A Dream Becomes a Reality
In 1946, Mr. Neil L. Macky—affectionately known as Polly—a respected Auckland solicitor, recognised the need for a Presbyterian boys' college in Auckland; a place where young men could grow into principled and capable leaders. Joined by Reverend David Pryor of St Andrew’s Church, their unwavering belief in education’s ability to shape character and inspire purpose overcame early opposition and setbacks.
Progress remained slow until 1949, when Polly Macky and Reverend Pryor, joined by Reverend Dr. Ian Fraser, reignited efforts. A pivotal moment came when Mr. Martyn Wilson generously offered to bequeath his home, "Roselle," on Shore Road, to the newly formed Trust Board. Roselle was set aside for a preparatory school, as it was deemed too small for the vision of a secondary college.
Subsequently, a 50-acre property was purchased in Pakuranga, and the college opened in 1953, marking the inception of Saint Kentigern. In 1958, “Roselle” was officially transferred to the Trust Board following Mr. Wilson's passing, and that same year saw the establishment of the Saint Kentigern School for Boys. Together, these milestones marked the beginning of Saint Kentigern as we know it today.
Over the decades, the spirit of generosity, adaptability, and forward-thinking instilled by our Founders has shaped our unique identity. This commitment is evident in key milestones such as the 1996 amendment to the Trust Deed to allow for the education of girls, the inclusion of girls at the College in 2003, the introduction of our distinctive parallel education model, and the establishment of a seamless educational pathway with the opening of the Preschool in 2011.
The heritage of Saint Kentigern is defined not only by milestones but by enduring values—love, respect, integrity, service, and excellence. These values continue to guide us today, underpinning our mission to inspire students to strive for excellence in all areas of life, for the glory of God and the service of others.
Our Presbyterian Faith
Our Presbyterian heritage lies at the heart of our founding, with deep ties to Scotland, particularly Glasgow Cathedral—the resting place of our patron saint, Saint Kentigern. This heritage reflects the vision of our Founders, who aspired to create a learning environment firmly rooted in Christian values and principles.
"Fides Servanda Est"—‘The faith must be kept’— our School motto, adopted from the first Headmaster, Reverend Dr Adam MacFarlan, remains central to our mission, guiding students and staff to strive for excellence with faith as their compass. The importance of Christian worship is reflected in our weekly Chapel services and Christian Education lessons, which uphold the values and vision established by our Founders.
Our School Crest, is an adaptation of the old Celtic Cross, and is a proud symbol of this heritage. Modelled on St Martin’s Cross in the Abbey churchyard on Iona, it serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of our Celtic Christian traditions that continue to inspire and shape our community today.
A Heritage of Generosity
Without the generosity of so many, Saint Kentigern would not be what it is today. From the very beginning, philanthropy has been at the heart of our story—driven by the belief that education transforms lives. It was so much more than building a school, but about creating a place where faith, values, and service would shape generations to come.
The true impact of this generosity is seen in the lives of our students, the values they carry forward, and the commitment to service that defines our community. Built on the generosity of others, we continue to instill in our students a deep sense of service, gratitude, and responsibility—a legacy that extends far beyond the school gates.
