Thursday 3 September 2026
One of the things that we love here about being at King’s College is living with and getting to know the wider community that we belong to. It is a gift to be able to build relationships with our Ōtāhuhu community, and that has been very much our focus in recent days.
On Tuesday this week, Assistant Lay-Chaplain Max Masters, took a delegation of nine students across to the Ōtāhuhu Town Hall, where we were hosted for the annual Rotary Combined Schools’ Lunch. Joined by McAuley Catholic School for Girls, our neighbours Ōtāhuhu College and several others, our King’s contingent - Jessie Thorsen (Year 13, Taylor), Senior Sacristan William Nand (Year 13, Major), Senior Sacristan Saffron Moaveni (Year 13, Marion Bruce), Izaiah Asiata (Year 13, Parnell), Lilly Twort (Year 13, Marion Bruce), Ricky Cheak (Year 13, Peart), Jaedon Gin (Year 13, Greenbank) and Angus Wilson (Year 13, Major) - all joined together with Rotarians to meet together and build relationships.
Along with having lunch, there were two representatives from Pāpātoetoe Sport – who have represented New Zealand in their respective disciplines - one in weightlifting and the other in Paralympic swimming. They spoke candidly of their personal journey in their chosen sport, of professionalism and about the myriad challenges they faced. We are so grateful to Mr Merv Ah Chee – a past parent who caters for this wonderful event and ensures our attendance each year.
On Another Note…
Another way in which we are looking forward to re-establishing connections with our ‘neighbours' is through the upcoming Year 12 Exchange Day, on Wednesday 23 September. These exchanges began in the late 1980’s when the then Senior Chaplain, Rev’d Warner Wilder and former members of Ōtāhuhu College staff felt it important to grow a sense of friendship and mutuality between the two schools.
Since the pandemic (2020-2021) and the ensuing refurbishment of the Great Hall (2022) made it impossible to host, we are glad to be now fully functioning and look forward to sharing in this signature event once again. The morning’s programme will see the two Year 12 cohorts from both schools divided into two – with one school playing ‘host’ to the other and then switching about mid-morning. Students will then be offered lunch at one of our two sites and the event will close with a lunchtime service where we reflect together on the learning and gift this time has been.
Penultimately…
I want to say how special it has been seeing so many families at this term’s Chapel Services. It has been SO good, to have you all there, seeing the families participating in the service, sharing in Communion and hearing our beautiful choir.
This coming Sunday 6 September, is the last Sunday House Chapel of the year, (until our Advent Services, 5.30pm and 7.15pm, Sunday 29 November). I want to encourage any families who wish to come along – who may have missed out on other House Services – to come and join us. I’m mindful that Sunday is also Father’s Day, but the 6pm Marsden and Greenbank Chapel, is a great way to celebrate. Supper is provided.
Finally…
In the meantime, can I encourage, if you able, to support the important aid work being offered in support of those affected by the deadly Nepal flash flooding. You can do this by making a donation to TEAR Fund NZ which is assisting with emergency relief on the ground in Nepal, providing shelter, food and water to this devastated community.
Peace and grace,
Rev Walters, Mr Masters and Mr Horocek-Glading