The Last Word

By Liam Elder | Posted: Tuesday June 24, 2025

See, in our world today, we’re taught to win — whether it’s on the field, in the classroom, or racing your mates to the canteen.

But what if real strength isn’t in winning, but in who you bring with you across the finish line?

I’m not talking about literally losing a race. I’m talking about something much harder: choosing to give something up — your time, your pride, your comfort — for someone who needs it more than you. Putting others before yourself.

Let me give you an example. Picture a rugby match. The winger dives over the line, scoring a try in the last minute of the game. The crowd roars. But rewind the tape. You’ll see someone made a brutal tackle 20 phases earlier... someone got back up after being smashed... someone cleared out a ruck so the ball could keep moving. No one cheered for that guy. No one even noticed. But without him, that try never would’ve happened.

Be that guy— the one who sacrifices the spotlight so that the team, the class, the school — someone else — can shine. Because a real win isn’t measured in tries. It’s measured in people — the ones you helped along the way. So be willing to serve. That might mean simply helping someone who’s behind in class. Walking with someone who’s had a rough day. Giving up your weekend to help someone move house, paint a fence, or stack firewood.

Why? Well, the reality is, boys — almost 1 in 7 children in New Zealand are living in poverty. That means kids are going to school without lunch, without decent shoes, or without a quiet place to sleep. People are good at hiding it, so it’s not always obvious. But it’s very real. Choosing to serve doesn’t always fix everything — and it doesn’t need to. What it does do is show someone they’re not alone.
And sometimes, that’s the most powerful thing you can give.

So the challenge to all of you is this: think about the people who often go unnoticed. Who’s the guy that sits alone at lunch? Who’s always picked last for the team? Who’s struggling at home and hiding it? Look out for these people, because often, all they need is someone willing to serve.

See, serving isn’t just about giving your time or money — it’s about opening yourself up to see the need around you. To notice those who are struggling, or alone, or barely holding it together. Serving others is a choice. I know this can be a tough ask. Choosing to give up your time, your comfort, and especially your pride can feel like you’re losing out — even wasting your time. It takes real courage to step back, humble yourself, and put someone else first. But that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. It’s in those quiet moments of sacrifice that you grow in confidence, earn trust, and become the kind of person others want to follow.

At the end of last year, I was privileged to help cook and prepare free community lunches for those in need. When I was asked why, I always responded with “because I can.” Not because I had all the answers. Not because I was some expert chef. But because I had a bit of time, some energy, and two hands. That was enough. I walked away with way more than I expected. I saw people going through incredibly tough times — still smiling, still grateful, still showing up. Sometimes simply because they had nowhere else to be.

It reminded me that real service isn’t about feeling like a hero; it’s about humility.
It’s about stepping into someone else’s world — even for just a moment — and realising that sometimes the most powerful thing you can give isn’t money or advice; it’s your presence. Your time. Your willingness to care.

In true OBHS fashion, I’ll end with a quote. Jesse Jackson — an American civil rights leader: “Never look down on anyone unless you’re helping them up.”