University of Auckland  
Degree:  Bachelor of Science - majoring in Biomedical
Mentor:   
Buddy:    Henry Kwon (Dilworth OId Boy)

Sponsored by:

Devin is studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, leading into a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Auckland. His interest in medicine stems from his own health and his experiences within the healthcare sector. He intends to use this degree to help others in his community when experiencing challenges with their health.

Throughout his time at Dilworth, Devin has embraced many opportunities across academics, leadership, sport, entrepreneurship and service. He currently serves as Tyrone Whānau House Captain, Captain of Badminton and Co-leader of the Academic Committee, while also being CEO/CFO of the school coffee cart. Through these roles, he has developed his communication and leadership skills, while learning to adapt them to a wide range of situations. Academically is where Devin excels, having obtained his Dilworth Diploma and NCEA Level 2 endorsed with excellence. In his final year, he has obtained 48 excellence credits internally, whilst sitting three NZQA Scholarships in addition to his externals. Outside of Dilworth-based service, he volunteered at Ronald McDonald House, supporting children and their families during a challenging time in their lives. Additionally, he had work experience at Papakura East Medical Centre, where he gained insight into general practice, clinical procedures and minor surgeries, further cementing his passion to study medicine.

Devin was also privileged to attend the 2026 Rotary Science & Technology Forum, through a sponsorship by the Rotary Remuera Club. Through this, he gained valuable exposure to the many science and technology fields and businesses within New Zealand and also gained many experiences that allowed him to grow as he prepares to enter the next chapter of his life.

Awards 

• NZQA Biology, Physics and Accounting Scholarship Year 12

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University of Auckland 
Degree: Bachelor of Science - majoring in Biomedical 
Mentor:  Andrew Tindall (Dilworth Old Boy) 
Buddy:    George Wells (Dilworth Old Boy) 

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George is studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland. He is pursuing a career in the field of neuroscience. Inspired by his own medical difficulties, he wants to be able to help people in need and improve their lives. Through his studies in this field, George hopes to deepen his knowledge of biomedical science so he can eventually apply it to help those in need.

George has spent four years at Dilworth, where he discovered his love for science and visual art. George excelled in photography, being awarded the National Youth Art Award for photography in 2026. Aside from his strengths in photography, George has a passion for academics. George achieved excellence endorsed in Year 11, 12, and 13. He is partaking in three scholarship subjects in 2026: scholarship biology, chemistry, and photography. Aside from life at school, George has a passion for sport, as he participates in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and swimming. Despite having physical challenges due to health issues, George stays active and thoroughly enjoys exercise and staying active.

Despite the health challenges George has experienced throughout life, George has developed a formidable resolve, with strong resilience, determination, and discipline. The experiences that he’s had throughout life have driven him to strive toward his goal of helping those who need it, starting with the Bachelor of Biomedical Science.

Awards

• NYAA Photography Award

University of Auckland  
Degree: Bachelor of Science - majoring in Biomedical
Mentor:   Dr Connor Fitz-Gerald
Buddy:   Hezekiah Young (Dilworth Old Boy)

Sponsored by:

George is studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland, with the goal of progressing into Medicine, where he eventually wants to become a Doctor. His interest in medicine came from a passion for sports and biology. Wanting to contribute to the healthcare system, George hopes to combine his academic strengths with the discipline and perspective he has developed through high-performance sport.

During his time at Dilworth, George has devoted himself extensively across leadership, sport, and academics. He served as a Prefect in 2026, alongside roles including Athletics Captain and the Sports Committee. Athletics has been a major part of his Dilworth journey. George is a New Zealand U19 4×100m record holder, an Australian U20 4×100m silver medallist, North Island Secondary Schools 400m Champion, and is ranked as one of the fastest 400m athletes in the country. He was also a key member of Dilworth’s national championship-winning 4×100m relay team. While balancing elite sport and leadership roles, his discipline and consistency have meant that academically, he achieved Excellence Endorsements for both the Dilworth Diploma and NCEA Level 2, and was first in class for Biology, Physics, and Physical Education in 2025. 

George’s experiences at Dilworth have taught him the importance of discipline, resilience, service, and contributing to the success of those around him. As he begins the next stage of his education, George hopes to carry these values into university, medicine, and sport, while continuing to make the most of the opportunities provided to him through Dilworth and the Staples Education Foundation.

Awards

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University of Auckland
Degree:  Bachelor of Property and Commerce
Mentor:  (Dilworth Old Boys)
Buddy:   Link Zhu (Dilworth Old Boy)

Sponsored by: Jacky Or 

Israel is studying a Bachelor of Property and Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland. He intends to use his studies in property and accounting to advocate for Pasifika representation in the property & corporate sector and support Pasifika families, churches, and communities facing similar financial and property challenges.

During his time at Dilworth, he has been involved in a wide range of cultural, sporting, musical, and leadership activities. He has served as Armagh Head of House, Chapel Band Leader, and been involved in the Sports, Faith, and Cultural Committees. He has also represented Dilworth in 1st XV Rugby, Rugby League, Volleyball, and Basketball, while participating in Fortissimo, Dilworth Foundation Singers, Big Band, and the Samoan, Tongan, and Cook Island groups. These experiences have allowed him to develop his leadership, teamwork, and commitment to serving others.

His Pasifika identity and faith are an important part of his journey. Being on the committee for Ka Mua Ka Muri – Navigating Two Worlds, he has developed a deeper understanding of his culture and the importance of carrying these values into his future. He hopes to use the opportunities provided by his education to give back to his church, Pāsifika communities, and create greater opportunities for future generations.

Awards

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University of Auckland  
Degree:  Bachelor of Urban Planning (hons)
Mentor:   
Buddy:     (Dilworth Old Boy) 

Sponsored by: Frontier Management Limited 

Johaan is studying a Bachelor of Urban Planning degree at the University of Auckland.  In this degree he seeks to combine his passions for economics and policy to advocate for under-represented communities and provide different perspectives and solutions.

His time at Dilworth consisted of debating, managing human resources at the Brew Brothers, overseeing and proposing shares at School Aid and Peer Support. Through these roles, he learned how to be persuasive in a formal context and gained insight into the employer perspective.

Awards

SEF Work Exposure

• 2027

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University of Auckland  
Degree: Bachelor of Eng (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts
Mentor:  James Petherick (Dilworth Old Boy)
Buddy:   Felix Miller (Dilworth Old Boy)           

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Liam is studying a conjoint degree in engineering and politics at the University of Auckland. After university, he plans to become an engineer, where he can turn his creativity into a career.

During his time at Dilworth, Liam was involved in several extracurricular activities. His passion for speaking showed in his involvement in debating and public speaking lessons. Apart from those, Liam also partook in a range of activities, including being a member of the Dilworth squash team and being part of the Entrepreneurship pathway, competing in the Young Enterprise Scheme, as well as being a member of the Dilworth Foundation Singers for two years. Liam was also able to prove himself as a strong student, gaining NCEA Excellence endorsement in all three levels.

Awards

SEF Work Exposure

• 2027

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University of Auckland  
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Physics)
Mentor:  Matthew MacNaugtan (Dilworth Old Boy) 
Buddy:     Isaiah Fale

Robert is studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Physics.  He is aiming to continue studying and pursue a PhD in quantum/theoretical physics.  He wants to expand his understanding of the world and reconcile the different explanations of how things work.

At Dilworth he a School Prefect and Co-leader of the Academic Committee. He was a founding member of the Dilworth Senior Chamber Orchestra in 2023 and served as section leader of 2nd Violin in 2024.  In 2026, the orchestra won Gold at the KBB music festival.  He has been part of the School Aid board, the Peer Support programme, the Peer tutoring initiative, Korean Language week 2025, Senior+Advanced open Debating (2025 SO Champion), Dilworth Symphony Orchestra, and a variety of sports at Dilworth.   He has studied sociology at UoA under the Young Scholars Programme which allowed him insight into university and the wider social world. 

Aside from being awarded top in year for a number of subjects, Robert has been awarded: NZQA Scholarship Award (2025) – History, English, Religious Studies

SEF Work Exposure

• 2027

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University of Auckland  
Degree: Bachelor of Science & Bachelor of Commerce
Mentor:  (Dilworth Old Boy) 
Buddy:     

Soane is preparing to study a Bachelor of Science at the University of Auckland, majoring in Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution and Cell and Molecular Bioscience. His passion for biology, geography and the environment has shaped his goal of becoming an environmental and sustainability consultant, with the hope of creating meaningful environmental change within his local community. Through his studies, Soane hopes to build the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to understand environmental challenges and contribute to sustainable solutions.

During his time at Dilworth School, Soane has been actively involved across academics, music, sport and culture. He is a member of the Premier Choir Fortissimo, Premier Concert Band, Tongan Group for Polyfest, Cultural Committee and Senior Rugby Squad, while also serving as a peer mentor and junior academic tutor. His involvement in Tongan Language Week and cultural activities has strengthened his connection to his heritage and developed his confidence as a leader. Outside of school, Soane is a youth leader and musician within his church, where he plays piano, sings in the choir and serves as a Scripture reader. He has also contributed to the wider community through volunteering, including environmental restoration work at Ambury Farm.

Alongside his many commitments, Soane has maintained a strong academic record, achieving Excellence endorsements in the Dilworth Diploma and NCEA Levels 1 and 2, with course endorsements across science, mathematics, commerce and music. He was also selected for the Fortissimo World Tour in 2024, travelling through Austria, London and Belfast and performing internationally as part of Dilworth’s premier choir. As he begins his university journey, Soane is excited to continue exploring his passion for science while staying connected to his culture, family and community. He hopes to use his education and experiences to build a career that allows him to make a lasting contribution to the environment and the people around him.

SEF Work Exposure

• 2027

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University of Auckland  
Degree: Bachelor of Comms/BA Conjoint
Mentor:  (Dilworth Old Boy) 
Buddy:     

Xavier is studying a Bachelor of Arts and Communication at the University of Auckland, with an interest in Sociology and Pacific Studies. His studies reflect his interest in understanding people, culture and society, alongside his passion for communication and storytelling. Xavier hopes to pursue a career in communications and creative leadership, where he can combine these interests to create meaningful change within his community and beyond.

Xavier spent 7 years at Dilworth School, where he was heavily involved in the cultural, musical and leadership life of the school. He served as Deputy Head Prefect, Head of Armagh House, Head Chorister of Fortissimo and Samoan Group Leader. He was also involved in the Student Council and Cultural Committee and helped establish Ka Mua Ka Muri, a Pasifika student leadership conference between Dilworth and St Cuthbert’s College. His involvement in the Samoan Group culminated in Dilworth placing first in the Aoga Tama (Boys) category at ASB Polyfest in 2026, the first time the school had achieved this.

Music has been a defining part of Xavier’s time at Dilworth. As Head Chorister of Fortissimo in 2026, he led the school’s premier choir after several years as a chorister and section leader. He represented Dilworth on Fortissimo’s international tour of Europe and the United Kingdom in 2024 and later represented New Zealand as a member of the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir, touring Hong Kong and Singapore. Fortissimo also received a Gold Award at the Big Sing National Finale. As a Pasifika chorister, Xavier has developed a deep appreciation for music as a way of carrying culture, language and identity, and intends to continue choral singing beyond school.

Alongside his leadership and musical commitments, Xavier achieved an NCEA Level 2 Excellence Endorsement. His time at Dilworth has shaped his understanding of leadership as service and strengthened his desire to create opportunities for others. He is excited to begin university, explore his academic interests and carry the relationships, values and experiences of his school years into this next stage of his life

SEF Work Exposure

• 2027

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