Celebrating Rugby Tradition: College 1st XV Players of 1957–62 Era Reunite

Saint Kentigern College’s Old Collegian Association (SKOCA) recently hosted a memorable event that brought together former rugby teammates and players from various schools, reigniting their spirit of camaraderie and competition. The 1st XV reunion, encompassing the players of the 1957–1962 years, showcased the enduring legacy of rugby in New Zealand schools. With Bruce House as the backdrop, over fifty players returned to Saint Kentigern College eager to reconnect with old friends and relive cherished memories. The event went beyond the boundaries of Saint Kentigern, as rugby players from King’s College, Sacred Heart, Auckland Boys Grammar, and St Peter’s also joined in the celebration. Rivals turned friends with bonds that endured beyond the rugby field.

Past SKOCA President Mr Andrew Morgan welcomed our guests, followed by College Principal Mr Damon Emtage who gave a snapshot of the College today. As people took turns speaking during the lunch, fond memories were shared, accompanied by impressive memorabilia that had been carefully preserved. Former student Mr Don Craig in particular brought along his old rugby jersey, a relic that had weathered the passage of time since his playing days in 1961. The well-worn garment served as a poignant symbol, capturing the embedded memories of games gone by.

Following lunch, the attendees made their way to the Sports Centre balcony, a new addition to the school since their time. From this vantage point, they cheered on the current 1st XV team as they battled against De La Salle. The atmosphere was electric, and the game did not disappoint. In a nail-biting contest, Saint Kentigern emerged victorious with a 17–10 win, fuelling the collective pride of the former players who witnessed the resolute spirit of their alma mater. The celebrations did not finish on the field, as all continued to a post-match function hosted by the Old Collegians Association. A number of the group then carried on the festivities at a dinner venue in Ponsonby.

This reunion of old teammates not only rekindled cherished memories but also showcased the enduring spirit of rugby. It served as a testament to the lasting bonds formed through the sport and the impact it has on the lives of those who partake. As the event drew to a close, it was evident that the legacy of rugby at Saint Kentigern College and beyond continues to inspire generations of players and foster lifelong connections.

Gathering of Class of ’61

‘Piper’ magazine is thrilled to share the heartwarming story of four Old Collegians from the Class of ’61 who recently got together for lunch and reminisced about their time at Saint Kentigern. This serves as a reminder to all former students that it’s never too late to reconnect with old friends and classmates. Whether it’s through a simple lunch date or organising a larger reunion, the bonds formed at Saint Kentigern are meant to last a lifetime. Let’s encourage each other to keep in touch and keep those memories alive.

A Journey of Justice: Peter Williams

As the bell rang signalling the end of another school day at Saint Kentigern College, young Peter Williams had yet to envision the extraordinary path that awaited him. From his early years at Saint Kentigern where he laid the foundations of his education. Peter’s journey would be one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice. After completing his schooling, Peter pursued law through a BA/LLB(Hons) at the University University of Auckland. His exceptional legal skills earned him recognition with the Senior Prize in Law and the esteemed Stout Shield. With a fellow student, he co-founded the Equal Justice Project, a student-run access to justice organisation. He then served as a Crown Prosecutor at Meredith Connell, where he mastered the art of assessing evidence and navigating complex scenarios, establishing himself as a trusted advocate for justice.

In 2010, Peter’s unwavering passion for making a difference led him to join the International Justice Mission (IJM) Chennai as a Legal Fellow. There, he advised and supported IJM lawyers in rescuing people trapped in bonded-labour slavery and assisting the state to prosecute responsible individuals. His experience propelled him to become the Director of IJM Bangalore, expanding the fight against labour slavery. In 2016, Peter became the Country Director of IJM Cambodia, addressing human trafficking of Cambodian migrants in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and beyond.

Today, Peter serves as the Principal Advisor on Modern Slavery for IJM Global. He provides guidance to counter-slavery programmes worldwide and represents the organisation in engaging influential agencies including the United Nations, government agencies, academia, and multi-stakeholder groups. Peter’s expertise is evident in his co-authorship of the ‘Delta 8.7 Justice Policy Guide’ under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, a critical resource in combatting modern slavery.

Peter’s drive for change has recently extended beyond his professional endeavours to a personal challenge. From his days at Saint Kentigern College where he excelled in cross country and hockey, he developed a passion for endurance sports. Transitioning to cycling after some injuries, he’s found solace and a sense of freedom in pedalling around five continents, gaining unique perspectives along the way.

This June, Peter undertook a new cycling endeavour: the Race Across America. Symbolically representing the struggles faced by millions affected by conflict and displacement, he and his team of eight completed the non-stop race in less than seven days. Cycling to raise funds for the Tutapona trauma counselling centre, they hope their efforts will aid in providing trauma recovery to those impacted by conflict in Eastern Europe, Iraq, and Africa. You can join Peter in supporting this cause: https:// give.tutapona.com/fundraiser/4319448

As he continues his relentless pursuit of justice and fight against modern slavery, Peter remains forever grateful for the transformative years spent at Saint Kentigern. In the face of adversity, Peter has proven that compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication can truly change the world.

A Summer in STEM: Caleb Corban on NanoCamp

Caleb Corban, a recent graduate of Saint Kentigern College, has successfully completed NanoCamp hosted by the MacDiarmid Institute. A week-long immersive lab experience with top scientists, the camp is open to Year 12 and 13 applicants passionate about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Caleb’s excellent NCEA record, involvement in cocurricular activities, and character reference led to his selection.

Reflecting on his experience, Caleb admitted, “Going to a summer science camp was not something I would normally do, and I had little idea of what to expect”. He found that the programme perfectly balanced practical activities, learning, and time to create connections with like-minded scientists. Throughout the week, he was introduced to an expanse of opportunities available at university and received first-hand experience of how STEM is applied in the real world.

Caleb’s interest in entering the biomedical sphere was further cemented by the camp. He said, “I found the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of people at the university involved in many different disciplines, including lecturers, technicians, researchers, and students, fascinating”. Excited about his future, he is embarking on the first year of a fouryear Bachelor of Engineering with Honours. With this glimpse of what his career could entail, he is more prepared than ever for the next chapter.

Caleb’s selection for NanoCamp is a testament to his academic achievements, character, and enthusiasm for STEM. He’s one to watch in the future, and we do not doubt that he will achieve great things in his chosen field.