Tuesday night was a significant occasion for sport as the Dilworth 2025 Sports Awards winners were announced. The evening celebrated record breakers, champions, recipients of full sports colours, and special awards, celebrating the sporting success of quality and quantity.
In her address, the Director of Sport, Ms. Nicole Jensen, remarked that “2025 has been another year of growth for Dilworth sport, with landmark successes in particular codes.” She emphasised the students' passion and pride in their achievements and how sport has become an integral part of school life.
This year’s Sportsman of the Year award went to Year 13 student KC Ioane for his outstanding basketball performance and remarkable leadership on the Court. KC captained the Senior Basketball side, leading them to victory in the Auckland and Regional Secondary Schools Championship. He has been a dominant force, representing the school with distinction and embodying the core values of Dilworth sport. KC also achieved being a Junior Tall Black, a Tuatara debutant, and attending an NBA Global Academy performance all in one year shows that KC is a top class athlete.
Several other special awards were presented during the evening:
The Ian Hart Award is given to a Dilworth Old Boy who is furthering his career in sport. This year’s recipient was Hohaia Whiu (Class of 2022), a talented rugby player who now pursuing his dream of a professional sporting career.
The Senior Satherley Award, first introduced in 1962, is presented to a Dilworth sportsman who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship, a willingness to help others, and true leadership. This year, the award went to 1st XI Football Player Alexander Gage, an influential leader known for his positive attitude and mentoring of junior players.
The Toa Taioreore Award recognises all-around athletic prowess. The 2025 award went to Steven Live Luatua, a dynamic dual-code athlete who excelled in Athletics, Rugby and Rugby League and was a key player in the Rugby League team winning the Rugby League National Championship.
A special highlight of the evening was the insightful conversation between two legendary Rugby Players who share the unique honour of being ex-All Blacks. Dilworth’s Director of Rugby, Ant Strachan (AB922), sat down with special guest, Angus Ta'avao (Class of 2007, AB1175). In a relaxed and open interview, Ta'avao spoke about his incredible journey - from his earliest days playing rugby on the Dilworth fields, through to professional provincial and Super Rugby, to the ultimate achievement of wearing the black jersey. He offered a genuine, honest look at the perseverance and dedication required at the representative level. The segment ended in Angus offering a message for all the young athletes in attendance: a passionate directive to truly value and "make the most of the opportunities you are given."
A huge congratulations to all the recipients of the 2025 Dilworth Sports Awards and to the dedicated teams behind them—coaches, managers, parents, and whānau—who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support each team and athlete on their journey.
