A Horowhenua College teacher is the subject of an ongoing investigation after allegations were made regarding his conduct towards a student.
According to a report by Stuff, the Levin-based school confirmed that concerns had been raised about Asaria Saili, also known as Matua Ria, prompting a formal employment process and investigation.
Saili is listed on the school's website as a language teacher and Pacific Dean, but Principal Grant Congdon said he is not currently teaching while the matter is being addressed.
The Teaching Council has also confirmed it has been notified of the concerns and has referred the matter through the appropriate statutory channels.
In a statement, Congdon said the school acted immediately after receiving the allegations.
“When the allegations were received, [the school] immediately began following the appropriate policies and procedures, including initiating an employment process in response to these allegations,” as quoted by Stuff.
He said the investigation remains confidential while it is ongoing.
“The employment process and corresponding investigation are confidential to the parties involved, and as this process is still actively progressing, we are unable to comment further. The Teacher’s Council have been notified, and the investigation initiated by the Board is nearing completion,” Stuff has quoted.
Congdon emphasised that student welfare remained the school's top priority.
“The safety and well-being of the school’s students and staff was paramount.
“We take this responsibility very seriously,” as quoted by Stuff.
He said the school maintains a “Child and Young Persons Protection policy” and expects all staff to uphold professional standards in their interactions with students.
“The Board and principal at Horowhenua College act on any complaints received and take appropriate steps in the management of these,” Stuff has quoted.
Teaching Council interim chief executive Tom Gott said the council would not normally comment on an individual subject to an active process, but had chosen to do so because of the public interest involved.
“The Teaching Council has received serious concerns relating to this individual and has referred these to the appropriate statutory process. We are working closely with the school and relevant agencies, and we take our obligations to safeguard children and young people extremely seriously. We act promptly on all information received,” Gott said, as quoted by Stuff.
“We are unable to comment further on the detail or progress of the statutory process at this time, to ensure fairness and uphold the principles of natural justice,” Stuff has quoted.
The Teaching Council also confirmed Saili's Limited Authority to Teach expired on March 7, meaning he is currently unable to teach in New Zealand.
According to Stuff, Saili was appointed as Horowhenua College's “Ta’ita’i Pasifika” earlier this year, a role designed to support Pasifika students and strengthen engagement with families and the wider community. He has also been involved in supporting the school's sports programmes and has connections with the Levin Performing Arts Society.
Attempts have been made to contact Saili for comment.
The investigation comes months after another former Horowhenua College teacher, April Nordstrom, had her teaching registration cancelled following findings relating to inappropriate relationships with students, as reported by Stuff.