Principal resigns after allegations she failed to protect the safety of children

The principal of a Christchurch school has resigned amid allegations she failed to protect the safety of children as well as manage conflicts of interest.

Melissa Waitoa-Paki's resignation from her role at Māori immersion school Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Waitaha comes after she earlier voluntarily agreed not to teach.

It also follows a report by the Education Review Office which said the school's human resources practices required "immediate attention" with not all staff completing police vetting or safety checking prior to employment.

RNZ understands Waitoa-Paki faces allegations she failed to protect the safety of children at school as well as failing to recognise and manage conflicts of interest.

She did not respond directly to RNZ, however in a message sent to RNZ that appears to have been intended for someone else she referenced the media query and said she had been told to not answer and to "lie low".

In response to questions from RNZ, Teaching Council interim chief executive Tom Gott said the council acknowledged the "high degree of public interest in this matter, given the allegations and the importance of safeguarding children and young people".

Gott said the council took its role in protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people seriously.

"Our statutory role covers registered teachers and any concerns that may call into question a teacher's conduct or fitness to teach.

"Where concerns are raised within that remit, we assess the information available to us and take any action that is necessary and appropriate to reduce risk and prevent harm."

Gott said the council was "aware of the matters raised and have taken appropriate steps to ensure child safeguarding".

"We cannot at this stage provide detail of any information received, or on any process underway."

Gott confirmed Waitoa-Paki had earlier signed a voluntary undertaking not to teach.

"Matters relating to the operation of the school or its Board are for the agencies responsible for school governance and oversight."

Ministry of Education director of education Canterbury and Chatham Islands Coralanne Child told RNZ the ministry was "aware that concerns have been raised".

"As this involves employment matters, the school board is the employer and holds responsibility for managing complaints and employment processes, so further detail on those matters sits with them.

"The Teaching Council is the appropriate body to consider any matters relating to teacher conduct."

Child said the ministry's role was to "support the board and kura, and our local team remains in regu