Dilworth’s Prize Giving 2024 was held in the Dilworth Senior Campus Sports Centre on Wednesday, 4 December, the last day of term for 2024 and the final day at school for Year 13 leavers.
Every year, Dilworth’s prize giving is a significant event when the entire school community, including whānau, special guests, and staff, comes together to honour students' achievements. This year, however, felt particularly special; as student achievements were read out, it became clear that this was a year of exceptional milestones and ‘firsts’ for the school.
The ceremony was opened by Mr Tom Murdoch, Head of Senior Campus, who welcomed and acknowledged Dilworth students and their whānau; Dilworth Board Trustees, special guests and sponsors; Dilworth staff members, Dilworth Old Boys Association; and friends of Dilworth. He also welcomed the Bishop of Auckland, the Rt Reverend Ross Bay, and the Vicar of St Marks Church, the Reverend Tony Surman.
Mr Murdoch set the stage, noting students' efforts in striving for personal excellence - a theme he said had ‘characterised Dilworth this year’. He thanked Dilworth’s parents and caregivers: ‘We strive to achieve so much but could not do it without you’. He mentioned the teaching staff and peers – everyone who had stood behind the young men honoured with awards.
Mr Aaron Snodgrass, Board Chairman, delivered the keynote address. Addressing students, he continued with the theme of excellence: ‘Your commitment to excellence has been inspirational. Your achievements have made all of us stand taller’ before later highlighting the many successes of Dilworth students, collectively and individually, throughout the year.
Mr Snodgrass said that while this year has been characterised by progress at the school, he believed there had also been progress within Dilworth Response as the Board responded to the 19 recommendations made by the Dilworth Independent Inquiry into Abuse at our school.
“We cannot ever make up for the travesties of the past or stop apologising for the historical abuse that occurred at our school. Still, I believe we are progressing towards a better future together”.
Mr Snodgrass finished by reflecting on the school's success today ‘Together, we constantly strive to make Dilworth a better place. Thank you to our staff and Dilworth community—to all of you—for your collective effort and enthusiasm. Thank you for contributing to our advisory groups, coaching sports teams, coming in and getting involved, and making this school the success it is today.
Taking the stage to begin the presentation of prizes for the year, Headmaster Mr Dan Reddiex told students, ‘It was the promise and hope of young men like you, willing to grasp the opportunities presented to them, that ignited the desire in our Founder’s hearts to create the Dilworth in which you flourish today’.
Mr Reddiex then delivered his key address, reflecting on his sabbatical, which had taught him the importance of rest and reflection.
He talked about the tough times Dilworth had been through over the last six years before describing the school’s huge change process.
‘You know, I have led our school for almost six years. They have been tumultuous years, they have been challenging years, and there have been a lot of stormy seas for us to navigate together. Yet amid all the turmoil, we have driven the most ambitious change programme that I have seen in my 30 years in secondary education, not change on a micro scale but systemic change, organisation-wide change. This change has reached into every crevice, every sector and every soul’.
Mr Reddiex talked of his pride in the Dilworth culture of today and about the involvement of parents and whānau: “There are some truly magical things happening in our school… but for me, the achievements are secondary. They will always be secondary to culture”.
He acknowledged the amazing work done collectively by ‘people in this room’ to help move Dilworth forward.
Scholarship presentations came next, followed by Medals of Excellence and Leadership and Service Awards.
Opening in Te Reo, Samoan, and then English, Head Prefect Joshua Futi gave a moving address. Addressing fellow students, he said, ‘This school is on its way up. I want to thank each and every one of you for your dedication to excellence and for using your God-given talents. We weave together our different strengths.
Deputy Head Prefect Ezrah Eagle said he had been ‘Humbled by his time at Dilworth and just how much he had been able to achieve’. It was he said, ‘A dream come true’. He gave a shout-out to Dilworth Director of Basketball Mr Josiah Maama, who he said was ‘One of a kind’.
Then it was time to present the special awards, student leaders for 2025 and Premier awards, the latter presented by Mr Aaron Snodgrass.
Dux: William Payne
Proxime Accessit was jointly awarded to two students: Sonny Luong and Link Zhu.
Head Prefect for 2025: Saulala Tafa
Deputy Head Prefect's for 2025: Nicholas Perano and Henry Kwon
Prizegiving 2024 reflected Dilworth students' efforts and achievements, the dedication of teaching staff, and the involvement of the wider Dilworth community across the year. 2024 was a year of progress on many levels.
Many congratulations to all award winners. See the complete list below
Special Performances
Karakia Whakatūwhera – Orlando Afeaki, Year 13
Mihi Whakatau – Joshua Rehutai Baker, Year 13
Waiata Tautoko – Kapa Haka
The Dilworth Symphony Orchestra, directed by Mr David Stent
The New Zealand National Anthem
Second Storm by Robert W Smith
Riguadon by Henry Purcell, arranged by Bob Phillips
