Meet Nikki Raass and her four ‘Dilworth’ sons: Calvin (Class of 2013), David (Class of 2018), Benjamin (Class of 2019), Adrian (Class of 2021) and sister Daisy.
Just before Christmas, Nikki and her four boys, Calvin, David, Ben, and Adrian, and their sister Daisy, returned to visit Dilworth. They were all ‘back home’ in Avondale, getting together for Daisy’s graduation from university the next day, followed by a much-anticipated family trip and celebration in Tonga.
The closeness of this wonderful family shone through as Nikki described her delight in having her children home together once again. “Getting together with the kids is a happy time for me because they are all grown up, and two of my boys are in Australia now. It’s such an occasion to have them all home”.
What makes this family so special to Dilworth is that, incredibly, all five of Nikki’s sons were awarded a scholarship - attending school between them from 2010 to 2021 when the family's ‘baby’ Adrian finished. Tragically, the family lost their second oldest son and brother, Carlos (Class of 2017), who passed away from a devastating illness while in his last year at Dilworth.
Having so many Dilworth graduates from one family makes Nikki something of a legendary ‘Dilworth Alumni Parent’ and possibly a record holder! A strong wahine-toa and incredible ‘Mum’ who wanted the best for her children, Nikki took the time to research which schools would be best for her boys. “Dilworth came into the picture in the late 2000’s. I was working at the airport, and Carlos and David were about to finish primary school and I was so worried about them being influenced at high school by other kids”.
Nikki said she was searching online for schools one day when a co-worker asked her if she had heard of Dilworth. She commented back that she thought it was a private school, but he told her, “Nikki, I went to that private school, and it is for middle—and lower-income earners, and I vouch your boys will do well there.”
Nikki recalls filling in the Dilworth application form, stating that she wanted her sons to grow up to be ‘good citizens’. She has certainly achieved that, with all four boys in good jobs with their feet clearly on the ground. Her youngest son Adrian has just started with the Dilworth Trust as an Accounts Assistant after completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance. After finishing his Bachelor in Communication, Calvin is writing and looking to produce a short film and find work in the NZ film industry. Sons David and Benji have ‘jumped the ditch’ and have great jobs in Australia. David is a machine operator for McArthur River Mine, and Benji is a refrigeration technician for Active Airconz.
It is clear that Nikki’s drive has rubbed off on her children and helped shape their lives. A working Mum with six children, with the boys settled and Daisy with a scholarship at Diocesan, she went back to study, completing a Bachelor of Tourism Management in 2020. She then became a flight attendant for Air New Zealand and now flies worldwide.
The boys shared some of their best Dilworth memories. The one thing that came through strongly for them all was the deep friendships that they all made at school. Adrian: “I would describe Dilworth as a second home to me. The boys become like your siblings. You grow up with them and stay friends long after your time at school”.
Benji pointed out that it doesn’t matter how far away you are or how much time passes; those friendships remain, and you pick up where you left off. David also recalled how he felt so supported by Dilworth when his older brother Carlos sadly passed away from illness.
But it wasn’t just the boys who made friends at Dilworth; Nikki talked about what it was like to be a ‘Dilworth Mum’ and how the bond between Dilworth parents and other students all ‘nephews’ to her - remains strong over the years, friendships for a lifetime. Nikki is now part of the new Dilworth Alumni Network*.
When asked to give his best advice to today’s Dilworth students, Adrian tells them to “Take advantage of everything on offer.” He says that despite being well on the way to becoming a successful accountant, he wishes he had kept playing an instrument. Good advice!
Nikki is a passionate advocate for Dilworth and volunteered her thoughts on what she wishes for Dilworth School. Her belief in Dilworth is strong: “I love seeing how Dilworth has excelled through the years since we left. All the new things Dan (Reddiex) has brought into the school, I’m really proud of that.”
It was a wonderful hour spent getting to know the Raass-Mahoni family. A remarkable Mum - Nikki and family - each forging their unique path in life, achieving success on their terms and honouring James and Isabella Dilworth’s legacy by embracing opportunity and contributing as good and useful citizens.
Thank you to this legendary family for taking the time to return to Dilworth during their holidays and meet with us.
Mālō ‘aupito!
Calvin Raass 2012 - 2013
Bachelor in Communication Studies AUT 2022
Currently writing and looking to produce a short film and find work in the NZ film industry.
Carlos Raass (RIP) 2010 - 2017
David Raass 2010 - 2018
Machine Operator, McArthur River Mine (Australia)
Benjamin Mahoni 2011 - 2019
Refrigeration Technician, Active Airconz (Australia)
Adrian Mahoni 2013 – 2021
Bachelor of Commerce, Finance & Accounting, AUT 2021
Accounts Assistant, Dilworth Trust Board (NZ)
Daisy Mahoni 2017 - 2021 (sister)
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology AUT 2024
Secretary Community Patrol NZ
*The Dilworth Alumni Network includes all former students (Old Boys & Alumni) as well as the parents/guardians of former students (Alumni Parents) and former staff and trustees (Alumni Staff). Click here to see more.
