The Dilworth Trust Board manages and grows Trust assets to support Dilworth School long-term. Trustees oversee campus maintenance and development, invest prudently for sustainable funding, and prioritize risk management to ensure the school’s ongoing success and expansion.

To ensure it has the capability to fulfil its obligations in relation to its property objectives, the Trust Board was seeking to appoint a new Board Trustee with significant leadership experience in the commercial property sector. This individual will have extensive knowledge and experience in commercial property development, investment and portfolio management and a proven ability to assess and mitigate the risks associated with property investments.

Aaron Hockly is an experienced executive and Board Director with a track record in the property, financial services, and legal sectors. Until recently, Aaron served as Fund Manager (CEO) at Vital Healthcare Property Trust, New Zealand’s largest listed owner of healthcare real estate, where he led the business through significant growth and strategic development for over five years before resigning in May 2025. Previously, over a period of ten years, he held senior executive roles—including Chief Operating Officer (COO) and General Counsel at Growth Point Properties Australia, where he oversaw major transactions, strategy, investor relations, and operations, and played a key role in acquisitions and capital raising initiatives. A qualified lawyer, Aaron commenced his career with Bell Gully before moving to legal roles with organisations such as the Health & Disability Commissioner, Clayton Utz and National Australia Bank.

Aaron’s board experience spans both profit and not-for-profit organisations. He also served as a Director on the Board of Eke Panuku Development Auckland (Auckland Council’s urban regeneration and property management entity), as well as Mercy Healthcare, a hospice and aged-care provider in Auckland. Additionally, he is a member of the Auckland Urban Design Panel and has previously contributed to health sector climate change initiatives.

Aaron is a Dilworth Old Boy, class of 1996, and was Head Prefect in his final year.

The Dilworth Trust Board is a charitable trust established under the will of James Dilworth with the primary objective of supporting the education of students at Dilworth School. As one of New Zealand’s largest charities, the Trust Board manages a substantial endowment originally left by James Dilworth—primarily invested in Auckland commercial property, alongside other diversified investments—to fund the school’s operations and development. The Board also oversees the granting and withdrawal of scholarships, with trustees making final selections based on the school’s needs and recommendations.

The Trust Board’s sole beneficiary is Dilworth School an independent, full boarding school for boys in Auckland. It provides life-changing scholarships that cover tuition, boarding, uniforms, sports, and music for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to overcome financial barriers and reach their full potential.

With three campuses in Auckland, Dilworth fosters a supportive, values-driven environment centred on respect, excellence, integrity, service, and compassion, while maintaining a strong Christian ethos. The school is recognised as the largest full boarding school in New Zealand and Australasia and has provided transformative opportunities for more than 5,000 students since its inception.

The Dilworth announcement can be read here