Page 4 - NHS_1991_Cranshaw_Interview

advice about where they are going, or But when people ask you what school
what subjects they should be you go to they say “Oh, you come from

taking and things like that. there.” They automatically say it.
We've had uniform change, which Yes. That is just ignorance -
was handled a wee bit clumsily, and I absolute ignorance! I find that
won't take all the blame for that because depressing. But it is also good to prove
it was a Board of Trustees decision in these people wrong.
the end. But it has affected a little bit the What else attracted me here? I think

way people feel, particularly the seniors, it was a real challenge to try and change
and I think it’s a good thing overall. that reputation.
Assembly's was one change, right In some peoples minds I will never
from the word go. I wasn't going to change it. But the best advert’ is young
stand up on the stage. I'm ten feet tall people going out of the school and doing
anyhow, and if I stood up there you well. And to hell with what they think

wouldn't see my head! . . . . . . . . . . because they are wrong.

The next 2 pages of Tony Because this school’s got just as much
Cranshaw’s article are missing from opportunity as any other school?
the records. Tony reports that he Oh yes! And I think in some ways

thinks that pages contained the we have got more because you can get
process of change with community that personal contact.
forums to explain just what
‘Tomorrows Schools’ was all about. And you get that with the teachers as
The election of the Board of well? There is more time too.
Trustees and the acceptance that Yes, people do take an interest
Ngaruawahia High was a unified and, as said, the quality of some of the
school in the heart of the Kingitanga people on the staff (not all when I

area was also covered. These arrived) did attract me because they
changes needed to be recognized were leaders in their fields and well
and celebrated by both Maori and regarded. I think that now we have got
Pakeha. more and more of those people.

I don’t know if there was anything
…….. I believe that most schools do a else that attracted me. I needed the job,
really good job. but there were other jobs I could have
applied for. And there are only a certain
Yes. This school is kind of stereotyped. number or certain types of schools that I
Oh, yeah! actually liked to be involved in.

This school is very much one of
You get it all the time though, even with them. So that provided me with a great

sports and stuff when you go and play opportunity really.
other teams.
Yea. - Tony Cranshaw