Allan Goodhall retires after four decades at Mount College

Allan Goodhall has travelled the world but, when he retires after four decades as Mount Maunganui College's international manager, he wants to explore New Zealand.

Today, the school will farewell the man behind an international programme that has introduced students from about 20 different countries to the college and Kiwi culture.

"It is a world-class location," Goodhall, 69, said.

Mount Maunganui College hired Goodhall in 1980 and in 1993 he began an international programme which today accommodates about 60 students from around the world.

Students, mostly aged 16, can sign up to stay with host families for a year or half a year.

"They come to experience a new culture, a new classroom and new living environment," Goodhall said.

The diversity of his work has allowed him to make professional relationships all around the world.

"It is not a one-size fits all because the cultural norms in Asia are quite different from how you do business in Chile. It has sensitised me to the cultural difference," he said.

"Some markets like Mexico and Chile, if you don't go, you won't get them. You have to present yourself."

But when he closes the door on a 40-year career, Goodhall planned to travel the one country that is not represented by a flag pinned to his office walls - New Zealand.

"I want to holiday in New Zealand," he said. "I want to travel the South Island."

The programme started with just two Korean students and had since put students from about 20 different countries into local homestays in the last 25 years, Goodhall said.

At first, the programme was focused on Asia, and now, Goodhall said, half of the students are from Europe, a quarter from central and South America and only a quarter from Asia.

Goodhall said the change in interest reflected the strengths of the programme which were built on location.

"If students come here they can live by the beach and enjoy outdoor education ... We have a strong image now in our key markets as delivering that experience," he said.

"We ask our students why they chose to stay here and it keeps coming back to the location."

There was also "huge" economic benefits for the community, Goodhall said.

"Our homestay manager puts about $60,000 a month into the local community just on homestay payments."

Goodhall said he had met many people who were prepared to share their home and culture with the students.

"Careful host family matching is fundamental to the success of the student's experience," he said.

"I think the students are very brave. It is a leap of faith, but lifelong friendships are formed."