Otumoetai College farewells Dave Randell

Otumoetai College principal Dave Randell has been welcomed by a haka this afternoon. Photo/ Zoe Hunter

The entire community of Otumoetai College bid farewell to their beloved principal Dave Randell in a surprise ceremony this afternoon.

Mr Randell announced his retirement earlier this year.

Mr Randell arrived in a white Mustang and was welcomed by a school haka for a personal goodbye to their principal of 17 years.

Head students shared their farewell speeches saying "the Randell way has truly become the Otumoetai way".

"He has shown us to own our successes and mistakes."

Otumoetai College farewells their principal of 17 years. Photo/ Zoe Hunter

The retiring principal received a standing ovation from his students to thank him for his time at the school.

Mr Randell was in tears as he said goodbye to his students.

He said Otumoetai Intermediate School principal Henk Popping had taken him out for a lunch and the college deputy principal Bruce Farthing offered to switch roles for the day to pull off the surprise.

He thanked his wife and his students and staff for their support.

"This is all getting to me... you've all been brilliant. Go for it you beauties."