Development of active non-noble metal catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction is critical for a range of electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies.  We have recently discovered that alpha nickel hydroxide supported on graphene oxide (α-Ni(OH)₂/GO) displays  surprising activity for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media.  In comparison to α-Ni(OH)₂ alone or graphene oxide alone, α-Ni(OH)₂/GO possesses a lower onset potential, lower peak current potential, and higher peak current density, suggesting a synergy between the GO support and the α-Ni(OH)₂ particles.  To investigate the origin of this synergy, we present a comprehensive kinetic analysis of the supported and unsupported α-Ni(OH)₂ catalyst.  Rotating disk electrode linear sweep voltammetry furnishes electron transfer numbers, kinetic rate constants, and reaction orders which provide preliminary evidence for similar elementary steps occurring on supported and unsupported α-Ni(OH)₂, but modifications in activity arising from differences in the activation energy for adsorption of O₂ and of reaction intermediates.