The story of St Kevin’s College can be traced back to the arrival of John McLean in New Zealand in 1818. Our College stands on the site of his original Ōamaru residence, where his nephew, John McLean Buckley, later built the Redcastle homestead, a legacy that remains central to our campus today.
In the mid-1920s, the Redcastle property and surrounding land were purchased by a Catholic religious order, with the vision of establishing a Catholic school for boys. On 6 February 1927, St Kevin’s College opened its doors, beginning a proud tradition of education that continues today.
Over the past century, the College has grown and evolved, becoming a co-educational school, expanding its facilities, and continuing to provide high-quality education grounded in Roman Catholic values. Today, St Kevin’s College is proudly under the care of the Dunedin Catholic Diocese.
We are committed to fostering students who will go on to contribute positively to society, equipped with the skills and values to succeed anywhere in the world. Our vision is to provide exceptional resources, beautiful surroundings, and a supportive environment for all who join our Kevinian family.
To continue this legacy, we need your support.
For more information about the Redcastle Legacy Programme, please contact:
Dr Catherine Gardner
Community Builder
📧 cagardner@stkevins.school.nz
📞 021 340 887
"Every gift, large or small, contributes to a sustainable future for St Kevin’s College. Your generosity will make a lasting difference, helping ensure that future generations of Kevinians continue to learn, grow, and thrive."
The St Kevin’s College Foundation, the financial cornerstone of the College, has established the Redcastle Legacy Programme to honour our past and invest in our future.
Through a legacy gift in your Will, you can play a vital role in ensuring that future generations of students benefit from the same opportunities and experiences that define a St Kevin’s education.
By including the St Kevin’s College Foundation in your Will, you will:
We understand that when making your Will, your loved ones come first.
Our commitment to you is that:
"Our dream is to provide exceptional resources, immaculate grounds, a positive school experience and a quality education for anyone who wants to join our Kevinian family. We want to be the first choice for families. That’s why we still need your help."
If you are considering leaving a gift to the St Kevin’s College Foundation, the following information may assist you. You will need:
Every gift, large or small, contributes to a sustainable future for St Kevin’s College. Your generosity will make a lasting difference, helping ensure that future generations of Kevinians continue to learn, grow, and thrive.
