Principal’s Day celebration highlights Whangārei principal Pat Newman’s remarkable comeback
Pat Newman, the principal of Hora Hora School, was celebrated on New Zealand Principals' Day following his return to work after a leg amputation. His story of resilience and connection with students has become a source of inspiration for the local community.
Why it matters
The story highlights the human element of educational leadership and the positive impact of community support during personal health crises.
Hora Hora School principal Pat Newman does laps with students to celebrate this year's New Zealand Principals' Day.
Losing his leg threatened to end Pat Newman’s 27-year stint as principal of Hora Hora School.
Complications from diabetes led to amputation of his right leg last year, leaving him wondering how different life would be using a wheelchair.
“When I lost my leg, I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to carry on,” Newman said. “I had about a week to a week and a half where I just went to pieces.”
Feeling downcast, he visited his school in his wheelchair to see what it would be like.
“This little 5-year-old girl came up to me and said, ‘Mātua,’ and I said, ‘Yeah,’ she went, ‘When they chopped off your leg,’ and I thought, Oh, God, here it comes.
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