The Reunion - edition three by dilworthschool

The

Reunion

Light, Space, Kotahitanga - The New St Patrick’s

The Dilworth Trust Board and School have embarked on a significant project to build a new chapel and community centre, St Patrick’s. In December, the ground was blessed in a moving early morning ceremony where members of the Trust Board and School came together with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the Anglican Diocese of Auckland to bless the ground on which the new St Patrick’s Chapel and Community Centre will stand.

There is now a major building site at the Senior Campus at Erin Street, with the outline of the new building structure starting to emerge. The Dilworth Trust Board team manages this project, led by Senior Property Manager Meg Cavell. Meg has oversight of the build, including design selections, managing budgets and contractors, and coordinating across the project—a big task!

Meg commented, “Work is going really well, and it’s on time. The foundations have been completed, and if you’ve been passing lately, you may have seen the structural steel is now going up.”

So, here’s a look at what the building will look like a year from now.

Designed by renowned architects Jasmax, St Patrick’s will be modern, welcoming, full of light and a centre for everyone. It will have a deep connection to nature and represent a gateway to the Dilworth Senior Campus. Building designers have worked hard to maintain the School’s character, retaining as much grass space as possible. Dilworth is fortunate to enjoy wide open spaces and trees as an integral part of the campus, and significant planting will occur to ensure that nature is strongly featured in this design.

The need for a new chapel and space for the community to come together has long been recognised. The relocation of Year 9 students to the Senior Campus has seen the current chapel and hall at capacity with a lack of seating for students, staff, whānau and the wider Dilworth community. The future use of the current chapel has yet to be considered.

The planned new space will accommodate everyone, embrace bi-cultural values, and celebrate the unique and diverse range of cultures at Dilworth School. It will celebrate the beautiful land so generously gifted by the School’s founders, James and Isabella Dilworth.

Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2025, and once the centre opens, it will provide Dilworth with a stunning new space for everyone to come together and enjoy.

DILWORTH NOW

What you need to know about the school of today Page 3

Learn about how the Old Boys’ Association can help you Page 4 & 5

Find out what your fellow old boy has been up to Page 8

DOBA

THOMAS SWINBURN

Welcome to The Reunion

Reunion is about celebrating you, Dilworth Old Boys, Alumni and Friends of Dilworth School.

We invite you to read a story of an inspiring fellow Old Boy, Thomas Swinburn and discover where his journey is taking him. In these pages, you can also learn more about Dilworth today, the new developments at the School, and the continuous efforts to provide the best education and experience for current and future students.

Discover what the Dilworth Old Boys’ Association (DOBA) team has been up to, along with its steadfast support for Old Boys, as well as information on the Benevolent and Centennial Foundation Trusts.

We are delighted to see you return to Dilworth today to reconnect with your friends, whānau, and school. Thank you for taking the time to celebrate these Decade Milestone Reunions with us, which mark 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60+ years of leaving Dilworth’s green gates.

You can be proud to call yourself a Dilworthian; we certainly are.

Your support is invaluable. We encourage you to support your school in whatever way you can to ensure that the legacy provided in the Will of founder James Dilworth 130 years ago continues to thrive and inspire future generations.

Update on Dilworth Response

The Dilworth Trust Board acknowledges the historical abuse that occurred at Dilworth School and is committed to fully, openly and honestly confronting the issue.

Dilworth Response oversees the Dilworth Trust Board’s commitment and remains a fully dedicated and resourced programme.

Rebuilding mutual respect, understanding and trust within the Dilworth community will take time – and the Board and School are approaching this critical mahi with humility and a commitment to deep listening and two-way dialogue.

If you would like to learn more about Dilworth Response and get an update on the status of recommendations made by the Independent Inquirers, please visit dilworthresponse.org.nz.

Dilworth Now Page 3

DOBA News Pages 4 & 5

Thomas Swinburn Page 8

Centennial Foundation Trust & Benevolent Trust Page 9

In brief

Dilworth’s Top Scholars Awards evening is one of the hallmark fixtures of the school’s calendar. A celebratory event, the support for those students who had achieved so well academically across Levels 1, 2 and 3 NCEA was evident across the school and community.

Headmaster Mr Dan Reddiex addressed all students, saying “There is much to celebrate as we look back on last year’s achievements. Collectively we met our Excellence credit targets and tonight we celebrate those young men who individually excelled.”

In 2023 Dilworth had the best NCEA results in terms of excellence endorsements the school has ever had. Mr Reddiex told students “That is something to be proud of.”

A huge well done to all our top scholars!

On a Thursday night in May representatives from each of our school Houses gathered in the David Beattie Centre to contest for the inaugural Simon Curran Cup for Excellence in Public Speaking.

The quality of the speeches was outstanding. Each student presented himself with poise and dignity and spoke with confidence, and a fiery passion for their cultures and their school.

This year, former Dilworth Trust Board member and Old Boy Mr Simon Curran presented two awards —the best overall speaker and the most promising speaker, which this year was retitled the “X-Factor Award.”

The X-Factor Award was presented to Armagh House’s Jesse Tima, who spoke of the Dilworth culture.

Logan Brown from Armagh House was the winner of the Simon Curran Cup for Excellence in Public Speaking. Logan spoke about the importance of diversity in all endeavours.

Congratulations Jesse and Logan!

The second annual inter-house haka competition showcased an exceptional display of tikanga and school culture. It was great to see two Old Boys, Andrew Campbell Class of 2021 and Hohaia Whiu Class of 2022, with Old Boy Jacob De Berry teacher and Class of 2003 who were the judges on the day.

A huge congratulations goes to Tyrone House on winning the 2024 competition. We are excited to see who will win it next year.

Contact Dilworth Advancement Emma Zigan & Ed Whiffin advancement@dilworth.org.nz

Class of 2023 Top Scholars

Simon Curran, Class of 1992 with speech competition winners

Young Alumni giving back to their school

Dilworth Now - Dan Reddiex

Kia ora koutou,

It is our absolute pleasure to welcome you back to Dilworth School, and we hope you enjoyed your time today.

If you haven’t been back to Dilworth for a while, you will have noticed a few changes around the school. At the Senior Campus, we have added a high-performance strength and conditioning centre, which opened in 2022, and new state-of-the-art boarding houses, Donaghmore and Aghalee, that accommodate our Year 9 students.

Music and the Arts continue to be strong across the entire school, and last year, we highlighted the development of the cultural domain, holding our inaugural cultural award ceremony with school colours awarded. In 2023, our bespoke Wellbeing Programme, Ako Puāwaitanga, was launched at our Mangatāwhiri Campus; in my view, we have one of the best Learning in the Outdoors Programmes in the country, taking students through a scaffolded learning framework across the seven years of their time at the school.

Alongside Dilworth’s strong academic results, these initiatives equip students with the tools to ensure they flourish in their education pursuits and lives.

As you are probably aware, I joined the school at a pivotal moment in 2019, just as the truth about historical abuse was fully emerging. My team and I committed ourselves to profound, ground-up change, and my job is to ensure that students today are safe, happy, and secure so they can flourish in all areas of their lives. Meeting with former students who were abused and hearing their stories has been utterly heartbreaking, and it served to reinforce our absolute commitment and conviction for ground-up change.

While resetting and rebuilding the entire school, our focus has been on putting students at the centre of all decision-making, ensuring we honour the remarkable mission set before us by James and Isabella Dilworth.

One of the most fundamental changes has been how the school cares for and protects students. Students’ education, safety, care, and development are at the centre of everything we do, and we are fully committed to providing an environment where students can achieve personal excellence.

Dilworth has zero tolerance for abuse. In recent years, the school has undertaken measures to ensure Dilworth’s safeguarding and well-being align with current and world-leading best practices. In 2022, Dilworth School became the first school in Aotearoa, New Zealand, to become Child Wise accredited.

In 2022, we employed a dedicated Safeguarding Officer and, last year, a Director of Health and Safety. Together, we take a whole-community approach to safety, focusing on giving our students a voice in decision-making. We have a Student Council with representation from each year group, multiple student-led groups, and an anonymous reporting system, Stymie.

There has been so much change, but what hasn’t changed is the very heart of this place that makes it so special. Moulded by the mission set out by our Founders and shaped by the contributions of many outstanding young men who have passed through the gates: men who have striven for excellence, men who have contributed much to society, good men.

We deeply value your support as Dilworth Old Boys, as sports coaches and managers, business mentors and speakers, and as supporters of our students on the sidelines at sports games. Your support is always much appreciated and strengthens our community as we navigate the way forward for Dilworth.

Welcome back.

Nga mihi nui

Dan Reddiex

Dilworth Old Boys’ Association

DOBA President - Gerry Smutz

Re-elected as President of DOBA for a second term Gerry Smutz (1986-1990, Dungannon) has a fresh new perspective and a clear mission to help build connections between Dilworth Old Boys - across the age levels.

Gerry is a ‘we’ and not an ‘I’ kind of guy who cares deeply for the community he serves. Passionate about Dilworth and the opportunities it provides he sees the role of DOBA is to bring Old Boys together. Extending the camaraderie and support for each other ‘beyond the green gates.’

As DOBA President, Gerry is looking forward to growing the Old Boys’ association, reinforcing the amazing strength of Dilworth across our communities whilst finding and forging a better way forward - together.

DOBA as a whole would like to thank Dan Reddiex, Headmaster of Dilworth and Aaron Snodgrass, Chairman of the Dilworth Trust Board for their continued support.

Learn more as Gerry and the DOBA team recap the last few months and showcase what’s upcoming...

Our New Councillors

I wish to welcome two of the newest members of the Old Boys Association – Sandy McNeur (Class of 1971) – no stranger to many of us in the Dilworth community, and Astley Nathan (Class of 2009) and we also welcome back into the fold Mr. David Mossman who was on a 1-year sabbatical. Thank you, men, for giving up your personal time to give back to the Association and our beloved school.

I am delighted to report our team of Keki Wilson (Class of 1989), Andy Gladding (Class of 1992) and Colin Stewart (Class of 1990) have contributed immensely as they’ve stepped up to help grow the Association and its capabilities and depth of talent.

Each of them has brought a wealth of business acumen and real-world commercial experience, with strong ties across many decades of Old Boys both locally and abroad. I also wish to thank my fellow councillors Stuart McDonald, Pernell Callaghan for their relentless efforts behind the scenes. Special thanks go to the Vice President, Connor Bindon – for his tremendous contribution…his drive and vigour to provide quality events and networking opportunities for our Old Boys is outstanding.

In memoriam

Sadly, one of our councillors Dean Ginders passed away suddenly on September 5th, 2023. This came as a huge shock as we had only seen Dean at the Country Reunion in Hamilton a few days earlier. Dean was a passionate Old Boy who loved his school, he loved his family, and he loved his mates.

Dean was front and centre at our Old Boys’ Events – he was always the first to put his hand to help. He was a hard worker for the council & a visible figure at the School First XV home matches, assisting with the sausage sizzle alongside fellow Old Boy David Mossman and his partner Karen – who are affectionately known as the “BBQ Squad”.

Even today, all these months later – we still feel his loss. He will be remembered in our hearts. With this in mind - your association, approached the school, wanting to honour Dean’s memory – therefore, a minute’s silence, was observed at the First XVs first home game of the season Saturday 18th May, prior to kick off; Dean had family in attendance.

I wish to thank Mr Gareth Pickering – Director of Rugby at the School – for allowing us to honour our dear friend – in this manner.

Sandy McNeur

Astley Nathan

Annual Reunion & AGM

Despite adverse weather disrupting the highly anticipated Old Boys’ Association Inter-House Sports Reunion, the event evolved into a celebration of camaraderie and shared history. While only basketball matches could proceed due to rain, attendees embraced the opportunity to reconnect over a delightful lunch, followed by a successful Annual General Meeting.

The AGM saw the re-election of key officeholders, welcoming new council members, and informative updates from distinguished guests, including the Headmaster and a survivor liaison. Despite challenges, the event highlighted the enduring bonds within the school community, setting the stage for future reunions and the continuation of the association’s legacy of unity and support.

Our Annual Country Reunion will be held in Gisborne, 15th -19th August. We are looking forward to hosting as many of you as possible. Old Boys David Mossman, Matt Bridson and Ross Marsden – are the organising committee and we have more information on our DOBA Facebook Page. Do check your emails to register for the event too.

A passion for science

Kellen Dudley-Rode - Class of 2019

Recently we sat down with Kellen Dudley-Rode from the Class of 2019 at Dilworth, on graduation day from Auckland University, for a Q&A about his time at Dilworth and his experience of being a Staples Education Foundation scholarship recipient.

Read on to see what he had to say.

What is it like to be graduating today?

Surreal. It has been a rollercoaster 4 years. Not the 3 years it was meant to be because I kept changing what I wanted to do. Firstly I started in Bio-Med and then quickly migrated to Marine Biology. I stuck with that for 2.5 years then decided to change again and move to Zoology. It took a bit of time and trial and error, but in the end, I understood animals in general were where my passion lay. I also realised that all my knowledge and skills which I had learnt were transferable, so it wasn’t a detriment to have changed multiple times over the 4 years. I have now come out of University with a Bachelor of Science, specialising in Ecology & Zoology. I am really proud of that.

Can you tell us how your Dilworth journey led to your career and study pathway?

I always loved Biology. As I was growing up my Mum worked as an embryologist, so we always had microscopes around which I found fascinating. At Dilworth, I had really cool science teachers, the most impactful being Mr Butler. His passion for biology was infectious and in every lesson, I was excited about what I was going to learn. This drive from him definitely solidified my desire to go on to study some kind of Biology.

What inspired you the most during your time at Dilworth?

A number of teachers including Mr Butler & Mrs Cooke-Allen were my biggest inspiration. Mr Butler had an incredible teaching manner and such enthusiasm for his subject. This, along with helping me through life stuff, really built my confidence. Confidence also stemmed from Mrs Cooke-Allen who guided me in my other interest of Drama. The opportunities at Dilworth were endless and I tried to make the most of them to get the most out of my time there.

Tell us about the Staples Education Foundation (SEF) scholarship that you received and what it meant for you?

Receiving the SEF scholarship was a very important catalyst for me on my university journey. I didn’t feel very confident in being a successful applicant.I was going up against far more accomplished students and I had really only started to pick up my grades to Excellence level in my last year at school.

However, I was lucky enough to be awarded the scholarship and it gave me a real sense of belief in myself that I was worth the investment and that I could actually go forward and gain a good education in the area of biology at university.

Thinking about the different elements of the SEF scholarship, tell us about the role and impact of your mentor, the networking opportunities you were given and of course the funding. The Staples scholarship has many aspects to it and all of them had a really big impact on me while at Uni. During my first year, everything was very crazy, entering a new environment, starting from the bottom as a first year and then all of the stress that COVID lockdowns brought on. Firstly, my SEF buddy, Indivar Kumar was a huge help with getting to know my way around campus and the confusing websites that I needed to navigate for multiple different reasons. My SEF mentor, Michael Whitehead was very helpful throughout my degree as well, although not particularly versed in the area of biology, his knowledge and life experience were very useful when I was facing difficult life or university challenges. The monetary support was probably one of the biggest benefits of the scholarship for me. The expenses of University were something that I was not prepared for and that monetary support saved me many times. The funding covered a good portion of my rent, food and university supplies. Without it, I would have had to work nearly full-time on top of full-time study to be able to support myself throughout my degree.

What would you say to any student who is thinking about applying for the Staples Education Foundation scholarship in 2024 and beyond. How will it change their life?

The scholarship takes so much stress off your shoulders throughout your degree, especially the funding side. However, many opportunities can come out of it as well. SEF have a strong network of connections to people in so many areas of the workplace that can set you up for a very promising career during and after University. One thing that I would stress is not to waste any opportunity that you might come across.

What would you like to say to Haydn Staples (founder), the SEF Board, and mentors?

Just to say how extremely grateful I am to everyone involved and especially to Haydn. The generosity he shows is really inspiring and it’s incredible to see how many lives he is influencing for the better with this Foundation. Also, huge thanks to Karen Bennett - she was a valuable part of the scholarship for me, especially with the meetings at Uni. It was very helpful to go over things that I had going on and to visualise how I was going to approach upcoming tasks. I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without the support from everyone in the Staples Education Foundation, including the mentors and buddies. For that, I am truly thankful.

Finally, can you tell us about your dreams and aspirations for the future?

At the moment my business that I started with another Dilworth mate during my uni studies, ERC Contracting, is going really well and I have gained a lot of skills and expertise through that. However, I still have a strong passion for biology and I’m keen to do something to help the planet and the organisms that inhabit it. So I hope to start gaining some experience in the New Zealand workforce with my degree and then ideally move overseas to start seeing the world and working in restoration and conservation efforts worldwide.

Carpe Diem - Seize the day!

Jean-Luc Ellis - Class of 2019

Ed Whiffin - Event & Community Engagement Manager with Dilworth’s Advancement Team, talks to a young alumnus, 5 years out from leaving Dilworth. He finds out what he’s been up to, and it’s been a lot.

Jean-Luc Ellis, Class of 2019, has seized every opportunity and forged his own path. Raised on the North Shore by his resilient mother, Jean-Luc’s journey to Dilworth and beyond is a testament to his determination and to the transformative power of education.

He eagerly arrived at Dilworth Junior Campus in Year 7. Despite an initial reluctance towards sports, he found himself drawn into the camaraderie of school life, discovering a passion for running during a transformative year at the (then) Rural Campus in Year 9.

Transitioning to Dungannon House at the Senior Campus in Year 10, Jean-Luc’s love for science flourished, and he envisioned a future in physics or chemistry. However, a serendipitous turn led him to explore drama, a decision that would prove pivotal in building his confidence and self-belief. By the time he reached Year 13, he had earned a Drama Scholarship and the role of Prefect, reflecting his dedication and leadership within the school community.

Summing up his Dilworth experience in three words—opportunity, family, and excelling—Jean-Luc emphasises the school’s ethos of nurturing individual potential. The supportive environment and emphasis on personal growth laid the foundation for his academic and personal development.

After receiving a Staples Education Foundation (SEF) scholarship that would support him in his tertiary studies and life beyond Dilworth’s green gates, Jean-Luc embarked on a journey that blended his passion for science with his entrepreneurial vision. Initially pursuing studies in physics and chemistry at Auckland University, he made a bold pivot towards Law, seeing it as his true calling. During a summer break, a chance opportunity for work was offered to him by his SEF mentor, and this sparked the inception of his first business venture, providing labouring personnel for the construction industry, alongside Dilworth classmate and business partner, Kellen Dudley-Rode.

Their entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. Recognising the environmental and economic implications of construction waste, Jean-Luc and his partners established Wastexpert, a company dedicated to revolutionising waste management in the construction sector. Through innovation and dedication, they secured contracts with local councils and major retailers, propelling their venture to new heights.

Reflecting on his Dilworth journey, Jean-Luc acknowledges the invaluable support he received from Dilworth, particularly the support after leaving school from Neil Ritchie, Young Alumni Officer, as well as the amazing support from the Staples Education Foundation.

The sense of community and the belief instilled in him at Dilworththat he could excel at anything if he set his mind to it - continues to inspire his endeavours. Now, as a mentor himself for SEF, Jean-Luc imparts his wisdom to the next generation, urging them to embrace every opportunity and embrace change. Carpe diem - Seize the day! He remains committed to giving back to Dilworth, appreciating now the profound impact the school and its community had on his own successes.

A remarkable journey of service, leadership and academic excellence

Thomas Swinburn - Class of 2016

Dilworth Old Boy Thomas Swinburn, from the Class of 2016, returned to the school this year as our special guest speaker for Founder’s Day, prompting us to catch up with him and delve into his remarkable journey of service, leadership and academic excellence.

By the end of 2024, Thomas will have earned two degrees from the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau – a Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours), and a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery MBChB –and will then proudly hold the title of Dr Thomas Swinburn.

His journey to becoming a doctor is marked by a series of outstanding achievements, starting from his days at Dilworth where he was named Dux. Throughout his tertiary education, he received accolades such as the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia and the Kupe Leadership Scholarship, alongside recognition from the government for his contribution during the pandemic by way of the COVID-19 Response Recognition Award.

Not confined to medicine, Thomas has also made his mark as a leader, serving as president of both the Auckland University Medical Students’ Association and the New Zealand Medical Students’ Association. And last year he clinched the International Balint Federation’s Ascona writing prize for his insightful essay showing the humanitarian aspects of the doctor-patient relationship.

Thomas’s journey has not been solely academic; throughout his education, he’s actively sought opportunities to broaden his horizons and expand his worldview. From a gap year at Whitgift School in London to participating in a Young Ambassador programme with the French Embassy, he has taken every opportunity presented and willingly embraced diverse, real-world (and sometimes surreal) experiences. He remembers packing to go to France as a Year 13 student, while his peers were all sitting their mock exams.

“Believe in yourself, broaden your thinking.”

His medical studies took him to immersive training in Te Tai Tokerau Northland, internships in Mumbai, India. They will soon take him to Nepal, where he is looking forward to spending time trekking in the mountains in his downtime, all as part of achieving a sense of personal balance.

Reflecting on his time at Dilworth, Thomas acknowledges the foundational life skills and values instilled by the boarding school experience - like learning to cook and clean a bathroom while at the rural campus and getting on with people from all walks of life. “Being there I met a diverse group of people, which has made me comfortable finding common ground with everyone,” he explains.

Dilworth also provided a platform from which he could spring and he remains grateful for the support received, including the leavers support grant and the Staples Education Foundation (SEF) scholarship. Thomas says, “One of my proudest moments will be writing a thank you letter to Haydn Staples (SEF Founder) signed by ‘Dr Swinburn’.” While he can’t pay back all the opportunities he’s had, he is dedicated to paying it forward through his role as a Staples buddy, by mentoring junior medical students and supporting any Dilworth students aspiring to go into medicine.

His advice to current Dilworth students echoes his journey: “Believe in yourself, broaden your thinking. Seek advice, but ultimately chart your own path.”

Dilworth Old Boys’ Centennial Foundation Trust

The Dilworth Old Boys’ Centennial Foundation Trust - supporting fellow Old Boys to reach their full potential.

The Dilworth Old Boys’ Centennial Foundation Trust, was founded in 2006, in celebration of 100 years of Dilworth. It has a proud history of providing financial scholarships to Old Boys who are looking to achieve something that is beyond their current financial circumstance and fulfil their dreams and potential.

The Trust accepts applications for monetary grants to help with the payment of such things as tertiary education beyond the Leavers Support Grant allocation, special interest in sports, arts, culture, training, start a business, kick-starter money for a business, etc.

If you have a passion and dream and are in need of some kick-starting finance or support, or know of any Old Boy who may benefit from such a grant, contact us with inquiries on support@doba.nz.

Please note: All inquiries are treated in confidence and we do follow a process in assessing needs to determine the best outcome.

Fifth member of the Centennial Foundation Trust Dan Reddiex

Dilworth Old Boys’ Benevolent Trust

The Dilworth Old Boys’ Benevolent Trust - helping fellow Old Boys in need.

The Dilworth Old Boys’ Benevolent Trust, or otherwise known as Dilworth Assist, has more than fifty years history of providing support to Old Boys who find themselves in challenging circumstances.

The Trust is available to help with modest financial support, pastoral care, abuse support, depression anger management, mentoring, budgeting, WINZ/ACC and counselling.

If you need help or know of any Old Boy who may need such support. Contact us with inquiries or for assistance on assist@doba.nz.

Please note: All inquiries are treated in confidence and we do follow a process in assessing needs to determine the best outcome.