Today is an emotional, exciting and apprehensive day for Matua Koa Douglas as he begins his new role as principal of Bethlehem's full-immersion Maori secondary school.

Koa was welcomed into Te Wharekura o Mauao with a powhiri this morning in what he describes as an overwhelming transition.

Principal Matua Koa meets students Te Ra Keno, Mamaeroa Kohu, Tima Norman and Kahureremoa Smallman.

He spent the past 12 years as principal of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Koutu in Rotorua.

'I'm full of anticipation as you can imagine.

'It was a bit overwhelming, leaving one school to come to another. It's just wonderful the things that were said today, I'm not sure I'm that deserving, but I think the proof will be in the pudding.

'We have lots of work to do here, and I hope I can actually show them that yes I can help them move forward.”

Koa's goals for the school include a continuation of the current aspirations, which involve entwining the students in Maori culture and language.

'That's one of the key aspects, that the children are immersed in Te Reo.

'That's part of my responsibility, to help pave the way, and that we ensure that we fulfil those obligations.”

This morning, students from his old school farewelled him and Koa mingled with his new students.

'They're much like me, a bit nervous, but having intermingled with them I think they have an idea of some of my expectations, particularly around Te Reo Maori.”

Te Wharekura o Mauao caters to about 140 students from Year 7-12. Construction of the school began in April 2011 before officially opening in February last year.