New Wairarapa College principal Matt White making a speech to the school at his welcome on Friday. PHOTO/TOM TAYLOR.
Wairarapa College welcomed its new principal with a powhiri in the school hall on Friday.
Matt White had been a divisional principal at Burnside High School in Christchurch for five years before his appointment at Wairarapa College.
“I am humbled and privileged to be here today,” White said in his first speech to the school.
White said he was born and grew up in Canterbury and whakapapa to “the mighty Taranaki”.
“However, don’t worry – I do support the Hurricanes,” he said.
“Wairarapa is a special place to myself and my family. My intention now is to make Wairarapa part of my whanau, by getting to know you all: who you are, where you are from, your strengths and your passions.
“What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata: it is the people, it is the people, it is the people.”
White said he thought a successful school was one that created a learning environment that was inclusive, safe, caring and supportive, and provided opportunities outside of the classroom to grow.
Michele Whiting had been acting principal at Wairarapa College.
