Principal resigns over fraud allegations

Hamilton's Fraser High School principal Martin Elliott resigned today.

He had been on extended leave following a police investigation into allegations he misused Education Ministry funds.

Mr Elliott, a former Hamilton mayoral candidate and JP, took leave in May after it was alleged he used ministry funds to pay for work done on his private properties in Hamilton and Papamoa.

The school's board investigated the allegations and the file was given to police.

Staff were today told that Mr Elliott had resigned, a school spokeswoman told NZPA.

Mr Elliott has strenuously denied the allegations, saying he is the victim of a character assassination by a former staff member with a vendetta.

- NZPA