20 August 2026
A decade of giving back
After more than a decade of service to Otago Boys’, Lawrence Alloo has stepped down from the Foundation.
Lawrence joined the Board of Trustees in 2016 shortly after Richard Hall took up the role of Rector. He joined the Finance Committee and became Board Chair in 2019, serving a four-year term, but left his finance role in 2026. Lawrence joined the OBHS Foundation in 2020, where he oversaw the Foundation’s financial affairs.
For Lawrence, his connection to the school has always been about more than his own experience as an Old Boy.
“I was never a top student or star athlete at school. I was just an average guy who could have worked harder.” He says.
“But that’s what I love about the school. You meet people from every spectrum of society, which prepares you for life when you’re out there in the real world.”
He believes one of the school’s greatest strengths is its ability to bring boys from different backgrounds together and give them the opportunity to find and develop their talents.
“Talent isn’t borne into a certain class of people. It is something that must be nurtured and celebrated. Otago Boys’ does an incredibly good job of doing that.”
It was his wife, Jenny, who encouraged him to put his hand up for the Board.
“I learnt so much about what goes on behind the scenes. There is so much going on that people don’t know about. It is just constant. And I got a whole new appreciation for the staff.”
As a director of a number of businesses, Lawrence has also been in a position to quietly help make things happen for boys when opportunities have arisen.
Over the years, he has supported numerous causes, a few examples include: covering fees for our refugee boys to play futsal, he made a significant contribution towards the Robotics team travelling to a competition in the United States, and he helped the basketball team fly to a North Island tournament rather than face a long road trip.
“There is nothing more enjoyable than giving back and seeing the rewards they bring.”
Lawrence is quick to credit Rector Richard Hall, his senior leadership team and staff for the progress made at the school over the past decade.
“Richard came here with a clear vision and goals he wanted to tick off, and by and large he has achieved every single one of them. We have outstanding buildings and facilities, a full hostel, happy boys and impressive academic achievement. That doesn’t happen by accident. That is intentional.”
His time on the Foundation has echoed his experience on the Board.
“It was just being around the table with 'doers', not 'talkers'. It made it a very enjoyable group to be part of. They all bring a skillset which has given Richard confidence to crack on and make progress happen.”
While Lawrence may be stepping away from the Foundation, he hopes his experience encourages other Old Boys to consider getting involved either with their skillset or through funds.
“Just make it happen. It’s extremely rewarding. There are so many charitable organisations to choose from, but what I like about the Foundation is there is no middle man clipping the ticket – all the funds go directly towards helping the boys.”
Lawrence’s contribution has extended well beyond the boardroom, with a genuine desire to see boys make the most of the opportunities Otago Boys’ can provide. Thank you Lawrence.