Former Kelston Boys' principal inducted into walkway of fame

Graham Henry: Down in France but not out in Waitakere city.

By Justin Latif

WELCOME home Graham Henry - all is forgiven.

That's the word from Waitakere mayor Bob Harvey who wants to have the All Blacks coach inducted into the walkway of fame.

Hundreds of disappointed rugby fans have bagged Henry since his side became the first New Zealand team to fail to reach a World Cup semifinal after losing 20-18 to France on Sunday. But Mr Harvey says: "He's been one of the great coaches of New Zealand. I am very proud of what he has achieved for New Zealand."

The walkway of fame includes the handprints of famous people with links to west Auckland. They include rugby legend Michael Jones, Maori party co-leader Pita Sharples, late author Maurice Shadbolt and world famous rocker Neil Finn.

Mr Harvey says elected council members support his bid to add Henry's name. The council will meet next month to discuss the plan but the decision will be made by a special selection committee.

"We want to stand by Graham Henry despite the quarter-final loss," Mr Harvey says.

Henry was principal at Kelston Boys High School from 1987 to 1996 when he left to coach the Auckland Blues.

The former physical education teacher is highly regarded at the school, which has produced five All Blacks.

"He's made a huge contribution," principal Steve Watt says. "He could challenge young men to produce their best. "All the staff speak very highly of him."

Mr Watt says Henry would have prepared the All Blacks exceptionally well for their clash with France. "Even at school he would do a lot of research on the opposition. He would have prepared the team as well as anybody could have."

Others nominated for inclusion in the walkway include actor Russell Crowe and V8 racing driver Paul Radisich.

Crowe once lived in Blockhouse Bay and his parents managed the Potters Wheel tavern in New Lynn, Mr Harvey says.

Radisich was raised in Henderson where he was a foundation pupil at Liston College.

Western Leader