Rongotai College Old Boys Association

We are delighted to announce the launch of the new Rongotai BEST Academy (RBA) website. Established and supported by old boys, the Rongotai BEST Academy Charitable Trust became an incorporated board of trustees and a registered charity in 2025 and provides free coaching, camps and development opportunities that help young people grow as athletes and as people. Our first focus is delivering free football coaching across Rongotai and Eastern Suburbs primary schools. To find out more, please visit:

Rongotai Best Academy | Join the Movement Today Join Rongotai Best Academy for free, inclusive sports coaching focused on youth development in football and other activities. Support our mission to empower young people in Wellington.

The Rongotai College Old Boys’ Association was proud to recently present the Bruce Cockburn Service Award during a special full school assembly at Rongotai College, recognising five individuals whose service has made a lasting contribution to the life of the College and its wider community.

This year’s recipients were Mr Andrew Collins, Mr Malcolm Bridge, Mrs Paddianne Neely, Mrs Shirley McLaughlin, and Mr Trevor Rigby.

Each recipient has, in their own way, given distinguished service to Rongotai College and the Old Boys’ community. Their leadership, dedication, and care have helped sustain the traditions, relationships, and sense of connection that define Rongotai across generations. Whether through strengthening the Old Boys’ Association, preserving the history of the College, supporting its students and families, or serving the wider community, their contributions reflect the very best of Rongotai character.

The Bruce Cockburn Service Award recognises individuals who embody the ideals of Verum Educationem - True Education, a phrase inspired by the writings of our Foundation Headmaster, F. M. Renner, who described true education as learning our duty to our neighbour and our duty to ourselves.

Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing individual spotlights on each of our recipients and the remarkable stories of service that led to their recognition.

We warmly congratulate all five recipients and thank them for the legacy they have helped build for Rongotai College and its community.

Happy Birthday Rongotai College!

The Rongotai College lamp was first lit 98 years ago on this day. Since 1928, generations of Rongotai students, staff, families, and Old Boys have carried that flame, building a community grounded in shared history, strong values, and enduring Brotherhood.

To mark the occasion, we are sharing images from across the decades, beginning in 1936 and continuing through to 2026. Each image captures a moment in time and shows how each generation has received the light and passed it on. As we look towards our centenary in 2028, we take this opportunity to reflect on and celebrate our school, which continues to shape both our community and the wider world.

As part of the celebrations, the Association is also launching pre-orders for new RCOBA merchandise. Follow the link in the comments to view the range and complete the pre-order form.

Our 2026 Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday 20 February at Rongotai College.

If you’re interested in joining the Committee, nominations for elections close on Thursday 12 February. Elected positions available include President, Vice President, Treasurer, and four elected Committee Member roles.

At this AGM, members will be asked to consider and adopt a new constitution, to enable the Association to re-register under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.

Nominations, proposed motions, and other items of business can be sent to [email protected] by Thursday 12 February.

Be part of a historic moment for Rongotai College and Wellington City! 📚🏛️

In 1940, 514 Rongotai College students spent their school day helping move 60,000 books from the original Municipal Library to the brand-new Central Library on Victoria Street. Organised between the Wellington City Council and Principal Mr Renner, the boys were transported by tram, rewarded with a year’s free library subscription, and featured in The Evening Post that same night.

Eighty-five years later, Rongotai College students will again lend a hand as books are moved back into the Wellington Central Library - Te Matapihi Ki Te Ao Nui, this time with the support of Rongotai College Old Boys.

The RCOBA have been invited to join this occasion on Monday 10 November, from 9.30am to midday, alongside current students, teachers, and Council staff. The morning includes a welcome, a behind-the-scenes tour of the new library, and morning tea.

There are 20 spots available for Old Boys to be part of this special event.

If you’d like to attend, please register through the Humanitix link in the comments.

Let’s honour our past and celebrate this new chapter - 85 years on from when Rongotai College boys first helped shape a cornerstone of Wellington’s cultural life.

The archives have been unlocked!! We are delighted to inform alumni across the world that Te Rama A Rongotai, the annual magazine of Rongotai College, is now accessible via our website. Follow the link to access all Te Rama editions from 1928 to 2020. https://rcob.squarespace.com/terama

The Rongotai College Old Boys’ Association is inviting expressions of interest to join our Committee.

We’re looking for passionate Old Boys to take up roles that help keep our community strong and connected - including Secretary, Treasurer, Marketing Officer, and General Committee Members. Whether you’re keen to contribute your skills in a specific area or simply want to get involved and give back, there’s a place for you.

Joining the Committee is a meaningful way to stay engaged with the school community, support current and future initiatives, and help carry forward the legacy of the Brotherhood. We welcome interest from Old Boys of all ages and backgrounds.

If this sounds like you, or if you’d just like to learn more, get in touch with us at [email protected].

You can also check out the comment section for a quick summary of each role.

Congratulations to Rongotai College Old Boy and current teacher Mr Chris Tupu (1982 - 1986) and the Mills Albert Wellington Saints on their 2025 National Basketball League Championship win.

Chris, affectionately known as Toops, returned to the Saints earlier this year as an assistant coach, bringing a wealth of experience from his successful playing and coaching career.

The Saints secured their thirteenth NBL title with a hard-fought 88-83 victory over the Southland Sharks. This marks their first championship since 2021.

We also acknowledge other Rongotai Old Boys who play important roles within the Wellington Saints wider media crew. Nic Durkin was named Video Content Creator of the Year at the Sal's New Zealand National Basketball League Media Awards, while Will Gould received the Photo of the Year award for his outstanding capture of Hyrum Harris in action.

These achievements highlight the significant impact Rongotai alumni continue to have on basketball both on and off the court. If you have news or achievements of Rongotai Old Boys to share, please send them through - we would love to celebrate their success.

This issue of 'The Chariot' marks over a year of quiet but meaningful progress within the Rongotai College Old Boys’ Association.

It includes reflections from the President on the enduring heartbeat of the Association, tributes to Rongotai legends who have departed us, and a celebration of the Imperti Awards and Gala Dinner. Readers will also enjoy a profile of 2025 Head Prefect Leo Powdrell, a moving account of this year’s Anzac Assembly, updates on the 2028 Centenary preparations, and a call for continued connection and support.

Whether you left Rongotai College last year or seventy years ago, this edition is a testament to the strength of shared history, memory, and Brotherhood.

The Chariot Newsletter — Rongotai College Old Boys' Association This issue of The Chariot marks over a year of quiet but meaningful progress within the Rongotai College Old Boys’ Association. It includes reflections from the President on the enduring heartbeat of the Association, tributes to Rongotai legends such as Bruce Cockburn, Ross Findlay, and Ken Simpso...