Decades of dedication

Respected and adored: Gainor Newman in the classroom wearing her new korowai. Picture by Liam Clayton

A wheelchair is often a sign of disability, but in Gainor Newman's classroom it is anything but. With her new korowai draped around her shoulder, Gainor cuts a regal figure.

A teacher at Kaiti School for 34 years she has seen five principals and has taught in the region for 44 years. Now she is set to retire from her classroom teacher role and have a little rest and relaxation after four decades of teaching East Coast youth.

“I've never not worked, It's going to be quite new. I've never been a lady of leisure,” said Gainor.

“I love coming to work and I love the kids. I love being in the classroom. I think I will miss being here.”

Although she is leaving her leading role, next year she will continue to help children with reading and writing part-time.

“There's probably not many people who would stay at a job this long these days — every 10 years people seem to be changing their profession. We're probably a dying breed.

“Things are changing so quickly in the world it's probably not really possible now — something changes and they don't need you.

“It's a job that's been quite varied. Every year you have a different class so you have to reinvent yourself again every year.”

Gainor grew up here in Gisborne, losing her dad when she was just 10 years of age. She stayed at the Heni Materoa Home for Children until her family moved into a statehouse in Glasgow Crescent.

Although she stuck with teaching, it was never a calling for Gainor — she had had plans for the future but her mother had other ideas.

“I wanted to be a hairdresser or an air hostess — but no, she wasn't having that.

“I don't think I had any burning ambition to become a teacher. I didn't know that I particularly liked kids, but I went and did it anyway.”

She headed to Ardmore Teachers' Training College in South Auckland. The college opened in 1948 to help address the shortage of teachers from the baby boomers and closed in 1974.

“I remember when I graduated, one of my tutors said to me, ‘I didn't think you were going to graduate because you were so shy. I didn't think you'd make it through'.”

She graduated as a teacher and stuck with it, happy she missed out on being an air hostess.

“I would've probably been too short for the job back then — I think they only chose tall ones.”

In 2008, Gainor took study leave and did five papers at university in Hamilton. It was time away from the classroom when she was able to refresh.

“I loved it, I absolutely loved it. I was scared because I had been 30-plus years away from study and thought I might not be able to pass — but I loved doing the assignments and the research.

“I would go there at eight in the morning and check all the emails to see what had come in. I had a plan and I sat myself down to work until 5pm. I wasn't going out for coffee and all that kind of stuff. No, I had to get it sorted. It was a really good year and I came back feeling rejuvenated.”

Her new energy was much needed for the children of today.

“The kids are different now from the 1980s — they are a lot harder. I don't think they listen as well. I'm sure that's not just me getting old because the young teachers say exactly the same thing.

“It's hard to keep them focused — you almost have to stand on your head.”

“You have to be creative all the time to keep them focused, and I suppose that's not a bad thing.”

“You have to have a passion for it. You have to be here for the kids, not just to collect your pay.

“We grump and we growl at them sometimes, but you know in the morning when they walk in and they smile — it's all gone, they've left it behind. I wish adults could do that. That's why you love them so much — because they don't hold grudges against you. They just get on with it.

“At the end of the day sometimes I feel really tired because it is full-on. You need arms and legs everywhere. I spent many years being a new entrant teacher and that's really hard — I take my hat off to them every day.”

Even though she is wheelchair-bound, it rarely gets in the way of her teaching. She has a teacher aide in the class and the students are happy to help out.

“The kids are really good. If I'm struggling to do something, one of the kids will be jumping up to do it for me. They just love to be able to help.

“I think it's good for the kids to see people in wheelchairs getting on with life — you know, it's not the end of the world.”

As chance would have it, Gainor's grandson just so happens to be one of the most famous wheelchair-users in New Zealand: Cory Newman of the band Sit Down In Front.

Only last month the pair were on TV for Cory's feature on Attitude, a show that addresses the issues and interests of people living with a disability.

“Nothing much stops him either — he's mega confident and loves an audience.”

“We just get on with it. No one wants to listen to your moaning.”

Looking ahead, Gainor is going to spend more time catching up with friends and tucking into good books. She has belonged to a book club since the early 90s.

“I'm going to rest up a bit and potter in the garden, and not get up at 5:30 every morning.

“I think I'll change the alarm to 7:30.”

a consummate professional

“Gainor is highly regarded and respected amongst her colleagues at Kaiti School, says Kaiti School principal Billie-Jean Potaka-Ayton.

“We have been so privileged to work alongside a consummate professional where teaching seemed so natural to her.

“I have admired Gainor since the day I met her 11 years ago for her tenacity and no-nonsense approach to her job.

“Gainor has realised the potential of every Kaiti kid that she has taught and her ability to guide students to success in learning is well known.

“She is adored by her students and their whanau and we are very happy to hear that she will be popping back next year in a part-time capacity to do some reading with students.

“Nui te aroha kia koe Mrs Newman.”