An Interview with Kaitiaki Deputy Principal

An Interview with Bobby Ketu Kaitiaki Deputy Principal

Tell us a little about you

He uri ahau o Ngāti Marangataua o Ngāti Tūwharetoa, me Ngāti Uekaha, Kinohaku o Ngāti Maniapoto. Te Arawa and Tainui waka. Our whanau ties travel from Taumaihi of Motītī, across to Māketu, through to Tongariro, through Kaitieke down the Whanganui, and up through Marakopa into Waitomo. He tangata ngākautia ki te oranga o te tauira me te whanau, otira mo te tangata. My dedication is to all students and whanau. Students success lies at the forefront of my focus, bringing equity in education.

How do you see the role of Deputy Principal Kaitiaki?

My role is to improve the outcomes for Māori learners while initiating Māori content and context throughout our kura enabling and allowing the principles of The Treaty of Waitangi to find its true form in education at Ōtūmoetai College.

Who are some of your role models and why?

Throughout life I have had many role models. My koro and father taught me the value of hard mahi. My mother taught me compassion. My ancestor Ngātoroirangi taught me that the trees I plant now become shade for others to enjoy, and my great great grandfather taught me that nothing is too big to overcome.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Do everything with aroha regardless of the response.

As you will be journeying with the 2021 Year 9 cohort through their five years at ŌtūmoetaiCollege, what are some of the goals you have for this cohort?

To be a cohort that is inclusive of all by nature, aspires to achieve their dreams, and knows how to take action.

What is a little known fact about you?

I’m the face of the KINASQUAD on instagram