The 2025 Collegian Awards brought together 120 guests – including nearly 40 Collegians, friends, and family to honour three remarkable Distinguished Collegians: Gary Schofield MNZM (Hall 1970–1974), Jon Tanner QSM (Hamilton 1973–1977), and Katie Trigg (Harington | Hall 2014–2016).

The dinner was a reminder of the strength of the Collegian community. Guests travelled from across New Zealand and as far as the United States to attend, and many classmates of the awardees were in the room.

Guests were treated to three moving musical performances. Year 13 student Arnah Currie opened the evening with a powerful rendition of Rain on My Parade, setting a high bar for what was to follow.

Later in the evening, Collegian Venessa Joyce (Harington 2021–2023) took the stage alongside Gary Schofield and his son, Stewart, to premiere State in Fide – a new choral work composed by Gary in tribute to the founding principles of St Paul’s Collegiate School. Venessa sang flawlessly in Latin, English and te reo Maaori while Gary played the piano and Stewart accompanied on the bass. The piece drew from St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians and explored the values of faith, loyalty, courage, diligence and strength. 

Later, Katie Trigg captivated the room with her performance of Tell Me the Truth About Love, displaying the skill and stage presence that have already made her a standout on international stages.

In their acceptance speeches, each awardee reflected on the journey that brought them to this point.

Gary delivered a wide-ranging and thought-provoking address, blending humour, classical references, and contemporary insights. From lessons in selling (courtesy of his father) to the communication habits of bees. His message was clear: engage the world. “It is not enough to be good at something,” he said. “You have to go out into the world and engage. The world will not come to you.”

Jon Tanner spoke with warmth and humility about overcoming early doubts as the “underdog” at school. Initially deemed too small for the First XI Hockey Team, he worked hard in the Second XI until he earned his place, eventually going on to represent New Zealand. He credited those in the room, including Bernie and Kay Crosby, for shaping his approach to leadership and governance.

Katie’s reflections balanced insight and humour. She spoke about learning to sing in foreign languages – joking at her vocal teachers in the room that she may have been taught to substitute forgotten lyrics with pasta types. She also touched on the importance of mindfulness in her preparation and the value of staying grounded in high-pressure environments.

The Awardees

Gary Schofield MNZM is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans portraiture, sculpture, writing, and music. His artworks are housed in prestigious locations such as Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon, while his musical and visual contributions remain part of the St Paul’s landscape. In 2016, he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the arts and international relations.

Jon Tanner QSM, a former Black Stick, has championed youth sport and community development for decades. He co-founded Midlands Hockey and the Coach for Life Foundation and has served on numerous national boards spanning health, education, and the arts. He was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal in 2013 for services to the community.

Katie Trigg, the youngest recipient to date, is an award-winning mezzo-soprano forging an international opera career. A Sir Edmund Hillary Scholar and First-Class Honours graduate from the University of Waikato, she now studies at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. In 2024, she won the prestigious Lexus Song Quest, cementing her reputation as one of New Zealand’s top emerging talents.