Hato Paora principal faces sex charges

The principal of Hato Paora College, Feilding, has appeared in the Palmerston North District Court on Wednesday 7 November on charges relating to allegations of a sexual nature.

The principal of Hato Paora College, Feilding, has appeared in the Palmerston North District Court on Wednesday 7 November on charges relating to allegations of a sexual nature.

Tihirau Shepherd’s subsequent depositions hearing last month was postponed until this month.

A media statement from the school’s Board of Trustees and Trust Board issued on 7 November says the two boards are deeply concerned about the matter and have already put procedures in place to ensure that Shepherd is no longer involved with the college.

The boards are following all their obligations to deal with whatever employment-related issues are involved.

The boards continue to review policies and procedures, because the safety and welfare of the young men at the college continues to be their first priority.

‘Today, we have sent our communication to all parents of current students; however, regrettably, we suspect that some of them would have already heard of the matter, via the media, prior to our formal communication being received by them.

‘In the meantime the college remains focused on the important areas of college life in Term four, namely the exams and prizegiving where we will celebrate our young men’s achievements for 2007.’

For more information contact Hato Paora College Board’s media spokesperson, Danny Karatea-Goddard, 021 509 431 or 06 3503821.