To our community

Sadly, one of our past staff members, Lynne Percy passed away on Sunday 23/2/25 after a short illness. Lynne was an outstanding teacher of Science and Biology here at Waitākere College who retired in 2021 after many years of service here at the College.

Lynne was head of Biology until her retirement and was a legend in the Science teachers’ community as a specialist teacher of horticulture in her days at Avondale College also writing Science Textbooks in her career - notably used by our very own science teachers in their teaching classrooms. She also spent many years writing and marking  School Certificate exams for Human Biology.

Lynne was a key teacher and leader with colleagues in the Medical Science programme here making a huge difference in enhancing the career biomedical pathways for our Pasifika and Māori students since 2015 when the programme started here at Waitākere College. Her deep passion for cultural inclusivity was evident in her role with the Tongan cultural Polyfest team. She was an inspiration to so many of her younger colleagues, always encouraging them to embrace and celebrate the diverse identities of their students. Her commitment to uplifting others and her genuine care for cultural celebration will be greatly missed.

Lynne was also a legend in College and New Zealand Waterpolo, managing many teams including the NZ Womens and NZ Schoolgirls Water Polo teams over the years as well as running National Water Polo tournaments around the country.

Lynne had the magic to make everyone feel that they were her best friend so you always felt better for an interaction with her. Knowing Lynne for nearly 40 years, this was her genuine magic.

Lynne and her husband, Mike, had recently travelled to Europe visiting family and touring and were looking forward to the birth of another granddaughter mid-year. She was also the extremely proud grandmother to 3 boys and a girl. Family and whanau were so important to her.

We thank and acknowledge Lynne for her dedication to our community in making a positive difference to us as teachers and for our rangatahi. 

Ngā mihi nui and god bless

Mark P Shanahan