Hall Of Fame 2023
POSTED 8 March 2024
Last year we were happy to announce John Barrett and Rex Kerr as the 2023 inductees into the XŌtaki College Alumni Trust Hall of Fame. Both have made significant contributions to the College and community and were celebrated at a special event held at the College on December 15th. Read the article published in Otaki Today.
Read the citation for Rex Kerr
Hall Of Fame 2021
POSTED 14 June 2021
The 2020 Hall of Fame event was postponed in 2020 due to the uncertainties of Covid-19, but was back for the second installment in 2021.
See the winners and the chair of XŌtaki College Alumni Trust, Max Lutz, induct this year's winners.
2019 Otaki College Reunion Photos
POSTED 20 July 2019
Relive some of the moments from April's incredible reunion in our photo gallery.
XŌtaki projects making a big difference and how you can help
POSTED 17 July 2019
XŌtaki College Alumni Trust has funded an amazing number of projects and good causes at the College. Take a look at the list and consider whether you'd like to pledge your support as well? Read more.
Inaugural XŌtaki Hall Of Fame recipients announced at black-tie dinner
POSTED 4 May 2018
Two accomplished 1960s graduates were honoured at the inaugural Hall Of Fame Awards dinner on 3 May 2018. See the media release here and you can read the citation for Chris Parkin here and for David Pritchard here.
College pool a memorial to Stephen Hillas
Shelly Warwick writes about how Otaki College’s swimming pool memorialised a young student to become the Stephen Hillas Memorial Pool. Read the story here.
Where in the World is 1960’s Otaki College teacher JC (“Snow”) Burnett?
STORY POST: 13 April 2015
Ever wondered what happened to a favourite teacher? Ron Gibbard, a student from the very early years of Otaki College, wondered just that about teacher Snow Burnett. Being a curious and tenacious student, Ron tracked Snow down and recorded the visit in this article.
So where did the 2009 Reunion money go?
BLOG POST: 9 December 2014
Ron Gibbard, Reunion Treasurer and now member of the XOtaki Foundation Trust, lets us know how the excess money from the 50th Reunion has been accounted for and well used. Read Ron’s post here >
Video interview with John Saunders, Principal from 1963 to 1975
BLOG POST: 2 October 2014
This is a chance to see and hear one our founding and important staff members, but it's also an opportunity to see if you might stump up to buy the school a new video microphone? See the video here >
XOtaki College Foundation Trust faces up to photo shooting
NEWS RELEASE: 2 July 2014
With the formal establishment of the XOtaki College Foundation Trust, it was time for... you guessed it, a photo. And what use is a team photo without a news release? Read all about it and see the smiling faces here >
John Stewart Heatherwick 1947 - 2014
John Heatherwick was a founding committee member of XOtaki Alumni and about to become a Trustee of XOtaki College Foundation Trust when he tragically died on 11 April 2014 at age 67.
A past student and friend to all, John will be missed by all who knew him. Few knew him better than lifelong friend Ron Gibbard who delivered a tribute at his funeral and in an article specially prepared for this website. Read Ron’s tribute here.
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Dr. Lincoln Nicholls is passionate about getting more Maori into joining him as a doctor of medicine. He happens to also be a Captain in the New Zealand Army and... you guessed it, he's an XŌtaki alumni student. Take a look at this Maori TV report.
The future of science, the joy of learning and the importance of clean technology. Otaki College students get it all at the Otaki Centre for Clean Technology.
Stories and images back
through the years
2000 to 2010
A new century and the new Principal John Kane arrives from Taihape College, and the winter sports tradition with that college continued. PAGE >
1990 to 1999
Principal Mel Cooper settled in for a period and the Nelson Block got a lick of paint to welcome the Governor General. PAGE >
1980 to 1989
Rex Kerr's long serving period (21 solid years) and a rugby loving Principal / Coach of the First XV. PAGE >
1970 to 1979
Continuation of the John (Jack) Saunders years, with 'Credence Clearwater Revival' school socials and UE exams in Hadfield Hall. READ >
1959 to 1969
District High School to College status under the three early Principal's, and a first overseas trip. READ >