Tauranga principal Dave Randell to call it a day after 18 years heading Otumoetai College

Otumoetai College principal Dave Randell has announced his retirement at the end of this year, ending 18 years as principal at the school. Photo/file

Highly respected and experienced Otumoetai College principal Dave Randell has announced his retirement.

Mr Randell said he tended his resignation now to leave at the end of the year, so there was "no rush, no pressure" in finding his replacement.

Mr Randell has headed the school for nearly 18 years.

He confessed that his personal assistant "nearly dropped dead" when he shared the news with her and "there were a few tears" when he formally announced the news to staff on Friday.

"I think it was just a bit of a shock for a lot of them. But I've got to do it. I'm 69. I've done a few years. I need to do things while I can," he said.

"I'll miss this place like crazy though."

Mr Randell said school since his announcement on Friday had been "mad" but lovely.

"The kids are the best. The reaction from the kids - 'why?', 'where are you going to?', 'what have we done wrong?' It has been quite beautiful. The best saying is 'you're the best principal we've ever had', but I'm the only principal they've ever had," Mr Randell joked.

"It's nice to know you are appreciated."

Mr Randell said he had been thinking the decision over for about a year.

When he turned 65, people suggested retirement then "but God no", he said.

"Then halfway through last year, I thought 'yeah'. I'm still fit and on form - 2000 teenagers will keep you young - but I don't want to be here on my 70th birthday."

Mr Randell said it was time for a change and he was looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and wife Jude.

"I would have never survived in this job without her," he said.

"We have a thing called Randell Rules here, and that is you come first, your family comes second, then your job. We have always done everything together."

Mr Randell will leave his role at the end of the year, and his title as currently the longest serving school principal in New Zealand.

Otumoetai College's roll has grown to about 2000 students, the largest school in the Western Bay of Plenty.

At the school's last Board of Trustees meeting, the news came as a shock to many, but Mr Randell was honoured with a standing ovation.

"That was really lovely."

Board chairman Russ Browne said it was "with great reluctance" the board had accepted Mr Randell's resignation, as from the end of this year 2017.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, community, staff and students we cannot thank Dave enough for his dedication and commitment to our school over the past 17 years. Thirty years as a successful principal is an amazing achievement," Mr Browne said.

The board has drafted a time-line for Mr Randell's replacement, which will include advertising, accepting applications and referees reports during term two, with interviews and an appointment to be made early in term 3. The successful applicant will take over at the beginning of 2018.

"Dave, we wish you all the very best in your retirement. No doubt there will be many occasions to formally thank you," Mr Browne said.