Richard Hall, 20 August 2026
Honouring Our Roots: Unveiling the Taiaroa Room
Last week marked a historic moment for Otago Boys’ High School as we officially dedicated a new space in our upgraded facilities to a legendary figure from our school’s history and whakapapa: Teone Wiwi ‘Jack’ Taiaroa.
On behalf of School Board Chair Simon Rhodes, the school extended a warm welcome to all who gathered to celebrate this milestone.
The event brought together a wide cross-section of our community, including the architects and builders, Ministry of Education representatives, OBHS Foundation members, staff, students and representatives from the Ōtākou hapū. Most notably, the school acknowledged members of the Taiaroa whānau, direct descendants of Teone, who joined us to gift his name to the space.
Since 3 August 1863, OBHS has carried forward a tradition built on the belief that education is a right for all. Naming this first room within our newly renovated facilities serves as a vital anchor for our students. In a fast-moving world, remembering those who came before keeps our boys grounded, connected and spiritually aware.
Teone Wiwi Taiaroa (Class of 1877) stands as an enduring symbol of that legacy. A resident of the Rectory during his four years at the school, Teone was a standout athlete in cricket, track and rugby. Physically imposing, quick and agile, he went on to become one of the school’s All Blacks. As historical accounts record, “in those days it was the chief ambition of the rising generation to be able to play football like Jack Taiaroa.”
As the first of several planned space dedications across our updated grounds, the Taiaroa Room ensures Teone’s inspiring story will continue to guide future generations of OBHS young men.
