Murray Burton was the principal of Auckland Elim Christian College when a teacher and six pupils died in a river canyoning tragedy in April.
Last night he was honoured with the NZ Principal Federation's service with distinction award.
Howick Pakuranga Principals' Association member David Ellery said Mr Burton demonstrated outstanding leadership skills, developed over many years in an "inspirational" display.
Students Natasha Bray, Portia McPhail, Tara Gregory, Tom Hsu, Anthony Mulder, Floyd Fernandes and teacher Tony McClean died in the tragedy.
Mr Burton said the school was open about its grief.
"There were so many people affected, people needed to hear," he told The New Zealand Herald.
"There was so much more to be gained by being open rather than to be closed off. It enabled the school really to cope with the whole situation too."
