“‘Kid, you’ll move mountains! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So ... get on your way!’
“Mike moved plenty of mountains throughout his life, but we hope his biggest legacy will be having encouraged thousands of his students to do the same.”
His obituary said he “passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on November 15, 2025”.
Williams grew up in Parua Bay, Northland, later attending Whangārei Boys’ High School and then Bay of Islands College.
He was the first person in his family to attend university and decided to choose a pathway towards teaching that would help fund his degree at the University of Waikato.
He initially taught maths but moved in to physics, with a stint at Manurewa High School before being appointed principal of Aorere College in 2002.
Williams arrived at Pakūranga College as principal in 2009 and referred to himself as the “chief cultural engineer” because he said culture drives what people do and change.
In his final Pakūranga College yearbook, he said he liked to think he was able to have an indirect impact on all students at the college.
“I think the culture at Pakūranga College is something we can be proud of,” Williams said.
“I take great satisfaction from the work we do inspiring students and laying the foundation for their future successes.”
Former students were quick to share their condolences, with one saying he was “firm but fair”, and thanked him for everything he did for students fortunate enough to have been around him.
Others described him as an “absolute legend”, while one parent said he helped to change their sons and their own lives.
“My three boys were fortunate to have Mike thru [sic] their college years,” the mourner said.
“They all thought he was a great individual and leader. He changed my mind around technology and moving forward in the future.”
