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President's Notes
Tuesday nights presentation by Dan Reddiex, the Principal of Dilworth school was inspirational.
In 8 years he has transformed the attainment levels of the pupils and he illustrated clearly the changes to accommodation culture and utilising the afterschool time to develop wellness.
On top of that he reinforced the criteria for admittance and the turnaround achieved with boys of disadvantaged backgrounds.
Kelly Botha was able to update us on the success of Wellington RYPEN and the contribution of the Newmarket Team as well as Disability Day. Peter Ross shared the sad news of the Car Crash of Anna and Nick Mitchell at Turangi and their likely long recovery. We wish them well
I am pleased to advise that we have been able to get Hon Pryanka Radhukrishna who was in Chris Hipkin’s cabinet to join Camilla Belich on Tuesday morning to discuss what took them into politics and what Labour offers. Hopefully we can discuss the India Trade Deal amongst other topics.
A reminder for political nerds that you need to have a look at whichparty.nz to see where you fit in the scheme of things.
Club News and Notices
Meeting Tuesday 13th October 2026 at Remuera Golf Club
Guest Speaker: Dan Reddiex, Headmaster of Dilworth School
At our meeting on Tuesday eveneing members had the privilege of hearing from Dan Reddiex, Headmaster of Dilworth School, who shared an inspiring and deeply moving overview of the school's mission, recent transformation, and future vision.
Dan began by addressing historical misconceptions, noting that while the school faced severe reputational challenges following the public exposure of past historical abuses, its core purpose remains deeply charitable and unique. Funded entirely by a trust established in 1894 by James and Isabella Dilworth—which has grown into a billion-dollar asset base—every student who attends receives a full scholarship valued at approximately $71,000 annually.
Sharing powerful anonymous profiles of incoming students, Dan highlighted the immense personal hardship, adversity, and trauma many boys face before arriving at Dilworth—ranging from terminal family illness and refugee backgrounds to the loss of a parent. With around 513 residential and day students across three campuses (including the senior campus in Epsom, junior campus in Remuera, and the outdoor learning campus in Mangatāwhiri), the school operates 24/7 to provide stability, safety, and holistic support.
Key pillars of the Dilworth experience include:
The "Learning Well" Curriculum: Small class sizes (averaging 12 students in senior years), individualized teaching, and a strong focus on academic excellence.
The "Living Well" Program: Practical life skills integrated into boarding life, such as cooking, financial literacy, and essential home maintenance.
Outdoor Education: A comprehensive, multi-year outdoor program (spanning tramping, water skills, climbing, and biking) designed to build resilience and character.
Rigorous Safeguarding: Following an exhaustive 18-month accreditation process with Childwise (and ongoing auditing by the Australian Childhood Foundation), Dilworth has embedded world-class child safeguarding into the absolute DNA of its culture. Surveys now show that 98.6% of students feel safe or very safe at school.
The school's unwavering focus on personal excellence is reflected in its outstanding results:
90% of Year 13 students achieved university entry in 2025 (compared to a national average of 34%).
97% average attendance rate, alongside thriving co-curricular participation in music, Kapa Haka, sports (such as basketball and rugby), and regional/national competitions.
Dan concluded with a heartfelt message about his greatest source of pride: seeing young men walk with the confidence that their starting circumstances do not dictate their futures, knowing they truly belong among the best performers anywhere in the country.
The first Auckland FC game is coming up and we still ned helpers to raise funds for RAP, REP and the other Rotary youth programs.
You would be expected to arrive 2.5hours before the game starts and help with taking money via cash and EFTPOS and guiding drivers. There is plenty of opportunity for sitting down if you feel the need, but you will need your own chair. Usually, both parking lots are filled within two hours and after that almost everyone can go home. One or two volunteers would need to stay at 5 Maurice Road until an hour after the game to lock the gate. We'll provide safety vests and EFTPOS machines. We recommend bringing a water bottle and closed shoes.
Below is a list of the games between now and the end of the year, who has volunteered and where we still need more helpers.
DateHome TeamTeam ShowupGame StartBishopsNo.5
Saturday, 17 October 2026Auckland FC2.30pm5.00pmDavid Suisala, Shaun PeacockDavid Jack, 2xRotarians/RYLArians
Saturday, 7 November 2026Auckland FC2.30pm5.00pmDavid Suisala, Shaun Peacock3xRotarians/RYLArians
Thursday, 12 November 2026All Whites5.00pm7.00pmDavid SuisalaOwen Barwood, David Jack, 1xRotarian/RYLArian
Saturday, 21 November 2026Auckland FC2.30pm5.00pm2xRotarians/RYLArians3xRotarians/RYLArians
Saturday, 12 December 2026Auckland FC2.30pm5.00pmDavid Suisala, 1xRotarian/RYLArianOwen Barwood, 2xRotarians/RYLArians
This crucial fundraiser can't continue to exist without your help, so please contact Shaun Peacock (email: shaun_peacock@windowslive.com <mailto:shaun_peacock@windowslive.com>Phone: 027 631 0065) to sign up. If you think there are any non-members who would be keen to help out, please invite them.
