A Northland teacher has been permanently barred from the classroom after being found guilty of serious misconduct for physically assaulting students in his Year 3 class. Patrick Tokoroa Heke’s registration was cancelled by the New Zealand Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal following allegations of hitting pupils with sticks and a guitar, actions that occurred while he was employed at a Whangārei school in 2021. The case highlights a disturbing pattern of violence and raises serious questions about safeguarding practices within the education system.
The tribunal’s decision, made public this week, details accounts from six young witnesses who described repeated instances of physical force used by Heke. The incidents, spanning much of 2021, involved striking students on their heads, arms, and shoulders, often as a form of punishment. Heke did not participate in the disciplinary process, offering no defense or explanation for his actions, which the tribunal deemed a critical factor in its decision. The severity of the misconduct led the tribunal to order Heke to pay costs of $10,397.67 to the Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC).
Details of the Abuse
Testimony presented to the tribunal revealed a series of troubling events. One student, aged either seven or eight at the time, recounted an incident where Heke forcibly removed a toy car from his pocket and pushed him to the ground, resulting in a wrist injury. The same student described ongoing instances of being hit with a stick on his arms, shoulders, and head when “playing around,” and struck in the head with a “medium-sized” guitar when not listening. Another student, an 11-year-old brother of the first, witnessed Heke grab and shove the younger boy, allegedly dismissing the force used as minimal.
Further accounts detailed a seven-year-old girl being hit in the head with a stick during reading time, with Heke reportedly telling her not to repeat the behavior. She described the stick as long, thin, and brown, reaching his hip, and stated he would hit students “daily” and “hit a lot of other people” without apparent reason. Another seven-year-old student reported being hit in the head with both a tokotoko (a traditional Māori stick) and a guitar, stating Heke would use physical force when students were “being stupid” or “not listening.” The boy described the hits as “medium smacks” that left children feeling sore and scared, noting that one student suffered a “lump on his head.”
Teacher’s Response and Tribunal Findings
The Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC) initiated an investigation following a parent’s complaint reported to the school’s acting principal. During a phone call with the CAC, Heke dismissed the allegations as “BS,” expressing frustration and claiming the process had damaged his career and stripped him of his mana. But, the CAC found evidence of a “concerning pattern of using violence to manage student behaviour,” entirely contrary to modern pedagogical principles.
The tribunal’s decision emphasized the gravity of Heke’s actions. “The sustained use of physical force against young children, particularly striking them on the head with implements, represents conduct of utmost seriousness,” the tribunal stated. “No teacher who engaged in such conduct can be considered safe to remain in the classroom.” The tribunal also noted Heke’s “complete disengagement” from the proceedings, preventing any assessment of remorse or assurance that such behavior would not be repeated.
The tribunal declined to suppress Heke’s name, stating that publicly identifying teachers found guilty of serious misconduct involving violence against children is crucial to protect the public and maintain confidence in the disciplinary process, as reported by the New Zealand Herald. The school involved has had its name suppressed to protect the students.
The impact of Heke’s actions extended beyond the immediate physical harm. The boys involved were not re-enrolled in school in 2022 and reportedly became “reluctant” to return to education. This case underscores the lasting trauma that can result from violence in the classroom and the importance of creating safe and supportive learning environments for all students.
As the education sector reflects on this disturbing case, attention will likely turn to strengthening safeguarding measures and providing support for students who have experienced trauma. The New Zealand Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal continues to investigate allegations of misconduct, ensuring accountability and protecting the wellbeing of young learners.
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