It was a time for reflection and heartfelt messages as Ilminster Intermediate farewelled long-serving principal Peter Ferris yesterday.

Mr Ferris, known for his mixture of discipline, kindness and colourful ties, thanked the school and wider community in an emotional speech.

'After 44 years of teaching, those 16,060 days have been fantastic and I couldn't have planned a better finish than completing my time at Ilminster,' he said.

'You have been and always will be ‘simply the best'.'

He used the analogy of an oyster creating a pearl from a morsel of sand to describe turning negatives into positives.

He spoke of the spirit of Ilminster as one where students supported one another, and the environment as a place where talent could thrive.

Performances from the Pacific Islanders Community Trust and past students Keira Coogan and Samantha Booth were interspersed with powerful haka and moving songs from the whole school.

Mr Ferris was joined by wife and deputy principal Mona, daughters Andrea and Kahlia and his grandchildren.

It was special to have family present, he said.

Andrea spoke of the huge part Ilminster had played in all of their lives and told the children not to skip school and to show good sportsmanship on the playing field or else 'Mr Ferris will see you!'

She described her dad as fiercely competitive, strict but fair and 'a softy at heart'.

'We're proud of the things you have accomplished here Dad,' she said.

Deputy principal Megan Rangiuia, who takes over as principal next year, spoke on behalf of the school before Mr Ferris was presented with gifts.

She said the gifts were symbolic of 'our deep respect for you as an educator, our acknowledgment of your mana as a leader; and our aroha for you as a person.'

Mr Ferris was given a korowai from the school, along with a mere (short flat weapon) and manaia pendant.

'The mere — the toa or the warrior — represents you Peter as a warrior, a leader and a legendary role model. On his back are carved all the tangata who you have inspired.

'The manaia is a spiritual guardian that will always protect you and yours.'

Read more about Peter Ferris in a profile in The Weekender on Saturday.