SEF Class of 2019
Commenced study 2019
Dylan Petherick
University of Auckland
Degree: BE (Hons) - Chemical and materials
Graduated: May 2023
Mentor: Warren Law
Buddy: Dylan Bai (Dilworth Old Boy)
Dylan completed his engineering degree in late 2022 and began his professional career in 2023 as an Environmental Technician with Air Resource Management (ARM) in New Zealand. He quickly progressed within the organisation, advancing to Senior Environmental Scientist and Laboratory Manager, where he developed valuable experience across environmental monitoring, laboratory analysis and air quality assessment.
In 2026, Dylan took the next step in his career and moved to Melbourne to join WSP Australia’s Atmospheric Services team as a Senior Air Quality Scientist. In his current role, he is regularly involved in air quality modelling, preparing Air Quality Impact Assessments (AQIAs) and producing mapping outputs using QGIS. He continues to maintain his hands-on field and laboratory skills, giving him a well-rounded understanding of air quality assessment from data collection through to analysis and reporting
Outside of work, Dylan has been making the most of his move to Melbourne and the opportunities that come with living in a new city. He has enjoyed exploring Melbourne’s vibrant culture and food scene, while also taking every opportunity to get out and experience the beautiful regional areas surrounding the city.
He has participated in personal development programmes including Spirit of Adventure, Outward Bound, and the Massey Business Bootcamp, which reinforced his belief in perseverance as a key to success.
As part of the SEF programme, Dylan also mentored younger scholars Johnny Nguyen (2022) and Henry Wang (2021) both studying at the University of Auckland.
Awards
University of Auckland Kick Start Merit Scholarship
SEF Work Experience
2019 Harrison Grierson
2020 Jaychem
2021 BC Group
Guneesh JubalProxime Accessit 2018
University of Auckland
Degree: LLB
Graduated: September 2023
Mentor: Tim Bunker
Buddy: Enoch Sun (Dilworth Old Boy)
Guneesh completed his LLB at the University of Auckland at the end of 2022 and following some travel overseas - he found himself working in the realm of youth care as a mentor and carer for those who have committed serious offences and/or have been uplifted from their families by Oranga Tamariki. Guneesh has since been admitted to the High Court as a Barrister and Solicitor, and he is working for Mātai Chambers.
Through his work experiences and an internship in the legal field, Guneesh has been able to streamline his legal pursuits and has found a keen interest in the area of youth justice. He has gained some incredibly insightful experiences that would undoubtedly be invaluable as he traverses down this side of the legal system.
Guneesh wants to make a tangible difference on this side of the criminal justice system. By actually being on ground zero with the rangatahi in care, he believes he is able to intervene in their lives during their pivotal stages of development.
Guneesh worked within the SEF programme acting as a Buddy for Tyrane Beazley (2021) and Nganatatafu Finau (2020) who are also studying at the University of Auckland.
Awards
University of Auckland Academic Potential Scholarship
PwC Scholarship
Ella Burford Award
2022 University of Auckland Parirau Accommodation Scholarship
SEF Work Experience
2019 Anthony Harper
2021 Bell Gully
Jonathan Haydon
University of Auckland
Degree: BCom
Graduated: May 2023
Mentor: Andy Kilgallon
Buddy: Daniel Lee/Calvin Lee (Dilworth Old Boys)
Sponsored by Jane Haines
Jonny has completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree and he graduated officially in May 2023 and has since built an impressive career in the marketing and advertising industry.
In 2021, Jonny began his professional journey at Bastion Shine, where he benefited from the guidance and support of experienced industry professionals, including Simon Curran (CEO) and Chris Hotchin (Group Account Director of Air NZ). Starting as a Junior Traffic Manager, Jonny progressed to Business Manager, gaining valuable experience and developing his skills in account management, client relationships and business operations.
In 2025, Jonny took the next step in his career, moving to London to join 1440Sports. Just a year later, he has already earned a promotion to Account Manager, Activation & Innovation, reflecting his hard work and continued professional growth. This exciting international opportunity allows him to further develop his expertise and broaden his experience in the sports and marketing industry
Outside of work, Jonny has a strong passion for health and fitness. In 2021, he completed the Taupō Half Ironman, finishing an impressive 15th in the 18–25 age group. In October 2022, he took on the challenge of running his first marathon, demonstrating the determination and commitment that have also contributed to his professional success.
He worked within the SEF programme acting as a Buddy for Lennox Jones who is studying BCom/BProp at the University of Auckland.
SEF Work Experience
2020 Cressida Capital
2021 Shine
Joshua Rolston
University of Auckland
Degree: BCom
Graduated: 2022
Mentor: Cody Carnachan (Dilworth Old Boy)
Buddy: Indivar Kumar (Dilworth Old Boy)
Sponsored by Colliers
Josh has graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland, majoring in Marketing and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. He started work in July 2022 at The Trust Arena, as their digital marketing and social media coordinator, and is currently working for Parliament NZ.
Josh has had the opportunity to sail on the Spirit of Adventure and attend the Hillary Outdoors Education Centre. Before he commenced university he attended Outward Bound. These programmes have all pushed Josh outside of his comfort zone and enabled him to develop his personal leadership skills.
Josh is a keen sportsman, he has trained for ironman and boxing events. When he was at Dilworth School he was a member of the 1st XI Football and Hockey teams. He has learnt the vital skills of resilience, communication and persistence through his involvement in sports.
He worked within the SEF programme, as a Buddy for Isaac Vaeau-Mulitalo 2021 and in 2020 for Andre Chan both students are studying at the University of Auckland.
Awards
Presbyterian Methodist Congregational Grafton Scholarship
Chenery Trust
SEF Work Experience
2020 Hatch
2021 Cressida Capital
Samuel Michie
University of Auckland
Degree: BSc & MphysioPrac
Graduated: 2021
Mentor: Dr Luke Sniewski
Buddy: Thomas Swinburn (Dilworth Old Boy)
Sam completed his Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Exercise Science and Biology at the end of 2021. In 2022 Sam completed his postgraduate study - Master of Physiotherapy Practice (MphysioPrac). In January 2025 Sam started in a job with MTP (Move Train Perform) Health, a company based on Sydney's North Shore to further his career in healthcare.
Sam is very passionate about sports and he wants to have a career where he is doing what he loves. Sam had a gap year in Ireland in 2018. He was offered a placement at the Royal School Dungannon where he coached sports. He is currently playing rugby at club level.
Sam has a dedicated work ethic, not only to his sporting commitments but also to his academic pursuits. Sam was named as a Top Scholar in both 2016 and 2017 during his last two years at Dilworth and his excellent sporting achievements include him being named top player for 1st XI Football and Captain of both the top Tennis and Squash teams. Through his role as Captain, Sam was able to share his passion for these sports and led the younger boys to pursue their sporting goals.
Sam is currently in his second year as Boarding House Assistant in Armagh House at the Senior campus. He was at the Junior campus in 2020 working with Macmurray House.
Sam is driven to achieve not only excellence individually but also within a team. This skill of working for a common purpose will be a life skill that will aid Sam in his future endeavours.
He worked within the SEF programme acting as a Buddy for Hohaia Whiu in 2023. Previously he has also been a buddy for Paolo Aquino 2021 and in 2020 for Harrison Dudley-Rode.
Award
Ella Burford Award
SEF Work Experience
2020 Physio Rehab Group
2021 Exerscience Clinic
