Leading from the front issuu

BORN KNOWING
JUSTICE …
Pat attended Napier Central Primary School during the
depression in the 1930s; years that were to have a big
impact on him. He remembers his father Robert didn’t
take a wage at this time and every Sunday he would visit
prisoners; something Pat also committed to as an adult
and was an active member of the Sycamore Tree Project
for seven years.
While his school reports weren’t great, he did collect
more bottles to help fundraise for the school’s library
than any other pupil, and he recalls that he and mates
“shared.”
Pat’s sense for social justice revealed itself early. In
part it was inspired by his parents’ example of being kind
and generous to those in need, and it was flamed by the
perplexing attitude and behaviour of one of his teachers.
She would get angry at the kids who came to class
with stained clothes and sometimes she would give
them the strap. Instead of judging the children, as many
did, Pat knew there was something wrong with the
teacher. She liked and related to the children who came
from wealthy families and comfortable homes, but had
no empathy for those from families experiencing hardship.
Pat knew this was wrong.
Opposite: A spirited, fun-loving young Pat about town;
Above: Central School 125th Jubilee line up with Pat and
Alan Peake centre middle row; great mates kick over the
traces that same weekend at Elephant Hill. Alan became a
successful photographer and lived in Tauranga for most of
his life. Sadly he passed away in 2011.
Pat's Early Days 15