The popular Yorkshireman started teaching woodwork at college in 1997.
He had a four-year break from 2005, but returned and has been deputy principal for the last six years, focusing much of his time on student pastoral care.
Mr Cresswell said he had plenty of good memories during his time at Ashburton College.
The teaching profession for him was about being around young adults and watching them grow up.
“The fun they bring, the mistakes they make and witnessing the bulb’ moments are all part of the pleasure of teaching.”
Mr Cresswell said being approached by fine young adults years later as part of everyday life gave him a lot of pleasure.
One area of college life he has been involved with and will miss is music.
“There’s been choir tours, productions, concerts and happy memories that I and the young people involved will hold for ever.”
One particular highlight was seeing the college choir, Phoenix Chorus, sing with Simon O’Neill at the Year 13 school prizegiving last year.
“It was a secret set up job that brought the house down,” he said.
Retirement for Mr Cresswell, who is 71 this month, will enable him to enjoy many of the things that can not fit into life when working full time.
A skilled and passionate woodworker, he will be able to indulge in more furniture restoration and woodworking projects.
There will also be more time for music, photography and the garden.
“Moving to New Zealand all those years ago has given my family an amazing life and opportunities beyond our dreams.
“The Ashburton College community and its wonderful staff, students and whanau have played a huge part in that, for which I will always be thankful.”
- By Mick Jensen
