“They planted hope in the lives of boys they would never meet”
A simple sentence in the opening prayer delivered by Deputy Head Prefect, Xavier Jennings-Sio, at Founders’ Day 2026, profoundly reflected on the influence of Dilworth’s founders, James and Isabella Dilworth, as the Dilworth community gathered in St Patrick’s Chapel to remember them.
The legacy established by the Dilworths in the 1890s aimed to provide both primary and secondary education for young men, with the goal that they become ‘good and useful citizens’ and make the most of the opportunities their higher education offered them.
As Board Chair, Mr Jonathan Mason observed:
“Founders’ Day is the day we honour the gift of James and Isabella Dilworth for their foresight in establishing Dilworth School. They did this at a time when secondary education was largely reserved for those who could afford it, making their contribution all the more extraordinary”.
These days, ‘good and useful citizens’ isn’t a term we often hear.
Leading the speeches, Headmaster Mr Dan Reddiex focused on the qualities and impact of Dilworth’s ‘Great Young Men’ – perhaps the closest thing to a modern-day translation.
“Dilworth has always been a place for Great Young Men, Dilworth today is a place bursting with Great Young Men, Dilworth tomorrow should be inhabited and replete with Great Young Men”.
At Founders’ Day 2026, so many outstanding Dilworth students and Old Boys crossed the stage, all clearly making the most of their opportunities.
Highlights included the mihi delivered by Cyrus Neho; the 2026 prefects who led the entire ceremony; and musical performances by the Dilworth Brass Ensemble and Kulupu Tonga O Dilworth. Our outstanding guest speaker - interviewed by Head Prefect Zion Salakaia and Deputy Head Prefect Ramahl Ah Chee - Old Boy Jeremy Clarke-Watson (Class of 1990), who now holds a prominent position in National Security and Intelligence.
This was the last Founders’ Day for Dilworth’s Deputy Board Chair, Mr Peter Alexander. Whose 9-year term ends in March. Mr Mason gave a vote of thanks to Mr Alexander.
On Founders’ Day, special awards are also given to support Dilworth Old Boys in further education. The remarkable young men receiving these awards had already achieved incredible things since leaving Dilworth. What was particularly striking was the range of their accomplishments – each maximising the opportunities they had been given and already giving back in many ways.
Here is a summary of our 2026 award winners. Congratulations to all of them for their exceptional achievements so far.
2026 Award Winners
Ella Burford Awards 2026
Earline Lynette Wright established the Ella Burford Charitable Trust (managed by Public Trust) to assist former students of Dilworth School with their tertiary education and advancement in life.
The awards are named after her mother, Ella Mildred Burford.
Ben Mehrtens
Ben left Dilworth in 2017 to pursue a career in sports turf management, in which he has now completed his apprenticeship.
He has been selected for an internship as a greenkeeper in the USA at the Ohio State University Global Turf Programme.
Sione Tu'ungafasi
After leaving Dilworth in 2022, Sione did a year at the Royal School Dungannon as a tutor. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Property at the University of Auckland.
Sione is studying property because it is an area where people from his Pasifika background are significantly underrepresented—something he would like to change.
Noah Pickering
Noah left school in 2023 and is currently studying a Bachelor of Science with a major in Computer Science at the University of Auckland.
He is now aiming toward a career in cybersecurity or software engineering.
William Lyall
William graduated from Dilworth in 2023. He is now studying a Bachelor of Communication Studies, majoring in Public Relations.
After graduating with his Bachelor's at the end of this year, he will seek employment in the public, not-for-profit or charity sectors. His ultimate goal is to be a part of a cause greater than himself, using the oratory and communications talents he has developed so far.
Aporo Haurua
Aporo left Dilworth in 2023. He is currently in the third year of a five-year BE (Hons) / B Music conjoint degree at the University of Auckland.
His ambition is to follow his dreams and pursue a music career by completing a Master’s degree in London and ultimately to audition for chorus roles at the big opera houses of Europe.
Gene King
Another from the class of 2023, Gene is studying a Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Geography at the University of Auckland.
He is studying Geography to deepen his understanding of geospatial analysis and urban planning, to contribute towards evidence-based decision-making in New Zealand’s evolving planning environment.
Oliver Sheehy
Oliver left Dilworth in 2023 and is studying a Bachelor of Law / Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Politics) at the University of Auckland.
The strong sense of justice he developed during his childhood is a reason he is studying law and politics. He intends to use his passion, intellect, and strong sense of justice to make a real change for people in his community.
Demetrius Shortland
Deme graduated from Dilworth in 2022. He is in his first year of a Master's in Architecture at the University of Auckland.
Deme has consistently aimed to focus architectural design through a Māori and Pasifika lens. During his Master’s study, he will develop a ‘Papakainga portfolio’. The goal is to serve as a guideline for his whānau and others to develop the knowledge, design, and construction techniques necessary for transformational change in Māori housing quality through sustainable approaches.
Connor McIver-Rhodes
Our Head Prefect from 2022. Connor is in the first year of a Master of Politics at Otago University.
This academically rigorous degree directly aligns with his long-term goal of contributing meaningfully to public life and community wellbeing in New Zealand. His study will develop the analytical and practical skills necessary to engage and support informed, responsible decision-making.
Paolo Aquino
Paolo left school in 2019 and completed an undergraduate and honours degree in Psychology at the University of Auckland.
This year, he has been accepted into the Clinical Psychology programme at the University of Auckland.
Paolo’s long-term goal is to work with migrant and Asian communities, particularly Filipino and other underrepresented groups who face structural, cultural, and linguistic barriers to accessing mental health services.
David Stuart Beattie Awards 2026
Elaijah Tuivaiti
Head boy from 2019. Elaijah is currently studying towards becoming a doctor.
He is currently on medical placement in Whakatāne, where he is immersed in rural health.
He recognises Māori and Pacific peoples have disproportionate health outcomes. His career goal is to contribute to health equity for all people of Aotearoa NZ.
Maxon Falepeau
Maxon is a member of the class of 2019. Maxon has completed his Bachelor's in Architecture and Future Environments from AUT and is currently doing a Master of Design at Kyushu University in Japan.
