Ann Jocelyn Gluckman, a trailblazing New Zealand educator, community leader, and prolific writer, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, at the age of 98. Born Ann Klippel in London in 1927, she spent her early childhood in Sydney before her family immigrated to New Zealand in 1934. Her remarkable life was characterized by an unwavering commitment to education, interfaith understanding, and community service.

Gluckman's academic prowess was evident early on, as she was named head prefect and Dux of Epsom Girls Grammar School in 1944. She pursued higher education later in life, earning a Bachelor of Science from the University of New Zealand in 1962, a Master of Science from Auckland University in 1964, and a Bachelor of Arts in World Religions extramurally from Massey University. These qualifications underpinned a distinguished career that would profoundly impact New Zealand's educational landscape.

Her teaching career began in 1964, with roles at Epsom Girls Grammar and as senior mistress at Seddon High School. A pivotal moment came in 1975 when she was appointed the foundation principal of Ngā Tapuwae College in Mangere. This appointment was historic, making her the first woman in New Zealand to lead a state coeducational secondary school. Under her leadership, Ngā Tapuwae College became a model for multicultural education, celebrated for its innovative programs and its embrace of Māori, Pacific Island, and European cultures.

Beyond her groundbreaking work as a principal, Gluckman dedicated herself to broader community and academic endeavors. She was elected to the Council of Massey University and served as the first lay member on the Middlemore Hospital Ethical Committee. Her commitment to fostering understanding between different faiths led her to become the foundation Jewish co-president of the Auckland Council for Christians and Jews.

In recognition of her extensive contributions to education and the community, Ann Gluckman was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 1993. Even after retiring from Ngā Tapuwae College in 1989, she remained an active educator, teaching courses on world religions and geography for the University of the Third Age.

Gluckman was also a respected author and editor, whose writings enriched New Zealand's cultural and historical record. Her published works include "Ageing Is Attitude: The New Zealand experience" (1995), a biography of her mother titled "Postcards from Tukums: A family detective story" (2010), and the significant "Identity and Involvement" series, which chronicled Auckland's Jewish community across three volumes (1990, 1993, 2020). Her literary contributions ensured that her insights and the stories of her community would endure for future generations.

Ann Gluckman's life was a testament to her extraordinary commitment to her family, the Jewish community, interfaith relationships, and scholarly pursuits. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, leaving behind a profound legacy of pioneering spirit, intellectual curiosity, and compassionate leadership that will continue to inspire.