Jason Hema has the job of maintaining the grounds of Hastings’ Frimley School — but has added some extra responsibilities to his job description.
Hema began his working life in the navy, then spent a quarter of a century at Watties.
Fast-forward to now, Hema hosts musical jam sessions, is in the school band, and leads an outside class for boys who don’t want to spend the whole day indoors, as well as helping keep the school in tip-top shape.
The outdoor education involves lessons in te reo Māori, martial arts, marching and even finishes with kai.
His jam sessions involve sitting down and signing with the students, and they even write songs together.
Speaking to 1News’ Good Sorts, Hema said if you give kids aroha, kindness and manaaki, it “goes a long way” to helping their learning ability.
“I love the innocence of them mate, and how they’re genuine. [They] take me for what I am.”
It’s safe to say Hema has found his place in the school band, and in the playground.
To hear more about Hema’s story and why he’s a Good Sort, click the video at the top of this article.
