Our Values

INTRODUCTION FROM OUR TUMUAKI - PRINCIPAL

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko Gary Veysi ingoa

Ko Mauo te maunga,

Ko Wairoa te awa

No Tauranga ahau engari

Ko Gary Charles toku papa

Ko Kathleen toku mama

Ko Angelina Veysi taku wahine

Ko Renee taku tamāhine

ma Braedyn  ma Curtis ma Marcus taku tama

Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa

My name is Gary Veysi the Principal at Whenuakite School - Te Kura o Whenuakite. I feel very honored and privileged to be the Kaitiaki that will help  develop our school. We are building positive relationships with the tamariki, whanau and the wider community.

As a child, I grew up in Tauranga with my parents and my four sisters. We lived close to the water with nearby estuaries, the Wairoa river, McLaren falls/lakes, Tauranga harbour and Mount Maunganui beach. This is where my passion for aquatic activities started and I enjoyed fishing, swimming, bush walks and sports. I have enjoyed taking many camps as well as class team building trips, leadership and using the outdoors. The outdoors is an area I feel passionate about and we are fortunate that we live in Aotearoa/NZ.

I really enjoyed playing multiple sports growing up and believe every child should have the right and opportunity to learn how to ride a bike, swim and be involved in team sports/recreation. I was a member of the Hora Hora school tennis club and touch team. I have played volleyball and tennis as part of a Te Ranga team. Touch in Maraetai and social Soccer and Hockey in Mamaku/Rotorua.

I believe as teachers - kaiako we have a crucial role and my aim in this role is to empower students to become the best versions of themselves. I am passionate to work with the future of tomorrow to support children in leading fulfilling lives. Through the value of whānaungatanga and creating strong relationships in order to create a sense of belonging, I believe this can be achieved. 

I believe as the Principal, leader of learning I need to have in place strategies and systems to enable the children and staff to develop to their full potential, academically, socially, physically and culturally in a challenging and stimulating environment. I call this doing your P.B – “Personal Best with Positive Behaviour”.

I am fortunate to be working with teachers, support staff, parents, Boards of Trustees and communities, who all value life long learning, and who work together being proactive in providing the best outcomes for everyone.

I have a very definite child-centered view of education and learning. This is demonstrated in my own philosophy and belief that every decision made in a school must help improve the child as a whole person and be robust, and sustainable. I promote a collegial style of leadership and have mentored many potential and future leaders. I look for the strengths in others and provide open opportunities for mentoring to build consistency and capacity. 

I will endeavour to bring enthusiasm, experience and excellence.

Ngā mihi nui Gary Veysi

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata! 

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people! 

Students with 100% attendance term 1, 2026

A huge celebration with 80% of students at least 90% of the time in term 1.

House captains meeting Mayor Len Salt with a Mihi Whakatau - Welcome