Mr John Russell, of Porirua, MNZM for services to education
Mr John Russell has been involved with education for 43 years. For 11 years, he was the principal at Naenae College, an ethnically diverse decile-three school. When he arrived at the college, it was experiencing significant debt, complex educational and social challenges and a declining roll. He succeeded in dramatically reducing suspension rates and improving student retention and achievement. He has represented the Greater Wellington region on the New Zealand Secondary Principals Council and served on a number of Ministry of Education working parties and advisory groups. Mr Russell now works as a Leadership Advisor for new principals and school leaders