When Ryan Hendriks looks back on his time at Dilworth, one phrase comes to mind: “Room to grow.” It’s a simple sentiment, but for Ryan, it captures the essence of what the school gave him—opportunity, structure, and a sense of belonging that shaped the course of his life.
Early Days and Dilworth Beginnings
Ryan grew up in Auckland, moving through more than ten suburbs as his parents navigated life after separation. Despite the challenges, his family remained close-knit, and Ryan came to a new understanding of what stability meant when he joined Dilworth in Year 5. He had always had a stability of love and family at home, but Dilworth introduced a different kind of stability through routine and structure. His brother joined in Year 7 the same year Ryan started in Year 5, and his sister later attended Epsom Girls Grammar.
From Year 9, Ryan was a fixture in the First XI football team, eventually captaining for two years. He also served as a prefect and Head of Armagh House in 2009. “Those years were formative in so many ways,” he reflects.
What Dilworth Meant
Looking back, Ryan says the greatest gift Dilworth gave him was opportunity. “At the time, it’s hard to understand how much you’re being given—especially when you’re young. You’re told how fortunate you are, but it only really clicks years later.”
It wasn’t just academics. It was the routines, the structure, and the choices that allowed him to explore his potential—even when he didn’t yet know what that was.
Memories and Mentors
One memory stands out: the leavers’ service. “Walking out of those green gates for the last time was bittersweet. It was the first time I really paused and took it all in.”
Among the many influences during his time at Dilworth, Mr. Webby left a lasting mark. “He was direct, honest, and fair. He didn’t sugarcoat things—if I was slacking off, he told me straight, but always from a place of wanting the best for me.” When Mr. Webby passed away, Ryan attended his funeral and was struck by the sheer number of Old Boys present—a testament to the impact he had.
Ryan also credits Mr. and Mrs. Nathan for their support during a difficult time in his final year. “They gave me space to breathe and encouraged me to keep writing. That meant a lot.”
Life After Dilworth
Ryan’s path after school was anything but conventional. He left university early and moved to Australia, where he began making music with fellow Old Boy Ethan King. Together, they co-founded The Grow Room alongside six or seven other Dilworth Old Boys from a range of different year groups—a creative hub on Karangahape Road that evolved into a record label, releasing over 15 projects and touring nationwide.
His creative journey took him across Asia and Europe, eventually settling in the Netherlands to record his first solo album at the Royal Conservatorium in The Hague.
Ryan now lives in the south of France with his wife and two children. At the time of writing the original article, he was working remotely in writing and marketing. Since then, life as an immigrant—learning a new language, adjusting to the countryside, and raising a family—has shaped his days. Being immersed in a new environment meant he wasn’t surrounded by the music scene in the same way, which opened the door for a deeper shift toward storytelling.
A New Chapter: Writing
Ryan’s pivot into writing began at home. Reading English books to his children each night, he noticed how the best stories spoke to both adults and children at the same time—simple on the surface, but full of meaning. That discovery pulled him toward creating stories of his own. From there, he began writing children’s stories and developing his voice as an author. After connecting with top literary agents in New York, he signed representation and began negotiating his first publishing deal with Chronicle Books in San Francisco.
Since writing the original article, Ryan has officially signed his first publishing contract for his debut book, The King and The Wild One.
“Writing has always been my way of making sense of things,” he says. “Whether through music or stories, I want to share something meaningful and positive.”
Lessons and Advice
Dilworth taught Ryan the value of community—a lesson that has stayed with him. “When you grow up in a boarding environment, you learn to live with others, adapt, and care for people even if they’re different from you.”
His advice to current students?
“Appreciate it while you’re in it. The support and opportunities at Dilworth are easy to overlook when you’re young, but they’re life-changing. Choose a hobby—learn an instrument, join a group, play a sport. Dilworth provides everything for you, and the things that come free at Dilworth are things you’ll later discover cost a lot in the real world—so take advantage of them while you can.”
He also hopes students understand that challenges at home don’t define their future. “Even if things are hard for you at home or where you're growing up, it doesn’t dictate who you can become. Dilworth provides a good soil to grow that doesn’t limit you to your surroundings.”
Giving Back
For Ryan, giving back means being available—especially for those interested in writing. “The creative world can be overwhelming, but if there’s a Dilworth student or Old Boy who needs guidance, I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.”