Nicola Ngarewa leaves Patea School to become principal at Spotswood College, Taranaki

From left: Misaydeze Eruwerehi, Talitha Dixon, Nicola Ngarewa, Kareleigh Moir and Bhanya Daya. Photo / Lin Ferguson

She is sad to be moving on from being principal of Patea Area School in October but Nicola Ngarewa said she won't be leaving the town for a while.

"Patea is my hometown. It's where my roots are and even though it's time to move on
and lead another school, my heart will always be here.''

Last week she worked with students on a time-capsule in memory of her time at the school. They filled the capsule with objects precious to her and it's not to be dug up and opened for 100 years, she said.

After burying the capsule, Ngarewa and a group of students placed a large boulder of volcanic rock from Mt Taranaki on the top.

"We were given the rock from the museum. It makes this spot very special."

Ngarewa says although she is excited to be heading to a new school she is in no hurry to leave town.

A group of her Patea Area School children are currently touring Italy as part of a Patea Maori Club trip. They're staying in hotels and backpackers and performing in most towns.

"They'll be back at the end of the week I'm so looking forward to hearing about their trip.They all worked so hard to raise the funds and it's been an incredible opportunity for them. I'm so proud of them all.''

Two years ago Ngarewa organised a variety show at the school with all the whistles and bells which was performed in the school hall. The lights, the action and the music had involved all 170 students at the school and had showcased great young talent, she said.

"I will miss the talent of these students some of them are totally remarkable.''

But the show-stopping acts were part of the school's curriculum, "it's what these kids do".

Even the tiny infants class performed their version of I just can't wait to be King from the musical, The Lion King, and they didn't miss a beat.

"I do love this school and the children and I will miss it so much.''

Becoming the principal of Spotswood College in New Plymouth will be a journey back to a special beginning, she said. "I used to teach there when my children were small and it holds special memories for me and my children."

There is huge talent in the small south Taranaki town, she said.