I was sent this fabulous video by a friend who said simply, 'Imagine having this as your send-off. ' The story behind it intrigued me a little more, I wrote about this below in 'The Legacy We Leave'.

Imagine being in front of this group of young men without the context.

(Watch this YouTube short clip to understand this article)

When Captain James Cook circled Aotearoa (New Zealand), it was pretty clear to him and his crew that these people were not about to relinquish their sovereignty any time quickly.

The Māori then, as today, are immensely proud of who they are and what they stand for.

Which brings us to this video. John Adams was the Guidance Counsellor at Palmerston North Boys’ High School for over 30 years. This was his last day on the job.

The Haka is more than a war cry, a start to an All-Blacks game, or an opportunity to promote NZ. It is a show of emotion shown at weddings, funerals, and events, as well as to acknowledge others, notably elders, as is the case here.

When John Adams started out as a substitute teacher in Science and Agriculture in February 1986, I doubt he imagined that, well over 30 years later, his send-off would look like this.

This is the legacy we can leave.

I doubt John prepped the students, nor do I doubt they were asked to perform this Haka (unique to the school, as many are reflective of district and area), to farewell this teacher. But, what a privilege.

In the days, weeks, months and years that pass, Mr. Adams won’t need to think of the legacy he left. His students told him.

What’s most impressive? They conclude as quietly and as respectfully as they started. No cheers, no hoo-ha, no high fives or selfies.

For close to 99.99% of the population, regardless of status, pay grade or otherwise, this is something almost all of us will not receive. That last day of work ends in a whimper, a whisper.

I doubt John Adams would swap the memories of this farewell from Palmerston North Boys’ High School with any of the positions of attainment or plaques of recognition others may receive.

…and that is the legacy we should strive for.

(Note – at 32 Million views, John Adams's farewell has stretched further than the 5 million people who live in New Zealand).