On Thursday 7 March 2024, the second St Paul’s College Old Boys Outstanding Achievement Awards dinner was held in the Marcellin Champagnat Auditorium. 

The evening was jointly hosted by the Headmaster Keith Simento and Bruce Smith, chair of the St Paul’s College Development Foundation Trust. There were 80 people in attendance, with the MC for the evening, Bernice Mene doing an outstanding job in creating a relaxed and intimate environment for everyone to enjoy themselves. 

A wonderful group of people gathered on the evening from current staff members, Keith Simento, Craig Borich and Mika Taito to former staff members Brother Colin Divane, Brother Richard Dunleavy, Brother Bryan Stanaway, Alex Bing, Terry Horne, Mark Rice and Kieran Fouhy. Each of the recipients brought along a big supporting cast of family and friends to enjoy the evening. PTFA Members Jo Lloyd, Tavae Efairamo and Asilika Aholelei were there along with Proprietor representatives Janne Pender and Brett Davis. Also in attendance were foundation year students Brian Gubb, George Cibulkis and Terry Cosgrove. The Johnston family were well represented by Ed, Ken, Darrin and Joseph and their respective partners. 

These were the Old Boys honoured as 2024 Victor Ludorum Award Recipients for outstanding career/life achievement:

1. Father Michael Mahoney (student 1955-1958): Marist Priest; Mountaineer on many expeditions including one to Everest where he climbed to 27,500 feet before having to turn back due to poor weather; Missionary to Brazil; Inspirational Old Boy who has lived a life of exceptional service.
2. Doctor Ted Clarke (1955-1959): Eminent Cardiologist specialising in general cardiology, echocardiography, and management of acute and chronic coronary artery disease, and management of patients with cardiac failure. Trained at Greenlane Hospital with an initial cardiology appointment as Director of the Coronary Unit at Middlemore Hospital. Also spent time working at the National Heart Hospital in London.  
3. Tony van den Brink (1955-1957); Owner of successful private family business, Brinks Chickens; successful horse breeder and President of Auckland Polo Club.
4. Michael Brajkovich (1973-1977): Recognised as one of New Zealand’s finest winemakers and acknowledged on the international stage. Attained Master of Wine in 1989 and 2024 Recipient of Winemakers Winemaker international award in the last 2 weeks.
5. Pat McLaughlan (1971-1975): CEO and founder of Boston Marks, a privately owned, hugely successful aviation insurance company. The company operates across New Zealand, Australia, Canada, UK and USA and have been pioneers in specialist aviation insurance trends.

Each recipient had a nominated host who provided a citation on their behalf. This followed into a casual question and answer format for approximately 10 minutes, where the key achievements were outlined.

The awards were presented to the Recipients by current students, Head Prefect Waka Tate and Deputy Head Prefect Solomon Nash. The photographer for the evening was Year 12 student Finn Lloyd. This allowed for a real student/former student connection across three distinct eras being Foundation, mid 1970’s and current era. 

St Paul's College Development Foundation