Exhilaration filled the air throughout the investiture of Sir Archie Te Atawhai Taiaroa as Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, which was held at Hato Paora College near Feilding on 21 October.

A former school prefect and 1st XI team member, Sir Archie is the school’s first former student to receive a knighthood. For the school it was an honour to host the occasion. It was also an opportunity to inspire students through Sir Archie’s achievements as a leader and ex-student.