The path to distinction

Sporting legend, John Graham CBE, ED and Mayor of Auckland city, Hon. John Banks.

Distinguished Citizens Award: The award recognises Mr Graham's lifelong commitment to education, sport, business and the community

From City Scene, published on 18 October, 2009.

Sporting legend, John Graham CBE, ED, was named as the 2009 recipient of the Distinguished Citizens Award at a ceremony at Auckland Town Hall, this month.

"His contributions to Auckland city, and New Zealand, are truly outstanding," says Mayor of Auckland city, Hon. John Banks.

The Distinguished Citizens Award is the council's highest honour and recognises outstanding Aucklanders and their contributions to the life of the city, as well as the wider community. Past recipients include Sir Edmund Hillary and Gary Paykel.

Mr Graham, who has called the city home for the last 40 years, said he was thrilled to receive the award.

"It was a privilege to be recognised. It came completely out of the blue," he said.

The award recognises Mr Graham's lifelong commitment to education, sport, business and the community. He is perhaps best known for his leadership in sport at both national and community levels - from All Black captain to being president of New Zealand and Auckland rugby unions to coaching high school rugby and cricket teams, and being assistant coach of the Auckland A rugby team.

Mr Graham has also been a former chancellor of The University of Auckland, headmaster of Auckland Grammar School for 21 years and a teacher since 1958. He served as the director and chairman of Owens Group, and chairman of the Southern Cross Foundation Trust.

He thanked the mayor, councillors and council staff for a "remarkable and memorable night".