Congratulations John McKenzie, MNZM!
We are all extremely proud of John being awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education. John is a founding trustee of He Ao Hou and continues to be instrumental in our mahi.
From the Otago Daily Times, 3 June 2024:
John Trevlyn McKenzie, Dunedin
For services to education
John McKenzie’s impact on education extends beyond school boundaries.
Mr McKenzie retired as the principal at North East Valley Normal School in 2022 but his work in the 15 years he spent in the role is still influencing the lives of the school’s pupils.
He helped establish the North East Valley Community Project which addresses issues of neighbourliness and healthy living in the community.
"Most principals work hard within the school to make positive change for their students but it is possible for them to also influence change outside the school gates.
"It is difficult to address issues such as poverty or disenfranchisement within a school environment so sometimes the principal must step out of that environment and support those in the community who struggle or who help those who struggle.
"I think we, the principals around North East Valley, did that back 15 years ago."
Mr McKenzie said the project resulted in a vibrant community and he was very proud of that.
He also worked with the school’s staff and community to reverse a declining roll while also opening the school to the community by helping to establish on the school site an award-winning community garden, a community centre and a bilingual unit.
His other roles included sitting on the executive for several committees including the NZEI principals’ council, the Otago Primary Principals’ Association and chairing the New Zealand Normal Schools’ Association for eight years.
He helped form He Ao Hou, a trust aiming to address problems facing children and youth in North Dunedin.
He said he was surprised and deeply humbled by the honour.
He believed it was working with a strong team that helped him achieve his goals.
"I have not achieved anything substantial, I have been a part of groups of people who have, as a collective, made a difference in others’ lives."
