A 50-year career in education and 33 years leading Rotorua Boys’ High School. Chris Grinter’s time as principal of his beloved school is up but he leaves behind a legacy of change, success – and discovering Jonah Lomu . When Chris Grinter arrived at Rotorua Boys’ High School in 1991 as principal, one of his first jobs was cutting six teaching roles.
The school ’s roll had dropped dramatically amid reputation woes and negativity about single-sex boys’ schools. “It was a hard entry to this new position. But that gave a starting point and we’ve never had to disestablish a position since.
” Grinter sits in his office at a round table in an interview with the Rotorua Daily Post just days after he announced his retirement as principal at the end of term two, after 33 years in the job. In true Grinter fashion, he speaks slowly and purposely when asked, why now? “People have always said to me you will know when the time is right and I think that’s really the case. I have been here a long time and it’s been a great time.
” He leaves behind a legacy of turning around the school’s reputation, growing the roll, and academic success – particularly for Māori students – while collecting countless trophies in sports and cultural pursuits. In 2022, he became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and Māori. Comments from former students and colleagues on the school’s Facebook page following his retirement announcement speak of .
