Ōtaki Scholars Visit Saint Kentigern College

Last week, Saint Kentigern College was honoured to host the Ōtaki Scholars from Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen, Scotland, continuing a tradition that stretches back almost a century.

The Ōtaki Scholarship remembers Captain Archibald Bisset Smith, a former Robert Gordon’s pupil who commanded the merchant ship SS Ōtaki during World War I. In March 1917, the vessel was attacked by a German raider. Despite being heavily outgunned, Captain Smith fought bravely, ensuring the safety of his crew before going down with his ship. He was later posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

To honour his courage, Robert Gordon’s College established the Ōtaki Scholarship in 1937. Each year, their Head Boy is named the Ōtaki Scholar and travels through New Zealand, visiting schools and meeting students while carrying forward the story of Captain Smith’s sacrifice.

At a full school assembly, the College welcomed the 2024 and 2025 Scholars, who spoke about their journeys and what the role means to them. It was an inspiring reminder of the values of courage, leadership, and connection that underpin this longstanding relationship between our two schools.

Their visit offered students not only a glimpse into history but also a celebration of the living ties between New Zealand and Scotland, ties that continue to shape young leaders on both sides of the world.