William Penlington
New Zealand school principal, educationalist
About William Penlington
Lived 1890 – 1982 (aged 91–92). William Penlington was a New Zealand military personnel, head teacher and educational theorist.
William Arthur Greener Penlington (8 October 1890 – 5 August 1982) was a New Zealand school principal and educationalist.
Penlington was born at Akaroa on Banks Peninsula, New Zealand in 1890 to an early settler family. His grandfather, William Penlington, was a sawmiller and mayor of Akaroa, and his father—also named William Penlington—was a compositor. Peter Penlington QC and Ross Penlington were sons of two cousins; both were judges.
During World War I he was a captain in the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. After the war his rank was raised temporarily to Major in the resettlement and rehabilitation effort.
He was later head master of Hastings High School, where he was involved in the aftermath of the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake.
Penlington played cricket and hockey at a representative level.
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Important facts
People in William Penlington's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was William Penlington?
New Zealand school principal, educationalist
When was William Penlington born?
William Penlington was born in 1890.
When did William Penlington die?
William Penlington died in 1982.
What was William Penlington's occupation?
William Penlington was a military personnel, head teacher and educational theorist.
What nationality was William Penlington?
William Penlington was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: William Penlington
· DBpedia: William Penlington (teacher)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Penlington. https://biography.guide/william-penlington/
MLA: "William Penlington." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-penlington/.
Chicago: "William Penlington." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-penlington/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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