Mihi a te Tumuaki / Principal’s Welcome

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Kura Tuarua o Hokitika / Westland High School.

I am Wellington born and bred, but have spent the last 25 years living and working in Gisborne and Southland rural communities, which hold a very special place in my heart. I am married to my best mate Rachel. We have three tamariki we are incredibly proud of. Also, anything that involves sport, I’m in. That love for community and active connection is exactly what drew me to this school.

I am proud to be a part of a team of hard-working, caring, and capable staff who come from all walks of life. At our kura, rangatahi and kaimahi learn and grow together in an inclusive, connected environment where everyone belongs equally (Whanaungatanga). One of our foundational goals is that every single student connects with at least one adult here who truly knows them and has their back.

Our people matter. Education is about far more than just the curriculum; we celebrate the whole person (Manaakitanga). We use our school, and the relationships within it, as a vehicle to help everyone become the best version of themselves and stand proud in who they are.

We encourage both our rangatahi and kaimahi to think independently, to stretch their boundaries, and to learn from the tough bits rather than take the safe option (Rangatiratanga). That is how a genuine can-do attitude is built, and how we uncover the hidden gems in one another.

Our overarching vision (Moemoeā) drives everything we do: Piki kotahi ki te taumata / Experience success together. We expect every rangatahi to learn, achieve, and thrive, and we celebrate the fact that success looks beautifully different for each individual.

We love being an active part of Hokitika and the wider Westland community. We deeply value our role as guardians of our unique environment and school culture (Kaitiakitanga), and cherish our partnership with whānau, hapū, and iwi, including Kāti Waewae and Makaawhio, as we work together to support our next generation.

Whether you’re a new student, a returning family, or a member of our wider community, you are most welcome here. Our doors are always open, so please drop in, make contact, or simply say hello when you see us around town. We look forward to getting to know you, and to experiencing success together.

Ngā mihi nui,

Andrew Pardoe-Burnett

Tumuaki / Principal