Fresh claims on ex-head

Steve Hocking could face losing his teaching licence and possible criminal charges. Photo / Doug Sherring

A former principal who admitted taking drugs and paying hush money to an ex-student is finally facing an official investigation - and the prospect of criminal charges.

Steve Hocking resigned as head of Kawerau College in May, five months after being exposed by the Herald on Sunday.

Now he faces additional allegations, including having purchased $300 of cannabis and asked someone to get the cash from the school's safe.

The Teachers Council is investigating whether he should keep his teaching licence, and will contact police if it concludes he committed criminal acts.

The investigation will focus on the contents of a report by education investigator Dennis Finn. Finn was asked to carry out a review by the college's limited statutory manager Lex Hamill, appointed after the Education Ministry became concerned about financial problems.

The report, released under the Official Information Act, contains further allegations against Hocking.

Signed affidavits from members of the school community allege Hocking:

Arranged to buy marijuana in his school office at least three times. On one occasion, he is alleged to have bought $300 worth of cannabis and asked someone to get the cash from the school's safe.

Asked a former student, whom he had employed as a teacher, to buy marijuana. The Herald on Sunday tracked down the former student who said they smoked marijuana with Hocking but did not buy it.

Was away from school for considerable periods and on return appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

Gave students beer after they helped take down a marquee, an act one tutor described as "entirely inappropriate".

Arranged for the school to reimburse him for more than $800 worth of personal calls made during a trip to the UK.

Finn found the Bay of Plenty school was in financial disarray. Expenditure exceeded income by almost $1 million during the seven years Hocking was principal, he said.

There was a concern Hocking could "manage finances however he liked without any reference or approval mechanisms required from the board", he said.

The report also refers to Hocking paying a former student $1000 after making "inappropriate and sexually explicit remarks" to her in public.

Hocking refused to comment when contacted on Thursday.

Five months ago he admitted making the payment for inappropriate behaviour, but claimed he was not at fault. He also admitted to turning to drugs after falling into a "dark hole" but said he had since given up.

But Hocking denied financial mismanagement, buying drugs while at the school and smoking them with former students.

Former board chairwoman Lynette Dolman and most of the board have resigned since investigations were launched late last year. Hamill said the remaining board member knew nothing of the allegations against Hocking.