Dear Ngaire, Sending my deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. Thinking of you and wishing you strength and comfort. May you rest in peace, Jim.

Jim Shand was huge influence on me as a beginning teacher at Napier Intermediate. Alongside Ron Hicks, they were superb leaders who worked hard with staff and students to develop a wonderful school. I admired Jim for his exceptional knowledge and skills across a myriad of disciplines and he was always keen to help inexperienced teachers and senior teachers alike. Alongside his pedagogical expertise, he promoted equity and fairness for all and I always knew I could talk to him for advice about employment, political and cultural matters. Jim was a proud family man and loved to chat about his loved ones over his cup of tea and bundle of lunch hour sandwiches. He smiled easily and I will always remember his kind eyes looking at me, as he listened, and then offered thoughtful advice. Thank you for everything you did for the teachers, students and families of our nation Jim. Kua hinga te tōtara i te wao nui a Tāne - a might totara has fallen in Taine’s forest.

We were so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. What a man! And, what a hole that will leave for Ngairie after their very long partnership together. And of course, for Darren and Maria and family, whom he was so proud of. My connection to Jim and Ngairie goes back to Heretaunga Intermediate; a long time ago. Jim was my lead teacher and indeed my mentor, and friend. He helped shape me as a young teacher, and gave me wise counsel, confidence and skills to experiment, and try new ideas. Indeed, he helped shape me. Ngairie, Jim became close family friends, welcoming my young family when they were born, and always giving loving support and advice. What a legacy this resilient, highly ethical and grounded man has left. Rest easy Jim. And all our love to Ngairie and the family.

Jim was one of nature's gentlemen who was always there to support and advise friends and colleagues. He was a great friend, fellow teacher and coach. He had a keen and fair mind with a sense of humour to match his views. A pround family man...one of Kawana's greats. RIP Jim