Dilworth old boys' association (DOBA)
The Dilworth Old Boys' Association boasts a base comprising thousands of former students who have shared their educational journey at Dilworth School. With its establishment dating back to 1919 the Association proudly carries a rich legacy, recently commemorating a significant milestone of 100 years in 2019.
The core foundation of the Association rests upon its original purpose; being the aim to foster camaraderie among all Old Boys, practice an enduring interest in the School, offer unwavering support to the institution's endeavours and empower school leavers as they embark on their path beyond the gates.
Emphasising the importance of staying connected the Association wholeheartedly encourages all Old Boys to maintain bonds and embrace the myriad opportunities it provides to reconnect with fellow Old Boys, former staff members, and most notably, to engage with the present generation of Dilworth boys. In doing so the Association perpetuates the legacy of establishing rapport with future Old Boys while inspiring them to seize the full potential of their Dilworth experience.
Through its numerous initiatives, the Dilworth Old Boys' Association serves as a means of maintaining lifelong connections. By upholding the values and traditions of Dilworth School the association continues to help shape the lives of its members and contribute to the ongoing success of both individuals and the larger Dilworth community.
Fundamental to the Association's functioning is a dedicated council entrusted with upholding these objectives. Should you require any further information or wish to explore the benefits of being part of this remarkable association please do not hesitate to reach out to any of these current Councilors. admin@doba.nz
Your DOBA Council
Gerry Smutz
President
Gerry Smutz
President
Gerry Smutz (1986-1990, Dungannon), has served on the Council for a number of years and now for the past 3 as President. Gerry has worked in a variety of industries and has a multitude of connections. He currently works in the real estate industry with Ray White. Passionate about Dilworth and the opportunities it provides, he sees the role of DOBA is to bring Old Boys together. "I joined the Association to make a difference & give back to our School. I enjoy the fellowship & camaraderie of Old Boys from across the generations". He can often be found at Dilworth School events representing DOBA, on the rugby field sideline supporting student athletes, or catching up with Old Boy mates around the city or country. Gerry's commitment to Old Boys is unwavering and his dedication to DOBA is a role model for future councilmen.
Read more about our President Gerry here
Andrew Gladding
Secretary
Andrew Gladding
Secretary
Andrew Gladding (1990-1997, Donegal) was elected to Council this year. An indication of Andy's commitment to the Council is that he volunteered to take on the duties of Secretary and was duly appointed to fulfil that role. After leaving School, he went on to work in the hospitality industry, which took him overseas to London. Andy returned to N.Z. in 2017. He put his hand up as a candidate for Council when he recognised it as the opportunity to re-establish contacts with the mates he made at Dilworth and to encourage their increased involvement with DOBA. He also admits he saw it as an opportunity to be granted a leave pass at least once a month to catch up with the boys at Council meetings.
Read more about Andy here
Pernell Callaghan
Treasurer
Pernell Callaghan
Treasurer
Pernell Callaghan (2004-2010, Gibson/Dungannon) has been the Treasurer since 2020 and takes pride in giving back to Dilworth. Originally a country boy from Hikurangi, Northland, Pernell currently resides and works in Newmarket. Pernell currently owns and operates three businesses, one in the real estate technology sector, one in the private wealth management space and one in the finance industry. Employing approximately 170 people across the group Pernell has a large network of Old Boys and enjoys creating introductions for those in similar business sectors or where boys require help in certain industries.
Read more about Pernell here
Astley Nathan
Councillor
Astley Nathan
Councillor
Astley Nathan (2001-2009, Tyrone) graduated AUT with a BA majoring in Māori Media, his passion for entertainment and broadcasting led to a career on radio and journalism for TVNZ. He has recently shifted focus and is leading an anti-discrimination and prejudice health programme called Nōku te Ao at the Mental Health Foundation. Proud father and Dilworth Old Boy, Astley hopes he can serve his DOBA community well.
Colin Stewart
Councillor
Colin Stewart
Councillor
Colin Stewart (1983-1990, Tyrone) was elected to council this year. Colin is one of several related Dilworth Old Boys, following in the footsteps of his father, uncle and two elder brothers. Colin represented the school in 1st XI cricket and soccer, badminton, swimming, cross country and athletics, being the school champion in the latter two in his senior year. Prior to joining the commercial property industry in early 2002, he worked as a civil engineer both in New Zealand and overseas. Following ten years in commercial real estate he took a four year break returning to the construction industry. In this time he built bridges and roads in American Samoa, tendered projects in Thailand and was a senior engineer on the construction of the Waterview Tunnel project in Auckland before returning to the commercial real estate industry in 2016.
David Mossman
Councillor
David Mossman
Councillor
David Mossman (1963-1969, Donegal) served DOBA Council on and off for approximately 20 years standing down in 2018 returning in 2020. David held the position of Secretary for two years deciding to stand down in 2023, only to be asked if he would continue on council where he remains today. He is a proud Dilworthian and supporter of DOBA, its members and all Old Boys. A Heavy Diesel Mechanic, now semi-retired but still working with vehicles, especially Model A Fords, he is supported by long-time partner Karen. David has been instrumental in organising the recent Gisborne Country Reunion and is in fact a distant relative of James and Isabella Dilworth.
Keki Wilson
Councillor
Keki Wilson
Councillor
Keki (Mamea) Wilson (1983-1990, Tyrone) was elected to council this year. Keki has continued his involvement with Dilworth since leaving School including the coaching of Junior Campus Sports Teams with the assistance of fellow Old Boy Mariota Smutz. As a member of N.Z. Police and holding the rank of Inspector he has been involved in organising vocationally oriented Police Display days at the Junior Campus when, in his words, "the Boys in blue show off their toys to the boys". This includes fully kitted Officers, cars, dog squads and the Police Helicopter all visiting the School "in force". Keki is proud to state that some of those boys, now Old Boys, have chosen to join N.Z. Police as a career choice.
Sandy McNeur
Councillor
Sandy McNeur
Councillor
Sandy McNeur (1965-1971, Donegal) was re-elected for a 4th term on the DOBA Council in 2024, bringing with him much experience, knowledge, and DOBA insight. Having had a successful career in the fashion industry and being an entrepreneur with various businesses, Sandy is now a business mentor and owns a vintage fashion store in Newmarket. He is often seen at Dilworth rugby matches, and updates the 1st XV rugby team scores, as well as posting other Old Boys news on the DOBA Facebook page. A great supporter of Dilworth and Dilworth Old Boys, Sandy is very pleased to be back on the Council to help the Association as they move forward.
Stuart McDonald
Councillor
Stuart McDonald
Councillor
Stuart McDonald (1979-1984, Dungannon) was re-elected this year as Councillor of the Dilworth Old Boys' Association for 2024. Stuart is serving for his second term on the Council. On leaving School he joined the construction industry as a trade certified Painter and Decorator in 1985. He has spent the last 38 years in the painting industry as painter, foreman and operations manager. Stuart lives in Papatoetoe, Auckland and is still in regular contact with the friends he made at Dilworth.