Maker: Heather Richardson

Panel number: 539

Petition sheet number: Did not sign 1893 petition

Person honouring: Susan Apathy

Relationship to maker: Trusted professional mentor

Susan has had a commitment to education in New Zealand schools since the 1960s. This included a period as Head of English and Assistant principal at St Catherine’s College Wellington. When she finished her teaching she was encouraged to join the New Zealand Catholic Education Office where her skills in publishing and writing, her understanding of the education system, her involvement with the Church and her ability to work through the details of legislation have all contributed to the success of the office in representing Catholic schools.

As Deputy CEO, Susan gave unstintingly of her skills in both the office life and her roles on countless government reviews and committees for 17 years. In her work she wrote submissions to select committees and authored updates to the Handbook for Boards of Trustees. She directed the development of Catholic Special Character Reviews. Alongside that work she became the guiding hand for the triennial Catholic Education Conventions where she carefully worked on the recruitment of the workshop presenters and speakers.

Susan played a key role in updating the language, and protecting the intent, of the 1975 Integration Act when it was reviewed in 2016 to ensure that the new agreement we have as Part 33 of the Education Amendment Act protects and sustains us into the future. Susan is generous in spirit with everyone she works with. Her relationships with all those involved in national offices and across dioceses is unfailingly positive. Susan is loyal, discreet, and supportive of all those she meets and works with.

Panel materials: Cotton fabric sample swatches, ribbon and thread from my stash.