HOCKING Lindsay James
Deputy rector from 1986 to 1997, but acting rector from 1993 to 1995.
Taught for 22 years at Taieri High School.
Lindsay Hocking came back from Taieri High at the beginning of term two, to a school which he describes as having few differences from when he was a pupil. Though the role prefects and in particular the Head Boy seems to have changed.
It’s different now for prefects,” He says. ” They had their own room, (the book room), checked uniforms before assembly and delivered their own form of punishment. Nowadays it’ s all changed.”
The role of Head Prefect, he says, now be more difficult with a larger seventh form but as in his is important to get on with fourth formers as well as have “some sporting prestige”.
Mr Hocking himself’ had some sporting prestige, captaining both the first rugby and cricket teams, but now he has exchanged sporting interests for family ones. He has three children Kirsten (21), Lisa (19) and Lane (16) who, amazing as it may seem attends Otago Boys’ ! He says he does not have time for sporting activities though he does take in holiday things such as jet boating”.
Family interests, however at the moment take second place to school activities.
“Getting on with the boys is so important. At King’s there is no confrontation. A large part of discipline is getting on with the boys.”
One thing which is very important to Mr Hocking, as the school well knows, is its reputation.
“When’ old boys describe a school they either sing its praises or run it down. At the Jubilee the old boys were proud of’ King’s as it is today. I want a11 the old boys to say proudly, “I went to King’s High.”
As we now know after only two terms Under Mr Hocking, he is doing his bit to see we all can be proud of’ King’s.
Lindsay Hocking came back from Taieri High at the beginning of term two, to a school which he describes as having few differences from when he was a pupil. Though the role prefects and in particular the Head Boy seems to have changed.
It’s different now for prefects,” He says. ” They had their own room, (the book room), checked uniforms before assembly and delivered their own form of punishment. Nowadays it’ s all changed.”
The role of Head Prefect, he says, now be more difficult with a larger seventh form but as in his is important to get on with fourth formers as well as have “some sporting prestige”.
Mr Hocking himself’ had some sporting prestige, captaining both the first rugby and cricket teams, but now he has exchanged sporting interests for family ones. He has three children Kirsten (21), Lisa (19) and Lane (16) who, amazing as it may seem attends Otago Boys’ ! He says he does not have time for sporting activities though he does take in holiday things such as jet boating”.
Family interests, however at the moment take second place to school activities.
“Getting on with the boys is so important. At King’s there is no confrontation. A large part of discipline is getting on with the boys.”
One thing which is very important to Mr Hocking, as the school well knows, is its reputation.
“When’ old boys describe a school they either sing its praises or run it down. At the Jubilee the old boys were proud of’ King’s as it is today. I want a11 the old boys to say proudly, “I went to King’s High.”
As we now know after only two terms Under Mr Hocking, he is doing his bit to see we all can be proud of’ King’s.
From the 2015 Magazine
In 2014 we marked and mourned the passing of Lindsay Hocking, the 7th Rector of King’s High School. Lindsay served as the Rector from 1997 to 2001, but he served the boys and community of King’s with distinction for many years.
He was characterised by his great heart for the young King’s men and his complete commitment and dedication to the school. Lindsay and his wife Anne managed the hostel with great success in its formative years. Lindsay’s funeral was held at King’s with a massive crowd in attendance, reflecting his importance to the school and the difference he made in hundreds oflives. This Prince of King’s leaves a huge gap or those that new him, but also a fantastic legacy; for those that follow.