Leading from the front issuu

MY FRIEND PAT
– LEGEND
by pam thorburn
former head of nz corrections
I first met Pat when I was appointed to the role of District
Probation Officer Napier District in 1986. I had not
been there long when Pat decided to acquaint me with
some of the facts relating to the community particularly
around how he saw things developing and the vision for
the city. I recall being somewhat bemused by the rather
insistent gentleman in front of me and his views. It soon
became apparent to me that, given Pat’s propensity for
very long-winded engagements, I would need to fairly
carefully manage all the interactions. Perhaps this was
due to his Irish heritage and a certain stone known as
Blarney? If I had not managed our time, undoubtedly I
would have been dismissed for being slack on the job.
As time went on Pat insisted that I join Napier Pilot
City Trust. On many occasions, usually over a glass or
two of red wine, we have debated many initiatives and
opportunities relating to how Napier could develop as a
fairer and more just bicultural city that enabled all citizens
to thrive. This led of course as to how we could
influence the rest of New Zealand and beyond toward
being a better society. We served on a number of community
boards together which was often fun. We also explored
the local wineries, a must-do living in the Hawke’s
Bay. Again, we spent many happy hours tasting the best
reds often joined by friends and yarning away the day.
My admiration for Pat grew over the years and our
friendship has endured and grown. I recall Pat as a very
loving family man as well as caring for the welfare of
those well beyond his wider whānau. Pat worked tirelessly
to develop and support many community initiatives
within the Ahuriri /Heretaunga districts and gave
generously to others. He holds a special place within
the community and his energy and activism are legendary
as are his punishing Walks for Unity followed by the
wonderful Unity Dinner at the Napier RSA. Happy and
joyful events were always special to Pat especially being
amongst whānau and friends. His energy and enthusiasm
are boundless!
His energy, passion and commitment to projects and
the support and guidance he provides to others is reflected
by the trust and respect he receives from his
many local, national and international contacts. To me
Pat is a unique person and with his caring and positive
approach I can do nothing but admire him and value
him as ‘kaumatua’ to me and many others, particularly
those that are vulnerable and often experience deprivation
socially and economically.
While in Napier Pat became a part of my whānau, often
dropping in to share in social activities with my parents
and wider family. He was embraced by my parents
who enjoyed many hours sharing stories and putting
the world to rights.
In a strange twist of fate after my father died his
clothes were sent to a local op shop. Who should turn
up at the funeral in my father’s lovely blue suit — none
other than Pat! A wonderful if unintended tribute to
my father’s life could not have been better planned —
although maybe they both were up to a bit of their usual
mischief that day!
My journey with Pat has been an interesting, challenging
and at times frustrating one but one that has
always been filled with positivity, care and aroha.
Pat, you taught me so much about the power of family,
community and friendship. You showed me what can
be achieved with listening, supporting and empowering
others and not simply being a government bureaucrat
that never leaves the swank and comfort of the office
suite. You showed me the art of humility and the importance
of simply being human.
My life has been so much richer as a result of my
friendship with you. Although we do not meet very often
these days we just pick up as if no time has passed
at all. The red wine is perhaps a little more aged along
with the both of us. You and I have shared a journey
over many years and I am proud to call you my friend.
Pat Magill you are a legend!
180
Restorative Justice – for an unjust justice system