Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Norris Peart DSO (12 February 1900 – 4 September 1942) was an officer in the New Zealand Military Forces and the fourth headmaster of King's College.

In 1937, Peart was appointed as the fourth headmaster of King's College, an independent secondary school in Middlemore.

[3] Shortly after the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Peart enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and was granted a commission as a major.

At El Mreir Depression on the night 21/22 July, 1942 Lieutenant Colonel Peart led his Battalion in the 6 (NZ) Infantry Brigade attack on El Mreir Depression ... During all the fighting Lieutenant Colonel Peart was constantly moving about among his men encouraging them and at all times setting a high example of courage and perseverance.

It is due to his outstanding leadership, determination and sound judgement that the Battalion remains a fighting unit.