Mr Bob Norrish, of Rangiora, MNZM for services to education
Mr Bob Norrish returned from retirement to become Acting Principal for 14 schools in remote areas that are particularly difficult to staff, including Karamea, Lochiel, Murchison and the Chatham Islands. He mentors incoming staff to ensure the effective operation of the schools, and has undertaken principal roles for distressed schools under the appointment of a statutory manager, helping to rapidly assess situations and bring back stability. He has worked alongside new principals to develop leadership capability and confidence, and provides advice on the effective leadership of small and rural schools. As Principal of Oxford Area School, he increased student achievement and progress rates for NZQA qualifications in numeracy and literacy, and helped improve the school’s infrastructure.