He has a fast machine, he kept the school grounds clean, he was the best damn caretaker they had ever seen.
Rock band merchandise from the likes of AC/DC, Pink Floyd and Metallica, paired with year-round shorts and sneakers, is an iconic addition to Scott (Scotty) Robertson’s caretaking paraphernalia in his close to 15 years at Victory Primary School.
He may be hanging up his tools at the end of this year, but the simple man with a “gruff exterior” and “a heart of gold” will be leaving an indelible mark for his fashion, philanthropy, road patrol assistance, and being a Mr Fix-It.
Well acquainted with labouring work after three decades operating boilers and pressure treatment plants at South Pine, Scotty thought he’d give caretaking a crack at the kura he attended in the late 60s and early 70s, and where his granddaughter Elise Strickett is a teacher.
He’s the first through the school gates at 7:15am for a day which could include anything from pool cleaning, leaf blowing, weeding, rubbish collection, liaising with tradespeople and the unexpected, before clocking out two and a half hours after the 3pm bell.
Scotty humorously points his leaf blower at students to give them a laugh and enjoys bumping into former Victory students in public. Turning 65 at the end of this month, Scotty says the time is right to polish off.
“I’ve learned a fair bit since I’ve been there; it’s been a good job,” he reflects. “It’s now time I went and did a few things for myself because life doesn’t get extended, it gets shortened when you get to an old age bracket.”
Principal Dan George spoke fondly of his retiring colleague, with whom he shares a love of biking and fishing.
Lauding that, unlike the Pink Floyd classic, Scotty hasn’t been just another brick in the wall, more “a cult figure” at Victory.
“He’s a reliable, trustworthy guy and hugely respected, and loved by students, staff, and our community,” he says.
“He can come across as a classic caretaker with a bit of a gruff exterior, but on the inside, he is the kindest, caring guy that I know, and he’s the first person to put his hand up to help anybody around the school.
“If a teacher’s got a daughter that’s going off to kapa haka nationals, or a sporting tournament, he’d be the first person to say, ‘I’ll buy a few of those raffle tickets’.”
Dan added that while Scotty will no longer be the caretaker, “it’ll be interesting to see if he can stay away from the place”.
“He will obviously be immediately missed by everybody at Victory Primary School, but he lives locally, and I expect him to come back and visit from time to time… he’s a great mate that I’m looking forward to continuing that relationship with,” he says.
