Teacher keen to involve parents

Only a week after visiting Motueka to start his new job, Te Marunui Toki knew he had come to the right place.

"I was really impressed with the weather," he said.

The new head of Te Reo Maori at Motueka High School is used to a cooler climate, coming from Ashburton College where the school's new principal Scott Haines is also from.

Mr Toki trained as a primary teacher but was promoted up the ranks to head of te reo at Ashburton. He has also worked in Auckland, which he describes as a "culture shock".

"Going to teach in Otara where there were cops raiding a P lab on the first day of school was a bit different, but the kids were amazing."

Originally from iwi Ngapuhi in Northland, Mr Toki said he wanted to return to the South Island to be nearer his children.

He is looking forward to getting involved with teaching te reo at the school and bringing parents into the learning process.

"I want the students to be learning at home as well as school."

Mr Haines said he had no hesitation in appointing Mr Toki after seeing how capable he was.

Mr Haines also hopes to continue the te reo classes he started at Ashburton College.

- © Fairfax NZ News