There were so many memorable moments at Dilworth’s Prize Giving 2025. From the outstanding line-up of young men receiving awards, the record number of Year 13 leavers (27%) securing university scholarships, the Head Prefect’s heartfelt speech, excellent performances from the Dilworth Junior Concert Band and Dilworth’s 12-Tone Row Barbershop Chorus, to the pride and camaraderie among students supporting those being awarded, as well as the joy and lively participation of our Dilworth whānau as their young men were recognised on stage.
As Dilworth Board Chair Jonathan Mason said, “It is all coming together’ and on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, at Dilworth’s Prize Giving, it certainly felt like it.
The ceremony was opened by Mr Tom Murdoch, Head of Senior Campus, who welcomed and acknowledged Dilworth students and their whānau; Dilworth Board Trustees, special guests and sponsors; Dilworth staff members, the Dilworth Old Boys Association; and friends of Dilworth. He also welcomed the Bishop of Auckland, the Rt Reverend Ross Bay.
Board Chair Mr Jonathan Mason delivered the keynote address. Speaking directly to the sense of momentum and purpose within the school, he focused his praise not just on the student recipients, but on the entire community that stands behind them:
“Today is about you, our students, and your remarkable achievements. But I must also acknowledge all those who have contributed to your success here today. There is great truth in the saying that ‘it takes a village’ to raise a child, and at Dilworth, that is certainly true.”
The Board’s dedication was also recognised, with special mention made of Mr Peter Alexander, whose nine years of outstanding service to Dilworth will conclude next year.
It was hard not to be incredibly moved by the address given by Headmaster Mr Dan Reddiex as he took the stage to begin the presentation of prizes for the year. He spoke of his pride in the young men under his care as he recited some of their outstanding achievements, noting the remarkable shift in culture at the school and the excellent results across many areas of Dilworth.
Quoting the title of the book by Malcolm Gladwell, Mr Reddiex described 2025 as a “Tipping Point.” He said that 2025 marked the culmination of seven years of Project Reset, and he shared his view that the most significant progress comes from sustained effort:
“The small things in the end... make the biggest difference.”
He commented that the world is in desperate need of men of integrity and courage and talked of the crucial role that Dilworth’s young men can play in the world, reading from the powerful poem “I will teach my boys to be dangerous men. The first verse, by Irish poet Daragh Fleming, helped popularise a new form of masculinity with its words.
"If I ever have boys they’ll be dangerous men
They’ll smile at dogs and children and be a tonic to friends
They’ll send flowers to their mother just because and they’ll be a shoulder for many when the world is too much"
So many emerging “dangerous young men” walked across the stage at Dilworth prizegiving 2025.
Another highlight from the ceremony was the honest and inspiring address delivered by Head Prefect Saulala Tafa. Using the analogy that “pressure makes diamonds,” he spoke with refreshing honesty about the initial weight of taking on the mantle of Head Prefect.
He recalled standing on that same stage last year and asking:
“I asked myself: How did I get it? Why did I get it? And was I now supposed to change who I am?”
Saulala revealed that his journey this year was shaped by some discomfort, growth and perseverance: “Pressure amplified by growth helped me to step up, and I kept showing up even when I didn’t feel like it”.
He concluded by giving this advice to his peers: “Back yourself and focus on the process, not the outcome. Diamonds are shaped under pressure and so are we”.
As the final awards were presented, the depth of achievement of the recipients confirmed that many of Dilworth’s young men are well on the path to becoming the responsible, courageous and “good and useful’ citizens that James and Isabella Dilworth envisaged.
Special Performances:
Whakatau:
Karakia Whakatūwhera – Kaperiera Hoeta, Year 13
Mihi Whakatau – Horua Samson, Year 13
Waiata Tautoko - Kapa Haka
National Anthem:
Dilworth Junior Concert Band, directed by Mr Rhys Kingaby, Director of Instrumental Music
Musical Item:
From the First Hello, to the Last Goodbye performed by 12-Tone Row Barbershop Chorus conducted by Mr Jacob Moore, Director of Choral Music
Recessional:
Overdrive by Robert Sheldon performed by the Dilworth Junior Concert Band, directed by Mr Rhys Kingaby, Director of Instrumental Music
Please see below for our 2025 Dilworth award winners. Congratulations!
