In 2014, Ōtūmoetai Intermediate School became the first school in New Zealand to win the Supreme Award at the Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
The recognition highlighted an exceptional teaching and learning environment – one Popping worked deliberately to cultivate. By fostering strong relationships between staff and students, he helped grow a school known for academic achievement and student wellbeing.
Two guiding ideas
“It’s a strong culture of relationships, belonging, and a real focus on achievement and the whole child – alongside a broad, engaging curriculum.”
Two guiding ideas have underpinned his leadership. “One is relationships before results – achievement grows from belonging and trust. The second is high expectations alongside genuine care.”
Across his more than two decades as principal, thousands of students have passed through the school. Popping speaks proudly of former students who return to share their journeys, and about the school’s house system, now named after past pupils including Olympians and international athletes.
Evolved
He believed the principal’s role had evolved significantly.
“It’s no longer just about administration. It’s about understanding increasingly complex learning needs for this age group, particularly around wellbeing and neurological development.”
His approach was strongly influenced by research, including the work of John Hattie. Central to his philosophy was the belief that achievement flourishes where students feel valued, safe and respected.
Ōtūmoetai Intermediate School principal Henk Popping is retiring from his role after more than two decades. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Alongside academic achievement, Popping had championed a broad and engaging curriculum. He believed students discover their strengths by stepping beyond their comfort zones.
“You don’t know what skills and talents you have until you try something new,” he often told students.
Aima Games co-founder
Beyond the school gates, Popping is widely known for co-founding the Aims Games alongside then Tauranga Intermediate principal Brian Diver. What began in 2004 with 760 athletes from 17 schools has grown into one of the country’s largest sporting events for intermediate-aged students, now attracting thousands from across New Zealand and beyond each year.
“We thought, ‘let’s promote intermediate schools and create a national tournament where our students can compete against the best in the country’.”
As chairman of the Aims Games Trust, Popping oversaw the games’ expansion while remaining committed to the event’s original purpose: showcasing intermediate schools and giving young people the opportunity to shine. The event’s growth – with it now requiring two opening ceremonies – stands as a testament to his vision for community engagement and student wellbeing.
Local partnership
Another significant collaboration during his tenure was Te Tai Whanake ki Tauranga Moana, a locally developed curriculum created in partnership with Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Pūkenga. The multi-year project produced an online te reo Māori curriculum resource for schools across the wider Tauranga Moana area, with Popping chairing the kaitiaki leadership group that oversaw its development.
When asked what advice he would offer other principals, he cautioned against chasing educational trends. “Be careful not to jump on every bandwagon that comes along. Look at what the research is telling us.
“Make sure whatever you choose to do is for the greater good of the students and will genuinely make a difference to their learning.”
Ōtūmoetai Intermediate School principal Henk Popping is one of the founders of the Aims Games for intermediate-aged students, which is now one of NZ’s largest sporting events. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
As he prepared to leave Ōtūmoetai Intermediate, Popping hoped his legacy would be one of positive influence.
“I just hope I’ve been able to touch the lives of students in a way that helps them become fantastic citizens – confident, capable and compassionate.”
A special time
For him, intermediate school is a formative chapter: “It’s a special time to discover who you are, what you love, and the kind of person you want to become.”
Reflecting on his tenure, he expressed deep gratitude for the support of staff, the board of trustees and the wider Ōtūmoetai community.
“I’ve always felt supported,” he said. “Together, we’ve taken an entrepreneurial approach to leadership, viewing every challenge as an opportunity to improve and adapt.”
While yet to decide his next professional step, Popping looked forward to time for reflection and new adventures. He will leave behind a school strengthened by enduring values, a commitment to excellence, and a culture built on belonging and trust.
After more than a quarter of a century, Popping’s leadership has shaped not only Ōtūmoetai Intermediate, but also the wider education community in Tauranga.