Newly-published author Frank Leadley (right) with George Bryant, from publisher DayStar Books.
Bay of Islands identity Frank Leadley was prompted to finally write his autobiography by questions from his 12-year-old granddaughter who was working on a school history project.
Once he'd made up his mind it took just six weeks to write his life story, called Frank Speaking and launched at the
Bay of Islands Yacht Club at Waitangi.
The book outlines Mr Leadley's youth in the Solomon Islands, his first teaching job in Palmerston North, marrying Vanessa, his wife of 53 years, his time at Te Awamutu College, and becoming principal at Bay of Islands College at the age of 35.
After 22 years Mr Leadley, now 80, took early retirement but became even busier thanks to a multitude of educational and youth activities as well as the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway and Rotary.
Among those who spoke at the launch were Far North District Mayor John Carter, deputy mayor Tania McInnes, a student at the college while Mr Leadley was in charge; Johnson Davis of the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway; Roger Toplis from Bay of Islands Rotary; and Kerikeri High School principal Elizabeth Forgie, paying tribute by video link from China to Mr Leadley's work setting up the Secondary Principals' Association.
