Celebrating 40 years of dedication: Mr Becroft honoured
Posted on June 03, 2025
After four decades of service, Mr Becroft has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to Macleans College, marking a significant career milestone and legacy of dedication.
He was formally recognised at a full staff morning tea held on Wednesday 21 May. The event brought together current staff along with a special group of family, former colleagues and students who have played a meaningful role in his journey at Macleans College.
Mr Becroft began at Macleans College in 1982 as a student teacher. Today, he continues to serve the school as a teacher of physics and a proud member of Hillary House.
While still at Teachers’ Training College, he approached then Principal Mr Colin Prentice, about a permanent teaching role. Mr Prentice presented a challenge: impress the Head of Science. The interview went well, but the position went to another candidate. Mr Prentice then proposed that Mr Becroft teach physics for a year, with the option to change subjects later. That change never came - Mr Becroft has taught physics ever since.
He recalls his first year as challenging, surrounded by a staff of highly capable educators. Drawing inspiration from teachers such as Mr Jess Roddy, Mr Dennis Martin and Mr Bruce Bark, he worked hard to grow into the role.
From 1990 to 1991, Mr Becroft took leave to teach science in Zimbabwe through Volunteer Services Abroad. During this time, he also coached the Zimbabwe national volleyball team - an experience that broadened his perspective both personally and professionally.
Over the years, he has contributed well beyond the classroom. He served as Deputy House Leader of Hillary House and coached school teams in volleyball, cricket and football.
Macleans College quickly became more than a workplace - it became family. Mr Becroft met his wife, a foundation student, at the school’s 20th anniversary. Their children both attended the school. In fact, only two years in the school’s history have passed without a member of the Becroft family on campus.
Reflecting on the past 40 years, Mr Becroft observed that the core values of the school have remained strong. He credits this to the stability of the whānau house system and the clear, consistent expectations established under Mr Prentice’s leadership.
One tradition especially close to his heart is the Hillary House Year 9 camp at Ponui Island. Mr Becroft helped establish this long-standing connection through the Chamberlain family, who farm on the island. The camp continues today.
A personal highlight for Mr Becroft was meeting Sir Edmund Hillary. Mr Becroft remains in contact with Peter Hillary and the Himalayan Trust - ties that continue to inspire him. Though the original Hillary House courtyard is gone, he fondly remembers time spent sitting near the statue of Sir Edmund Hillary, a place for quiet reflection.
Mr Becroft takes great pride in seeing generations of students grow and succeed. He speaks warmly of their achievements, both at school and in life beyond Macleans College. Their progress continues to remind him of the lasting impact a strong school community can have.
He believes Macleans College’s strength lies in its sense of belonging. He has seen many students exceed, often beyond expectations, and encourages all to believe in their potential. His message is simple: with effort, anything is possible. Success is not just about excellence - it’s also about progress.
Mr Becroft’s 40 year journey is a testament to loyalty, excellence and heart. The Macleans College community extends its heartfelt thanks for his remarkable service.
