Rex Kerr - XŌtaki College Alumni Trust Hall of Fame co-winner 2023
Rex is a humble man who is not comfortable receiving praise, but tonight it is only right that we as a school and community recognise and thank him for all he has done.
On a personal note, if it hadn’t been for Rex asking me to teach at Otaki College on my return from London in 1981 who knows where life would have taken me.
It is important to know the outline of Rex’s life journey, as like all of us, this has shaped the person we know and respect today. I also wish to acknowledge Elizabeth, and their children Susan, Stephen, Matthew, and Paula, their partners and children for their on-going support of Rex.
Also, a special thanks to Elizabeth for all she has done for many community organisations in Otaki. As you know, Rex and Elizabeth are very community spirited people.
I would like to share a snapshot of his life under the following broad headings:
● Rex’s Early Life and Education
● His Teaching and Learning
● Sporting Achievements
● and finally, his Community Involvement, particularly in Otaki
Rex was born in 1936 in Palmerston North. His father was a Saw Miller in the Marton area and his mum a very busy woman raising 2 older brothers, 2 older sisters, and 2 younger sisters. Rex started school at Marton Junction Primary, then went on to Marton District High School- both low socio economic schools.
He completed his secondary education at Napier Boys High School where his love of Geography began and sport was nurtured. It is also interesting to note that a lot of his teachers were X Armed Forces with the war having just ended. (As a senior student he was a Staff Sergeant, a Mortar Instructor, and Prefect )- great training for his teaching career and perhaps an explanation for some of his behaviours in later life.
Working life began for Rex as a clerk for Europa Oil. This was followed by a contract stacking timber in the mill, which in his father's eyes, was a real job. Rex wanted to go to University but his dad was opposed to this. However, his mum supported him and what she said went. A chance meeting between an old teacher and his father decided his future direction in Education. He was encouraged to apply for a Post Primary Teachers Scholarship which he was awarded.
He then went on at 21 to spend 2 years at Victoria University, then 2 years at Canterbury University, majoring in Geography and History.
His first teaching job from 1963-66 was at Colenso High School teaching Geography, History, Commercial Practice and Maths. He then went to Wairoa College in 1966.
In 1975 he was appointed Principal at Otaki College where he worked tirelessly until his retirement in 1997. It was said at the time of his appointment that he was one of the youngest, if not the youngest, Principal to be appointed in NZ. For many of the years at Otaki College he chose to also teach history.
His Sporting Achievements were on-going from a young age. At Colenso he coached the Cricket 1st Eleven and various Rugby teams. In Wairoa, he stopped playing rugby as he now had 2 young children but continued coaching, which Elizabeth thought was great until she saw him standing on the field at practice saying to his team - who were very large Maori boys- ok, tackle me!
His players came from a large rural area - up to 40 miles from school- and many had to wait until 10pm to get picked up from practice. Rex and Elizabeth decided it would be safer for these boys to wait at their home until they were collected, which is what happened. An example of how they have always valued students' well-being.
One injured 1st Fifteen player once said he knew that whilst he was not playing the others were being yelled at so he didn’t mind being injured - a temporary reprieve!
Whilst here, Rex was on the Wairoa Rugby Sub Union and the Hawkes Bay Rugby Junior Advisory Board.
In Otaki, where his 1st Fifteen (XV) rugby coaching continued, so did his renowned voice. Elizabeth used to send their children outside to listen and let her know if dad was finished training so she could get dinner going. “No, we can still hear him!”
Rex is a
● Life Member of NZ Secondary School Rugby. He managed the NZ Secondary School Rugby team to Japan. He was secretary for a year and Chairman for 5 years
● He is a Life Member of both Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Union and Rahui Sports Club.
● And Rex is a Life Member of the Manawatu Secondary Schools Athletics Association.
To be awarded Life Membership comes after commitment and time to each of these organisations. What a huge dedication to youth and sport Rex has shown. His Educational and Community Achievements in Otaki over 47 years are huge.
When asking Rex to reflect on his time at Otaki College, the first thing he mentioned was that there were lots of different people and managing them all respectfully was foremost . It was evident when talking to staff that he achieved this. Rex went out of his way to ensure he found the best staff available at the time, often working around people’s availability to start.
He could recognise people's strengths not only as a teacher but their ability to fit into the “team”. In the early days the staff “lived” teaching , got on really well in work and play, and many staff stayed for a lot longer than planned.
His high standards, belief and trust in staff made them feel valued, and in return, they gave it their all. Staff respected Rex. He was always fair, especially to women, Maori and other ethnicities, which was not always the norm of the day. It was a great attribute that one could have a very differing opinion to Rex, have a heated argument in fact, and this was never held against you.
There are many stories one could tell but one we remember well is the annual staff photo. Rex insisted that all male teachers wear a tie. He would bring out his eclectic tie collection to give those who didn't have a tie or who were non-conformist and insist they wear one. Perhaps a sign of the times or was it his military influence?
There were lots of changes in education over time that Rex rolled with. At the centre of any change was always the students. If staff had a project, and as long as it was achievable, he would give the go ahead - he was willing to support changes that were before their time. Individualising learning in science and the teaching of Horticulture are examples of this.
Through Rex’s leadership, one of the biggest achievements for the College saw the development of Maori Language with Nan Gray and Ian Christensen starting the bi-lingual unit around 1985. At the time there were only 2 other Secondary Schools in NZ who had bilingual education. It was an initial step for the now well established and widespread Maori medium kaupapa.
In 1991, Rex instigated the establishment of Te Whanau o Akopai. A two year course based, at Otaki College, run by Wellington Teachers College to train Maori teachers. He oversaw the beginning of Vocational training, which has since developed into work experience and Trade Training with outside providers.
When the Weraroa Unit (Kimberly) was closed and both Waiopehu and Horowhenua Colleges wouldn’t have the young people from there at their schools, the Weraroa Unit for severely disabled young people was established under the leadership of Christine Davidson at Otaki College. The Unit also included students with other disabilities.
Rex’s educational leadership and knowledge was recognised with his appointment for 10 years as Te Mana Whakahaere of Te Wananga o Raukawa (the Ministerial Representative for the Ministry of Education).
Since retiring, Rex has also written 5 books about Otaki. He has written many Historical Articles for the Otaki Journals, and worked on several exhibitions for the Otaki Museum. His knowledge of the local area is immense.
He was a member of Otaki Rotary Club for 47 years until recently when he shifted to Paraparaumu, holding various positions, including that of President.
Until recently, he was also a member of the Otaki, Wellbeing and Health Group.
As can be seen, Rex embraced educational change and has given selflessly and with dedication to a vast range of sporting, educational, and community groups over many, many years. He is a “good man” who has clearly made a positive difference to thousands of people over his time. Thankyou from us all.
It is an absolute privilege and honour to be able to recognise and be part of Rex’s induction to the Otaki College Hall of Fame.
(Inducted by Janice Brown)
See the citation for co-winner John Barrett