King's High School

2 ODT Home Page stories in 2 Days .... marketing department on a roll 🛼🥳

On Wednesday, Zane Rakete-Gray, Nikau Ford, Tatum Tuhega-Johnson and a crew of supporters travelled down to Invercargill to speak in the Manu Kōrero speech competition. Participating in the Korimako section (senior English), Zane delivered a polished, thoughtful and humorous speech about his whakapapa, his koro, and how his generation is reclaiming their roots. This was followed by a three minute impromptu speech on what ‘If I had a million followers this is what I would do’ for past, present and future generations. Zane gained first place in the prepared section and third overall for senior English.

On the Thursday, Nikau Ford spoke in the Te Rāwhiti Ihaka section (junior te reo Māori). Nikau delivered an entertaining and dynamic speech about his challenges in balancing a busy schedule that includes a full-on rehearsal schedule for the kapa haka nationals, multiple sporting commitments, striving for success in his school subjects and whānau responsibilities. He reminded us that rangatahi also need down time. Nikau placed 3rd for Junior Māori.

Tatum Tuhega-Johnson had a strong Ngā Manu Kōrero debut in the Sir Turi Carroll section (Junior English). He investigated, “what is success?” This included how his whānau has provided him with strong role models, and that setbacks can build resilience.

Prefect Interview (extract): Kai Koni
By Rhys Milmine & Max Poulter (Prefects)

My name is Kai Koni. I am a Year 13 student, Prefect, and House Captain for Windsor House this year. I'm from Dunedin, and before King's, attended St Bernadette's School.

Subjects you're taking this year?
Art, Calculus, Scholarship Statistics, Chemistry and Physics. I'm taking these subjects because I want to do Engineering at an American University. I'm trying to do really well in these subjects, to hopefully get a scholarship to the U.S.

Interests outside of academia?
I love to play golf - playing whenever I can. I go to church every Sunday with my family and participate as much as possible in fundraisers like Relay for Life.

Something you wish you knew in Y9 that you would tell Juniors?
Seniors aren't scary. Although sometimes Seniors seem frightening, they are very friendly and being brave to say hello is a simple way to start a great relationship. You carry these relationships not just in high school, but outside of school after you are finished. Seniors are always happy to look after you and make sure your education and high school experience are the best for you, and they can become key role models and inspire you to act respectfully.

What makes King's special?
King's has a great culture, where teachers provide the best academic support and sporting pathways possible. They go over the top and care about you personally, not just “getting by day by day”.

Goals for final year at King's?
Excellence Subject Endorsements in at least four of my subjects. Scholarship Merits in Art, Physics and Statistics. And a Sports Scholarship into a university like Texas A&M or Florida.

One word to describe King's?
Raiona

What would you say to any current Year 7 or 8 student who is considering King's as an option for their secondary school?
At King's, there are so many opportunities for you to take on. These opportunities are essential to push yourself beyond your comfort zone and help you deal with pressure and juggling various commitments, key skills for later in your life. See less

Registrations open for Otago University's Hands-On Week 17-22 January 2027, with hands-on experiences in Business, Health Sciences (Pre-Med), Humanities, and Sciences.

School by the Sea ... Lion?

King's Surf Lifesavers getting organised to keep everyone safe at the annual Y13 mid-winter swim today - redirect swimmers to walk across the higher sand dunes so as not to disturb the local sea lion's chilled afternoon

Grueling climb up to the top of Signal Hill by Y12 Outdoor Education class, in true Tour de France style. Although Siris might not be wearing the yellow jersey any time soon.

It's a sunny, yet brisk winter's afternoon (7°C in sun, 3°C in shade) when about 70 stoic Y13s (and staff) take to the ocean to jump the waves for King's annual mid-winter swim; ably overseen by King's Lifesavers and one of the local sea lions. Brrrrr🥶🥶

Quote of the Day, said to King's Lifesavers, "I don't want any of you lot saving me if I'm drowning," Mr Turner.

First to leave the water, also Mr Turner (possibly b/c he knew no-one was coming to save him??)

King's Surfing round-up 2026

King’s surfers are still performing at the elite level, on both the South Island and the National circuits. The boys are even starting to make inroads into the Men’s Open divisions, as we shall see below. It can get quite detailed but just keep in mind that the boys compete in two circuits and they can enter two different age divisions.

The biggest highlight is the number of King's boys who rank in the top 10 nationally- a huge achievement.

Another massive congratulations must go to Old Boy Lewis Murphy (Year 13 in 2025) who has been selected for the Open Men’s New Zealand team to compete in the World Champs in Peru in November.

South Island Circuit (SISA)
Flint Sherb orne-France: Winner of the U16 SISA Division / 4th Place in the U18s
Jack Higgins: 10th Place in the Open Men’s Division / 3rd Place in the U18s
Kalani Summerton: 3rd Place in the U16s / 9th Place in the U18s
Max Wooffindin: 3rd Place in the U14s

New Zealand Grom Series
Flint Sherborne-France: 6th Place in the U16s, Nationally
Kalani Summerton: 9th Place in the U16s, Nationally
Jack Higgins: 8th Place in the U18s, Nationally
Max Wooffindin: 10th Place in the U14s Nationally

Green vest photo:
Congrats to Lewis Murphy (King’s Old Boy in 2025) selected for the Open Men’s NZ team to compete in the World Champs (photo courtesy of another Old Boy Mark Stevenson - Stevos Photos)

Pink vest photo:
Congrats to Canterbury Champs Winner and South Island circuit winner Flint Sherborne- France

Awesome effort this week from Tudor, and Windsor has caught up from last week! It's going to be close.

If you are planning the next step for your son, book a personalised one-on-one tour with us, at a time that suits you, and experience firsthand what makes King’s High School so uniquely special.

Use the BOOK NOW button or cut and paste this link:

King's School Tours Welcome to King's School Tours booking page. Please complete the form below with your details and Sandy Wallace, EA to Rector, Mr Nick McIvor, will reach out to organise a time for you and your family to come spent time with us. We look forward to meeting and showing you what makes King's so special...