JOHN Clarke, the East Coast-raised former race relations conciliator, has been appointed chief cultural adviser - Maori, for Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand.
Mr Clarke, Ngati Porou and Ngapuhi, originally from Te Araroa, served as Ruatoria’s Ngata College principal in the late 1980s.
Foundation chief executive Letitia O’Dwyersaid Mr Clarke was a highly-regarded leader with much knowledge and experience to offer.
Mr Clarke spent the early part of his career in education, teaching at Awanui, Wairoa, Te Teko and Epuni primary schools.
He pioneered teaching te reo at Wainuiomata College, and over his educational career became principal of Ngata Memorial College, and Wellington High School and Community Institute.
Mr Clarke has held numerous roles including chief executive of the Ministry of Maori Affairs, race relations conciliator and human rights commissioner.
He is a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), awarded in 2011 for outstanding service to Maori.
