KEY POINTS:
I was rather disappointed with the negative portrayal written about the "hard forestry town" Murupara.
I have just finished one term as interim principal at Rangitahi College, where I filled in while a new principal was being appointed. During the period October 6 to January I had the pleasure of getting to know the people and environment of this unique town.
Your reporter's portrayal of violence, dilapidation and poverty is unfortunately part of the physical and social environment of the town, but as a resident there for three months I also experienced many positive aspects of this unique place.
True, the town has only a few shops, none of which could be regarded as up-market, but what your reporter failed to mention was that the shopkeepers refuse to serve school age students while school is on, the fish and chip owner spends much time helping the college with fundraising, coaching netball and basketball teams, voluntarily catering for school functions, and supporting the commissioner with governance of the school, while the bakery owner also spends much time voluntarily helping with catering at school functions.
True, the 2007 Education Review Office report of the college left much to be desired, but the school now has new direction, with a very able principal who has pride in the school and community where she grew up.
Perhaps you should have mentioned the very positive and hard work that is going on at the other two schools in the town, where hard working, very capable leaders are producing excellent results under difficult circumstances.
I had the pleasure of attending the prizegiving at Te Kura Kaupapa Motuhake o Tawhiuau and was left in awe at the spirit, aroha, respect and enthusiasm of the young people toward their school and each other. Few schools could match the wairua experienced that evening.
On a personal note, I could relate many instances of support and aroha from the locals. One could not go for a walk along the road without cars stopping and asking if you needed a lift. The hugs and hongi from students on my last day at school will always remain in my memory.
Please ensure that your portrayal of townships and communities is balanced and fair. In this instance you only seemed to have the objective of further knocking a community when it is down. There are many aspects to improve, but take the attitude of looking to a better future and all will benefit. Incidentally, during my time as principal I did not come across one incident of fighting at the school. How many principals could say that after one term?
Murupara is a town that has experienced hard times and has its present problems, but there are many people who are doing their best to revive the proud traditions of this beautiful area. Let's do our best to accentuate and recognise the positive efforts of the many fine people who regard this as home.
By all means report the atrocious incidents such as happened recently, but don't add further negativity by highlighting problems and overlooking the positive. The people of Murupara who are doing their best for the town deserve better.
* Allan Rumble now lives in Rotorua
