upgrading. House system New students to King's are placed into one of four houses – Tudor, Windsor, Stuart or Hanover, based on the Historic English royal houses. Throughout the year, juniors and seniors compete in many sports, cultural and performance based activities. In term four, the house with the most points wins the 'House shield'. Some events include: rugby sevens, football, basketball, athletics, cross country, softball, singing, haka competition, debating and chess. Athletics, Cross Country, Singing and the haka competition are all full school, compulsory events worth double house points. All other interhouse events are optional and done at lunchtime. Extracurricular activities King's has many extramural competitions with Southland Boys' High School, Otago Boys' High School, Waitaki Boys' High School and Shirley Boys' High School. Since the opening of the performing arts center in 2006, King's and Queen's have staged several musicals. Notable alumni The arts James K. Baxter – poet and social critic Tony Ballantyne – author and historian Barry Cleavin - artist Christopher de Hamel - academic librarian, historian and writer Grahame Sydney – painter Riki Gooch – musician (TrinityRoots) Broadcasting and media Murray Deaker – radio and television sports show host Peter Montgomery – yachting commentator Ian Templeton – political journalist Public service David Benson-Pope – politician Warren Cooper – politician Grant Robertson – politician Sport Tony Brown – rugby union player Glen Denham – basketballer Carl Hayman – rugby union player Chris Laidlaw – rugby union player, diplomat, politician, broadcaster, author Warren Lees – cricket player and coach Laurie Mains – rugby union player and coach Brendon McCullum – cricketer Nathan McCullum – cricketer Joe McDonnell – rugby union player Paul Miller – rugby union player Ken Rutherford – cricketer Brad Scott – cricketer Ben Smith – rugby union player Kupu Vanisi – rugby union player Tom Willis – rugby union player Uili Kolo'ofai – rugby union player Rector list Dudley Chisholm (1936–1947) Bill Lang (1948–1961) Harry Craig (1962–1966) Jack Bremner (1966–1981) Ian Simpson (1982–1997) Lindsay James (LJ) Hocking (1997–2001) Colin Donald (2001–2008) Dan Reddiex (2008–2019) Nick McIvor (2019–present) Notes Boys' schools in New Zealand Educational institutions established in 1936 Secondary schools in Dunedin 1936 establishments in New Zealand