The man named Kiwibank Senior New Zealander of the Year has a very strong Whanganui connection.
John Russell, 64, picked up the prestigious national award recently for his work with students and mentoring the country's secondary school principals.
He is principal of Naenae College in Wellington.
Mr Russell is the son of Heather and the late Ron Russell, a former mayor of Whanganui.
Mrs Russell said she was "very proud" that her son was given such an honour.