We are honoured to recognise Peter Stockwell (Saint Kentigern College, 1966–1972) as one of the recipients of the 2024 Saint Kentigern Distinguished Alumni Awards. This prestigious award celebrates alumni who have excelled in their professional careers, embodied the core values of Saint Kentigern, and demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving as role models for our students and broader community.

After graduating from Saint Kentigern College, Peter embarked on a remarkable career in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), joining as a navigator in 1973. His strategic acumen and leadership saw him rise through the ranks to hold several key positions, including Commanding Officer of No. 40 Squadron RNZAF, and New Zealand’s Senior National Officer at the Central Command Headquarters in the United States during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2011, Peter achieved the Air Force’s highest rank, Chief of Air Force, a position he held until his retirement in 2014.

In 1995, he was awarded the Air Force Cross for his outstanding leadership as Commanding Officer of 40 Squadron. From 2009 to 2011, as Commander of Joint Forces New Zealand, Peter oversaw all operational military services activities of New Zealand’s Army, Navy, and Air Force. His tenure saw significant contributions to New Zealand’s military capabilities and international relations during pivotal moments in history. 

Beyond his military achievements, Peter has been actively involved in various community and educational initiatives.  He continues to inspire the next generation by sharing his wealth of experience as a guest speaker at various community events. His contributions, both within and outside of the Air Force, reflect the values of respect, integrity, service, excellence, and love, which he attributes to his formative years at Saint Kentigern College.

About the Distinguished Alumni Awards

The second Distinguished Alumni Award was celebrated on 7 September 2024 at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. At the ceremony which gathered over 200 invited guests, the community recognised the achievements of four esteemed alumni:

• Bruce Elliott (Saint Kentigern College, 1962-1966)
• Dr Peter Ring (Saint Kentigern College, 1957-1963)
• Dr Ian St George (Saint Kentigern College, 1954-1958)
• Peter Stockwell (Saint Kentigern College, 1966-1972) 

The Distinguished Alumni Awards is celebrated every two years to recognise Saint Kentigern alumni for notable achievements across a range of fields, including professional, public service, cultural, sporting, and community impact, and for an illustrious career of exceptional national or international accomplishment.

Recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award receives a specially commissioned handcrafted commemorative award designed and created by local artist and Saint Kentigern Boys’ School teacher Tom Barter. The handcrafted award is distinctly Saint Kentigern with the design inspired by our Scottish heritage.

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