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Awards and Accolades

Life Members

 

We are very fortunate to have had the support, leadership and guidance  from some outstanding psychology teachers. From time to time, these teachers are honoured with a life membership to the NZAPT.  We remain grateful for your contribution to the growth and success of Psychology in NZ Schools. 

  • Margot Griffith

  • Phil Hill

  • Richard Tweedie

  • Eric Wheater

Awards

Phil Hill Award

Mr Phil Hill passed away unexpectedly on 20 April 2022. His teaching career spanned 50 years, 34 of which were at Avondale College, and almost 30 of them as Deputy Principal. Phil taught Geography, Social Studies, History, Art, Art History, Health, Careers and Psychology. He was an expert teacher and introduced Psychology to Avondale College in the mid-90’s and then pioneered its development across New Zealand. He had an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing and success of young people, which was a key driver for him as an educational leader.The NZAPT created this award to recognise students who demonstrate exceptional creative thinking and curiosity in their study of psychology.

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Phil Hill Award Recipients 

  • 2022: Lyra Caughley, Gisborne Girls High School 

  • 2023: 

  • 2024: Torlesse Liddell, Sacred Heart Girls' College, Hamilton

  • 2025: Eva Dixon, Mount Maunganui College

 

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Richard Tweedie Award

Mr Richard Tweedie taught at Hagley College from 1991 unti his retiremen in 2022 and largely taught Psychology and Philosophy S classes.  Known by many in the world of psychology teaching for his creative approach to teaching, he was a national leader of this subject across New Zealand for many years and is a life member of our association. The NZAPT created this award to recognise students who demonstrate exceptional creative thinking and curiosity in their study of psychology.

 

Richard Tweedie Award Recipients 

  • 2022:   Lena Garcia Ferrari, Rototuna Senior High School

  • 2024: Jessie Harris, Avonside Girls High School, Christchurch

  • 2025: Sydney Hill, Hagley College

 

Eric Wheater’s Award for Excellence in Psychology Teaching 

Since joining the association in the early 2000’s has served as Secretary, Treasurer and Committee member. He has organised, presented at dozens of conferences. He has mentored many of the people in this room. He continues to be a curious, kind, funny and clever educator with many of his students going on to further study in psychology. 

These awards are to recognise personal excellence in  classroom teaching and support given to others in enhancing their classroom teaching.

The criteria for this awards are:

  1. excellence in the teaching of psychology  in the classroom at a particular school

  2. contribution and support to psychology  teaching at other schools in the district and/or contribution to  psychology teaching throughout New Zealand

 

Eric Wheater’s Award for Excellence in Psychology Teaching Recipients 

  • 2025: Eric Wheater, Long Bay College

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Background to the NZAPT Student Awards

The NZAPT has created two awards to honour Mr Phil Hill and Mr Richard Tweedie. Phil and Richard have been passionate teachers and staunch advocates of the teaching of psychology for decades. They have been national leaders of Psychology and have pioneered its development across the country. Their contribution to curriculum and assessment design has been immense.

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Mr Phil Hill passed away unexpectedly on 20 Apr 22. His teaching career spanned 50 years, 34 of which were at Avondale College, and almost 30 of them as Deputy Principal. Phil taught Geography, Social Studies, History, Art, Art History, Health and Careers and Psychology. He was an expert teacher and introduced Psychology to Avondale College in the mid-90’s and then pioneered its development across New Zealand. He had an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing and success of young people, which was a key driver for him as an educational leader.

 

 

Mr Richard Tweedie taught at Hagley College from 1991 unti his retiremen in 2022 and largely taught Psychology and Philosophy S classes.  Known by many in the world of psychology teaching for his creative approach to teaching, he is was a Both Richard and Phil were national leaders of this subject across New Zealand for many years and are life members of our association.

 

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