Adin was initially appointed as the East Auckland school’s limited statutory manager, but his role changed after the board resigned on October 19.
He was appointed limited statutory manager on September 17.
In the email to parents, Adin said a commissioner assumed all the board’s powers, functions and responsibilities.
He would not elaborate on the board’s explanation for its resignation.
Parents were being assured the school would continue to function normally, he said, and the intervention would not directly affect students or their education.
“I do not have concerns about the teaching programmes, student achievement or curriculum delivery at Macleans Primary School.”
Adin told the Herald he was working frequently at the school, including with the principal, and prioritising uninterrupted learning.
Questions about what prompted the intervention were referred to the Ministry of Education.
The ministry’s director of Auckland integration, Leisa Maddix, said its regional office had been working with the board on governance matters since May.
May was also the date of the most recent board meeting minutes publicly available on the school’s website.
The ministry was informed of the board’s resignation on October 19, and Adin’s appointment as commissioner took effect on October 21.
“The ministry works with schools to help them resolve challenges themselves and only intervenes as a last resort.”
Maddix said the aim was to return the school to self-governance “as soon as practicable”, with Adin remaining until a new board could be appointed or elected.
The School Boards Association referred questions about the assistance they provided to the board to the Ministry of Education.
Macleans Primary School caters for children from their first school days through to Year 6.
Education Review Office lists its roll at 551, with its latest report, published in September 2025, describing a culturally diverse school.
Rachel Maher is the education correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. She also covers other topics such as Auckland issues, crime and local government. She started at the Herald as a breaking news journalist in 2022, before joining the Auckland team this year.
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