Retirement beckons after 27 years

Tena Tatou,

It is with a mix of pride, gratitude, and a touch of sadness that I take this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Mr Ian McMillan, our Business Manager at Ōtaki College.  After an incredible 27 years of dedicated service, Ian is retiring, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished and remembered for many years to come.

Ian commenced his journey with Ōtaki College in 1997, and over these past decades, he has become an integral part of our school community.  His dedication to the college and its finances, property, and administration has been nothing short of exemplary. Ian’s expertise in managing our finances has always ensured the best financial outcomes for the college, a testament to his proficiency and commitment.

Ian’s meticulous attention to detail has greatly benefitted our college property. From ongoing maintenance to overseeing property development projects, his keen eye has ensured that our facilities remain top-notch.  Ian truly is a jack of all trades.  He has looked after health and safety, played a key role in building surveillance capabilities, and has always been there to step in whenever support was needed around the college. His close relationship with the caretaker and his hands-on approach have been invaluable.

I must also express my personal gratitude to Ian. He has been incredibly supportive of me in my role as principal, always available to lend a hand at college events or when community groups utilized our buildings. Ian’s support extended beyond our college; he was always willing to help other schools in need of advice, and his role as a Board member for Ōtaki Primary, where he looked after their finances for many years, is a testament to his commitment to education and the community.

While Ian’s dedication to his work is well known, those close to him know there’s another side to this dedicated professional. Despite his occasional grumpiness, Ian is truly the world’s biggest softy, always ready to help anyone in need. His personal life is filled with passions and hobbies that many of us have enjoyed hearing about over the years.

Ian is a family man, with three boys who have all gone through Ōtaki College, and Sue, his wife, serves as our college librarian. In the early years when Ian would tell me about his weekend flying adventures I thought he had a pilot's licence, only to later find out he was talking about flying model planes, a hobby he is passionate about. In recent years, Ian has embraced modern technology with his E-bike, easily recognizable with his perfect upright riding posture and his “Go Go Gadget” helmet that flashes and plays music. His love for golf has had its ups and downs, but he is certainly looking forward to spending more time on the golf course. Most importantly, Ian is excited to have more time to spend with his mokos.

As an outstanding member of our senior leadership team, Ian’s honesty, reliability, high work ethic, and vision have been crucial in keeping Ōtaki College moving forward. While we are really sorry to see him go, we are grateful for his help in ensuring a smooth transition with the employment of Cindy Hall to fill the big shoes he leaves behind.

Ian, we offer you our sincere thanks for being an outstanding employee, a valuable member of the Ōtaki community, and a good friend.  We hope you have the very best retirement.  Thank you for everything, Ian.  You will be greatly missed.

Ngā mihi,

Matua Andy