Principal heading north to new job

Maniototo Area School principal Peter Heron is heading to a South Auckland high school from mid-May.

Mr Heron (47) has been accepted as the new principal for Papakura High School and will leave Ranfurly to take up the position in the middle of term two.

Although sad to leave Maniototo, Mr Heron said he was excited about the opportunities available to him through the career move.

"Papakura High School is a decile two school with 1100 pupils, so I can affect a lot of kids in this job.

"My kids here [Maniototo Area School pupils] are doing really well and I've reached a point where what I can do for them isn't as much as I can do for those kids at Papakura, where they're failing," he said.

Before moving to Ranfurly in July 2007, Mr Heron worked at James Cook High School in Manurewa for three years, partly as deputy principal.

He had been "keeping an eye open" for jobs recently, with a mind to finish the school year in Ranfurly, but could not refuse the offer of being principal at Papakura.

"I'm going to be very sad to leave here, because the community, the school, and the kids have all been so fantastic.

"But you've got to take these opportunities when they come along," he said.

Mr Heron's wife, Debbie, and son, Billy (17), will stay in Ranfurly until the end of the year, while Billy finishes secondary school.

Mr Heron said Billy planned to move to Dunedin to be with his sister, Holly (19), who was in her second year of studying law at university.

"Debbie will join me in Auckland when Billy goes to Dunedin," he said.

Although their house in Waipiata would be sold, the family would stay in touch with Maniototo, Mr Heron said.

"It's a shame, really [to sell the house], but we don't want to rent it, particularly in climatic conditions where if the water isn't running in winter, the pipes can freeze overnight," he said.

The Herons' first home at Waipiata burnt down shortly after they moved in, during winter 2007, and another was built on site.

Mr Heron was confident the Maniototo Area School would attract a new principal in time for his departure.

"I think they'll find one far easier than some might think.

"It's a really nice school to work at, and is in a great position at the moment, with a healthy roll and positive community behind it."

rosie.manins@odt.co.nz