MEMOIR: Gordon Paterson with his book There is Genius in Passion. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN
MEMOIR: Gordon Paterson with his book There is Genius in Passion. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN
Gordon Paterson's return to Hawke's Bay this week helped him complete one of life's circles.
Forty-five years after being hosted as an exchange student the South African-born man returned to the school corridors that brought back many happy memories. He was hosted by Havelock North Rotary Club in 1970 asan exchange scholar and spent the year in 7th form (Year 13) at Hastings Boys' High School.
He used his time to immerse himself in the "New Zealand way" of life and made lasting friendships in the classroom and on the sportsfield.
"It was a defining year in my life."
It was his experience as a 17-year-old that influenced his decision to move his wife and family to the country many years later. He returned this week to gift copies of his new book to the school library.
Mr Paterson, who was chief executive of Physical Education New Zealand for five years, has written a memoir called There is Genius in Passion.
It explores the idea that for all of us, to discover that spark is perhaps the most important achievement. Because he contends if that spark ignites a passion, the genius will unfold.
For him, and for the boys he tutored, that spark was in sport, but the lessons learned extended way beyond the cricket pitch or rugby field.
Mr Paterson's focus became movement derived from play and in teaching Physical Education he sought to contribute to his students' holistic education. "For adolescent boys, the development of athletic competence correlates positively with their self-perceptions. "Teachers and coaches can impact positively through the provision of appropriate experiences and astute leadership. This is something that can be learned through sport, but which is not confined to sport."
Mr Paterson has now lived in New Zealand for 20 years, holding middle leadership positions in sport and exercise science and a senior leadership role as Dean of Faculty in tertiary education before moving to Physical Education New Zealand. He now runs his own company in Tauranga. However, Hawke's Bay still holds a special place in his heart. "When I come over the mountains and see the Bay I know there's a part of me here."
