From left, Head Boy 2025 Nathan Brooke-Taylor, Tumuaki Matua John Kendal, Head Boy 2024 Josiah Lenati. Photo: Supplied.
By John Kendall
Marlborough Boys' College Tumuaki/Principal
Sponsored
As the academic year draws to a close, our senior students are fully immersed in their external examinations.
This is a fitting time to celebrate the achievements of our ākonga who have received taonga, certificates, and scholarships across our three major Prizegiving ceremonies.
What is not always fully appreciated is the incredible dedication and time management skills demonstrated by our prize-winners. These students consistently meet assignments and deadlines while balancing cultural, sporting, and work commitments. In many cases, their success reflects their ability to prioritise and manage their time effectively—a skill that serves them well now and will continue to do so in the future.

Kia whakamanawa, kia whakamana i tō tātou hapori ako.
To inspire and empower our learning community to be the best they can be
To all of the 2024 recipients who proudly walked across the stage this year, heartfelt congratulations! Your achievements reflect not only your effort but also the support of your whānau, teachers, and peers. These groups are pivotal in the success of our ākonga, providing encouragement and guidance throughout the year.
We are beyond proud to recognise the following outstanding students with our prestigious Premier Awards:
🏅 The Don Mills Trophy - Asher Gotty
🏅 The Fulton Cup - Rico Chen
🏅Proxime Accessit - Paul Yoon
🏅 Dux Litterarum - Ben Kenny
This year, we have continued to evolve how we celebrate the achievements of our ākonga. The inclusion of waiata, haka, and the presentation of Kahoa Lole has enriched our Prizegiving ceremonies, showcasing the cultural diversity and vibrancy of our learning community. These moments highlight the unique contributions of every ākonga being recognised and reflect the inclusive spirit of Marlborough Boys’ College.

This term, we also welcomed our incoming Year 9 cohort of 230 students for their first visit to the college. As they begin their journey with us, I shared three key principles to guide them:
1. You get out what you put in. We expect 100% effort and commitment every day.
2. Respect matters. We embrace traditional, time-honoured values and expect good manners and respectful interactions.
3. Find your passion and pursue it. Marlborough Boys’ College can launch you into academic, sporting, cultural, and leadership pathways.

We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank and acknowledge the trusts, individuals, organisations, and universities that generously support our prize-winners each year. Your contributions play a vital role in recognising and supporting the achievements of our ākonga.
Trusts and Scholarships
· Blenheim Round Table Award
· George Graham Trust
· James d’Auvergne Memorial
· John Davies Memorial
· DM Wemyss Memorial
· Russell and Phyllis Fairhall Scholarship
· Alan Corskie Scholarship
· Dr. John Innes Scholarship
· George Graham Scholarship
· MW Girling Memorial
· William Paul Hodgson Scholarship
· Lorna Clarke Memorial
· McKenzie Whitmore Girling Memorial
Mana whenua
· We thank Rangitāne o Wairau for their continued support and commitment to our ākonga.
Organisations and Businesses
· WK Advisors & Accountants
· Port Marlborough
· Marlborough Decorative & Fine Arts Society
· Marlborough Lines Scholarships
· Fulton Cup
· David Edgar Cup
Community Groups and Individuals
· Guard Family
· Marlborough Old Boys’ Association
· CATE Marlborough
· Peter Olliver
Tertiary Institutions
· Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)
· University of Otago
· Victoria University of Wellington
· Lincoln University
Marlborough Boys’ College Community
· Marlborough Boys’ College Charitable Foundation
As I conclude my final year as Tumuaki - Principal of Marlborough Boys' College, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our whānau, iwi, Board of Trustees, and the wider school community. Your unwavering support has been instrumental during my tenure, and it has been a privilege to serve this incredible community.
Wishing you all a safe and restful summer break!
John Kendal | Principal – Tumuaki