A Far North teacher who has this week admitted charges of sexual offending against boys under 16 was investigated by three government agencies three years ago following a complaint.
James Parker, 37, who was the deputy principal of rural Pamapuria School, south of Kaitaia, when he was arrested last month, pleaded guilty in Kaitaia District Court on Wednesday to 49 charges, including indecent assault and unlawful sexual connection.
Principal's Federation president Paul Drummond spoke to
Firstline this morning – watch the interview.
The charges related to an unspecified number of adolescent boys and he will be sentenced in November.
A police investigation into his offending began in early July and Parker was arrested on July 13.
However, it's been revealed that Parker was the subject of an investigation by police, the Ministry of Education and Child Youth and Family (CYF) in 2009.
CYF spokeswoman Marama Edwards told Radio New Zealand the children involved were interviewed but the allegations could not be substantiated.
She said no further allegations were made until the most recent ones that led to Parker's arrest.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Burke, who's heading the current investigation, said police wrote a letter to the school in 2009 outlining their concerns about Mr Parker.
He would not comment on the school's response to the letter.
Police didn't take any further action because they considered the matter closed, Det Snr Sgt Burke said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has confirmed that the school's board of trustees has resigned and a commissioner, Larry Forbes, has been appointed.
Fiona Knight is now the acting principal of Pamapuria School, which has a roll of about 180, while principal Stephen Hovell is on leave.
A trauma team has been brought in to support the school and wider community.
NZN