Forty years in class and still going strong

Valda Tokona (left) with Helen Clark. Picture / Richard Robinson

She arrived at Devonport Primary School as a young teacher 40 years ago, but any talk of retirement is quickly dismissed by Valda Tokona.

Yesterday Prime Minister Helen Clark was honorary guest at a special assembly to mark "Mrs T's" 40-year career at the school, a rare feat these days, said principal Shirley Hardcastle.

"She cares about the children and she's good for the children and she's kept up-to- date - she even has a laptop," Mrs Hardcastle said.

Mrs Tokona said the secret to her long and successful teaching career was to love the children, "even the scallywags".

"I've loved every pupil I've had, warts and all," she said.

"Forty years have just flown by. Once you come to school, if you have any problems outside of school, you don't have the time to think about them. You have to be on your toes."

She describes herself as "just an ordinary classroom teacher", and has kept in touch with many former pupils over the years.

Her only regret is that she hasn't yet taught a budding All Black or Silver Fern.

She has no plans for retirement.

"I haven't even thought about it," she said.