If the outpouring of support on social media at the news Billy Merchant is Pakuranga College’s new principal is anything to go by, he’s clearly the right person for the job.
A post on the school’s Facebook page on June 4 announcing his appointment received almost 100 comments of support and more than 600 positive interactions.
He replaces the long-serving Michael Williams, who left the school for a principal leadership role at the Ministry of Education.
Merchant has worked at Pakuranga College for 18 years and was previously the school’s associate principal for about two years.
He also served as deputy principal for about a decade, and officially began his new role on June 10 after doing the job of acting principal since the start of the year.
“I love what we do here and I absolutely love this place,” Merchant told the Times.
“The reason for staying so long is that my values align with the school’s values.
“Things around inclusivity and care, innovation, and excellence. These are all things I hold true to myself.”
Merchant says he also likes it that he’s held roles at the school which allowed him to take on new challenges and opportunities to grow.
“I started here as the head of faculty for health and physical education back in 2007.
“I’ve always had extra challenges and things to challenge my leadership development as well.
“Being aligned with the college works for me. I love what we do for our community and for our students.”
He’s very mindful the school’s pupils should get more than strictly an academic education during their time at Pakuranga College.
“What I love about this place is we’re interested in the whole student,” Merchant says.
“The holistic education for me is something that’s really quite unique to this place.
“Actually getting an academic education is only half of what we offer.
“If all you do is come to school and leave with a certificate that says you can regurgitate some information, I feel that we’ve failed.
“I believe it’s all the co-curricular activities [that matter].
“Those rich opportunities to find your sporting passion, or your cultural linkage or heritage, to find your leadership capability at the college, or to explore your creativity whether it’s through arts or drama.
“It’s all those extras that make us who we are as people.
“That’s what I believe helps people find who they are and find their belonging, which enables them to go on once they leave us and be really successful.”
Merchant describes his predecessor, Michael Williams, as “an absolute legend”.
He says he admired Williams’ continued focus on teaching and learning despite the demands of the role.
“Mike never took his eye off the ball.
“It was admirable how much passion and energy [he had] and his drive to improve outcomes for each individual, and I guess that’s rubbed off on me.
“It’s something I admire and a mantra I live by.
“I get out of bed every day because I want to make better outcomes for our community.
“That’s what I appreciate about Mike. He’s kept this place great with great systems, organisation, and leadership. It was sad to see him go.”
