Michael WILLIAMS Obituary

I have always felt a certain affinity to Mike in that we were both Principal of Pakuranga College and President of the Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand(SPANZ)

Over the years, on and off, Mike and I talked a lot about the education system particularly when he was president of SPANZ . I was involved in the national review of `Tomorrows Schools´ and he was a key person I was always keen to hear from.

During that review and afterwards ( I would quite often ring him up for a chat and advice) he was always willing to talk. He never held back and was prepared to challenge ideas and proposals he did not like- and he would do respectfully, clinically and professionally . I never felt anything but gratitude for his careful questioning and dissection of the issues because he always brought the debate or discussion back to how this or that would impact on our students and our teachers and our parents. He would gently demand we focussed on understanding what matters, and why.

Mike was not backward on offering support as well though. I was always grateful for that because I knew it carried considerable weight, and he meant it .

And he did it all with such warmth and goodwill.

Those qualities of being able to get to the crux of matters ,sorting out what is important and what is not so much , his sharp intellectual prowess, coupled with his instinctive warmth of character and his default willingness to treat people with respect and kindness is reflected throughout his entire career. That of course is why he has been respected, admired and loved by so many over so many years.

After he finished his work at Pakuranga College Mike moved into a career of providing leadership advice to principals. What a perfect job for him.

It´s tragic that the profession and the whole education sector will be deprived of his wisdom. It´s a huge loss . However, I know the many friends he has made, fellow principals he has supported , students he has interacted with, parents he has worked with, teachers he has mentored, will carry his memory , his example, his stories and his wisdom forward into the future

You were an amazing teacher with a wonderful sense of humour, and you encouraged so many of us to believe in ourselves. Thank you for giving me my very first job, babysitting and being allowed to help myself to goodies from the biccie tin! Rest in peace, Mr Williams.

Mike was an inspirational headteacher and a pleasure to work for and with , Thankyou Mike for being the best you could be and inspiring a generation of teachers and students ...Diolch yn fawr and farewell to a top person , you will be missed but never forgotten as your teaching will live in those that teach

Rip Mr Williams miss you and I remember he was the principal at aorere college fair well Mr Mike pray for you Mike and have good trip

Sorry manuia Lou Malaga Mr willams
Love from Sio

A colleague and mentor at Manurewa High School. Will be missed by many.

Thinking of the whanau at this time. I knew Mike when I was CE of NZQA. He was great to work with, passionate, sincere and with the interests of students firmly at the forefront of all he represented. Moe mai ra Mike.
Dame Karen Poutasi

Mike was a colleague who became a good friend. He was hard-working, pragmatic, and dedicated to schools and their inhabitants. Always fun to chat to ... he had a ready opinion and good inside knowledge. I´ll miss being able to pick up the phone and have a yarn with Mike ... very much. He was dedicated to his family, often talking about watching his children play netball, family time at the bach, and ... most recently ... his grandchildren. Kia aroha Mike, Jenny and whanau.

So sorry to hear about Mike's passing. Passionate, hugely respected educationalist who positively influenced so many teachers and students.

Great man and pleasure to work with. He will be missed by all.

Mike was one of my best friends at the Bay of Islands College back in the 1970s. We had many great memories. I am not surprised that he had such a great impact on other peoples' lives as he built up his career and raised a family. I have reached out to others that went to school with us and we all feel the same way. My best wishes to his family.

This gesture of donating trees reminds me of the "Trees for Survival" program that I was privileged to establish at Aorere College. How fitting it is, and how deeply it fills me with pride to have worked alongside such an outstanding leader in the education sector.

I was truly fortunate to work with someone who led both people and the school with integrity, passion, and the highest expectations. You gave me the strength and wisdom to develop and lead the Science Department to new academic heights. You were always present for teachers and students alike-not only as a principal, but also as a person and a classroom teacher. I still remember how much you enjoyed teaching, especially Physics, and how much I learned from you. Leadership like yours is rare.

The entire community mourns you. Your contribution to Aorere College will never be forgotten, for you transformed the school into one of choice and opportunity. From my family to yours, may the Lord be with your family and give them strength during this difficult time.

Farewell, Mr Williams. Rest in peace.

There are many shared memories from your time as young Physics teacher at Manurewa High right through to Pakuranga College. Most of all I remember working with you during those tough early days at Aorere College. Your goals were distant and high. You were brave, determined, compassionate, believed in the students, very fair and a great person to know. It has been my privilege to be your colleague and friend. You will be sadly missed.

Requiem
They say "the lighthouse-keeper´s world is round -
The only lighthouse keeper that I know
Inhabits space, his feet well clear of ground.
I say he is of light, of midnight snow.
 
The other lighthouse keeper - he they say
Whose world is round - is held responsible
For manning his one light by night; by day,
For polishing his lenses, bulb and bell.
My man, my friend who lately leaves, is quite
Another type. He climbs no spiral stairs:
But go he does, for good, to man the night;
To reappear, among his polished stars.
-          Sam Hunt

My Prayers goes out to The Williams Whanau, I will remember Him as the Pakuranga College Principal and good messages at the Principal Assembly. RIP Mr. Williams

Liam Hill
Student (2019-2023)

Many shared memories of Pakuranga College and our shared love of the school. I will always remember Mike's professionalism and our animated discussions about leadership. His collegiality, humour and ability to connect with everyone was a gift. I will miss him from the education profession - gone too soon - E kore e hekeheke he kakano rangatira - a noble heritage will never perish.

A true friend and a work colleague. I will remember your smile, your cheeky grin, your wit, and your passion for learning.
Nancy and I will keep you in our thoughts and hearts, Mike.