Maker: Pam Knight

Panel number: 480

Petition sheet number: Did not sign 1893 petition

Person honouring: Gwen Nagel

Relationship to maker: Sister

Gwen Nagel was the oldest of three sisters. A talented sportswoman and academic who trained as a primary teacher, she married and had four sons. She took time off to raise her boys and when she was ready to re-enter the teaching profession, found getting back into primary schools not so easy. She began teaching blind and low vision students at Homai School.

This progressed into a national advisory role, deputy principal at Homai, senior lecturer in special education at Auckland College of Education, and principal of BLENZ (Blind and Low Vision Education Network NZ). 

In 2009 she was awarded the Companion of the Queens’ Service Order for her work in educating blind and low vision children.

Gwen passed away in 2009 from ovarian cancer, at home in Kaukapakapa, surrounded by her husband, sons, their partners, and her grandchildren.

Panel materials: All fabrics were from my existing stash. All are cotton or linen and in Gwen’s favourite colour of blue.