Owairoa Primary School’s principal of 36 years has received his King’s Birthday honour from the Governor-General.
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro has presented Owairoa Primary School principal Alan McIntyre with his insignia as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
McIntyre was one of 178 New Zealanders named in the King’s Birthday Honours list published on 1 June, for services to education.
His citation says he has spent more than 50 years in primary education and has led the Howick school since 1990.
Owairoa Primary School Board presiding member Shaun Davidson wrote to parents when the honour was announced, saying McIntyre had guided the school “through tremendous growth and change”.
Under his leadership, Owairoa’s roll grew from 251 students to a peak of 1,050.
“Alan’s vision, commitment and leadership have positively impacted generations of students, staff and families,” Davidson said.
The citation calls him one of New Zealand’s longest-serving principals.
“While this honour recognises Alan’s contribution to education across New Zealand, we are especially proud that so much of this service has been dedicated to the Owairoa community,” Davidson said.
He was among the first primary principals to run international student programmes, building partnerships between Owairoa and schools overseas.
He set up an international teaching exchange.
In 2015 he created a sister school relationship with Chaotian Primary School in Guangzhou.
He represented New Zealand’s education sector in a three-way school partnership linking Guangzhou, Los Angeles and Auckland.
At Owairoa he introduced the Digital Dream Lab classroom, where students learn science and technology through 3D printing, virtual reality headsets, drones and robotics.
His Super Start programme introduces children to the school before their fifth birthday, so they settle into school life more quickly.
The citation says he is a mentor and adviser to fellow principals, and was an active member of the Te Ara Bucklands Beach Kahui Ako, or Community of Learning.
“His influence extends well beyond our school gates through his contribution to educational leadership, international education, student wellbeing initiatives and community engagement,” Davidson said.
Outside the school he has been a Justice of the Peace for more than 35 years and served a three-year term as a Manukau City councillor.
“Throughout his career, he has remained steadfast in his belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and flourish,” Davidson said.
