VOYAGE OF A LIFETIME

The Diocesan Alumnae Association funds 10 scholarships a year to cover 50% of the cost for Year 11 and 12 students to experience the unique opportunities of a Spirit of New Zealand voyage. Teacher Tessa Lambert helps coordinate the Dio Spirit of New Zealand scholarships and also volunteers on different voyages. Earlier this year, Kate Wackrow was among the recipients of a DAA Spirit Scholarship. Here she shares her account of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“In February 2024, along with 39 other trainees, I embarked on a life-changing journey. Over the course of 10 days, we travelled from Dunedin to Nelson aboard the Spirit of New Zealand. About eight months earlier, I had submitted an application that led to me receiving a scholarship from the Diocesan Alumnae Association. This scholarship helped me to go on this incredible voyage. Had it not been for the School encouraging me to apply, I would likely have not known very much about the Spirit of Adventure Association.

“Despite the voyage only lasting a short 10 days, it felt like a lifetime. Every day was full of new exciting and challenging activities to experience. The best part of Spirit of New Zealand voyages is the knowledge that every voyage is unique. By going on a voyage, you are gaining an experience that is shared with only 39 other people. In all honesty, I was slightly – entirely – terrified to embark on my journey surrounded by people I had never met. However once onboard, I realised we were all in the same boat (literally)! I met people from all over the country who I genuinely hope to be lifelong friends with. From 6:30am swims, to climbing the mast, to snorkelling, to looking at the stars, there were endless amazing opportunities to try new things together.

“The whole voyage was fantastic but there were many highlights that will stay with me forever: jumping off the side of the boat, paddling to shore for a sunrise breakfast, late-night games, diving off wharves and so much more. Along the way we saw dolphins, seals, star fish, stingrays and the most incredible sunsets. I also learnt so much. We were taught about sails, navigation, cooking and sailing. I also gained confidence in my leadership skills, which I’m sure will help me as my life goes on. Spirit of New Zealand voyages encourage and provide opportunities for every trainee to try out leadership roles and step out of their comfort zone.

“One of the best parts of my voyage on the Spirit of New Zealand was the location. I was able to explore and experience some of the most beautiful parts of Aotearoa in a way very few people ever will. We saw dolphins playing around the ship in Kaikoura, snorkelled around Adele Island, hiked around Ship Cove, and watched phosphorescent waves at midnight as we sailed.

Kate Wackrow

“Over the course of those 10 days, we all developed unbreakable bonds. While the voyage ended with tears and inevitably sad goodbyes, it provided me with some of the fondest memories I have. I am eternally grateful for the people who allowed me to go on this voyage. It provided me with amazing memories, unique experiences and some of the best friends I’ve ever had.”

The evening of Saturday 9 December 2023 marked the culmination of their schooling for 134 Diocesan graduates. And what a special night it was!

As the guests arrived at the Cordis Hotel, they were greeted in the foyer by Diocesan Alumnae Association President Emily Steel where they posed for photos and enjoyed a welcome drink.

The Grad Ball organising committee led by Dio alumnae Damaya Pasupati and Sarahmarie Liebmann did a fantastic job at decorating the ballroom. The ‘follow your star’ theme featured neon star decorations on the tables and a specially commissioned Dio Grad Ball sign as the stage backdrop.

Once seated, the graduates and their guests were formally welcomed by Emily. The girls were invited on stage where Principal Heather McRae presented them with their graduation scrolls.

The graduates dance with their chosen ‘special person’ was to Fleetwood Mac’s poignant Landslide. Heather and Christine Lewis wowed everyone by performing their dance from the Dio Birthday Concert. After dinner, the Velvet Tones’ amazing repertoire of covers made sure the dance floor was filled for close to three hours.

To view and order photos of the 2023 Diocesan Graduation Ball, visit www.whitedoor.co.nz