In Celebration of Excellence
The Distinguished Alumni Awards are Saint Kentigern’s most preeminent recognition for alumni, presented biennially to celebrate lives that bring our values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Love, to light.
These awards honour those whose lives reflect the very best of Saint Kentigern, going beyond carrying our values by bringing them to life in the world as leaders, contributors and quiet forces for good. Their actions illuminate what a Saint Kentigern education seeks to instil—demonstrating excellence in living our values with purpose and conviction.
In honouring these alumni, the Distinguished Alumni Awards acknowledge the inspiration their lives bring to Saint Kentigern, strengthen the values that unite our community, and inspire the generations that follow.
2026
Distinguished Alumni Awards
We invite the wider Saint Kentigern community to consider alumni whose lives reflect the qualities of a Distinguished Alumnus — individuals whose work, leadership and service have made a meaningful difference within their communities and beyond.
To be eligible for nomination, candidates must have attended Saint Kentigern College for at least three years and be able to accept the Award in person at the September ceremony. Self-nominations are not accepted. Previous nominations may be resubmitted.
- Call for Nominations Issued: Early February 2026
- Nominations open: 11 February 2026
- Nominations close: 30 April 2026
- 2026 Awardees notified (confidentially): End May 2026
- Distinguished Alumni Awards Event: 5 September 2026 - Under the Dome, Auckland Museum
A nomination 'pack' will be available from February. The Foundation Team is available to provide guidance throughout the nomination process. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The Award
Recipients of a Distinguished Alumni Award receive a specially commissioned, handcrafted commemorative award that has been made from glass casting. Glass casting is the process in which glass objects are cast by directing molten glass into a mould where it solidifies, a technique that has been used since the 15th century BC in both Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
It is distinctly Saint Kentigern, with the design inspired by our Scottish heritage.
About the Artist: Tom Barter is an Auckland-based artist who works primarily in glass, well known for his free-standing silhouettes of the Auckland natural icon Rangitoto. Alongside his studio practice, he has served as Head of Arts at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School since 2011.
2022 The Inaugural
Distinguished Alumni Awardees
4 September 2022 marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of the Saint Kentigern Distinguished Alumni Awards at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. We were honoured to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our inaugural awardees, whose dedication and contributions have set an inspiring benchmark in their professions and in service to the wider community.
Additionally, our inaugural awardees pioneered the Saint Kentigern Alumni Scholarship Fund for staff, establishing a legacy that continues to empower professional growth across our community. This visionary initiative ensures a profound and enduring impact, shaping opportunities for generations to come.
John Beckett
John Beckett
Saint Kentigern College, 1958-1962 Rhodes Scholar and trailblazer in various domains, including engineering and sports.
Philip Recordon
Philip Recordon
Saint Kentigern Boys' School, 1959-1960, and Saint Kentigern College, 1961-1965. Respected District Court Judge.
Sir Noel Robinson
Sir Noel Robinson
Saint Kentigern College, 1958-1961 Distinguished entrepreneur with remarkable contributions to New Zealand businesses and philanthropy.
Dr Ernest Willoughby
Dr Ernest Willoughby
Saint Kentigern College, 1962–1966 An accomplished software entrepreneur with outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes worldwide.
2024
Distinguished Alumni Awardees
Over 200 guests gathered in September 2024 at the Auckland War Memorial Museum to celebrate the second Distinguished Alumni Awards. The evening honoured the achievements of four esteemed Alumni, bringing together the Saint Kentigern community in recognition and pride.
These individuals were honoured not only for their professional success but for the profound impact they have made in their respective fields. They join a growing list of Distinguished Alumni who embody the spirit of Saint Kentigern as they leave their mark on the world.
Peter Stockwell
Peter Stockwell
Saint Kentigern College, 1966–1972 Distinguished RNZAF leader and former Chief of Air Force, recognised for exceptional military service and dedication to community and education.
Dr Ian St George
Dr Ian St George
Saint Kentigern College, 1954–1958 An esteemed medical educator and innovator with significant contributions to healthcare in New Zealand and expertise in native orchid research and biographical works.
Dr Peter Ring
Dr Peter Ring
Saint Kentigern College, 1957–1963 An esteemed ophthalmologist and pioneer in laser eye surgery in New Zealand, with a lasting commitment to patient care, medical education, and voluntary service in underserved communities.
Bruce Elliott
Bruce Elliott
Saint Kentigern College, 1962–1966 An accomplished software entrepreneur with outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes worldwide.
Choose to believe
