New principal excited by move to Marlborough

An opportunity to lead a school with proud traditions was what tempted Wayne Hegarty to go for the job as principal at Marlborough Boys' College.

The Rangiora High School deputy principal was appointed to the position on Wednesday and will start at the beginning of the first term in early February.

He replaces Dave Turnbull, who began as interim principal in term three after the May resignation of the school's principal of 17 years, John Rodgers.

"It's an exciting challenge and an exciting opportunity," Mr Hegarty said. "It's a wonderful chance to lead a school with proud traditions in what is obviously a time of great change."

It was too early to discuss his plans for the college, he said, but he would know more after spending time with the senior management team over the next two weeks.

Christchurch born and bred, Mr Hegarty, whose teaching career spans 30 years, has been a deputy principal and social studies teacher at Rangiora High for seven years.

With an arts degree from the University of Canterbury and teaching and education management diplomas from the Christchurch College of Education (now part of the university), his first job was at the city's Hornby High, where he spent 13 years.

Before starting at Rangiora in 2003, he worked as the social science department head and a geography and social studies teacher at Nelson's Waimea College for eight years. There he also spent a term as acting deputy principal and oversaw the school's improvement projects.

In the 1990s Mr Hegarty spent five years at Nelson College for Girls, leading the social studies department, as a geography, social studies, health, New Zealand studies and social science teacher, and as curriculum co-ordinator.

Mr Hegarty and his wife Joan, a registered nurse, will move to Blenheim during summer.

"We very much enjoy the lifestyle associated with the top of the south and love the Marlborough Sounds. This was definitely part of the appeal."

Mr Hegarty has coached many sports over the years, with volleyball being his major focus. He enjoys attending plays and musicals, is a keen rugby follower and a very infrequent playing member of the Rangiora Golf Club.

- The Marlborough Express