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Faced with the biggest crisis in his 18 years as a principal, Elim Christian College head Murray Burton went on to auto-pilot.
He became the public face of the school - digging deep to front a media conference for the first time in his life - as the school mourned the loss of seven of its own who died canyoning in the Mangatepopo Stream.
"People have asked us 'wow, you must have a well-oiled public relations team?', I said 'not likely'," said Mr Burton, who was last night honoured with the NZ Principal Federation's service with distinction award.
"You take what happens at the time and, you know, go with it, really."
He was simultaneously helping organise care for grieving students, their families and the community.
Fellow Howick Pakuranga Principals Association member David Ellery said it demonstrated the outstanding leadership skills Mr Burton had developed over many years.
"That was inspirational," said Mr Ellery of Somerville Intermediate.
Students Natasha Bray, Portia McPhail, Tara Gregory, Tom Hsu, Anthony Mulder, Floyd Fernandes and teacher Tony McClean died in the April tragedy. Four students survived.
The school was notably open about its grief, a decision Mr Burton said "just happened".
"There were so many people affected, people needed to hear," he said. "There was so much more to be gained by being open rather than to be closed off. It enabled the school really to cope with the whole situation too."
Reluctant to take praise, Mr Burton said the crisis showed the importance of strong relationships.
"It's not really about policy and procedures at the time, it's about how people work together," he said.
A teacher for almost 30 years, Mr Burton credits his faith as a support.
The East Auckland school was continuing to raise money for a memorial fund, part of which could go towards a rock climbing wall at school in tribute.
"I still feel overwhelmed at the enormity of what happened and incredibly sad that we've lost incredibly good people," said Mr Burton. "I never want to lose that sense of sadness but I know that we all need to move through this period because we have a life to live."
