Award Scheme began here

From the College Archives:

Did you know that the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme was introduced to New Zealand at Saint Kentigern College in 1961, over two years before the inaugural meeting of the National Council of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in New Zealand was held at Government House in Wellington?

At Saint Kentigern College the Scheme was directed by Mr J S (Stan) Mair, the first Head of Physical Education, an enthusiastic Scotsman who began many of the outdoor education activities with which the College has become associated, especially the May camps at Hunua and Orere which were the predecessors of our annual Field Centre at Tongariro National Park.

Saint Kentigern Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.jpg

According to the 1961 College Magazine (Yearbook) held in the College Archives, Mr Mair while in Scotland had met with Sir John Hunt, General Secretary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and after being visited by the Scheme’s assistant secretary, Saint Kentigern College was formally invited to operate the Award Scheme as an Independent Boys’ School (Overseas). As a result, 12 boys began to work for their awards in 1961.

Today, with boys and girls involved, there is huge interest in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

The 2013 Yearbook notes that there are over 130 students at Bronze level, 74 at Silver and 54 at Gold.

The College Archive Centre is open to students at lunchtimes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Other enquiries to: collegearchives@saintkentigern.com