Moe mai rā/Rest in peace to our friend & colleague, Nick Wilson

With deep sadness last week, our Principal, Ivan, and a small group of support staff farewelled our dear colleague and friend, Nick Wilson, the Principal of Ponsonby Intermediate School.

A former PE teacher, Nick became the Principal of Ponsonby Intermediate in Term 2, 2016. During his tenure, he established a wider senior leadership team with a strong focus on student wellbeing. He also helped shape the school’s vision statement—“Articulate, energised achievers, ready for the future”—and did everything he could to help his students aspire to that ideal.

At Nick’s funeral service last Friday, we heard many heartfelt and funny stories. Friends and family shared memories of summers spent at Tinopai during his childhood, his fierce competitive spirit, and his successes as a national-level triathlete. We laughed and cried hearing about his knack for storytelling (always with a few extra embellishments to keep things interesting), the remarkable friendships he built over a lifetime, and, above all, his unwavering passion for his students and staff.

As the leader of one of our local schools, Nick was always a welcoming and friendly face at the many Kāhui Ako Teacher-Only Days hosted by Springs-Waiōrea over the years. He took a genuine interest in his former students, following their accomplishments with immense pride. We will deeply miss his friendship, warmth, and support.

We send our heartfelt condolences to Nick’s whānau, extended family, and friends, wishing them strength during this incredibly difficult time.

Moe mai rā, Nick