A Northland teacher has been struck off after being found guilty of serious misconduct for using physical force against students in his Year 3 class.
‘Didn’t even push him that hard’
Patrick Tokoroa Heke’s registration was cancelled by the Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal. The incidents occurred at a Whangārei school in 2021 and were reported to the school following a parent’s complaint. Six young witnesses from Heke’s class provided testimony to the tribunal regarding his conduct.
One student, either seven or eight years ancient, told the tribunal that Heke pushed him over after taking a toy car from his pocket. The boy reported injuring his wrist in the fall. He too described ongoing instances of being hit with a stick on his arms, shoulders, and head when “playing around,” and being hit in the head with a “medium-sized” guitar when not listening.
Another student, age eleven, witnessed Heke grab and shove the younger boy to the ground, and reported Heke’s dismissive response: “didn’t even push him that hard.” A seven-year-old girl testified that Heke hit her in the head with a stick during reading time, telling her not to do “it” again. She described the stick as long, thin, and brown, reaching his hip, and said he hit students “daily.” Another seven-year-old student reported being hit in the head with both a tokotoko and a guitar.
‘Represents conduct of utmost seriousness’
The Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC) contacted Heke and the school to gather information. During a phone call, Heke reportedly dismissed the allegations as “BS,” stating the process had stripped his mana and destroyed his teaching career. The CAC found Heke’s conduct occurred “regularly.”
The tribunal determined that “the sustained employ of physical force against young children, particularly striking them on the head with implements, represents conduct of utmost seriousness.” It stated that no teacher engaging in such conduct could be considered safe to remain in the classroom. The tribunal also noted a lack of evidence demonstrating insight, remorse, or steps taken to prevent recurrence of the behavior.
Heke’s practising certificate was cancelled, he was censored, and ordered to pay $10,397.67 to the CAC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific actions led to the teacher being struck off?
Patrick Tokoroa Heke was struck off for using physical force against students, including hitting them with a stick and a guitar, on their heads, arms, and shoulders.
Did the teacher respond to the allegations?
Heke did not engage in the disciplinary process and did not submit any evidence in his defence. He reportedly dismissed the allegations as “BS” during a phone call with the Complaints Assessment Committee.
What was the tribunal’s reasoning for cancelling Heke’s registration?
The tribunal found Heke’s conduct represented a pattern of violence contrary to modern pedagogical principles and professional expectations, and determined he posed an ongoing risk to students due to his lack of engagement and demonstrated remorse.
What role does professional conduct play in maintaining trust within the education system?
