Kaikōura Principal Calls On Teachers To Consider Small Town Life

Tuesday, 18 March 2025, 8:22 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Small rural schools have their advantages but need more staff, says Kaikōura Suburban School principal Kylee Habgood.

Being in a small school means there is only a limited number of staff on site, and there is a relatively small pool of relief teachers in the Kaikōura district.

It means being creative in managing staff, she said.

‘‘You just have to be flexible and remember we are all working together.

‘‘We all realise it is important to have someone in front of the children.’’

The school welcomed a new principal this year, with Kylee Habgood moving up from Amuri Area School, at Culverden, where she taught for 15 years, including as deputy principal.

She said new teachers should definitely consider country schools.

‘‘There is something quite special about area schools. You should definitely give it a go," said Ms Habgood.

‘‘There are so many opportunities you wouldn’t get at a larger urban school, including teaching across year levels.

‘‘Kaikōura has small schools, but I feel we work well together.

Ms Habgood said it has been a big change, moving from a year 1-13 school with nearly 400 pupils, to a year 1-6 school with just 51 pupils.

‘‘I taught some kids at age 5-years and then some of them were still there at age 18, which was really cool.

‘‘Here I will see them come and go an awful lot quicker.’’

Ms Habgood said she is enjoying the rural life, especially not having to drive as far to supermarket and having more places to exercise.

‘‘It is different here (Kaikōura), but there is a lot to like about looking out the window and seeing Mt Fyffe.’’

Kaikōura Suburban School is a semi-rural school just out of Kaikōura and at the foot of Mt Fyffe, which enjoys scenic views.

It will celebrate 150 years next year and has generally had around 50 to 70 pupils.

But board of trustees presiding member Sarah Chann said the school has always had a strong community spirit.

‘‘Kaikōura has small schools, but I feel we work well together.

‘‘I don’t know if it is a small community thing, but the community really gets on board.’’

The school’s main fundraiser is the Whale Run, which will be held on September 6, and attracts runners and walkers from around the country.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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