New Sunset Primary School principal Eden Chapman ready for new challenge

Incoming Sunset Primary School principal Eden Chapman with Ropati Tyrell, 5. Photo / Stephen Parker

Eden Chapman has spent 10 years as principal of Horohoro School. Now he's ready for a new challenge and is gearing up to take on the role at Sunset Primary.

The school has roughly double the number of pupils as Horohoro but Chapman said he was looking for a challenge and new opportunity.

"I love Rotorua, I love our kids and my colleagues with the principals association so I really wanted to find a good position in a school in Rotorua.

"I'm always looking for a challenge and opportunities. Coming to Sunset is a new opportunity to further my career in education.

Eden Chapman has been the Horohoro School principal for 10 years. Photo / Stephen Parker

Chapman officially takes over as principal in January but is already working with outgoing principal Niels Rasmussen, including in the development of a Child Equity Programme proposed to be piloted at the school.

"For me it's a privilege to take over as principal and from Raz [Rasmussen] after 19 years of dedicated service and hard work. I'm really looking forward to building on his legacy bringing my own skills, attributes and ideas to support the fantastic things that are already happening," Chapman said.

"My initial focus is going to be building relationships with the children, building relationships with the staff, learning about the school and finding out where I can add value."

Chapman said he was sad to leave Horohoro School but confident a fresh eye and new way of doing things would be positive.