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In Celebration of Excellence 

The Saint Kentigern Distinguished Alumni Awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of our Alumni. Each awardee exemplifies the Saint Kentigern spirit, inspiring future generations.

These awards honour the remarkable achievements of former students who have excelled in their professional lives, embodying the core values of Saint Kentigern throughout their journey. They stand as inspiring role models for our current students.   

The Distinguished Alumni Award is bestowed biennially upon Saint Kentigern alumni who have left an indelible mark on society in one of two ways: 

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Exceptional Achievements

Recognising notable accomplishments in business, social, cultural, education, sports, or environmental well-being of the community.
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Distinguished Careers

Honouring illustrious national or international careers.

The awardees are presented with a handcrafted commemorative sculpture created by local artist and Saint Kentigern Boys' School teacher Tom Barter, incorporating designs inspired by our Scottish heritage. The awards ceremony, a black-tie formal dinner, is poised to become a signature event in our annual calendar. 

2022 Inaugural Distinguished Alumni Awardees 

4 September 2021 marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of the Saint Kentigern Distinguished Alumni Awards at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.  

We were honoured to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our inaugural awardees, whose dedication and contributions have set an inspiring benchmark in their professions and in service to the wider community.  

Additionally, our inaugural awardees pioneered the Saint Kentigern Alumni Scholarship Fund for staff, creating a lasting legacy that will support ongoing professional growth across our community - ensuring a ‘life-changing’ impact, for generations to come

John Beckett

Saint Kentigern College, 1958-1962
A Rhodes Scholar and trailblazer in various domains, including engineering and sports.

Philip Recordon

Saint Kentigern Boys' School, 1959-1960, and Saint Kentigern College, 1961-1965
A respected District Court Judge.

Sir Noel Robinson

Saint Kentigern College, 1958-1961
A distinguished entrepreneur with remarkable contributions to New Zealand businesses and philanthropy.

Dr Ernest Willoughby

Saint Kentigern College, 1959-1963
He is a celebrated neurologist with international recognition for his work in the field of multiple sclerosis.

2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients 

As this biennial tradition continued, over 200 invited guests gathered in September 2024 at the Auckland War Memorial Museum to celebrate the second Distinguished Alumni Awards. The evening honoured the achievements of four esteemed alumni, bringing together the Saint Kentigern community in recognition and pride. 

Peter Stockwell

Saint Kentigern College, 1966–1972
Distinguished RNZAF leader and former Chief of Air Force, recognised for exceptional military service and dedication to community and education.

Dr Ian St George

Saint Kentigern College, 1954–1958
An esteemed medical educator and innovator with significant contributions to healthcare in New Zealand and expertise in native orchid research and biographical works.

Dr Peter Ring

Saint Kentigern College, 1957–1963
An esteemed ophthalmologist and pioneer in laser eye surgery in New Zealand, with a lasting commitment to patient care, medical education, and voluntary service in underserved communities

Bruce Elliott

Saint Kentigern College, 1962–1966
An accomplished software entrepreneur with outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes worldwide.

These individuals were honoured not only for their professional success but for the profound impact they have made in their respective fields. They join a growing list of distinguished alumni who embody the spirit of Saint Kentigern as they leave their mark on the world.