New East Otago High School principal Lennox Sharp told the assembly of school pupils, staff and guests he felt a sense of "incredible humility" at the support given to the mihi whakatu (Maori welcome) he received this week.
The welcome was led by Huirapa Upoko David Ellison, of Karitane, and the school's kapa haka group.
The hair rose on the back of his neck as he listened to the challenge of the kapa haka group, Mr Sharp said. He felt he had very high expectations to live up to.
People had come from Auckland, Balclutha and Lumsden to support Mr Sharp's induction.
Mr Ellison said he was pleased the idea of the mihi whakatu had been initiated by the head pupils at the school.
