He Whakamānawa
A tribute to Mr Grinter

Former Principal Chris Grinter was at the helm of our school, Raukura, Rotorua Boys’ High School for 33 years, and had been in education for 50 years.

The school was languishing when Mr Grinter arrived three decades ago, the roll was dropping and its reputation was not great.

Now, due to his vision and direction, our school roll has reached a high of just under 1300 students and we are considered one of the most reputable boys schools in the country.

Furthermore, we have been recognised across a range of kaupapa and we have also been the recipient of numerous awards for academic, cultural and sporting success.

It is no surprise that he was awarded a New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and Māori because he has maintained his position and thinking around ‘stars aligning’ for our young men, and young Māori and Pasifika men at that.

We are truly thankful for all that he has done for our school, the community and generations of young men who have been fortunate enough to be led by him.

As stated on Friday 26 July, the day our school acknowledged Mr Grinter formally, exactly 33 years to the day since he took up the Tumuaki position,

Kia hora te marino
Kia whakapapa pounamu te moana
Kia tere te kārohirohi i mua i tōu huarahi

May the calm be widespread
May the waters glisten like greenstone
May the shimmer of sunlight dance before your pathway

Aroha nui, nā te whānau o Raukura!