Ralph Roberts 1935–2023 At Kua hinga te to - tara i Te Waonui a Tane

On Sunday 19 March the school lost one of its most famous alumni Ralph Roberts, who passed away peacefully at the age of 87.

Ralph was one of New Zealand’s most celebrated sailing figures, competing in the 1960, 1964, and 1968 Olympic games. Upon retirement from sailing, he was the 1984 Olympic games sailing manager and Chef de Mission for the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games.

Ralph was a wonderful man who was a loyal and passionate supporter of our school. Along with his family, he helped shape the school as it is today. In 1951, his mother Zella fought to keep our playing fields when the Government wanted to fill these with housing. The achievements of Ralph and his family were honoured in

2009 with the naming of our Student Services building the Ralph Roberts Student Services Centre.

Ralph was a regular visitor to the school, always with a smile, and often sharing memorabilia from his time either in the sailing world or while at school. Most recently, at our 2022 Sports and Co-Curricular awards, Ralph presented our sailors with a starting watch after their performance in winning the NZ 420 teams national championship and the Interdominion championship sailing regatta. A treasured moment for all.

Our thoughts are with Ralph’s wife Penny and his family and friends. Moe mai ra Ralph.