Noel WOODS Obituary

Noel. Thought of you so often in my life. Such a bright light. The English teacher at Henderson High School in the late 50s whose encouragement set me on a writing career. I was 14, so you would´ve been 27, and it was you, not me, kicking a hole in the classroom wall amidst a dramatic rendition of a Shakespeare play. Brilliant - Geoff Chapple.

My condolences to Noel's family. I enjoyed his sense of humour and outlook on life and I appreciated his friendship, wisdom and advice offered in my contact with him at both Glenfield College and Rangitoto College.

I began my teaching career under Noel's generous, thoughtful and wise guidance. His leadership was the key factor in making Rangitoto the excellent place it was to work and learn.
Sympathy and condolences from Sue and Phil

Rutherford High's 1960's enthusiastic music teacher who turned pupils from Beatles onto Beethoven, Opera & Wagner for life. Conducting on the hall stage 900 pupils into a" choir" whilst 6th form boys in the back row substituted chorus for swearwords. Oh the memories . Well done Sir, class dismissed!

Thinking of you all, what a lovely long life. So many fond memories ... your house was always a happy place filled with classical music, the skiing adventures epic and just the best headmaster ever. Fondly remembered. Robyn (Buckley)

Just wanted to say I was at Rangi with Mark Woods and spent many a Saturday night with friends at the Woods home in Northcote as teenagers. Beautiful family. Many fond special memories of Noel and Judy guiding us through our growing years both at school and beyond.

Our thoughts are with you, Judy and family. Noel led an outstanding college calmly and effectively and it was David´s privilege to be professionally mentored by him. His wry humour and wise decision making endeared him to us. Lee and Dave Norris.

Mr Woods was my English teacher at Rutherford High School. I am grateful for his teaching. I remember him well.

As a third former, cast off by many of the teachers at Rutherford, Noel saw something in me, both musically and as a writer. I can only think that his vigorous support led to my long career in journalism. I invited Noel and Judy to my sixtieth birthday event a few years ago, as a way of saying thank you. And they came.

Noel Woods would rank as one of Rangitoto College´s finest headmasters. As a beginning teacher, I was so privileged to work for such a caring and compassionate man.

A truly great teacher. Peter Gill.