Long-standing Sunset Primary principal, Niels Rasmussen, to leave after 19 years

When Niels Rasmussen walked on to the grounds of Sunset Primary School for a job interview almost 20 years ago, he instantly knew it was a place he wanted to work.

He cancelled the other job interviews he had lined up and got the job as principal.

That was early 1999.

"I looked at the school, the environment in the school and thought 'this is for me. This is a school I'd like to come to'."

Rasmussen started as principal about March, it was his fifth principalship. Now, after 19 years, he is leaving the school.

Rasmussen prefers the word re-programming over retiring.

He's hoping to put more time into his interests of bee-keeping and photography.

Niels Rasmussen is moving on. Photo / File

"I think that it's important to leave when things are in a good space so that a good young person can come in and weave their magic in here and enjoy working with the wonderful staff and kids that we have.

"Sunset has been a wonderful journey and a wonderful school to be at. I've loved coming here every day."

In the almost two decades he's held the post he has seen generations of families come through the school. Rasmussen said he was "incredibly lucky".

After almost two decades Niels Rasmussen is moving on from his role at Sunset Primary. Photo / File

"It's been quite nice to see the number of positive changes in the community and especially to see the wider community taking greater interest in Sunset School and Fordlands as well.

"What really stands out is the connection with whānau, the connection with the community which has stood the test of time."

Rasmussen said one of his key focus points was creating a safe and secure learning environment.

"An environment where our children feel they know what the boundaries are and what's expected of them and they feel safe, secure.

"If children are warm, fed, feel safe and loved, and secure they will learn."

Rasmussen has seen changes in Government, education policy, technology and what the role of a principal encompasses.

"The role definitely has changed. Increasingly it's becoming more of a social agency role ... Needs are becoming more complex."

After almost two decades Niels Rasmussen is moving on from his role at Sunset Primary. Photo / Ben Fraser

But there's been one consistency, he said.

"Our children go out into the community or to an event ... and we're consistently told how wonderful our students are.

"Our community's kids are dead keen to learn. They'll learn anything that you give them."

Ultimately the children are the reason Rasmussen has stuck around for so long. They are the key to his longevity in the role.

"[It's] the joy of children. Of knowing the responsibility that you have for children. The feeling that you've been able to make a difference and work in the community."

Well loved

Office administrator Donna Mason has worked at Sunset Primary for 38 years, working under six principals.

She said Rasmussen was a good colleague.

"He will be missed, he'll definitely be missed. It's because of the nature of the man that he is. The kids love him."

Mason described Rasmussen as respected and approachable, a good listener who didn't like surprises, and someone whose door was always open.

"He has a hard job because of our area but he will do a lot. He will help the community as much as he can," she said.

"Around here he's like the good cop and I'm the bad cop. I'm old school and work from values and consequences, he works from those also but he's a bit more lenient."

But most importantly, she said, "he's got a love of the school community and children wrapped up in his heart".

Assistant principal and teacher Prue Nikora said Rasmussen was truly passionate about children and education and believed every child deserved a chance.

That's not missed by pupils at the school.

"He's really fun to play with and he's such a good principal," Year 6 pupil Anahera Tahau-Roach said.

"He always cheers you up when you're sad or angry."

Year 5 pupil Chassity Paterson, 10, said Rasmussen was well-liked and joyful and often seen around the school.

"He is always telling everyone to do their best and have a go."