Pat Newman, Whangārei
Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education
Life would have been a lot easier if he hadn't done what he has, but it would not have been half the fun, says Pat Newman.
Tai Tokerau Principals' Association president since 2007, Newman is "chuffed" to be made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to education.
"I am chuffed; for myself, for my kids, wife and my staff, because they kept everything going when I was busy with work things. It is also recognition that we are quite creative at Hora Hora.
"My dad would have been very proud of it too. We were brought up in different eras but when he left, he left the world in a better place, and that has been the driving force for me too."