The principal of a Christchurch school has resigned amid allegations she failed to protect the safety of children as well as manage conflicts of interest.
By Sam Sherwood of RNZ
Melissa Waitoa-Paki's resignation from her role at Māori immersion school Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Waitaha comes after she earlier voluntarily agreed not to teach.
It also follows a report by the Education Review Office which said the school's human resources practices required "immediate attention" with not all staff completing police vetting or safety checking prior to employment.
RNZ understands Waitoa-Paki faces allegations she failed to protect the safety of children at school as well as failing to recognise and manage conflicts of interest.
RNZ approached Waitoa-Paki for comment on the allegations as well as her resignation.
She did not respond directly to RNZ, however in a message sent to RNZ that appears to have been intended for someone else she referenced the media query and said she had been told to not answer and to "lie low".
In an email to RNZ, the school's presiding member wrote "regarding the resignation of a Senior Leader, please accept this email stating clearly "no comment"."
In response to questions from RNZ, Teaching Council interim chief executive Tom Gott said the council acknowledged the "high degree of public interest in this matter, given the allegations and the importance of safeguarding children and young people".
Gott said the council took its role in protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people seriously.
"Our statutory role covers registered teachers and any concerns that may call into question a teacher's conduct or fitness to teach.
"Where concerns are raised within that remit, we assess the information available to us and take any action that is necessary and appropriate to reduce risk and prevent harm."
Gott said the council was "aware of the matters raised and have taken appropriate steps to ensure child safeguarding".
"We cannot at this stage provide detail of any information received, or on any process underway."
Gott confirmed Waitoa-Paki had earlier signed a voluntary undertaking not to teach.
"Matters relating to the operation of the school or its Board are for the agencies responsible for school governance and oversight."
Ministry of Education director of education Canterbury and Chatham Islands Coralanne Child told RNZ the ministry was "aware that concerns have been raised".
"As this involves employment matters, the school board is the employer and holds responsibility for managing complaints and employment processes, so further detail on those matters sits with them.
"The Teaching Council is the appropriate body to consider any matters relating to teacher conduct."
Child said the ministry's role was to "support the board and kura, and our local team remains in regular contact to make sure appropriate supports are in place".
She said there were no plans to appoint a statutory manager or commissioner at this time.
The Education Review Office (ERO) released a report on the school in March, its first since 2019.
Aspects of governance that required improvement - ERO
In its findings, ERO said the school demonstrated "culturally informed leadership and governance practices".
"The strategic plan is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Aho Matua and the kura core values.
"Planning is deliberately approached from a te ao Māori perspective, ensuring that all goals and priorities reflect the collective aspirations of whānau, tamariki, kaimahi, and the wider community."
However, there were aspects of governance practices that required improvement, the report said.
"Members of the Ohu Whakahaere are new to their roles. They are currently navigating challenges in relation to employment matters.
"It is important that the Ohu Whakahaere seek support and guidance to develop governance knowledge and capability to make informed decisions as they carry out their responsibilities."
School leaders had also identified the "annual implementation plan" as an area for improvement.
"It is timely for the leadership to share the goals and actions with the Ohu Whakahaere to ensure transparency around actions, responsibilities, and timelines and to submit to the Ministry of Education."
Internal evaluation also required "strengthening", and human resource practices required "immediate attention".
"Not all kaimahi have completed police vetting or safety checking prior to employment.
"Robust employment practices, including mandatory vetting and clear human resource processes, must be implemented to strengthen safety and compliance. Tamariki and mokopuna safety is enhanced through improved human resource practices."
The report said that before the review, the board of trustees and principal completed the ERO Whanau Assurance Statement and self-audit checklist.
They said they had taken all reasonable steps to meet several legislative obligations including board administration, curriculum and management of health, safety and welfare.
During the review, ERO also checked several items that had a "potentially high impact on student achievement".
This included the emotional and physical safety of students, teacher registration and processes for appointing staff.
In order to meet compliance, the school had to ensure suitable human resource management practices were implemented, ERO said.
This included obtaining a police vet before a person started work at the school, and considering the information obtained in the vet to "assess whether the person would pose a risk to the safety of children if the person were to carry out work at the school".
ERO said the Ohu Whakahaere was "working towards addressing this non-compliance".
In response to questions from RNZ, a spokesperson for ERO said they reviewed the school in October last year, with its final report published in March.
"ERO was also made aware that the kura was navigating some challenges in relation to employment matters, as was reported in the final report.
"During reviews, our primary focus is on reviewing, evaluating and reporting on the quality of teaching and learning, including the provision of a safe physical and emotional environment for all children within the educational environment."
As part of the review process, ERO also assesses whether the kura has a current child protection policy, that they have undertaken the necessary safety checks for staff, and that they are fulfilling mandatory reporting obligations in compliance with all relevant New Zealand legislation in these areas.
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