He introduced general studies which gave form 6 students opportunity to engage in a wide range of sporting programmes not available at the school, such as sail boarding, clay pigeon shooting, croquet and indoor bowls.

Kelly was a keen supporter of overseas aid projects and involved students in fund raising for simple irrigation pumps which could be used in third world nations.

From Newcastle in England, with a background as a merchant marine officer, Hood was recognised for his inclusive, relaxed style of management.

Within the College, examples of major change included the vertical form structure, multi-level studies for senior students and, most prominently, development of the Community Marae Project, which had commenced in 1982.

This major undertaking culminated in the official Public Opening on 9 December 1995 of the Wharenui, 'Te Iho Rangi' and of the Marae itself, 'Aratiatia'.

He was acting principal for a term but carried out a number of critical reforms such as re-establishing a coherent deans system and making some staffing decisions resulting in a more positive atmosphere in the school.

He stayed briefly to assist the ninth principal, Julie Small(2007-2011) who was selected by a new board of trustees, guided by Dennis Finn, a commissioner from the New Zealand Ministry of Education.

She had a reputation for rapidly improving National Certificate of Educational Achievement(NCEA) results at her previous school, Rodney College in Wellsford.

In June 2011 Fairfield College made news headlines again due to a prank played two years earlier.

[9] Fairfield College has signed up to the Te Kotahitanga programme intended to improve Maori students academic performance.