Wednesday 13 May 2026
National Boarding Week is here!
To celebrate, we spoke with three Year 9 students about their experience of boarding at King's College and life in Te Pūtake Lodge — our dedicated boarding environment designed to help younger students settle in, build friendships, and feel at home from day one.
This year also marks 10 years of Te Pūtake Lodge supporting boys as they begin their King's journey.
Living on a dairy farm just north of Whangārei before coming to board at King’s, Freddie Chapman (Year 9, School) is one of our regional boarding students.
“Living at King’s College has been a very different experience, mostly because of the size of the community and being in Auckland, but everyone here has made me feel really welcome.”
Freddie says the friendships he has formed through boarding have helped him settle in quickly.
“Something that makes boarding at King’s feel like home is definitely being able to sit down and talk with my friends every night before bed. It reminds me that I’m always surrounded by people who are looking out for me.”
He has also enjoyed the opportunities that come with living on campus.
“My favourite things about boarding here are being able to spend time with my mates every day and having access to so many activities and great opportunities. Everything is close by, which makes it easy to get involved.”
Kevin Shan (Year 9, St. John’s) joined King's from Shanghai, China. He says the support and structure of boarding life helped him settle into a new country and school community.
"Something that makes King's feel like home is being around people who support and encourage me. I've enjoyed making friends with both local and international students, and everyone has been really welcoming."
Kevin especially values the routines and guidance that come with boarding life.
“I really enjoy playing squash after school with my friends, as well as interacting with staff because they’re kind of like parents in a way. I can always get guidance when I need it, and that gives me the confidence to do my best.”
Although he now lives in New Zealand, Misi Tuala (Year 9, St. John's) is proud to call Upolu, Samoa his home.
“My favourite thing about home is being surrounded by family and friends, and that’s what makes Te Pūtake Lodge feel like a second home. Being able to make so many friends here makes it feel like a real community.”
Misi says life on campus has encouraged him to make the most of every opportunity.
“I love playing basketball with my friends after school, and I really like that the House organises trips for us during the weekend. There's always something happening, and it's never boring.”
He also appreciates the routines and balance that boarding provides.
“Living on the grounds makes everything really easy. You can go from school, to sport, to spending time with friends all in one place.”
Through shared experiences, dedicated House staff, and strong friendships, Te Pūtake Lodge continues to help our younger boarders build confidence, connection and a sense of belonging as they begin life at King's.
Thank you to Freddie, Kevin, and Misi for sharing their stories as part of National Boarding Week.
Celebrating 10 years of Te Pūtake Lodge - helping boys feel at home from day one.