Celebrating Dr Peter Ring: Our 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Honouree

We are proud to recognise Dr Peter Ring (Saint Kentigern College, 1957–1963) as a recipient of the 2024 Saint Kentigern Distinguished Alumni Award. This prestigious honour celebrates alumni who have demonstrated excellence in their professional careers, embodied the values of Saint Kentigern, and exemplified outstanding leadership—serving as an inspiration to our students and the broader Saint Kentigern community.

After leaving College, Dr Ring pursued his medical education at Otago Medical School, obtaining his MB ChB. Dr Ring has held significant positions in the medical field, including former President of the Ophthalmological Society of New Zealand, Examiner for the Royal Australian and NZ College of Ophthalmologists, and Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Auckland. He is currently a Vision Correction Specialist and Director at an Eye Institute in Auckland which was the first surgical outpatient centre in New Zealand.

Throughout his career, Dr Ring has been at the forefront of Ophthalmology research and was a part of the pioneering team that introduced laser surgery to New Zealand. His work has been published in prestigious medical journals, and he holds Fellowships from the Royal College of Surgeons (London) and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (London), as well as the FRANZCO Fellowship from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. 

In addition to his clinical practice and research, he has dedicated his life to improving patient care and outcomes, ensuring the highest standards in surgical procedures, and sharing his knowledge with future generations of ophthalmologists. He is also voluntarily involved with Lifeline Express, providing ophthalmological services to underserved communities in China. 

Motivated by a deep sense of purpose and dedication, alongside the values instilled during his time at Saint Kentigern, Dr Ring’s contributions continue to inspire future generations. His work demonstrates how expertise, innovation, and a profound commitment to service can create a lasting and meaningful impact in the lives of others.

About the Distinguished Alumni Awards

The second Distinguished Alumni Award was celebrated on 7 September 2024 at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. At the ceremony which gathered over 200 invited guests, the community recognised the achievements of four esteemed alumni:

• Bruce Elliott (Saint Kentigern College, 1962-1966)
• Dr Peter Ring (Saint Kentigern College, 1957-1963)
• Dr Ian St George (Saint Kentigern College, 1954-1958)
• Peter Stockwell (Saint Kentigern College, 1966-1972)

The Distinguished Alumni Awards is celebrated every two years to recognise Saint Kentigern alumni for notable achievements across a range of fields, including professional, public service, cultural, sporting, and community impact, and for an illustrious career of exceptional national or international accomplishment.

Recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award receives a specially commissioned handcrafted commemorative award designed and created by local artist and Saint Kentigern Boys’ School teacher Tom Barter. The handcrafted award is distinctly Saint Kentigern with the design inspired by our Scottish heritage.