A Message from the Rector

By Richard Hall | Posted: Friday October 10, 2025

The light has returned this week, coinciding perfectly with the commencement of the final term of the academic year.

Already, this week has offered several notable moments, including a Cultural Showcase and Blues Evening of superb quality. The range and depth of the performances from the boys were genuinely impressive. This morning also provided a brief opportunity to witness the boys participating in a marathon rowing event—an effort dedicated to raising funds and awareness for male suicide.

Further affirmation of our focus on foundational skills comes as our CAA Reading assessments have once again significantly surpassed the national average. In addition, boys have begun securing both Hall of Residence placements and substantial tertiary scholarships at universities nationwide—outcomes that underscore the commitment of our staff and the value of an Otago Boys’ qualification.

Our boys demonstrate care; they share affection; they find humour; they experience setbacks; and they consistently recover. In this environment, that collective humanity is what truly matters.

I hold the view—and I acknowledge a clear bias—that one would be hard-pressed to find a group of young men in any school across the country achieving at such a high level.

I encourage every member of our community to maintain their support for these boys as they strive, day by day, to be better than they were before.