Alumni Dinner 2025
The Alumni Dinner remains one of the most anticipated events on the alumni calendar. On Friday 25 July, the Northern Club offered a fitting backdrop for an evening of shared stories, celebration and connection, and a reminder of the unique sense of belonging and pride, that comes with being part of this community. It also marked the first major gathering of alumni since the Wilson Bay Farm announcement, which naturally shaped much of the evening’s conversation.
Bringing together alumni across generations, the evening reaffirmed the friendships, experiences, and shared values that have shaped Saint Kentigern. A lone piper led guests in, offering a poignant tribute to our heritage. The presence of both past and present leaders reflected the strength of our community and an ongoing commitment that continues to guide Saint Kentigern forward.
Liam Sceats, a recent graduate now navigating the world of international motorsport, offered a glimpse into his journey from afar. His message, grounded in humility and quiet determination, reflected the early chapters of a career still unfolding.
The fireside conversation that followed carried this tone through the evening. Hosted by journalist and Newstalk ZB voice Andrew Alderson, the exchange with Jake Bartrom, a second-generation mussel farmer from the Coromandel, brought authenticity and insight to the evening. Jake spoke of learning the rhythms of the sea by watching his father, reflecting on sustainable aquaculture, community, and his deep connection to place. His story, grounded in lived experience, added to the evening’s conversations and touched on learning through doing, staying connected to land and people, and contributing in practical ways.
With a focus on progress and purpose, Trust Board Chair Mark Conelly shared the latest on Wilson Bay Farm. His update connected strategy with story, placing the development within the broader context of Saint Kentigern’s long-term purpose.
Drawing on his deep connection to Saint Kentigern, Alumni Patron and former Headmaster Nigel Toy brought the formal proceedings to a close with a message that spoke to the strength of a values-led community, and the legacy shaped by those who invest their time, talent and treasure.
The evening carried on with conversation, camaraderie, and fond reminiscence. Connections were strengthened, stories exchanged, and a sense of belonging reaffirmed - a fitting close to an evening that celebrated both where we’ve come from and the path ahead.
