The origin of ABSNZ began informally in 2000, when twenty-four heads of boys’ schools convened for the first time at the instigation of some prominent leaders including Graham Young (Tauranga Boys’ College), Dave Syms (Palmerston North Boys’ High) and John Morris (Auckland Grammar School).  It was an era when the growing disparity between the academic outcomes of girls and boys had become a growing dilemma of national concern.  And yet despite much pontification in educational circles, very few leading voices advocated that boys’ schools might prove efficacious in providing answers to this vexatious problem.  Rather, the prevailing, tacit assumption seemed to be that boys’ schools were an anachronism, the relic of a bygone age and no longer really fit for purpose in addressing the holistic needs of young men in the twenty first century.

However, notwithstanding this common belief, boys’ schools had continued to thrive and prosper, often the school of choice and enduring in popularity with parents and students alike.  A strong consensus emerged from this inaugural meeting of the gathered heads.  If there was a demonstrable need for affirmative action to bolster the academic outcomes for boys, what better place to begin than in boys’ schools.  Spokesman for the group, Graham Young, said this:

“I believe that boys only schools are uniquely placed to lead new initiatives with respect to boys’ learning, because they have such a sound basis on which to consider, trial and evaluate new initiatives.  Put simply, boys’ schools know boys.  It may seem an obvious statement, but it is a notion that can go unrecognised.”

Thus, from that original gathering twenty-five years ago, ABSNZ was founded and has flourished into the vibrant association it is today, representing nearly fifty New Zealand boys’ schools, state, integrated and independent.

It has proved to be a stimulating and welcoming forum where the challenges of improving the educational offering for boys can be discussed both openly and collaboratively.  Such issues have included the teaching and learning styles best suited for boys, as well as the development of character education and what it means to be a ‘good man’ in the modern world. 

Comprehensive extra-curricular programmes, both in sport and the arts, have long been a distinctive feature of life in boys’ schools.  ABSNZ has facilitated closer cooperation between schools with a shared outlook and, accordingly, has enhanced opportunities for all boys to participate, whether it be in sport or the arts.

Through its close association with IBSC (International Boys’ School Coalition), ABSNZ member schools have been able to develop ongoing relationships with boys’ schools throughout the world, whether that be by sending staff to attend the annual IBSC conference, or through participation in action research projects which address issues of common concern.

As the former Chair of ABSNZ (2009- 2017), I can attest to the rich, professional benefits that I gained from my involvement with such committed, supportive colleagues during my tenure as Headmaster of Wellington College.  In the memorable words of Phil Jackson, legendary coach at both the Chicago Bulls and L.A. Lakers:

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”

Roger Moses CNZM

Headmaster

Wellington College - 1995-2018