorangi,10. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Westbrook School's caretaker of 20 years will retire at the end of this term, giving him the chance to focus on fishing and golfing.

Kerry Crozier said he would miss the school, staff and children "but I'm past it now, it's time to go and do other things".

He said he had enjoyed caretaking because there was always something to do around the place and there was a variety of tasks.

They included groundwork, cleaning up, and fixing furniture and things that were broken, he said.

He would be moving back to Takaka, which he was looking forward to, and where he planned on doing a lot of golfing and fishing, he said.

Mr Crozier said he was also considering going overseas in the next couple of years for a sports event, such as a rugby match.

Westbrook School principal Colin Watkins said they were a school where the staff had longevity.

"Him being here for 20 years is not unusual and when someone does leave it's like you're losing a member of family."

Mr Watkins said there were "not many blokes" in the education industry, and he and Mr Crozier would talk about fishing and sport.

"I'm going to miss that."

He said the younger children would "just charge up to Kerry and hug his leg as he walks past".

"Kerry is going to be seriously missed by all of us."

Mr Watkins said there would be an afternoon tea to farewell Mr Crozier on his last day.

"We hope to have the new caretaker start in the last week so Kerry can show them the ropes."