Parents in the dark after sudden resignation of Christchurch principal facing safety allegations

Friday, 19 June 2026

The parents of pupils at a kura kaupapa in Ōtautahi Christchurch have heard nothing from the school about its principal’s sudden resignation amid safety allegations.

Melissa Waitoa-Paki resigned from her role at Māori immersion school Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Waitaha, in St Martins, while facing allegations she failed to protect the safety of children as well as manage conflicts of interest.

Her resignation also follows an Education Review Office report revealing the school's human resources practices required “immediate attention”, as not all staff had been police-vetted or completed safety checks before their employment.

RNZ reported Waitoa-Paki faces allegations she failed to protect the safety of children at the school, as well as failing to recognise and manage conflicts of interest.

Kaimahi (staff) of the kura said the school was yet to share information with parents as they were still trying to understand what was going on.

For now, they said, they were focused on keeping whānau safe, and would share information when they could.

Whānau picking up their tamariki and mokopuna (children and grandchildren) from the kura on Thursday told The Press they did not know about the allegations.

One parent said: “I haven’t heard anything, and as for the police checks I would have just assumed that was a normal thing that would happen.

“But do you really know people? I’ll definitely keep my eye on it, that’s for sure.”

He was pleased with how his daughter was flourishing at the kura, especially with her reo.

Another parent said she also had no knowledge of the allegations, but was pleased with the school’s performance.

The Ministry of Education is aware of Waitoa-Paki’s resignation, but it was not planning to intervene with statutory measures, Coralanne Child, the ministry’s director of education for Canterbury and Chatham Islands, said.

“Where concerns relate to conduct in an employment or teaching capacity, the relevant employer and the Teaching Council are the appropriate bodies to consider these,” Child said.

“The ministry’s role is to support the board to ensure continuity of education, and appropriate interim leadership arrangements are in place.

“The safety and wellbeing of children and young people is of utmost importance, and we recognise the concerns that have been raised.”

She said a local team was in regular contact with the board and kura, and support was in place to maintain safe and effective school operations.

The Teaching Council was approached for comment regarding Waitoa-Paki’s resignation, and asked if concerns had been raised about her, and whether the council was confident the school was a safe place for students.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Given the complexity of the matter, we unfortunately won’t be able to get back to you by [Thursday].” The council is expected to provide a response on Friday.

The Press has approached the Education Review Office and the kura for comment.