Every year, a small handful of Hamiltonians are acknowledged for their contributions to bettering the community within the education, health, disability, and arts sectors.

“It was overwhelming to be part of an extraordinary group that has given so much of their lives to the community,” says Grant.

When presented with the Civic Award, the Hamilton City Council noted that it was during his tenure at St Paul’s Collegiate School which made him an outstanding nominee. His dedication to establishing Tikanga Maaori within the school, connecting the communities around the Fairfield area, leading investments, and improving infrastructure were just some reasons Grant was chosen.z

“One of my personal greatest achievements would be introducing the Te Amorangi Scholarship programme. Thanks to our extremely generous donors within the school, this programme allowed St Paul’s to connect with a wider range of families and allow students who wouldn’t have had the opportunity to attend St Paul’s.”

Grant insists it takes a village to be recognised for community work and is thankful to his wife Judith Lander, Executive Assistant Jennifer Purvis, Associate Headmaster Ainsley Robson, and the school Senior Leadership Team. Grant also worked closely with Board Trustee Chairs Philip Morgan, Gregg Brown, and Andrew Johnson, along with Deputy Chair and avid Agribusiness supporter John Jackson, all of whom worked tirelessly alongside him during his 11 years at the helm.

“When you receive recognition such as the Civic Award, it makes you reflect on the amazing commitment and contribution to those who worked with you in order to achieve the goals that were set at St Paul’s. I felt extremely privileged to have a number of those who supported me during my time as Headmaster attend the ceremony with me. I really believe that it was as much their award as it was mine.”

Grant is still unaware of who nominated him but is eternally grateful to others sharing his passion for making a difference in young people’s lives.

Although Grant and Judith planned to retire after finishing St Paul’s, life certainly hasn’t slowed down for them. Grant is currently working with the Northern Districts Cricket Association where he Chairs the organisation’s finance subcommittee. Grant also mentors 20 aspiring principals from various primary, intermediate and high schools around Auckland and assists with a business that deals with an educational issue close to his heart, raising literacy levels, through the educational programme Writers Toolbox. Alongside these busy projects, he continues to assist in leading one of his main passions, the Agribusiness in Schools programme. Grant is currently supporting the University of Waikato in its implementation of Agribusiness as a Major in their highly respected Management School. He is thrilled to see his pioneer subject continue at a tertiary level.

The staff and students at St Paul’s Collegiate School congratulate him on receiving the well-deserved recognition for his service to the Community and Education within the Waikato. We wish him all the best as his ‘retirement’ plans fall into place.