There will be no visit by the Ōtaki Scholar this year, the first absence since the Second World War.

The head Boy of Robert Gordon’s College (RGC) in Aberdeen, Scotland, automatically becomes the Ōtaki Scholar, which includes a visit to Ōtaki and other parts of New Zealand in July.

Head boy this year is Patrick Robinson (at left). He will not travel to New Zealand because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

RGC’s senior school head Mike Elder told Ōtaki Today it was disappointing for Patrick not to be able to attend, “especially when Covid is under control in your country”.

Patrick intends to study medicine at Edinburgh University in September, assuming he passes the required grades.

Ōtaki College principal Andy Fraser says he’s working on a Kiwi response with Internal Affairs, the Durham Association (merchant navy) and other host schools to send a letter and taonga to recognise Patrick’s achievement.