A Hamilton intermediate teacher has been crowned New Zealand’s Most Inspiring Teacher from nearly 5000 nominations around the country.
Maeroa Intermediate’s Melanie Wihongi-Popham has been named the overall winner in a Warehouse Stationery initiative to recognise the hard work of Kiwi teachers, which saw more than 17,000 votes cast by students, parents and families.
With eight individual nominations, Ms Wihongi-Popham has taken out the title of New Zealand’s Most Inspiring Teacher for ensuring her students get the best possible education while feeling nurtured and cared for in the classroom.
"Ms Wihongi-Popham needs cloning," says parent Samantha White, who was one of the people to nominate the hard-working teacher.