Former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry speaks to Mike Hosking about the passing of Sir John Graham.

Sir John, a former All Blacks captain, died on Wednesday night aged 82.

He was a highly respected educationalist, primarily for his work as principal of Auckland Grammar School from 1973-93, but also as commissioner of the troubled Nga Tapuwae College.

"I feel very privileged to be talking about him, Sir Graham said. "He was a marvelous role model and had huge, high standards. He never deviated from those high standards and people were motivated by that. 

"He changed people's lives. He added to people's lives."

Sir Graham said Sir John's main focus was on education. 

"He had the ability to change people and give them opportunities."

"He just wanted to preserve education standards. He was very into the assessment system and making sure it was demanding and demanding on kids so they had to work hard. 

"He had an ability to connect with young people, and he spent the time. He had a soft nature underneath that gruff exterior but he wanted to maintain standards."

LISTEN ABOVE AS SIR GRAHAM HENRY SPEAKS TO MIKE HOSKING