1. Renowned teacher and principal Te Aorere Awi Riddell has passed away
2. Te Aorere Awi Riddell, a respected educator and principal, has died.
Te Aorere Riddell, affectionately known as Awi, and a well-respected figure in the education sector, has sadly passed away at the age of 87. The news of his death has left the community mourning the loss of a beloved teacher and principal. Te Aorere Riddell, who attended St Stephen’s College and later became the principal of Te Aute College for 13 years, passed away peacefully at his home in Pt Chevalier, Auckland.
Te Aorere Riddell was a man of diverse heritage, being of Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Scottish descent. He also had affiliations with Taranaki, Waikato, and the Hawke’s Bay region. Born and raised in Te Puia Springs on the East Coast, Riddell’s passion for education was deeply influenced by his grandmother, Tangimangaone Pewhairangi. She strongly believed in the power of education as a treasure with no end, urging her grandson to embrace its full potential.
Riddell’s educational journey began with a scholarship from the Pākehā principal of Te Puia school, which enabled him to attend Tīpene – St Stephens Māori Boys College in Bombay. During his time at St Stephens, he was fortunate to learn from notable teachers such as Hoani Waititi, Koro Dewes, Hori Marsden, Scotty McPherson, Rawhiti Ihaka, Api Mahuika, and Sir Tamati Reedy. Riddell excelled academically, becoming a head prefect and dux of the college. It was during his final year at school that he met his first wife, Maringi, who attended Queen Vic, the sister school of Tīpene. The couple married in 1959 and went on to have three children.
After completing his own education, Riddell returned to Tīpene as a teacher for 12 years. In 1977, he took on the role of principal at Te Aute College, where he made a significant impact on both the academic and sporting fronts. As the First XV coach, Riddell led Te Aute to their first victory in the Moascar Cup in 1979, triumphing over Tīpene with a score of 12-9. His dedication to Māori education extended beyond the school grounds. As a senior official with the Ministry of Education, Riddell played a crucial role in establishing 56 kura kaupapa Māori over a span of seven years. The Māori programs he helped design are still in use today, a testament to his lasting influence.
Throughout his career, Riddell was known for going above and beyond for his students. He believed that teachers who invested their time and energy outside of regular school hours gained the utmost respect from their students. Riddell’s commitment to providing extra tuition and engaging in extracurricular activities set him apart as a respected educator.
Te Aorere Riddell’s passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him. Students and colleagues alike would often visit him in retirement, a testament to the lasting impact he had on their lives. He will be deeply missed by his second wife, Lily Lee, with whom he shared a home in Auckland.
In honoring Te Aorere Riddell’s memory, he was taken to Te Māhurehure Marae in Pt Chevalier, Auckland, where he will remain for one night before being returned to Iritekura Marae in Waipiro Bay. A final service and nehu will be held on Sunday to bid farewell to this inspirational figure in Māori education.
Te Aorere Riddell’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, as his dedication to education and his impact on Māori communities will never be forgotten..
1. Renowned teacher and principal Te Aorere Awi Riddell’s passing
2. The legacy of Te Aorere Awi Riddell, a respected educator and principal.
