Mark Douglas, affectionately known as "Mr D", was the guest of honour on stage in front of all 665 year 1 to 7 pupils, plus 150 adults, including past and present staff and former pupils, many of whose children were now also taught by Mr Douglas.
Entertainer and former teacher Shaun Vining hosted the assembly, which featured reminiscences about Mr Douglas' class field trips to Stewart Island by Debbie Swain-Rewi, a parent of four children who were taught by him.
Parent Tony Moore, whose daughter is in Mr Douglas' class, praised Mr D saying he hoped the teacher would continue to enjoy the rewards of seeing young people leave primary school with a well-rounded education.
Mr Douglas' contributions to the school and community were commemorated by a book of memorabilia and photographs, presented by pupil Gracyn Liscom (10), and the coveted weekly principal's award, presented by principal John Western.
Members of the kapa haka group performed and songs were sung, including Mr Douglas' favourite, Aotearoa.
"I was blown away, I had no idea. I was almost speechless," he said after the assembly. Teaching children was the best profession in the world, he said.
The North Shore Teachers College graduate had taught an estimated 900 pupils in his Queenstown career, across two generations and a third was imminent.
