The Navigator Service — a survivor-led pilot programme to support the continued mental health and wellbeing of Dilworth survivors is launched.
Media Advisory
24 October 2025
Observance of National Day of Reflection
Dilworth will observe the National Day of Reflection for survivors of abuse in the care of state and faith-based institutions with two events next month.
The school will hold a Remembrance and Reflection assembly with current staff and students on 12 November, acknowledging the historical abuse that took place at Dilworth and its survivors.
This will be followed by a private event: a Loud Fence Ribbon Ceremony on Friday 14 November, inspired by the Loud Fence Movement (https://www.loudfence.org.au).
Those attending will be invited to honour survivors by tying a remembrance ribbon to a fence on the school’s perimeter. Each ribbon will represent a symbol of support, remembrance and solidarity.
The safety and confidentiality of survivors is paramount. That is why invitations to attend the Loud Fence event will not be extended to media.
However, a video will be posted on this website afterwards. Media are welcome to use clips from it to support a news report. Permission is not granted for broadcasting the video in its entirety.
Dilworth’s approach to observing the National Day of Reflection has been conceptualised by the Project Reform Steering Group – a survivor‑led collaboration design group of survivors, School and Trust Board leadership.
ENDS
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About Dilworth School, Dilworth Trust and Dilworth Response
Dilworth is predominantly a boarding school. In 2025, a day school option was made available to years 7 and 8, and from 2026, there will also be day school places at Year 9. All 500 Dilworth students receive full scholarships. The Will of founder James Dilworth stipulated that his estate be used to establish and operate a school to provide an education for young men from families whose circumstances may prevent them from fulfilling their potential. Today, Dilworth School supports students to achieve their own personal excellence and to flourish in life.
Dilworth School is responsible for the safety, care, education and development of all current and future students. Dilworth students are offered academic, sporting, cultural and social opportunities, as well as a strong pastoral care system and quality teaching. In September 2022, Dilworth was the first school in New Zealand to gain Child Wise Accreditation, reinforcing its commitment to care for the safety of its current and future students. https://www.dilworth.school.nz/home
Dilworth Trust is a charitable trust. The trustees have governance oversight of Dilworth School in accordance with James Dilworth’s Will, including education, pastoral care and overseeing the selection of students. The Trustees are also charged with maintaining and expanding the Trust’s investment assets. Revenue generated by the Trust’s properties and other investments funds the operating costs and future growth of the School.
Dilworth Response oversees Dilworth Trust’s commitment to fully, openly and honestly confronting the issue of historical sexual and other abuse that occurred at Dilworth School and to support former students, who were victims of this abuse, to heal. https://dilworthresponse.org.nz/