Hastings Girls' High welcomes new principal

Hastings Girls' High School retiring principal Geraldine Travers (left) welcomed incoming principal Catherine Bentley at the powhiri yesterday morning. Photo/ Paul Taylor.

The longest-standing Hastings Girls' High School principal handed over the korowai to the incoming principal yesterday.

Even though Geraldine Travers officially leaves the school on Thursday a powhiri was held to formally welcome Catherine Bentley.

Mrs Travers is in her 20th year as principal which means she has been at the helm for one third of the school's 60-year life.

She made the decision to resign back in September before becoming a Hastings District councillor in October.

Mrs Travers said the ceremony yesterday was "utterly moving" and a fantastic welcome for Mrs Bentley.

"The girls' were amazing, the singing was divine and the speeches were wonderful. I am excited for the school to move into the next phase."

During the ceremony a korowai, a feathered cloak, was placed on Mrs Bentley's shoulders and a green stone pounamu was given to her as a gift.

"It was really fantastic to see as everything went into the powhiri."

During Mrs Travers' time as principal the school was named as New Zealand's top state secondary school by North and South magazine and she received the NEITA Excellence in Leadership awards at both regional and national levels. In 2015 she was also awarded a New Zealand Order of Merit at Government House.

She said the girls' goal was to make her cry by Thursday because she was renowned for being staunch.

"I have no idea what they have planned but its going to be a great week with an avalanche of emotions."

She said she would miss the school community immensely.

"It has been a real honour to serve as principal for the last 20 years and I am so grateful for the board who gave me the chance as it has been wonderful."

From Friday Mrs Travers will focus on her role as a councillor, going from the top of the game as principal to the new girl.

She was looking forward to understanding the way things worked around the community and the place she works and lives.

"It will be good to get up to speed as it has been very busy being both on the council and a principal."

Mrs Bentley becomes the fifth principal of Hastings Girls' High School after leaving Woodford House, where she was deputy principal for the past five years.