The 61-year-old caretaker said he would hang up his broom and ladder, but not his devotion to the school, on January 27.
Although he is not retiring until next year, he would have his final day with the staff and pupils he ''loves'' next Thursday.
The enormity of the fact was starting to hit home, he said.
''I am very sad to leave because the children; I love the children. I am sad to be going but it's time to go.
''My brain says 'Keep going' but my body says 'Stop'.''
Originally from Seville, Spain, he had been working since the age of 11 when he got a job in a restaurant.
After moving to Dunedin with his wife 35 years ago, he had had a few jobs. However, his role as the Anderson's Bay School caretaker had been the most enjoyable, he said.
''My children went to school here and I always dropped them at school, and one day the principal asked if I wanted to be the caretaker.''
His approach to the job had never just focused on the maintenance side of things, rather on ''caring for everyone''.
''If you are a good caretaker, you have to do everything. If you care about the school, you can keep the teachers happy and the children happy.''
His care had extended to cleaning toilets, helping sick children and coaching T-ball, mini ball, cricket and even netball - which he learnt so he could teach the pupils.
Yesterday, pupils surprised Mr Rodriguez with a special school assembly at which they wore headbands and star-shaped necklaces with various photos of him on them.
Anderson's Bay principal Hamish McDonald said Mr Rodriguez was a very genuine, special person.
''I've got a lot of respect for him.
''He will be hard to replace.''
Mr Rodriguez planned to visit family in Arrowtown and Spain with his wife, who is a teacher and will retire from George Street Normal School next week.
Their grandchild would attend Anderson's Bay School in the future, Mr Rodriguez said.
And there would be no keeping him from helping the school just because he was no longer employed there.
''I've already said to Hamish, anything you need, call me and I'll be there.''
