Making Up for Lost Time
For the Class of 1996, the recent reunion was more than a 30-year gathering. It was a chance to reconnect and finally celebrate a 25-year milestone that COVID had put on hold.
The Class of 1996 is a well-travelled group, with many having lived or worked overseas and others still calling different parts of the world home. Classmates travelled from near and far to be part of the occasion, returning from across New Zealand as well as Singapore, Perth, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast. While many remain closely connected to Saint Kentigern today as parents, supporters, and even staff, others were returning to the College for the first time in decades.
Following an informal catch-up on Friday evening, the group returned to the College on Saturday for a formal welcome in the Chapel from Alumni President Thomas Steel and Principal Damon Emtage. For many, the Chapel remains one of the most familiar places on campus and provided a fitting setting to begin the reunion. A campus tour took the group back through many familiar parts of the College, where old stories quickly resurfaced and memories long tucked away came rushing back, while also highlighting how much Saint Kentigern has evolved over the past three decades.
Over lunch at Bruce House, one of the highlights of the reunion was the chance to also reconnect with former teachers and staff who shared those formative years. Among them were Steve Wackrow, Kevin Taylor, Nick Sheppard, David Wadams, Bary Williams and Jo Shotter, all of whom played a part in guiding the boys through their years at the College, as well as Rev David Williams, who served as Chaplain during that time, and Mr Toy, our Alumni Patron and the Headmaster who saw this cohort through their entire Saint Kentigern journey.
Their presence was warmly welcomed and served as a compelling reminder of the important role that the teachers, the College and fellow students had played in the lives of many in the group, a theme that emerged repeatedly throughout the day's conversations and speeches.
With a familiar rivalry providing the backdrop, the reunion extended beyond Bruce House to the Saint Kentigern v Auckland Grammar 1st XV fixture, a contest that brought back more than a few memories from their own time in the blue and white. The celebrations, camaraderie and post-match commentary continued at the Alumni-hosted after-match function, where the Class of 1996 joined fellow alumni, parents, supporters, and friends from across the wider Saint Kentigern and Grammar communities.
More than anything, the reunion was about community. Former classmates, teachers, staff, families, and friends all played a part in making it a memorable occasion. The day highlighted the value of staying connected to people who have shared an important chapter of life and the enduring sense of belonging that comes with it.
A great deal of credit goes to 1996 Head Boy Sam Walter, who has remained a steady point of connection for many of his peers over the years and whose efforts helped bring the reunion together. His invitation for others to share their experiences prompted stories that reflected not only where life had taken them, but also what Saint Kentigern had meant to them along the way.
