Old boy returns to guide Hato Pa¯ora
The man taking over as principal at Hato Pa¯ora College is one of their own.
Nathan Matthews has been appointed the new principal of the Manawatu¯ school. He is a Hato Pa¯ ora old boy and his son, Caleb, is the school’s head boy this year.
Matthews will be formally welcomed next month, but doesn’t start until October 1.
Sean Bristow has been acting principal this year, following the departure of Debra Marshalllobb, who started working at Masterton’s Chanel College at the beginning of the year.
Matthews is a respected leader in Ma¯ori and indigenous education.
Since completing his PHD at University of Otago in 2006, Matthews has held leadership and senior academic positions at University of Otago, Massey University, Wha¯nga¯rei school Te Kura Hourua o Wha¯nga¯rei Terenga Paraoa, where he was the founding principal, and the school of indigenous graduate studies at Te Whare Wa¯ nanga o Awanuia¯ rangi, in Whakata¯ ne.
‘‘Nathan’s strong vision and resolute commitment to uphold the integrity, traditions and values of Hato Pa¯ ora College were fundamental in his appointment,’’ board of trustees chairwoman Chelsea Grootveld said.
‘‘We are delighted to know the school’s future will be in great hands and our young men and future young Ma¯ ori leaders will be guided and nurtured by such an outstanding Ma¯ori and academic leader.’’
The school, near Cheltenham, has a roll of more than 130 students and is one of two Ma¯ ori boys boarding schools in the country.
The other Ma¯ori boarding schools in New Zealand are Hukarere Girls’ College, St Joseph’s Ma¯ ori Girls’ College and Te Aute College. They are all in Hawke’s Bay.
The boarding facilities at Hato Petera College in Auckland have closed.