According to the recently released ruling from the tribunal, Fitz-Gerald had a lengthy career spanning 45 years, including teaching students with special needs. Fitz-Gerald arranged respite care with the student’s parents, had the teen stay overnight at his house, and took him away on trips to beaches, cafes and to other cities. This respite care was done with the parents’ consent but without the school’s knowledge or approval. The tribunal said Macaran held a position of trust and his offending was “the most serious kind of misconduct”. Macaran had retired by the time the tribunal could convene, so it couldn’t cancel his registration as it had already lapsed.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 21, 2026 17:04 UTC