Long standing NRRA member John Shanks was last week the recipient of a Civic Honour Award for his service to the Whangarei community.  A Civic Honour is the highest award that Whangarei District Council bestows upon its citizens and is given out to a maximum of 4 people each year for outstanding voluntary service.  Civic Honours Awards give recognition to those citizens, who by their personal leadership, inspiration, sacrifice or devotion to a cause, have made a significant contribution to the community wellbeing of the Whangarei District.

John has dedicated his life serving others through acts of volunteering, fundraising, coaching and mentoring.  John is one of the longest serving, most respected rugby referees in New Zealand, served in the Auckland, Hauraki and 3 RNZIR (Auck, North) Territorial Regiments for 18 years.  In the 1970's he was O.C. A Coy Whangarei and achieved the rank of Major.  He has been a Rotarian for 30 years, acting as Club President among other leadership positions, and is a Paul Harris Fellow.  John is still an active member of the Whangarei South Club today, and has served on many community volunteer groups.

John is married to Olive and they have raised a family of three children and have three grandchildren.  John's working life has been in education, teaching initially in the Waikato and Auckland before coming to Waimate North as Principal in 1964.  He completed his B.A. in 1965, then moved to Whangarei in September 1968 where he was Deputy Principal at Tikipunga Primary and Kamo Intermediate and then Principal at Morningside and finally at Horahora.  John's style of Principalship ensured that children, staff and parents felt valued.  He influenced the careers and lives of many through his inspiring leadership.

John was the proud recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship.  This prestigious award saw him teaching the 1974-5 year at Rio Lindo School, Oxnard, California.  He had an extensive involvement in the Whangarei Primary Schools' Sports Association, the Whangarei Principals' Association and the NZEI, Te Riu Roa.

On retirement in 1993 John, with a small group of other retired principals, became involved in arranging luncheons for retired teachers and principals.  John has MC'd these events for more than 10 years, which has been greatly appreciated by those who participate. 

John became involved in the Lonsdale Park Outdoor Education Centre in 1979, holding the position of Chairman for 20 years.  More than 40 years later, John is still actively involved in the Education Centre, and currently holds the role of Secretary.  He has been involved in many major improvements over the years, including a new ablution facility, the orienteering course and a camp fire amphitheatre.  John has been an integral and valuable part of this vital resource, which has benefitted a huge number of young people and schools in Northland. 

John has been a member of the NRRA for 55 years, which included 24 years active refereeing.  He has held various leadership roles including President in 2006-2007, and is a Life Member.  He has been coaching referees for 27 years.  His understanding of constitutional matters, meeting procedure and rugby law knowledge is second to none, and he is often called on to share his wealth of knowledge. At the 2019 NRRA Awards function, John won 2 awards: Services to Coaching and Development, and the Graham Nock Memorial Blazer award for Most Outstanding Contribution to the NRRA. 

This year, John and Olive were presented with the Cancer Society Life Membership Award in recognition of their more than 20-year dedication to the Cancer Society of New Zealand's Daffodil Day appeal.

John Shanks has given selflessly of his time and energy throughout his life and continues to bring people together with his unique style of humble leadership.

Article added: Thursday 15 October 2020