Yesterday was significant and poignant for our Year 13 Leavers, who took part in the Dilworth handshake at their final chapel, the traditional walk together to St Mark’s Church, followed by their Leavers’ Dinner.
Our young men were honoured at a beautiful evening of celebration and reflection. They gathered with their whānau, staff, and special guests for a dinner that highlighted their achievements and shared stories, creating a tribute to their time at Dilworth and, hopefully, a lasting memory for this outstanding group, the Class of 2026.
This group of young men has led from start to finish during their time at Dilworth, and last night was no exception – it was a student-led affair. MC for the evening was Garnett Tofilau; grace was said by Pomana Halatanu; a musical Item led by Posala Tusa and some entertaining reflections from Netane Talanoa, Julez Vavega and Israel Tanielu
Board Chair Mr Jonathan Mason left no one in doubt about the impact of this year group on the school.
“The Dilworth Board is immensely proud of how each of you has honoured the scholarship you were granted. The excellence you have displayed goes beyond academics; your results speak for themselves, with the 2025 academic results being the best in our school's history. It also goes beyond your remarkable talents in sport, music, and culture. Most importantly, you have combined your drive with integrity, compassion, respect, and a genuine heart for service, embodying every one of our school values."
The organisation of this wonderful evening was a credit to Year 13 Dean Mr Ben Carey and the Dilworth Kitchen Team, who pulled out all the stops with an incredible feast. Retiring Mathematics teacher and former Director of Curriculum, Mr Steve Bushell made the traditional toast to leavers. Ms Clare Mafi, Mum to Sepasetiano Mafi, delivered a heartfelt response on behalf of whānau.
In a beautiful tribute to this cohort of young men, his students, Headmaster Mr Dan Reddiex, left dinner guests with a clear sense of the Class of 2026’s enormous contribution, calling them “Dilworth’s Mighty Men”.
“The inspiration comes from the Bible” he said “3000 years ago there were a group of men who were known as “David’s Mighty Men”.
When I read these scriptures recently, I couldn’t help but think of the class of ’26, this group of exceptional young men, Dilworth’s Mighty Men.
Over the last nine years, you and your parents have become an extraordinary force for good and for the good of Dilworth.
Through the most challenging times of my leadership life and through the most challenging season that Dilworth, as a school and organisation, has ever faced, your courage and loyalty have helped to re-establish a culture of care and inclusivity and protect the future of our school, which at times felt tenuous and uncertain.
Frankly, we couldn’t have done it without you”.
As the evening drew to a close, Mr Carey, alongside DOBA President Mr Shaun Madgwick, presented Leaver pins to each student in keeping with a long-standing DOBA tradition.
The beautiful evening celebrating a cohort that will be greatly missed concluded with a closing prayer by Rev Greg Worboys.
The Walk to St Mark’s Church
Earlier in the day, our 88-strong Year 13 cohort honoured their own Dilworth journeys and those of the generations before them during their final, significant walk from Dilworth to St Mark’s Church in Remuera.
This annual event is deeply rooted in Dilworth history, as St Mark’s is the church where our founders worshipped and where James Dilworth is laid to rest.
Following a short service and a quiet period of reflection, our students performed a powerful haka to honour the school’s founders and their legacy, a deeply moving part of this significant day.