In Whangārei, a principal who gave 27 years to a school found that losing a leg to diabetes was not enough reason to leave the children who greet him each morning with open arms. Pat Newman's decision to remain at Hora Hora School speaks to something older than policy or profession — the way genuine belonging can anchor a person when the body itself begins to falter. Celebrated on New Zealand Principals' Day with song, haka, and a wheelchair lap shared with hundreds of students and staff, Newman stands as a quiet argument that leadership, at its deepest, is an act of mutual sustenance.
Whangārei Principal Overcomes Amputation to Continue 27-Year Leadership
Pat Newman lost his right leg to diabetes complications, requiring amputation and wheelchair use, yet continues his role as school principal.
Education