Gordon Gibson carries a proud connection to Dilworth School, a legacy shaped by his grandfather, Noel Gibson, who served as Dilworth’s second Headmaster from 1914 to 1945. Leading the school through two world wars and the Great Depression, Noel had a singular vision—to build the finest private school that catered for young men from good families whose circumstances may prevent them from fulfilling their full potential. Today, Gordon continues to honour that legacy, not only through his deep appreciation for his grandfather’s work but also by instigating with his father Ken, the Gibson Educational Special Fund at Dilworth in memory of Grandfather Noel. Designed to be invested by the Dilworth Trust, and with the purpose of the fund to use the income “to widen the educational opportunities available to pupils of Dilworth School”, it is something that Dilworth students today continue to benefit from.
From an early age, Gordon demonstrated a passion for craftsmanship, beginning his journey as a boat builder at just 12 years old. His career evolved from engineering—spending four and a half years as a Fitter and Turner Apprentice, then after three years working in Europe he joined with his father, a Chartered Accountant, in buying up manufacturing businesses that were in trouble and putting them back on their feet. Despite his professional achievements his love for building and restoring boats, a skill that came from grandfather Noel, remained a lifelong pursuit. Alongside this he has been a dedicated polo player and enthusiast, Past President and Life Member of both Auckland Polo Club and NZ Polo Association. Equestrian sports are a passion that lives on in his family with his daughter Olivia, a Showjumper, who is also a horse vet.
Dilworth has always been a significant part of Gordon’s life. As a young child, he was regularly invited to school events with his grandfather, but the one that left the deepest impression was the ANZAC Dawn Service. He attended every year, for many years, with his father, Ken, a Dilworth Old Boy, who was awarded a scholarship after meeting the entry criteria. His grandfather, Noel, deeply believed in the school’s exceptional quality and values and was proud that his own son could receive a Dilworth education.
For Gordon, the connection to Dilworth is more than just history; it is a lifelong commitment to the values his grandfather instilled. Through his continued support of the School and its students, he ensures that the Gibson legacy remains an enduring part of Dilworth’s story.
Read below the story of Dilworth’s second Headmaster Noel Gibson, written by his grandson Gordon, to honour 80 years since his grandfather left Dilworth.
A brief synopsis on The Life of Noel Mackenzie Phillips Gibson. Extract written by his grandson, Gordon Gibson.
Noel Mackenzie Phillips Gibson was born in Dunedin on 24th December 1885. As he was born on Christmas Eve his parents named him ‘Noel’.
Noel’s father, Reverend Mackenzie Gibson, a minister in the Anglican Church emigrated from Bristol, England to NZ with his father, a Merchant, his mother and about five siblings when Mackenzie was 11 years old.
Noel’s mother, Alice Mary Coates Gibson (Gibson was her maiden name) came to New Zealand in her youth as her father was the captain of a sailing ship ,’The Egmont’ which sailed between London and New Zealand carrying freight and passengers.
Noel had a sister, May and a younger brother Mackenzie.
Noel was educated at Christ’s College, Christchurch and after finishing his training returned to his old school as a master and then House Master. Whilst in that role tragedy struck. One of the pupils in his house, Frederick Wroughton died after an accident in the gym. Noel, being the upfront person he was, travelled to Ashburton on the train to break the dreadful news to Frederick’s parents and sister. How he managed to bestow such sad news on the family and then impress them sufficiently I will never know, but he eventually married Frederick’s sister Lucy, who of course became the writer’s grandmother.
In 1913 wanting to further his career in teaching he applied for a few jobs one of which was Headmaster of Dilworth School. He was replacing Colonel Plugge, the first headmaster of Dilworth, who had been called into the NZ Army because WW1 was imminent. When war broke out, as he was already a Lieutenant in the NZ Territorial Army, Noel also applied on a number of occasions to join up and go to war and was rejected every time due to his occupation as an educator. His brother, Mackenzie, went to war as a Lieutenant in the NZ Army and after fighting in Europe for three years was killed in Passendale in November 1917. Noel’s father also went to war as chaplain in the NZ Army armed only with a bible and fortunately survived.
Noel told me, that the hardest job he had throughout his long tenure at Dilworth was standing on the podium at morning assembly during the two world wars announcing the latest Dilworth staff and old boys that had been killed in action, all of whom he knew so well. In 1942 that nearly included his own son Ken who was severely wounded in Egypt and for a period presumed dead. Fortunately for all, including the writer, Ken was eventually returned to NZ on the hospital ship, lived a long and very successful business and sporting life back in NZ until his death at 92 years of age . Ken was the writer’s father.
In spite of his nickname Tufty, given to him as he was quite a disciplinarian, Noel was very popular with the staff and students. He had a deep long term interest in the welfare of the boys at Dilworth who eventually made him Patron of the Dilworth Old Boys’ Association, the position I understand he held until his death in 1973. Noel spent a lot of time working to get jobs for the boys when they left school which wasn’t easy, especially during the great depression of the 1930s. Then in his school holidays he would travel the country visiting the boys in their jobs to make sure they were well placed and happy. With his family of course, Dilworth School and its students, were Noel’s life.
On their retirement in 1945 Noel and Lucy purchased a Citrus orchard in Otumoetai, Tauranga where he quickly built frames out of many old car chassis and introduced Chinese Gooseberries (Kiwifruit) to the orchard. There I saw many of his building skills and innovation and as I grew was allowed to participate in them with him. He then became the founding President of the NZ Chinese Gooseberry Association, now the NZ Kiwifruit Marketing Board.
Noel was an academic who had excelled in Latin, English, Mathematics and Science during his school and university years achieving an MA at university. He was a good rugby player and cricketer at school. He played a competitive round of golf until he was in his eighties and after moving with Lucy to Takapuna in 1971 he purchased the gear and took up playing bowls.
Noel Gibson was a genuine good allrounder. Noel died in 1973 and Lucy followed in 1975.
