Do crimes like the abuses that have taken place in Kaitaia cause a male-female imbalance in the teaching profession?
James Parker yesterday pleaded guilty to 49 charges of indecently assaulting young boys. The 37-year-old was teacher and deputy principal at Pamapuria School in Kaitaia for 12 years.
"Believe it or not, these crimes were committed against people I care about very much," Parker said in court. "I wish I could fix the damage I have caused."
The case has caused huge uproar and upset in the community.
Do crimes like this dissuade men from joining the teaching profession?