Prominent educationalist Phil Raffills dies

8:50 AM

The outspoken former principal of the country's biggest school has died following a lengthy battle with leukaemia.

Phil Raffills was the head of Avondale College in Auckland for 14 years, and was a prominent supporter of the previous government's bulk-funding policy.

Mr Raffills was also an Auckland City councillor, who stood unsuccessfully for Parliament as a National candidate.

A spokesman for the family says Mr Raffills died overnight with his family around him.

His funeral is expected to be held at Avondale College on Friday.

- IRN