Te Wharekura o Mauao principal Koa Douglas to step down

Te Wharekura o Mauao principal Koa Douglas. File/Photo

The principal of Te Wharekura o Mauao is stepping down.

Mātua Koa Douglas will leave the Te Reo Māori immersion school at the end of term four after five years in the job.

Wharekura chairman Graham Cameron said Mr Douglas was leaving the school with a growing roll, an exciting new curriculum and strong academic, cultural and sporting results.

"When he first arrived, one of Koa's dreams for our wharekura was lifting the quality of Te Reo among our tauira (students), kaimahi (teachers) and whānau (families).

"There's no doubt he has achieved that aspiration, and helped contribute to our positive academic results and the confidence of our community."

He said Mr Douglas had created a "hub of excellence among our teachers".

"He can be satisfied that he has contributed to the future leadership of our Tauranga Moana iwi.

"We thank him for his leadership and dedication during his time at the kura and wish him the very best for his future."

Mr Douglas planned to return home to Rotorua, where he will remain in education leadership.

Consultation with tauira, kaimahi, whānau and iwi at Te Wharekura o Mauao on the ideal skills and characteristics for Mr Douglas' successor has started.

Located in Bethlehem, Tauranga, Te Wharekura o Mauao provides tikanga Māori education for Year 7 to 13 students.