[9] In mid February 2021, King's High School attracted significant domestic media attention after a 16 year old African-American student named Lewis O'Malley-Scott was told that he could not wear cornrows by Rector Nick McIvor.

His parents and older sister objected to the cornrow ban, describing it as racist, discriminatory, and ignoring its cultural significance to African Americans.

[10][11][12] In response to media and public interest, McIvor amended Kings' uniform policy to recognise cultural needs when students' hairstyles were considered; allowing O'Malley Scott to wear his cornrows while attending the school.

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.