2024 Marlburian

Marlborough Boys’ College 125th Anniversary

“Your Legacy Our Future”

TumuakiReport

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā iwi, tēnā koutou katoa.

I te mutunga o taku tau whakamutunga hei Tumuaki o Te Rei Puta o Te Hau, e kore e mimiti te puna o ngā mihi ki te Poari mō tō rātou māia me te mōhiotanga i taku whakaingoa hei Tumuaki. Nā koutou te māramatanga i whakamua ai ngā kaupapa o te kura nei, ā, nā runga i tērā, kua tipu, kua whanake tātou katoa.

E kore hoki e taea te wareware i ngā iwi o tēnei takiwā, ko Ngāti Rārua, ko Rangitāne o Wairau, ko Ngāti Kuia, ko Ngāti Toa Rangatira. Ahakoa te whakakāhoretanga o te kaupapa Te Tatoru o Wairau, e mōhio ana tātou kua ngaro tētahi whai wāhitanga nui ki te waihanga i tētahi mea tino hira mō tō tātou hapori. Heoi, ka mau tonu te aroha me te mihi ki a koutou mō tō koutou tautoko i roto i tēnei haerenga.

He mihi motuhake ki a Matua Kiley Nepia, mō tōna mahi hirahira i roto i te kaupapa o Hawaiki Kura. Kua poipoia e koe ngā pūkenga tuku iho hei whakapiki i te oranga o ā tātou ākonga. Ka noho tonu tōu mana hei tūāpapa mō ngā whakatipuranga o muri.

Ka wehe au i tēnei kura me te mōhio, kua whanake tō tātou hapori ki te whakatinana i ngā tikanga me te reo Māori i roto i ō tātou mahi katoa.

Kia whakamanawa, kia whakamana tō tātou hapori ako kia eke ki ngā taumata teitei.

He mihi nui tēnei ki a Whaea Jan,Matua Riki, Whaea Sarah, Kōkā Helen, Whaea Althea me Whaea Delyn mō tō koutou manawanui ki te whakapakari me te whakaako i te reo rangatira, te reo Māori. Nā tō koutou ū ki tēnei kaupapa, kua tipu ake te reo me ngā tikanga i roto i tō tātou kura, ā, ka mau tonu te ora o tō tātou taonga tuku iho.

Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Māori.

2024 has been an amazing year of opportunities and celebration. As we enter our second year with a vertical House structure, we continue to see the benefits of building a positive culture of belonging through our Tuakana – Teina connections. Giving our junior students the opportunity to feel comfortable talking, laughing and interacting with their older peers has been instrumental in maintaining and growing a positive and happy school culture.

Every year I visit our contributing schools to speak with the incoming cohort of Year 9 students. This is an opportunity for them to hear from current Year 9 students and Prefects. The honest and genuine kōrero about Marlborough Boys’ College creates excitement and a level of certainty that a new chapter in their journey awaits them, and all they have to do is embrace and live by our school values.

Whakanui – Respect | Whakauru – Involvement | Whakahī – Pride | Kawenga – Responsibility

This year we acknowledged the first cohort who have consistently lived our school values, they have been presented with a traditional MBC school cap. This acknowledges the mana and importance that, we as a school, place on walking the talk with our school values. On average, recipients take three academic years to earn a cap.

Head Boy Acknowledgement

Mate ’aki ‘a e faitotonu pea moe faka’apa’apa, fai fononga ‘aki ‘ae tui.

‘Oku ‘ou fie fakahoko ‘atu ‘ae loto mafana mo’oni moe talamonu fiefia kihe taki lelei ‘oe Te Rei Puta o Te Hau, matāpule lahi ‘oe ta’u 2024, Josiah Lenati. Ku o ne fakafofonga’i lelei ‘aupito ene tui moe ‘ako, ‘aki ‘a ene to’onga faka’apa’apa mo’ene tukupa kihe ngaahi mahuinga’i me’a ‘oe ‘ako. Kuo hoko ho’o founga taki kene faka’ata mai ‘ae ‘uni liliu lelei. Koia ‘ai ‘oku mau fu’u faka’apa’apa’i loto hounga mooni ho’o ngaue ‘osi ki velenga.

Die with integrity and respect and run with faith.

Warm greetings, andcongratulationsto the esteemed leader of Te Rei Puta o Te Hau, Josiah Lenati, the Head Boy of 2024. He has represented both faith and education extremely well, leading the students with respect and an unwavering dedication to our core school values. His leadership has brought about positive change, and we deeply respect his outstanding work. Deputy Prefects, Finn McKenzie and Rico Chen, complemented Josiah’s leadership style but, more importantly, had his back when leadership commitments and academic studies required more focus.

This year we included a small number of Year 12 students as Prefects; the overall feedback and response was extremely positive as we have developed a genuine level of depth and experience for 2025. A special thank you to Matua Josh Harrison who supported the weekly Leadership meetings for the prefects and provided them with support and guidance through the academic year.

125th Anniversary Celebrations

The 125th Anniversary of Marlborough Boys' College and Marlborough College was a memorable weekend, uniting alumnae and the current school community. Our celebrations were vibrant, spanning three days, filled with whakawhanaungatanga, reflection, and a shared sense of pride in the school’s legacy.

To our staff who are moving on this year, I offer my warmest wishes for the future, and sincere thanks for your dedication and passion you have all brought to Marlborough Boys' College. Your individual contributions have added to bringing our school vision to life!

Kia whakaamanawa, kia whakamana, tō tātou hapori ako

To inspire and empower our learning community to be the best they can be.

I am grateful to have worked alongside a Senior Leadership Team whose commitment to our school vision and values has been central to their roles and responsibilities. Matua Michael Heath, Whaea Nicki Attridge, Matua Tui Raeli, Matua Jarrod Dunn, Matua Josh Harrison, and Matua Ben Filipo, your diversity within the team provided an ability to see opportunities and challenges from various perspectives as educational leaders. The importance of whakamana – to lift people up, can never be underestimated. I thank you all for putting this behaviour into your daily actions and routines. To Whaea Jill Pickering, your experience and wisdom as an Executive Assistant will once again, be called upon to support our new Tumuaki in 2025. Thank you for your unwaivering support.

To our manawhenua of this rohe: Ngāti Rārua, Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Kuia, and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Apa Ki Te Ra Tō, Ngāti Koata and Te Ātiawa, with Te Tatoru o Wairau being cancelled, we know that a great opportunity was lost to create something truly special for our community. Nevertheless, my aroha and appreciation remain for your support throughout this journey.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini

My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective.

This speaks to the heart of our work: leadership is a collective effort, woven through the actions and values we uphold together. It is through unity and shared purpose that we achieve success.

To our ākonga, thank you for your energy and achievements which bring pride and mana to Marlborough Boys’ College. To those returning in 2025, I encourage you to bring with you a positive spirit and a wairua to fully engage in the traditions of Te Rei Puta o Te Hau –Marlborough Boys’ College.

As I conclude my final year as Tumuaki - Principal of Marlborough Boys' College, I want to thank our whānau, iwi, BOT and the wider school community for your continued support during my tenure. I am also thankful for the dedicated support of our Board of Trustees Chairperson, Tim Burfoot. Your guidance and manaakitanga has been invaluable in ensuring that the governance roles within the board are enhanced and improved.

To all our whānau and community, I wish you a safe and restful summer break. We look forward to the challenges, opportunities, and milestones that lie ahead.

Noho ora mai

Matua John Kendal

DeputyPrincipal’sReport

As we reflect on the 2024 school year at Marlborough Boys' College, it is with pride that we celebrate the achievements and growth of our students. This year has been marked by significant academic accomplishments, outstanding sports performances, and a strong celebration of culture at our kura.

The year started with uncertainty looming over the Ministry of Education, Te Tātoru o Wairau project to develop a co-located campus with Marlborough Girls’ College at the McLauchan Street site.

Despite seven years of extensive engagement, planning and preparation, the incoming 2023 coalition government decided that the cost of seeing the co-location project through was no longer feasible, and the call was made to use significant funds to renovate and rebuild on our existing site instead.

Re-engaging  our staff and community around the latest iteration of our property project was a daunting prospect. Despite the expected fatigue, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Marlborough Boys' College community – students, staff and whānau for their unwavering dedication and support.

As we look forward to the next academic year, we remain committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive. We will continue to support our students in their academic pursuits, encourage their participation in sports and cultural activities, and promote a sense of community and service.

Michael Heath Deputy Principal

DeputyPrincipal’sReport

This has been quite the year of change! The NCEA change programme and the National Curriculum Refresh, Te Mātaiaho, represent the biggest change in what and how we teach and assess for many years.

NCEA Level 1 is the qualification that shows the skills and knowledge that students can build on, while Level 2 is the minimum qualification for some jobs and tertiary programmes. From this year, NCEA Level 1 has fewer Achievement Standards available in each subject, and our Year 11’s experienced these across the subject areas. Both our staff and our boys showed resilience, commitment and adaptability as they navigated the new style assessments – the Common Assessment Activities – which were sat here in school during the year but are marked externally. These results will be available in January at the same time as the external exam results.

Our Year 10 (and some seniors) continued their success in the Common Assessment Activities (exams) for Reading and Writing (Literacy) and Numeracy. These were in June and September. This part of the NCEA change is about gaining Literacy and Numeracy as a corequisite to achieving NCEA. This means while 60 credits are needed to pass NCEA at any level, students must also pass an additional 20 co-requisite credits. Year 10 students were prepared through their lessons, while senior students were offered support and tutorials to be ready for these exams. We’d like to thank Mr Bill Morrow, Mr Peter Kehayioff and the Maths faculty for running these sessions in the lead up. These results will be available on December 5th.

To all boys who came along to the various supports available - from weekly Homework Club; CAA study sessions for Reading, Writing and Numeracy; additional learning and catch up times during Derived Grade exam week for students who needed to complete portfolio subjects; through to study tutorials during exam leave for our NCEA students – Well done! Hard work reaps reward! Thanks to our Principal’s Nominee and Academic Mentor, Mrs Adrienne Kircher, who helped boys with course choices, exam entries and helped track and monitor their progress towards success at NCEA (along with all of our Whānau teachers!)

Excitingly, in this the year we have celebrated our 125th, we have made steps towards integrating our new Graduate Profile. This outlines our values and aspirations for our ākonga here at MBC and has been developed over recent years with our community, staff and students. We have begun to develop our teaching sequences to focus on aspects of our Graduate Profile – towards our boys being leaders, innovators, navigators and life-long learners.

Helping our boys to be the best that they can be!

Nicki Attridge Deputy Principal

FromtheBoardChair

Kia ora Koutou/Greetings

to you all

Well, yet another school year draws to a close and the next is not far away. For some of our young men it is the end of their Marlborough Boys’ College journey. It is a privilege to have been part of their journey. Next year we welcome the new cohort beginning their journey, and so the cycle goes.

The Te Tātoru o Wairau (new schools of Marlborough) project has now sadly ended with the disestablishment of the project along with several other high-profile, high-cost projects due to Government fiscal constraints We on the Board have had mixed responses from our community Some are obviously disappointed, but others see it as an opportunity to retain the rich history of our school and what it stands for in our community

However, it is what it is, and we must move on to the next chapter Our school is receiving a significant sum to modernise the school and catch up on maintenance that had been deferred in anticipation of moving to a new location. The project will involve a new Technology block, a partial rebuild of the gymnasium and an extensive refurbishment of the main block and several other classrooms and the underlying infrastructure. The design work for this new project is well under way and work will start soon.

Staying with the theme of moving on, we are saddened by the resignation of our Principal, Matua John Kendal. After leading our school with pride and passion for four years John has taken on his next challenge as Principal of Rotorua Boys’ High School, a school he and wife Sarah have a long association with. John acknowledges that his work has taken us only part way along what is an exciting journey Our Board is seeking a principal who will pick up the baton and work with us as we continue that journey The recruitment process is well under way, and we aim to find a suitable replacement for John before the start of the 2025 school year We wish John and Sarah all the best for their future in Rotorua

A big thank you to John Kendal and all our staff, and to the wider community for all the work you do A special thanks to my fellow board members who give so much to Marlborough Boys’ College.

Finally, I wish you all a happy and safe holiday season. It is an important and special time for families. Celebrate this year’s successes and reflect on the challenges, because from them we learn to succeed.

Noho ora mai / all the best, go well

Tim Burfoot Chairperson

Marlborough Boys’ College

Tim Burfoot Board Chair

StaffFarewells

Sally Withers

Over the past fourteen years, Sally has been an invaluable member of our Science faculty, bringing extensive experience from her previous role at the Bohally Technology Centre where she taught and led Chemistry instruction.

Her unwavering commitment to her ākonga has been evident in her countless extra hours spent at school during evenings and weekends.

After receiving a prestigious teaching fellowship that took her to Australian schools, Sally eagerly brought innovative practices back to enrich our own classrooms. Her particular passion for supporting Pasifika and displaced students has made a lasting impact, as she worked tirelessly to ensure their success in both Chemistry and Physics.

Beyond her technical expertise, it was Sally's heartfelt dedication to student achievement that truly set her apart. Her departure will leave an indelible mark on our community, and we are deeply grateful for her years of service.

Dr. Eliot Attridge

Corey Townsend

We bid farewell to Corey Townsend, an exceptional Engineering teacher at Marlborough Boys’ College. Since 2020, Corey has dedicated five years to inspiring and educating our students.

Known for his innovative projects like motorbikes, drift trikes, and fire boxes, Corey ignited a passion for engineering and practical skills in many students. His commitment extended beyond the classroom, spending countless hours mentoring and supporting students.

Corey connected students with industry opportunities, helping many transition into engineering careers. His forward-thinking approach ensured students were well-prepared for the evolving engineering landscape.

As Corey moves on to new endeavors, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his service and dedication. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations at Marlborough Boys’ College. Thank you, Corey, for everything. You will be greatly missed.

Riki Palatchie

Ben O’Sullivan

Old Boy, Ben O’Sullivan joined the department this year as a first year teacher out of Canterbury University. As an old student of mine, Ben was always destined to be a teacher and he has shown that even in his first year he has the foundation of a fantastic teacher.

As quickly as he came, he is off again. Ben has decided to travel during the summer and then set up base over in Australia. Ben has been impressive as a first-year teacher, slotting seamlessly into the role and doing a great job. In coaching, Ben takes great pleasure in reminding the rest of us that he is the only coach at MBC with a 100% winning rate.

What he fails to mention is that his team only played three games. In all seriousness, Ben’s biggest strength is his ability to build great relationships with his students and colleagues and he will be greatly missed by everyone at MBC. Ben, we wish you all the best.

Chris McMurtrie

Hugh Mackwell

Towards the end of 2024 we had word from across the other side of the world that Hugh Mackwell was having too much fun in the UK and would be resigning from his permanent PE position at MBC.

Hugh spent three years here at MBC and was a vital part of the school in many respects. Hugh coached Basketball, was an Assistant Dean, ran Lake Rotoiti Year 10 Camps and did a heap of work behind the scenes with PE/Health program planning. But most importantly, Hugh was an extremely passionate and high-quality teacher. We are very sad that he has decided not to return to his position, but we know that he will continue to develop his trade in the UK before returning to NZ, where he will do a fantastic job, whatever school he ends up in.

Hugh (formally known as Peggy), we wish you all the best and hope to see you return to MBC at some stage in the future. We thank you for the hours, the yarns and the energy you brought to our department, kura and students.

Chris McMurtrie

Ann Neal

Ann Neal, a long-standing staff member, was farewelled at the end of Term 3. Ann has been a much-loved learning assistant at Marlborough Boys’ College since 2015.

During her time, she has supported students in their learning with unwavering patience and enthusiasm. Ann’s supportive nature, care for our learners, and quiet consistency will be missed by staff and students alike.

Jennifer Campbell

Jan Worrall

Whaea Jan Worrall started with Te Rei Puta o Te Hau / Marlborough Boys’ College in 2020 when easing back into teaching through relieving. Over the next two years she taught across a range of faculties and subjects - Science, English, Te Reo Māori, Careers, Digital Technology and Alternative Education. She then took the position vacated by Matua Ben Christian and became the backbone for te reo Māori, teaching for another three years.

Whaea Jan is very actively focused on conservation, volunteering on Kaipupu Sanctuary and for Picton Dawn Chorus in Waitohi / Picton, and tramping miles into the bush to clear pest traps. She has an active and deep love of the natural environment, a knowledge that has enhanced her Te Waharoa classes. Whaea Jan has willingly shared her conservation knowledge and volunteer experiences with the Leo’s Club and her classes.

Ko tēnei te mihi atu ki a koe Whaea Jan i tāu whakapau kaha kia hāpaitia te reo Māori me ngā mātauranga Māori i tēnei Kura. Kia pai te ara i mua i a koe, e hoa, haere atu rā, ka kite anō.

Dr. Delyn Day

Manu Singh

Manu Singh joined the Finance team at the end of 2021. During his time with us until early 2024, he consistently demonstrated outstanding dedication and skill in his roles, managing Accounts Payable and Payroll. His attention to detail and ability to handle complex tasks made him a reliable and valued team member. We wish Manu and his family all the best for the future.

Beaulah Leitupo

Beulah Leitupo MBC Classics Teacher 2022 -2024

As we bid farewell to Beulah Leitupo, we reflect on the remarkable three years she has dedicated to Marlborough Boys’ College as our esteemed Classics and Social Studies teacher. Ms. Leitupo’s passion for ancient history and literature has ignited a love for the classics in her students, making her classes a highlight of their academic experience.

Her engaging teaching style and ability to bring ancient civilizations to life have left a lasting impact on both students and colleagues. Ms. Leitupo’s contributions were especially appreciated by the Social Sciences faculty. She developed lessons and took students on local field trips to Tuamarina and the Blenheim town walk. Her bright, friendly, supportive nature made her an invaluable member of our school community.

Outside the classroom she has been a treasured member of our Pasifika group, infusing the team with warmth and a nurturing spirit. Her easy going and approachable personality has allowed her to connect with students on a deeper level, always making them feel heard and supported. Her talent for connecting with students and building meaningful, trusting relationships will leave a lasting impact. In addition to her work with students, Beulah has been well known in our Pasifika community for the special leadership roles she undertook with both students and parents. Her dedication and commitment to empowering others fosters a sense of unity and pride within the community.

We thank Ms. Leitupo for her significant contributions to Marlborough Boys’ College. She will be greatly missed, but we wish her all the best in this next chapter of her teaching journey.

Matt Clark

Priya Chandra

Priya joined our team in 2021 and resigned during Term 1 of this year. During her time with us, she worked with GATE classes and taught Chemistry and Level 1 Science. We wish her all the best for her future endeavours.

Dr. Eliot Attridge

Artist: Mau Petaia

L2 Multicolour Reduction Print

Whaea Sarah Kendal

“Kāore te kūmara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka”.

Whaea Hērā (Sarah Kendal) came to us from Marlborough Girls’ College where she had been Deputy-Principal from 2021 -22.

From the moment Whaea Sarah arrived in town with her husband Matua John, she has been a stalwart supporter of all kaupapa Māori activities at our kura, especially Ngā Manu Kōrero, guiding Manaia Huntley to Nationals this year, and the school kapa haka and Ngā Taiohi o Wairau kapa.

She has taught both English and Te reo Māori while she has been at MBC. Whaea is a keen kairaranga / weaver, and now has her own website where you can buy her mahi ātaahua (beautiful work)! The peaceful, gentle and kind ways with which she has gone about her work and in her relationships with others is inspiring - we will all miss her a great deal!

Kei a Whaea Hērā te wairua rangimārie, he hūmārie ōna āhuatanga katoa, ka whakaatu mai ki a mātou ko te kaha o te tū mākoha! Ka tangi te ngākau.

Dr. Delyn Day

Sarah also provided vital support with the Te Tatoru o Wairau workstreams. She was highly valued for her professionalism and flexiblity coordinating and backfilling all the various moving parts during a highly complex part of the ‘journey’.

Michael Heath

Artist: Scott Keay L2 Photography

CelebratingMatuaJohn:

ATransformativeEducationalLeader

Hekotukurerengatahi

Awhiteheronfliesonce.

Matua John Kendal holds the honour of being the first Māori Principal at Marlborough Boys' College He exemplifies courageous educational leadership, rooted in a deep commitment to cultural identity, community involvement, and a holistic focus on student success. Inspired by works like Dr. Melanie Riwai-Couch's "Niho Taniwha: A Māori Pedagogy for Learning," he has cultivated an environment at Marlborough Boys’ College where both individual achievement and collective growth can flourish.

As Tumuaki, Matua John recognised the urgent need for transformational change within the school community. Under his guidance, the proposed Combined Colleges Project has opened the door for a more inclusive and responsive local curriculum, firmly grounded in the values of whānau, hapū, and iwi. This collaborative effort has given rise to the MBC Graduate Profile, developed with local iwi, creating a new vision for education that benefits all students

His approach is enriched by the principles of emotional intelligence. Matua John often likens his leadership style to a golfer choosing the right club for each shot adapting his approach to meet the unique challenges he faces and fostering a culture of teamwork and respect. His dedication to building strong partnerships with whānau and tackling systemic issues in education reflects his commitment to creating inclusive learning environments for everyone

A standout aspect of his leadership has been the implementation of the Niho Taniwha PLD programme, which boosts cultural competence among educators. This initiative empowers staff to learn, and honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi, creating a sense of belonging and identity within the school The positive impacts of this program highlight Matua John's commitment to a culturally responsive education His extensive network has also allowed MBC to host sports personalities for fundraising events and to successfully celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Marlborough Boys’ College, reconnecting alumn

Photos - Fiona Mark

Beyond the classroom, Matua John's passion for sport is a key element of his educational philosophy. His background as a player, coach, and referee instils in him the values of hard work and collaboration; principles he applies to building effective teaching teams. He can often be found supporting students across various activities, from sports to cultural events, demonstrating his dedication to their success. Initiatives like developing the Sir Gordon Tietjens Invitational 7's Tournament at PNBHS showcase his ability to inspire and engage young people through sport.

Matua John’s leadership journey is driven by a sincere desire to make a difference in the lives of those he serves. His ongoing involvement in wānanga emphasises the importance of ancestral knowledge and holistic wellness, guiding his vision and commitment to equity and empowerment.

In summary, Matua John is a shining example of leadership in education, seamlessly blending Māori-centered approaches with a genuine passion for student well-being and success. His legacy of collaboration, inclusivity, and cultural respect serves as an inspiring model for educators everywhere.

Photo Credit: Gavin Hadfield

Photography IG - @gavinhadfield

Artist Ben Kenny L3 Paint

Staff(Kaimahi)

Senior Leadership Team

Principal Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal

Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal

Acting Assistant Principal

Principal’s Executive Assistant

Business Manager

Administration Manager

Deans and House Leaders

Awatere

Ōpaoa

Wairau

Academic

BTchgLng

BEd, DipTchg

Waihopai GradDipTchg

BA, PGCE

MEdL, BEd, DipTchg, PGCertDCL

BTchLng, NDBE, DipICTEd, DipTchg

2024 Board Members Representatives

Board Chair Miriam Radich

Deputy Chair Richard Coningham

Principal Lindsay McCallum

Staff Representative Huia Crosby

Student Representative Dr Peter Meihana

Secretary

Heads of Faculty

Kaimahi

Arts MEd(Dis),BA,AdvDipJourn,DipTchg,

Careers and Transition

Languages

Mathematics

Physical Education and Health

Science PhD, BSc(Hons), PGCE, CBiol, FRSB

Social Sciences - Co Lead

Technology Materials

Piritahi Kahui Ako

Piritahi Ako Across School Lead PhD, MTchgLng, MA, BA

Piritahi Ako Within School Lead Literacy Focus Peter Kehayioff BBS, BEd

Piritahi Ako Within School Lead MEdL,BEd,DipTchg,PGCertDCL

Piritahi Ako Within School Lead BTchgLng

Positions of Responsibility

Assistant Head of Faculty English BA(Honours), DipTchg

Assistant Head of Faculty Maths

Assistant Head of Faculty Science

Careers and Pathway Team Leader

Coordinator Year 10 Camps

Coordinator Year 9 Camps

Cultural Coordinator/Head of Music LTCL, DipMus, DipTchg

Director of e Learning PhD, MSc, BSc, PGCSE

Gateway Liaison and Pathwa

Navigator

Guidance Counsellor Julie Bousquet

MCouns, DipTchg Student Support and Guidance

Guidance Counsellor

Head of Sport

Innovative Learning Lead

Leader of Learning Te Ao Māori

NZQA Exam Centre Manager

ORS Teacher

Principal’s Nominee/Te Kura Coordinator

SENCO

Specialist Classroom Teacher

Timetabler and Data Manager BSc, GDipTchg, TCT, ATCT

Kaimahi TeachingStaff

Aatik Kumar BSc

Aimee Pickles BSc (PE)

Alli Jones MSc

Alice Wilson BA, DipTchg

Barbara Song BMus(Hons), DipTchg, PGDipEd

Ben O’Sullivan MTchgLng

Beulah Leitupo BA

Blair Cameron BA, BCom, DipTchg, CertTESOL

Buxton Popoalii DipPhEd

Corey Townsend GradDipTchgLng(Sec), CertHTF

Courtney Ieremia BA, GradDipTchg

David Tinker BSc(Hons)

Deepak Chand BSc

Artist: Asher Gotty L1 Art

Deb Cave-Higgins DipFA, DipTchgLng

Denyse Healy DipEd

Gareth Pugh BA(Hon), PGCE

Hayden Mahoney BA, DipTchg(sec), GradDip, GradCert

Jan Worrall BAgrSc, BA, DipTchg, DipMao

Joanna Wadsworth BA

Joyce Kumar MCom(Acc)

Katharine Davis BSc

Kelly MacKenzie BSc

Ma’ara Ave BCom, BPhEd, DipTchg

Mark Anderson BSc(Hons), PGCE

Mark Mason BA, DipTchg(Sec)

Natasha Radich BGrDes

Paul Molyneux DipPhEd, DipTchg

Priya Chandra BSc

Rebecca Kane MSc

Robert Dela Paz BSEd, MST

Rod McCloy TTC, DipAdEd, DipRecSport

Sally Withers BSc, HDE

Sarah Kendal BEd, DipTchgLng

Simon Hurley MSc, BSc, DHP, DipTchg, DipPol, PGCertAP

Tonga Taumoefolau NZQACertCarpentry, NZLBP

Tracy Quigley BPhEd

Warren Love BA, DipTchg

Artist: Kiarn Wallace L2 PTG

Artist: Patrick Griffiths L2 Painting

Lachlan Gifford L1 Art

Kaimahi SupportStaff

Administration/Relief Coordinator/BOT Secretary

Attendance & Deanery Support

Caretaker

Resources Assistant

ESOL Learning Assistant

ESOL Learning Assistant

ESOL Learning Coordinator

Finance Administration

Groundsman

Groundsman

Inclusion Centre Coordinator

International Coordinator

Kuia/Kapa Haka Kaiako

Lab Manager & Science Technician

Learning Assistant

Learning Assistant

Learning Assistant

Learning Assistant

Learning Assistant

Learning Assistant

Learning Assistant

Learning Assistant

Learning Assistant

Library/Learning Resources Coordinator

Payroll/Finance Administrator

Receptionist/Administration

Sports Coordinator

Sports Coordinator

Staffroom Support

Toe by Toe Coordinator

Uniform Shop Manager

Sandra Yarrall

2024Marlborough Boys’CollegeStaff

Last row left to right: Ben Filipo, Beulah Leitupo, Steve Wilkinson, Gary Smart, Dave Woodley, Mark Mason

Sixth row left to right: Carey Coleman, Vicki Dight, Brendon Ferguson, Jayne Hale, Geovanny Chamorro, Peter Kehayioff, Rod McCloy, CDR Mike Li, Riki Palatchie

Fifth row left to right: Katharine Davis, Fiona Mark, Ben O’Sullivan, Gareth Pugh, Michael Harvey, Simon Hurley, Patrick Mulcahy, Kalala Raeli, Corey Townsend, Hemi Priestley, Hayden Mahoney, Nigel Timpson, Mark Anderson, Paul Molyneux

Fourth row left to right: Helen Coates, Richard Hill, Matthew May-Briggs, Buxton Popoalii, Silvia Hodel, Courtney Ieremia, Claire Ferguson, Denyse Healy, Tracey Moanaroa, Blair Cameron, Alex Van der Velden, Deepak Chand, Steven Andrews

Third row left to right: Rebecca Watts, Rachel Boyce, James Bowater, Lara Bowater, Melissa Palmer, Cindy Philander, Joanna Wadsworth, Jenny Thomas, Jan Worrall, Rebecca Kane, Darleen Purdie, Deborah Cave-Higgens, Alli Jones, Kelly MacKenzie

Second Row, left to right: Philip Kotze, Adrienne Kircher, Harmony Hay, Robert Dela Paz, Joyce Kumar, Alice Wilson, Rosimeire Cookson, Olga Fuentes Astorga, Jill Pickering, Michelle Priestley, Diane Cooper, Tracy Van der Velden, Sarah Kendal, Aatik Kumar, Eliot Attridge, Sally Withers

Front Row left to right: Kōkā Helen Joseph, Chris Grage, Jennifer Campbell, Ngaire Searle, Brett Kennerley (Business Manager) Jarrod Dunn (Assistant Principal), Nicki Attridge (Deputy Principal), Matua John Kendal (Tumuaki – Principal), Micheal Heath (Deputy Principal), Tui Raeli (Assistant Principal), Josh Harrison (Acting Assistant Principal), Matthew Clark, Julie Mcleod, Chris McMurtrie, Delyn Day

Abscent: Teresa Arand, Ma’ave Ave, Jared Bell, Julie Bousquet, Shaun Freeman, Bridget Gane, Joan Gravatt, Fleur Hebberd, Warren Love, Matthew Marfell, Hamish McKerrow, Gwenda Muir, Aimee Pickles, Tracy Quigley, Robin Randall, Barbara Song, Tonga Taumeofolau, David Tinker, Camille Verran, Sandra Yarrall

Photo Credit: Gavin Hadfield Photography IG - @gavinhadfield

HeadBoy’sReport

It has been an honour to be the Head Boy of Marlborough Boys’ College for 2024, as I reflect on what has been an incredible and successful year This journey has been one of personal growth, collective achievements, and unforgettable memories, and I am proud to share some of the highlights with you.

When I first stepped into this position, I felt a great sense of responsibility; not just to represent our school, but also to lead with integrity, purpose, and a desire to have a positive impact. I knew that the role of Head Boy wasn’t just about wearing a title; it was about serving our school community, supporting my peers, and making sure we all worked toward something greater than ourselves. One of my favourite parts of the year was being able to lay down a wreath at the ANZAC ceremony.

Throughout the year, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an outstanding prefect team Together, we’ve set goals, faced challenges, and celebrated victories. Whether it was organising school events, promoting student well-being, or representing our school in the wider community, every task was approached with dedication and teamwork. To my deputies, Rico Chen and Finn Mckenzie, I thank you both for being supportive throughout this busy year You are fine young men who will go on to be great leaders in whatever field you choose.

One of the proudest moments for me this year was seeing how our school came together, whether it was for our academic achievements, sports victories, or cultural events The spirit of unity, respect, and support we showed each other proved, that as a school, we are stronger when we stand together. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be when we lift each other up, inspire one another, and strive for excellence in everything we do. Being Head Boy has also taught me the importance of leadership through service

Leadership isn’t just about being at the front; it’s about listening, learning, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. Throughout this journey, I’ve tried my best to lead by example, showing that we can all make a difference, no matter our role or position This year has proven that when we work together as a community, great things happ look forward to seeing how the lessons we’ve learned, the friends challenges we’ve overcome, will shape the future. For me, this experien better leader, but also a better person

Photos By Fiona Mark

To the students:

Keep pushing forward I know the college road can sometimes feel overwhelming, but every challenge you face is shaping you into a stronger, more capable version of yourself Remember why you started Every lecture, late-night study session, and project is a step toward your future Believe in your potential, even when things get tough, because you’re more capable than you think Stay focused, stay motivated, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it You’ve got this!

To the staff:

Your dedication and passion are the foundation of this community. You do so much more than teach; you inspire, guide, and support us through every step of this journey. Your work is deeply appreciated, even when it may not be immediately visible. Thank you for your commitment to helping us grow, not just as students, but as individuals. Your dedicated work will have a lasting impact on our lives . To everyone:

Remember, success is not just about reaching the finish line, but about the growth and lessons learned along the way. Keep moving forward, stay resilient, and together, we will achieve great things.

In closing, I want to thank everyone for making this year such a successful one To the next generation of student leaders, I encourage you to embrace every opportunity, to lead with kindness and courage, and to remember that your impact is greatest when you lead by example

Thank you all It’s been a privilege to serve as your Head Boy

Josiah Lenati Head Boy 2024

Photo Credit: Fiona Mark

AcademicPrefects

The Academic Prefects, Kayel Meadows, Rory Thompson, Harry Mason and Rhys McWilliams along with the Academic Committee hit the nail on the head, working behind the scenes to showcase a number of student talents from Esports to Run-Club. A common theme for us this year was being innovative with old events, and trying some new things, which included our new Instagram account to promote academics and our Run Club.

This year we ran our most successful event, the esports comp; an epic showcase of Fortnite talent, bringing the energy to the hall, and setting the tempo for a successful year. Esports was a challenge especially as a first event, requiring skills from Riley Neal, (a common theme throughout the year) and Luca Devoti, who along with the prefects set up a great game.

A standout from this year was the Mathex competition pushed by Mrs Raeli. While the idea of a maths competition didn’t sound interesting at the time, once the idea had been brainstormed and developed, it ended up being a thrilling event with Houses’ racing against the clock and each other for the win.

Another innovative project this year was the Run Club. After noticing a lack of sports projects for students to get involved in outside of school, we started the Run Club; aimed at the general student population from non-runner to runners.

Unfortunately, we weren’t quite able to get the thrilling House Strategy competition up and running after timing issues, but this is something we can look to for the future. All in all, a great year of outstanding activities from a pro-active committee. A big thanks for all those involved this year and good luck to the 2025 Academic Prefects.

Kayel Meadows Co-Head Academic Prefect

StudentLeadership(TūRangatira)

One of our key porowhita at MBC is developing leadership both in and outside our school community. Right from Year 9, boys can get involved in the leadership groups which will help develop their skill set so they can “Become the best they can be”.

Photo Credit: Gavin Hadfield Photography IG - @gavinhadfield

Each of the four Houses have their own committees run by Prefects and Deans - Awatere, Ōpaoa, Wairau, Waihopai. The committees meet weekly to discuss how to promote their culture within their house. They run the House assemblies and organise their House teams for the House competition.

Pou groups – Academic, RIRP, Environmental, Māori, Pasifika, Sport, Art/Music are also run by the Prefects and a Teacher in Charge – they organise all our House events across the year. We had 22 events this year.

Student Council – run our social events, work closely with MGC and promote many great things that happen at MBC.

Junior Leaders – many of these guys are in their House committees Pou group and the student council. They run their houses and lunchtime activities when seniors are on exam leave.

Well done to Waihopai House for winning the House competition for 2024. They won Athletics, Raft Building, Cross Country, Super Bowl competition, Talent Quest and House 7s.

Waihopai 1 Wairau 2 Ōpaoa3. Awatere4.

2024 Prefects - Leadership Camp, Branch Hut

StudentCouncil

This year, the Marlborough Boys' College Student Council has worked diligently to support the student body and wider community, despite challenges posed by the potential relocation of our school. The uncertainty surrounding the move has made it difficult to justify large investments in upgrading school facilities, as future plans remained unsettled. However, we continued to focus on initiatives that directly benefit students and enhance their school experience.

One of our key contributions was funding events for Tongan Language Week, an important cultural celebration for our school community. This included providing financial support for activities and supplies to ensure the week was successful and engaging for all students. Additionally, we supported the RIPIR Committee with funding for their popular "Milo Monday" initiative, which offers students a warm drink on cold mornings and continues to foster a sense of community.

This year, we also funded the highly anticipated MBC Games, which featured activities such as Sumo Suits, Bouncy Boxing Gloves, and a Gladiator Ring. These events brought fun and excitement to the school, giving students a much-needed break and encouraging friendly competition. The games were a huge success, with high participation across all year levels, helping to strengthen camaraderie and school spirit.

Our Junior Socials were another highlight, with the first social event coinciding with a visit from our sister school, Jissen Gakuen. The visiting students loved the vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with our community. The social theme, Pirates of the Caribbean, drew in a record number of attendees, creating a memorable evening for Year 9 and 10 students. The second social, themed “Wild West,” continued the trend, with students enjoying the fun, western-inspired activities and decorations.

While we faced limitations on infrastructure projects due, we focused on enhancing student experiences in other ways. This year, we didn't contribute to the renovation of the outdoor tennis courts as previous councils had, but we still prioritised investing in initiatives that benefit the school community directly, such as an increase in the number of rubbish bins around the school.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to supporting students and ensuring that their school experience is enriched by the initiatives we are able to provide.

We look forward to seeing the continued impact of our efforts and what next year’s council will achieve.

2024 MBC Student Council: Finn Mckenzie, Oliver Wakelin, Nathan Brooke-Taylor, Louis Girling, Sam Morris, Jonty Gifford, Joseph Aliphia, George Adams, Andrew Hall, Neto Louisale, Oscar Mason, William Atkinson, William McCallum, Luke Bourgeois, Boe Powell

125THANNIVERSARY

Celebrating 125 Years of Excellence: Marlborough Boys’ College Anniversary

Marlborough Boys’ College, also known as Marlborough College, celebrated a momentous occasion as it marked its 125th Anniversary over Labour Weekend 2024. This milestone event, held from Friday, October 25th to Sunday, October 27th, promised a weekend filled with nostalgia, camaraderie, and celebration.

The festivities kicked off at noon on Friday with registration at the Celebration HQ, located in the school Pavilion. The afternoon began with a mihi whakatau, a traditional Māori welcome to honour the returning alumni and staff. Following this, the annual Old Boys’ sports afternoon saw former students competing in various sports, rekindling old rivalries and friendships. The day concluded with a casual Burgers and Beers, meet-and-greet, offering a relaxed atmosphere to reconnect over local food and beverages, accompanied by live band entertainment.

Saturday started with the Principals’ Assembly, a special moment with past Principals, John Rodgers, Wayne Hegarty, and current Principal, John Kendal, in attendance. The day continued with a series of concurrent activities, including the Nelson College Exchange featuring football, basketball, and rugby matches.

In the evening, the Reunion Dinner was held in the school hall, celebrating the past, present, and future of Marlborough Boys’ College. The dinner was a highlight of the weekend, featuring a blue and gold fireworks display on the college’s front field. The evening provided an opportunity for alumni to share memories and look forward to the future.

Photo Credit: Fiona Mark

Mihi Whakatau

125THANNIVERSARY

The final day began with a school photo morning, capturing the spirit of the event with group photos of decade cohorts. A ceremonial tree planting and unveiling of a plaque were held before a tour of the school, where Old Boys enthusiastically walked the halls, bringing back much-loved memories of their time at the College. The weekend concluded with a Variety Concert featuring performances by current students, promising an entertaining end to the celebrations.

A Testament to Legacy and Community

This 125th Anniversary was not just a celebration of the school’s history, but also a testament to its enduring legacy and the strong bonds formed within its community. Whether an alumnus, a current student, or a member of the Marlborough community, this weekend promised to be a memorable celebration of the school’s rich heritage and bright future.

Michelle Priestley Event Manager

Photo Credit: Fiona Mark Old Boys’ Sports Afternoon

Yourparagraphtext

125THANNIVERSARY

Manager

Event

Michelle Priestley with light & sound technician Riley Neal & Duty Manager Amber Harrison

Entertainment: Boomtown

Hall set for Formal Dinner

Kapa Haka Students - Wait Staff

Whaea Althea Vercoe & Old Boy, Neville.K.W.Tahuaroa

David Clark & Rosemary Clark

Old Boys’ Chris McMurtrie, Josh Harrison & Ian Martella

Head Boy, Josiah Lenati singing Hallelujah

Ben Kenny Lead Singer Funkasaurus Rex

Pasifika Group

Kapa Haka

Wayne Hegarty, Kōkā

Helen Joseph & Joan Hegarty

Old Boys’ Group Photo

Youngest Year 9 Student

Sam McKerrow

Dux of 1949: Rosemary Clark

Oak Tree kindly donated by Vavasours Plaque kindly donated by Cloudy Bay Funerals

Daniel Campbell

NydiaBayCamp

The Nydia Bay camp was so different than I expected in every way. I only went with one person I knew but all it took was a little talking and I got to know multiple new people and had a great time. You get to do a lot of what you want to do most of the time, whether it's staying indoors playing cards or going fishing with your mates, but as well as that you do some set activities like kayaking, swimming, going on a cool walk and spotlight during night. The food was great for camping standards, the sleeping arrangements were not as I expected, you get to choose four groups of about 6-8 to share a bunk room with. Overall, I had a great time, and to anyone who's hesitant to go, just do i! It's only three days and a great way to get to know others your age and is literally a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Dylan Ettema

Nydia Bay camp was a great outdoor experience with activities ranging from jumping off the wharf to playing football with friends. You can catch a fish from the pristine waters or clamber around the rocky stretches in search of green lipped mussels. If seafood isn’t your strong point, then you can jump off the wharf or have a go on the kayaks and paddle boards. People trying to keep dry can play games around the campsite or walk the nature trail to take in the views. If you don't get to spend much time outside, the camp will give you a true taste of the great outdoors. The nine classic style cabins give you a true tramping experience while there still being proper facilities like toilets and stovetops to make life a bit easier. In the afternoon and the evening after dinner, camp games such as capture the flag, go home stay home and spotlight take over until bedtime. On the way there, you either get a scenic boat from Havelock taking you through the Marlborough Sounds with great views and a chance to see some fish or even dolphins if you’re lucky. The hike is equally scenic with great views from the higher points of the track, and it even goes through a historic site where an old settlement used to reside. You can stop at two freshwater creeks to refill your bottles as the water is one-hundred percent safe to drink. The path winds through the valley, up the hills and back down the other side with native plants surrounding you on all sides. In conclusion, the camp gives you a complete tour of the Marlborough Sounds in almost every aspect.

HudsonJohnson

The Nydia Bay camp this year was really fun, it gave a good chance for us as the students to connect and get to know people in our class while being out of a school environment. I definitely feel that going to the camp with my classmates helped not only myself but everyone else to make friends and make it easier to get to know everyone there. Although I got a few bumps and scrapes, I had fun while doing it. The majority of the activities I liked were not because of the activities but because we got to do them independently with very little rules. The walk is amazing and although it's long, it's an amazing view and it's definitely worth it. Although most of the activities scheduled are physical (which me and many others enjoyed), the organisers gave us a lot of free time and free will.

Being at Nydia Bay with your fellow peers can give you sort of a sense of family within a school and class dynamic. It's great for learning about experiences and life lessons from either your Dean or Prefects and to do things a little out of your comfort zone. I'm glad that I went to Nydia Bay when I did, it helps kids adjust to college life coming from smaller school backgrounds. Although a lot of pupils didn’t agree, my favourite part of the camp was going out on the kayaks and jumping off the wharf into the cool, blue water.

Year10Camp

The annual Year 10 Rotoiti Camp has again been another highlight of the year for both students and staff who attend. This camp has been going on for many years and was certainly a highlight of my time as a student here at Marlborough Boys’ College, so it was an absolute pleasure to be running them this year for the first time. The camp takes place at the Rotoiti Outdoor Education Lodge and involves various activities to develop the boys’ skills and ability to work with others and push themselves further. Some of the activities include team-based problem-solving challenges, abseiling, high ropes, and overnight tramps.

The Winter camp which took place in June was an absolute hit, with the weather playing ball and only a couple of drizzly showers coming in at times over the week. Despite being in the middle of winter and a couple of frosty nights, the majority of the boys managed to camp out under the stars in their self-made shelters. It was great to see how they worked together with their peers to achieve the different group activities and develop some leadership and communication skills. There was also plenty of time in the evenings for the boys to relax and create their own games / activities at the lodge, which included a mega jenga block dominos track; an awesome opportunity for problem solving and creative thinking to take place. A massive thank you to all the staff, students, and their whānau for putting their hands up and supporting this opportunity and keeping the long-standing tradition of Rotoiti Camps going.

Brendon Ferguson Year 10 Camp Coordinator

VisualArts

Achilles Bobis L2 PTG

Alan Ashfield L3 PHT

Achilles Bobis L2 PTG

Scott Keay L2 PHT

Michael Canning L2 PHT

Jack Frew PTG 2

Jackson Beal L2 PHT

Jack Frew L2 PTG

Ben Pottinger L2 PTG

James Taggart Yr10 Art

Wade Spragg L3 PHT

Patrick Griffiths L2 Painting

Agriculture

The Year 10 AGH class looked at a range of Primary Industries and the products and careers available. The students enjoyed learning about how the products are produced, with a highlight of trying red, green and golden kiwifruit, flavoured milk, mussels and potato chips, as well as other primary products. Many students successfully grew strawberry runners into fruiting plants using the hydroponic system in class. A big thanks to Hedgerows who supplied the strawberry runners.

The Year 11 course had two classes; both incorporated the new curriculum this year. The students continued preparing and maintaining their garden plots, successfully growing peas, beans, sunflowers and radishes, among other vegetables. We also visited a local deer farm and an apple orchard. These visits allowed the students to see where and why deer velvet and apples are grown. A big thanks to Geoff from Ben Morven Farm and Chris from Murphy’s Horticulture for sharing their knowledge and explaining why their products grow successfully in Marlborough. These field trips reemphasised the power and enjoyment of learning outside the classroom and helped the students with success in their assessments.

Mr Tinker took on the Year 12 Agriculture course this year, and he has continued to offer both Achievement and Unit Standards - providing opportunities for vocational students, or those looking towards further study in this field. The students enjoyed the continuation of developing their green fingers. They grew seeds in punnets and limited space meant they couldn’t be planted out, so a further area to plant and grow these seeds would be a useful addition to the Ag area.

The Level 3 Agriculture course also provided Achievement and Unit Standards. The advantage of offering both courses allows all students to participate in a range of activities including trips to a local vineyard for grape samples, texting brix levels, caring for chickens, as well as dissecting lungs, hearts and a ruminant digestive system.

Rebecca Kane

Careers&Transition

2024 has been another full-on year for the MBC Careers and Transition Faculty. The teaching staff of Jared Bell, Gareth Pugh, Adrienne Kircher and Tracy Quigley have supported close to 160 students in Years 11-13 through our Careers Development and Employment Skills classes, while most of the Year 9 cohort of 250 students have completed a modified Careers Development program as part of their option rotations.

As always, the teaching staff have been extremely well supported by Nigel Timpson (Careers Team Leader) and Darlene Purdie (Gateway Liaison & Pathway Navigator). We also welcomed Aimee Pickles to the Careers Team in a part time role, supporting the students in the Sports and Cultural Academy. I also need to mention Eddie Van der Westhuizen, our Specialist Driving Teacher, who continues to do a fine job helping our students develop both their driving skills and knowledge. Thanks also need to go to Leah Pigou, who stepped in to cover a range of careers classes in the second half of Term 3.

2024 has seen several highlights, including the continuation of the Sports and Cultural Academy, which involves a small group of students from Year 12-14 working on a blended learning program with two days of in-school learning, and three days of out-ofschool learning through a work experience placement. This academy program has allowed for greater learning flexibility and will likely continue to grow as students seek more balance between school and industry-based learning.

Another significant event was the annual Future of Work Conference. This mega career day saw all students in Years 9, 11, 12 and 13 get an opportunity to engage with 70+ providers, including representatives from New Zealand’s universities, polytechnics, industry training organisations and local businesses. Students were able to test their skills on industry equipment such as operating the Marlborough Lines crane. Ultimately, the conference allows our students to explore possible future career pathways and to make connections with key people across the region. Just about every industry is represented on the day from health services to forestry, viticulture, accounting, aquaculture, hospitality and much more.

There was also an evening ‘Whānau Session’ held, which included presentations from seven of New Zealand’s eight Universities, as well as offering the students a chance to return with their parents and build on some of the connections made earlier in the day.

Other notable careers events included ‘Senior Careers Class Worksite Visits’, to workplaces such as Leefield Farm, Carbonscape, Autoline, Indevin and Tira. Other opportunities included Studylink visits, which involved sessions designed to help students set-up their RealMe accounts to then be able to apply for a student loan and allowance for their future training or study. 10 lucky students also got the chance to visit the New Zealand Careers Expo as part of a flying visit to Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch.

Other highlights for the year included the ongoing success of the Gateway and Driver Education programs, while the Top of the South Trades Academy Courses run through NMIT and Whenua Iti Outdoors have again been popular providing various vocational learning programs for students. In total, 23 boys have participated in Automotive, Carpentry, Electrical, Wine Cellar Operations and Manaaki Tāpoi courses. While a few boys have also benefitted from the support of the Graeme Dingle Foundation run ‘Career Navigator’ course, which helps students make more connections with the world of work through a series of workplace visits and mentoring from local employers.

As mentioned above, the Gateway program at MBC has continued to go from strength and in 2024 we have placed over 65 students into work experience placements across many different industries from construction to automotive, to aquaculture and engineering, which is a fantastic achievement and a credit to the hard work being put in by our Gateway Liaison, Darlene Purdie, who has operated tirelessly to put students into meaningful work experience placements. As always, the Gateway Program can only function with the support of local businesses, and so we thank them for their continued willingness to provide meaningful work experience placements for our students.

Finally, as a Careers team, it is our goal to ensure that all students leaving Marlborough Boys’ College do so having built and established a pathway plan, and so we will continue to do our best to support all of our young men to achieve this.

Jared Bell Head of Careers and Transition and Careers Adviser

Design

Innovative Creations: Year 9 and 10 Design and Make Classes

In the Junior Design and Make classes, our Year 9 and 10 students delved into the design and technological process, learning how to bring their creative ideas to life. Each class worked on different projects, allowing students to explore a variety of skills and techniques.

One of the standout projects was the creation of wooden speakers for mobile phones. This project combined woodworking with an understanding of acoustics, resulting in functional and stylish speakers. Another popular project was making coasters, which allowed students to practice precision and decorative techniques.

These projects not only taught our students about the design process but also encouraged them to think creatively and solve problems. The skills they have developed will serve them well in future projects and beyond.

Designing the Future: Year 11 DVC Projects

In the Year 11 Design and Visual Communication (DVC) classes, students explored both spatial and product design, as well as materials technology. One of the major projects involved designing tiny homes. This project provided an excellent opportunity for students to understand space utilisation and innovative design. They created models of tiny homes, learning about the challenges and solutions involved in designing small, functional living spaces.

In addition to spatial projects, the students worked on product design, focusing on creating chairs. This project allowed them to apply their design skills to a practical and everyday item. They learned about ergonomics, material selection, and the importance of aesthetics in product design.

The students also ventured into materials technology, where they designed and crafted light shades. This project combined creativity with practical skills, resulting in unique and functional light fixtures.

These projects have given our Year 11 DVC students a comprehensive understanding of design, materials technology, and practical application, preparing them for more advanced projects in the future. Their creativity and problem-solving skills have been truly impressive, and we are excited to see how they will continue to innovate

“Future Architects and Designers Showcase Their Talent”

This year, our combined Year 12/13 class embarked on an exciting journey into the world of architecture and product design. Utilizing cutting-edge CAD software, ArchiCAD and Twinmotion, the students brought their creative visions to life, designing and constructing models of community buildings within Marlborough.

The project began with students exploring the fundamentals of architectural design, learning to navigate the sophisticated tools offered by ArchiCAD. They then transitioned to Twinmotion, where they rendered their designs into stunning, realistic 3D models. These models showcased a variety of community spaces, from modern libraries to eco-friendly community centres, reflecting the students’ innovative ideas and commitment to sustainability.

In addition to their architectural endeavors, the students also delved into product design, creating unique chairs inspired by various architectural and design eras. Each chair was a testament to their understanding of design principles and historical influences, blending functionality with artistic expression.

The culmination of their hard work was a vibrant exhibition, where the students proudly displayed their models and chairs. This project not only honed their technical skills but also fostered creativity, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for the built environment. We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements and look forward to seeing how they will continue to shape the future of design.

Junior Designers Dive into Creative Projects

Our Year 9 and 10 students have been busy exploring the exciting world of design and visual communication (DVC). This term, they embarked on projects that introduced them to the basics of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and fundamental drawing skills. The Year 9 students started with logo design, where they learned the principles of creating impactful and memorable logos. They then brought their designs to life by creating 3D printed key rings. This hands-on project not only introduced them to CAD software but also gave them a tangible product to showcase their creativity and technical skills. Meanwhile, the Year 10 students focused on honing their fundamental drawing skills. They practiced various techniques to improve their precision and creativity in visual representation. This foundation is crucial as they progress in their design education, preparing them for more advanced projects in the future. Both year groups displayed remarkable enthusiasm and creativity throughout their projects. The 3D printed key rings and detailed drawings are a testament to their hard work and growing skills in design and technology.

Riki Palatchie

DigitalTechnology

Digital Technology unlocks a variety of career paths, offering students access to numerous opportunities. It is essential for careers such as Engineering, Web Construction, Games Creation, Cyber Security and so much more. Every job requires good computer skills. Our program specialises in foundational and advanced skills for the digital world, focusing on web construction, programming with Python, computer security, and design with InDesign. Students gain hands-on experience in building and deploying websites, learn to code in Python to solve real-world problems, and explore the essentials of computer security to protect digital information. We create documents using InDesign to develop design skills.

Students are encouraged to problem solve. By combining these areas, we equip students with the skills needed to meet the demands of a tech-driven landscape, from securing data to crafting compelling designs.

Ngaire Searle

GeneralEngineering

Innovative Minds of Year 11 Engineering Students

Year 11 Engineering students have been hard at work this year, showcasing their skills through hands-on projects that blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Among their most impressive creations are the Connect 4 gamemeticulously designed and assembled, the scriber tool - crafted with precision for practical use, and the aluminium box - which exemplifies their ability to manipulate materials with finesse. These projects aren't just replicas; students have injected their own personalities into each creation, tailoring the designs to reflect their unique perspectives. From selecting materials to custom finishes, their innovative thinking is evident in every detail.

In addition to manual skills, these budding engineers have embraced new technologies like Tinker CAD and 3D printing to elevate their designs. By using Tinker CAD, they’ve been able to prototype and iterate their ideas in a virtual environment before bringing them to life. The precision and efficiency of 3D printing allowed students to produce intricate components that would have been difficult or time-consuming, using traditional methods. The combination of manual craftsmanship and technological innovation is setting a strong foundation for these students, as they develop the engineering mindset that blends creativity with practical problem-solving.

Year 12 Engineering students have taken their skills to the next level by constructing 49cc 2-stroke drift trikes, blending creativity, technical expertise, and hands-on problemsolving. These exhilarating projects required students to dive into essential engineering practices, from fabrication and machining skills to the intricacies of project management. Students were responsible for cutting, welding, and machining components, which provided them with a thorough understanding of material properties and fabrication techniques. Critical steps like layout, trial fitting, and alignment tested their precision, while the final assembly of components required a deep understanding of how parts interact and function together. The thrill of seeing their custom-built trikes in action, zooming and drifting, is a testament to the valuable skills they have acquired throughout the process.

Year 12 Engineering Students Accelerate with Drift Trike Projects

Beyond the classroom, these drift trike projects will act as a launchpad for future learning and growth in engineering. By working through the challenges of creating a fully functional vehicle, students developed crucial project management skills, such as time management, planning, and problem-solving, all of which are essential for real-world engineering careers. The opportunity to work on hands-on projects also fostered a sense of independence and innovation, encouraging them to explore mechanical systems further and apply these concepts to more complex projects in the future. This experience not only enhances their understanding of mechanical engineering principles but also provides a solid foundation for further studies or apprenticeships in engineering disciplines.

Year 13 Engineering Students Master Craftsmanship with Custom Fire Boxes

This year, Year 13 Engineering students at Marlborough Boys' College have demonstrated remarkable craftsmanship through their impressive custom-built fire boxes with machined brass fittings. The project challenged them to take hand-drawn designs and transform them into three-dimensional realities, refining their skills in the fabrication of transitional components. Through the careful process of milling and lathing, students shaped intricate brass parts, all while mastering essential engineering techniques such as layout, trial fitting, and alignment. As they moved through the stages of design, construction, and assembly of components, the students showcased their ability to not only create functional pieces but also manage their projects with precision and professionalism. These fire boxes are more than just projects—they represent the culmination of years of growth and learning in the workshop. Reflecting on the past three years, it’s been a joy to witness these students’ development, not just in terms of their engineering skills but also as individuals. The countless conversations, shared experiences, and some truly great laughs have made this journey incredibly rewarding. Getting to know each young man has been a privilege, and I have no doubt that the lessons learned—both in and out of the workshop—will serve them well as they move on to the next stage of theirlives.

Whether you pursue further studies, apprenticeships, or careers in engineering, I wish you all the best as you step beyond Marlborough Boys' College and into your future pathways. Kia tau kia tātou katoa

Te āio, te aroha me te marutau

Tihei Mauri Ora

Corey Townsend

Forestry

The Year 12 Forestry class has had multiple field again this year. In May, the students supported the Whale Trail group by assisting with planting. The Trail had 1000 native plants to be planted around Blue Hole at Koromiko; a natural spring and a significant taonga in the area. The students were able to learn to successfully plant native shrubs, trees and grasses pre-dug holes. They also helped dig holes for the plants to be planted in, experiencing the challenge digging holes. Although it is a learning opportunity the students on how to plant trees successfully, privilege to perform community service, and planting trees provides whanaungatanga and connection area. It will be exciting to revisit the site in the once the area has fully matured, and to have the of contributing to its success.

The students have also worked with the Blenheim Club this year. After learning how to operate chainsaws effectively and safely, the Blenheim Lions' firewood provided an area to build on those skills. The students used the saws to saw donated slab wood into firewoodsized pieces. The Lions then use this wood to donate needy people in the community. This has students have contributed to the community by firewood, gaining a sense of fulfilment from volunteer work.

Wood Council students, this

English

2024 saw a Marlborough Boys’ College Year 9 team again competing in the Readers’ Cup. This is a nationally run competition, where teams of four square off in a pub quiz style competition, answering questions on six books that have been read by all participants. Books this year included, When the World was Ours, Two Degrees, Scar Town, Thieves Gambit, We Who Hunt the Hollow, and The Forevers.

This year’s Top of the South competition was held in mid-June at Nayland College in Nelson, with 15 teams competing for the honour of representing the Nelson/Marlborough/Tasman region in the national final. The MBC team (Ollie Baker, Oakley Brooks, Angus Dutton, Jack Gray, Luke Tucker and Joshua White) this year ended up in 5th place, a notable improvement on last year. Only a handful of points separated the top five teams, so the MBC team left the competition very satisfied.

We were also fortunate to have two guest speakers from the Marlborough Book Festival on Friday 26th July join the English Learning Area to talk a little bit about themselves, their life journey and some of the key life lessons they have learnt.

Fletcher McKenzie is a passionate advocate of all things avionic, and this was clearly evident in his presentation to a collection of ākonga from junior English and Mathematic classes as part of the annual Marlborough Book Festival. While he captivated the audience with his story of engine failure over water with his teenage daughter on board, he also imparted some serious key messages. All delivered with a slice of Kiwi humour and ‘she’ll be right’ mentality.

Vitale Lafaele had a dream that he wanted to be a policeman and four times he missed the draft due to a variety of issues. The Samoan who moved here as a youth, did not speak English when he arrived, and he admitted that it was a struggle to catch up with his peers. But did these setbacks deter him? Absolutely not. Instead, he was one of the few accepted out of the 356 applicants for a role in the SAS in 1983. As he said, “If you can’t go through it, go round it!”. From there the Police realised their mistake and he quickly became one of the most decorated police officers in NZ.

Apart from that, we continued with business-as-usual and were very pleased with initial results in the new Literacy co-requisites. The new Level 1 Achievement Standards were challenging (both to implement and for the boys) but the attitude of those who attempted them was outstanding. Our OTJ (overall teaching judgements) continue in the junior programme, and we have found the way we report to whānau to be significantly more targeted using this system. It has also made our ākonga more accountable and much more focused on how they are progressing. This bodes well for 2025 and beyond.

Julie McLeod

German

German Language Introduced at MBC

In 2024, the Languages faculty launched a Year 9 German course, opening the door for students to dive into the vibrant language and rich cultural traditions of Germany and other German-speaking countries. With 47 students across two half-year classes, the course provided an exciting introduction to basic conversation and writing skills through topics like family, school life, and leisure activities.

Each lesson wasn’t just about learning from textbooks; interactive language games and hands-on speaking opportunities made learning dynamic and engaging. Beyond the language itself, students gained a deeper understanding of how their own language works, picking up valuable skills in identifying parts of speech, research, and presentation - skills that support the school’s broader literacy goals.

Looking ahead, we aim to build on this foundation, sparking further interest in German language and culture. By 2026, we plan to offer an NCEA course, with hopes of creating exchange opportunities, allowing students to put their German skills to the test in Europe. This is just the beginning of an exciting language-learning journey at MBC!

Blair Cameron

Artist-LachlanGiffordL1Art

Artist-BenKennyL3Painting

Health&PE

2024 is nearly over, and it's been a busy year for the PE/Health department. They say happiness comes from loving what you do, and I can wholeheartedly agree. Working with the incredible MBC PE/Health faculty makes coming to work a joy. This team consistently goes above and beyond to create meaningful lessons, relationships, and experiences for our students.

At the start of 2024, we received last year's results, which we were proud of: Level 193% pass rate, with 61% achieving Merit or higher; Level 2 - 90% pass rate, with 45% at Merit or higher; and Level 3 - 89% pass rate, with 39% achieving Merit or higher. Our goal this year has been to further improve, aiming for 100% achievement.

We’ve also welcomed new team members in 2024. Brendon Ferguson, an MBC Old Boy and son of long-standing HOF, Paul Ferguson, joined us full-time, teaching PE/Health and Sport Studies. Another Old Boy, Ben O’Sullivan, joined as a first-year teacher from Canterbury University. Buxton Popoalii came onboard as a LAT, bringing his background in professional sports and personal training. His energy and enthusiasm have been a huge asset to the team. Finally, Tonga Taumoefolau, who coaches the school’s First XV Rugby, joined as a LAT, teaching the Rugby Academy and technology classes. His diverse experiences have made him a fantastic addition.

In recent years, we've created new courses like Awata (Sports Passion), Year 10 Health, Basketball Academy, and Hono (Dive) to stay relevant to our students. Creating these courses requires a lot of effort, so in 2025, we’re focusing on developing what we already offer. The popularity of our courses is evident, with at least 19 senior classes set to run next year.

Our students have had some amazing experiences through Outdoor Education, Hono, and PE, exploring local environments. This year alone, they’ve been diving in the Sounds, mountain biking the Queen Charlotte track, tramping the Abel Tasman, sea kayaking in the Sounds, kayaking the Buller River, and more.

Our “Falcon of the Fortnight” award, which celebrates students who demonstrate school values in Health and PE, has continued to grow. Parents are notified when their son receives the award, and students go into a draw to win a sports voucher each term. Other departments have now adopted this model, renaming the award “Kārearea of the Fortnight.”

As always, our staff have put in a huge effort to provide both school wide events and extracurricular activities for students, going above their teaching duties. These roles are voluntary but critical for fostering strong relationships and supporting student wellbeing. A big thank you to the following staff for their work this year:

Mr. Ave (School Athletics)

Mr. Popoalii (Senior A Basketball, Junior B Basketball)

Mr. McKerrow (Rugby 7s, Golf)

Mr. Dunn (Senior Touch Rugby)

Mr. Molyneux (Mountain Biking, School Swimming)

Mr. McMurtrie (Basketball, School Cross Country)

Mr. Filipo (Volleyball)

Mr. Pugh (Football, Futsal)

Mr. Harrison (Touch Rugby, U15 Rugby)

Mr. O’Sullivan (Second XV Rugby, First XV Rugby)

Mr. Raeli (First XV Rugby, Senior Rugby 7s)

Mr. Taumoefalau (First XV Rugby)

Mr. Ferguson (Junior Football, Surf Lifesaving)

We bid farewell to Ben O’Sullivan, who is heading off to Australia after the summer. In his place, we’re excited to welcome Ian Thomas, former Head of PE at MGC. Ian brings a wealth of experience, and we can’t wait to have him as part of the team. Finally, thank you to all our students for your hard work this year. We’re proud of you and look forward to continuing the journey in 2025.

Noho ora mai, Chris McMurtrie

HonoDive

This year, the Hono Dive course at MBC has continued to thrive, achieving new milestones. We successfully guided 36 students through a range of qualifications, including PADI Freedive, SCUBA, Freedive Advanced, and SCUBA Advanced courses. Additionally, I'm proud to announce that 26 students earned their Day Skipper certifications through the NZ Coast Guard. This diverse skill set ensures these young men are prepared for a lifetime of safe boating and diving, with the option to pursue careers in the marine industry if they wish.

The primary aim of this course is to foster a connection between students and the ocean, instilling in them a deep respect and passion for their local environment. It also equips them with essential skills to become competent divers, responsible ocean stewards, safe boat skippers, and confident providers of kai moana for their whānau. The course strikes a perfect balance between academic study, practical hands-on training, and real-world experiences, which has enabled us to achieve these objectives.

We couldn’t run this course without the invaluable expertise, guidance, and support of Bryan Bailey from the Blenheim Dive Centre. Bryan, a master diver and exceptional teacher, he stands out with his composed nature and excellent communication skills. His dedication sets him apart from dive instructors across the country, and we are fortunate to have him here in Marlborough, sharing his knowledge with our students. We encourage everyone to support locally owned businesses like the Blenheim Dive Centre. This year, we were also fortunate to collaborate with Marlborough Dive Tours, a locally owned and operated dive charter business. Their involvement in organising and running our dive trips was a game-changer, bringing a wealth of experience to our underwater adventures.

Looking ahead, next year promises to be just as exciting for the Hono Dive class. I’m continue this incredible journey

Hospitality

Hospitality is offered through Years 11 -13, with 2024 being our first year running Hospitality Level 3.

The Unit Standards were not all practical based, so we looked at different skills-based learning running alongside the theory, such as pastries and breads, making Focaccia and Brioche, for example.

The Year 11 programme has focused on developing the skills and knowledge students will need to move forward in the subject. This will provide a solid foundation for entry into Year 12 if they wish to continue building their skills and knowledge, or to simply use when they leave home.

Year 12 have furthered their Year 11 skills and knowledge, putting it into practice in baking, researching about international dishes from around the world, knife skills, safe working practices and food safety, to name a few.

Year 13 have done well this year. The Unit Standards we covered were Food Costings, Culinary Skills, Cakes, and Food Contamination (168). They have completed a number of group-based tasks, working together as teams to make end outcomes, and have enjoyed the cook offs.

Photo Credit Fiona Mark

This year we had a Master Chef cook off and the winners were:

Year 13 - Martyn Davis, who produced a luxurious chocolate cake!

Year 11 - Luke Riley, who served up a very professional looking burger and chips, with our very close runner up, Austin Quinn coming second.

I’m really pleased this year that vital industry contacts have been made for the subject area and I have gained new links with local companies, such as: The Marlborough Riverside Hotel, who have agreed to support us, and, CBD and Karaka, who have both been so helpful in sharing their wealth of knowledge. All are kindly invested in supporting the boys’ journey, which is testament to the amazing community we have here.

I’d like to say a big thank you to our students for all their hard work this year as I am really proud of their efforts. I am looking forward to continuing to develop the courses next year, so they allow students to have relevant experience that local businesses want. I hope also that it will allow the boys the chance to be inspired and proud of what they make, and begin to be independent individuals as they grow up.

Alli Jones

Photo Credit Fiona Mark

LearningSupport

2024 has been an action-packed year for the Learning Support faculty. The team has been privileged to see the personal, social and academic progress of their wonderful students. Some memorable learning experiences have included learning about the Anzacs at the museum, Special Olympic tournaments for football, basketball, and cross country, as well as weekly visits to Stadium 2000 and the public library.

Through engaging with the Edible Garden programme and work experience at SELMES and the Grovetown Lagoon, students have learned about sustainable living, growing food and manaakitanga for their natural environment.

Matariki was a special week, culminating in a special hangi. Students and staff thoroughly enjoyed preparing kai and hosting their friends and a group of teachers. The team was overwhelmed by the support of the community donating items for this special event.

A specific mention must go out to Ryan Webb, who has been the first Learning Support Prefect for Marlborough Boys’ College. Ryan has worn his badge with pride, and has been a valuable advocate for our learners; we thank him for his commitment and hard work.

Ann Neal, a long-standing member of staff, was farewelled at the end of Term 3; Ann’s supportive nature, care for our learners and her quiet consistency will be missed by staff and students alike.

Meri Kirihimete from the Learning Support team!

Jennifer Campbell

Ryan Webb Learning Support Prefect

Photo Credit - Fiona Mark

Mathematics

The year 2024 has been a significant one for our Mathematics faculty as we successfully navigated the challenges presented by the new Level 1 curriculum. This transition required dedication and adaptability from both our staff and students, and we are proud of the progress made.

We are delighted to welcome Mr. Deepak Chand to our team. Mr. Chand joins us from Fiji, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a professional approach to teaching that has already made a positive impact on our students. His innovative teaching methods and commitment to excellence have been invaluable as we adapt to the new curriculum.

Additionally, we are pleased to announce that Mrs Lara Bowater has been appointed as our full-time Assistant Head of Faculty. Mrs Bowater has also taken on the role of School Lead for Numeracy. Her leadership and expertise in Numeracy have been instrumental in enhancing our students’ mathematical skills and understanding.

Our faculty is fortunate to have such a fantastic team of teachers who make a significant difference in the day-to-day lives of our students. We are a dynamic and supportive team, always ready to help each other and our students achieve their best.

We look forward to continuing our journey of academic excellence and innovation in the coming year.

Philip Kotzé

House Mathex Competitionphoto credit Tui Raeli

MediaStudies

The Media Studies department has continued to be a hub of creativity in 2024. In March, senior students travelled to Wellington, along with students and staff from MGC. We were given a private tour of Weta Workshops that covered different departments within the Weta umbrella - props, prosthetics, costuming, animatronics and miniatures - and watched a video from Weta founders talking about the history of the company, the early days, and how they expanded to include not only filming and visual effects, but also postproduction services for the local and international film industry

Karen Loop, the Programme Lead for the School of Screen Arts, and a former Hollywood producer known especially for her work on Outlander and the Ruth Bader Gingsburg biopic On The Basis of Sex, gave us an overview of what the school can offer students, and then took us to meet with other university staff in the virtual production studio. Students were divided into groups and rotated through different stations, all given the opportunity to explore various elements of the filming process - acting, directing, camera operation, sound and lighting, colour grading and focus pulling. Students were able to use professional-grade filming equipment and technology and by the end were able to add creative embellishment to scenes as they were filmed, combining live action with visual effects to form cohesive storytelling.

This trip proved exceptionally useful as students moved forward onto creating their own media products later in the year. By allowing students to choose their own production medium and topics, they produced quality work across the board. Examples of student focus include men’s mental health, the role of te reo in education, local environmental issues and profiles of extraordinary individuals, with several film items being entered in the 2024 School Shorts Film competition, sponsored by Ara Institute of Canterbury.

Junior Media Studies continues to build critical analysis skills necessary for students in today’s age of media saturation, along with providing them with basic production and technology skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

Courtney Ieremia

Photo Credit - Courtney Ieremia

Music

To celebrate NZ Music Month, the ASB Theatre hosted the Young and Creative Band Project on 26 May at the Anderson Theatre.

Three of our Rock bands and two students from Six String Academy performed in two shows to a very appreciative audience. Our bands conducted themselves in a professional manner throughout this event, both on and off stage. They wowed the audience with their musical talent and passion for performing arts.

It was great to see a variety of talent showcased in this concert. Our youngest band, Lima Locos from the Specialist Year 10 Music class, serenaded the audience with a heart-felt rendition of ‘Love will Keep us Alive’; you wouldn’t have thought that three of the members, Justin Prescott, Brooklyn and Tyler Mulitalo, had just stepped out of their rugby boots from the day before, having won a match with a dominating score.

The Speed Bump with Angus Walter on Lead Guitar, Niko Kenyon on Bass Guitar and Nico Manson on Drums gave an energetic performance of music from Red Hot Chilli Peppers and some other classic rock bands. This event made it possible for this band to have the opportunity to collaborate with Luka, the talented vocalist and guitarist from Six String Academy.

Louis Girling showed outstanding leadership in the concert. He not only shredded the guitar with his band like a pro, but also compered the show, and helped out with the sound tech, making sure the show ran smoothly.

Our Year 12 Rock band, Dart Complex; Archie Cooke, Finn Brown and Lachlan Turner being the final act were charismatic, they had the audience head bobbing and moving to their music.

Louis Girling

Archie Cooke

Finn Brown

The Band Project was followed by the Regional Smoke Free Rockquest 2024 on 14th June This year the contest was held locally at the ASB Theatre Eight individual acts, duets and bands from Bohally Intermediate, MGC and MBC were featured in the contest. A wide range of young talent put on a show of a very high standard to an appreciative audience.

A combined College Rock band, Watchamacallits, and the Year 12 Rock Band, Dart Complex from MBC, took part in the Rockquest. Ziggy Ariatico won the Most Spirited Drummer of the festival, Dart Complex came away with a 2nd place in the Band category.

Whatamacallits

MU is year. Amongst the new sented the most cha t the style, melody, har teamwork and per they produced was of a ver ere the quality of their work was affirmed by the external moderator, commendable work, work secures excellence criteria, and extended music skills have clearly been demonstrated by the learner particularly in the notation task’

Barbara Song

Ziggy Ariatico

Dart Complex

Pasifika

The journey of the Pasifika Performing Arts class in 2024 has been another testament to the power of culture in education. By providing a space where students could embrace their heritage while working towards their NCEA qualifications, the class proved that academic success and cultural identity can go hand in hand. Through every beat of the drum, every step of the dance, and every note of the song, these young performers showed that their talent is indeed their voice - a voice that speaks of pride, resilience, and hope.

In the years to come, the Pasifika Performing Arts class will continue to inspire others, showing that the path to success is not one-size-fits-all. It can be a journey that celebrates where we come from, empowers who we are, and shapes where we are going.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who continues to contribute to the success of this programme. Special thanks go to the dedicated staff members who continue to champion the use of culture as a pathway to success, and to Fua Creative for being an integral part of our journey. We are always deeply grateful to our parents and learning community for their support and belief in the value of our programme.

Kalala Raeli

Photo Credit Tui Raeli

Science

A Year of Growth and Innovation.

The Science Faculty has experienced a year of significant change and progress, strengthening our commitment to providing exceptional science education for our ākonga.

This year saw the departure of Priya Chandra and the arrival of three new members of staff, each bringing unique expertise to enrich our science program. Whaea Katharine Davis joined us from Marlborough Girls' College, she has brought her chemistry skills and technological prowess to the faculty. Her leadership in Year 9 Aquabotics resulted in two teams qualifying for the National Finals in Auckland later this year, with the potential to advance to the world finals in the USA. Whaea Katharine is also a key driver in the Regional Science Fair, fostering scientific inquiry beyond the classroom.

Commander Mike Li, our new Assistant Head of Faculty, comes to us from New Plymouth Boys’ High School with extensive experience in Physics. His work with NZQA on developing new Level 1 Physics and Earth Space Science qualifications is proving invaluable as we revise our junior curriculum for 2025-2026 and develop our Physics curriculum for Levels 2 and 3.

Robert Dela Paz joined us from New Mexico, USA, late in Term 3. An experienced Biology teacher, Matua Robert brings passion and expertise in getting the best out of our students.

2024 marked the implementation of new Level 1 Science qualifications. Our new courses (BCS1, ESP1, and AGH1) emphasise local contexts. For instance, BCS1 uses our local river systems as a framework for studying micro-organisms and developing investigation skills, connecting with initiatives like Te Hoiere Project.

While the cancellation of the new build was disappointing, we’re excited about the upcoming upgrade program for our current laboratories. This refurbishment promises to provide excellent facilities for the current and future students. As we look to 2025, the Science Faculty remains committed to inspiring scientific curiosity and excellence in our ākonga. We’re proud of our students’ achievements this year and are eager to see what new discoveries await in the coming year.

Dr Attridge

SocialSciences

In 2024, the Social Sciences Faculty at Marlborough Boys’ College experienced a year of dynamic growth and notable achievements. The faculty, consisting of Mr. Matthew Clark (History and Geography), Mr. Hayden Mahoney (History), Mrs. Jenny Thomas (Commerce and Economics), Mrs. Joyce Kumar (Accounting and Business Studies), Mr. Chris Grage (Geography), Ms. Beulah Leitupo (Classical Studies), and Mr. Mark Mason (Social Studies), focused on several key initiatives that significantly enhanced the educational experience for their students.

One of the major undertakings was the implementation of the new NCEA Level 1 subjects and standards. This transition required a comprehensive overhaul of the curriculum to align with the updated educational framework. The faculty members worked diligently to adapt their teaching methods and materials. Mr. Clark and Mr. Mahoney, with their expertise in History, played pivotal roles in integrating these changes into their lessons, ensuring that students were well-prepared for the new assessments. Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Kumar also updated their Commerce and Business Studies courses, incorporating more practical and real-world applications to engage students effectively.

In addition to the NCEA changes, the faculty further embedded the new Aotearoa/New Zealand Histories curriculum. This curriculum aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the country’s history, including the perspectives of Māori and other indigenous peoples. Mr. Clark and Mr. Mahoney led this initiative, developing new lesson plans and resources that highlighted significant historical events and figures. Their efforts ensured that students gained a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of New Zealand’s past, fostering a greater appreciation for the country’s diverse heritage.

Visiting 'Gallipoli - The Scale of Our War' exhibit at Te Papa.

HIS 1 students at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre watching the Avro Anson taxi past, on its way to Wanaka.

The faculty also continued their tradition of organising the annual field trip to Wellington for Year 12 students. This trip is a highlight of the academic year, offering students a handson learning experience that complements their classroom studies. During the trip, students visited key historical and cultural sites, including the New Zealand Parliament, Te Papa Museum, and various other landmarks. Mr. Grage and Mr. Clark coordinated the logistics of the trip, ensuring that it was both educational and enjoyable for the students. The field trip provided an invaluable opportunity for students to connect with the material they had been studying in a real-world context.

Another notable achievement for the faculty in 2024 was their success in the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES). Several teams from Marlborough Boys’ College participated in the regional competition, showcasing their innovative business ideas and entrepreneurial skills. Under the guidance of Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Kumar, the students developed and presented their projects, demonstrating creativity, teamwork, and business acumen. Their hard work paid off, with several teams winning prizes and gaining recognition for their efforts. This success not only highlighted the students’ talents but also underscored the faculty’s commitment to fostering practical skills and real-world applications in their teaching.

Welcome, Ms. Kumar!We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Kumar to our team as the new Accounting and Business Studies teacher. Her innovative teaching methods and enthusiasm have already made a positive impact on her students. We look forward to seeing her continue to inspire and guide our future business leaders.

At the end of the year, the faculty bids a fond farewell to Ms. Beulah Leitupo, who leaves to take up a management role in Auckland. Ms. Leitupo’s contributions to the Classical Studies program and her dedication to her students are greatly appreciated, and she will be missed by both colleagues and students alike.

Chris Grage

TeReoMāori

E tipu e rea mo ngā rā o tō ao

Ko tō ringa ki ngā rākau ā te Pakeha Hei ara mō tō tinana

Ko tō ngākau ki ngā tāonga a ō tīpuna Māori

Hei tikitiki mō tō māhuna

Ko tō wairua ki tō Atua, Nānā nei ngā mea katoa

(Nā Tā Apirana Ngata, Ngāti Porou)

It has been a big year for te reo Māori; our ākonga (students) participated in a range of local events - we attended the bilingual movie, The Convert, Te Kaiaotanga o Te Reo Māori Language Revitalisation Symposium, two local reo Māori noho, and supported Manaia Huntley speaking in te reo Māori for Ngā Manu Kōrero regionals and nationals. It was the first time in many years that a Te Rei Puta o Te Hau / MBC te reo Māori student has made it through to Ngā Manu Kōrero Nationals and we were delighted that Manaia brought home the E Tipu E Rea trophy for most points in English and Te Reo Māori speeches. Ka mau te wehi! It is also important to acknowledge the support we received from the wider community in providing funds to take a large group up to Auckland to tautoko: Pelorus Trust, Malcolm Neame Trust, Student sponsor cards, Housie & Raffle Day, Rangitāne o Wairau, PPTA National, PPTA Regional, Ngāti Apa ki Te Rā Tō, Ngāti Rārua, Lions Club Blenheim. Ngā mihi ki a koutou.

In Term 1 we trialled a one night /one day reo Māori noho, staying overnight in the school hall, and working with Te Ātaarangi tutors, Whaea Hine McLetchie, Whaea Vanessa Anderson, Whaea Glenna Casalme, Whaea Merehira Wills, and Whaea Margy Crosby, to grow our speaking skills. Matua Peter Meihana also spoke to us about the history of the school whenua and the Wairau.

In Term 3 we teamed up with Whaea Diane St Claire and ākonga from Queen Charlotte College and Marlborough Girls’ College for another one night reo Māori noho; this time at Waikawa Marae. NCEA Level 1 students focused on developing their kōrero for the NCEA speaking standard, juniors learned waiata, mau rākau and kōrero, and NCEA Level 2 & 3 ākonga prepared for their pānui external. Whaea Tina Looms, Te Ātiawa, talked about the pou in the wharenui, and many of the students were excited to hear about the connections to their own iwi. Kātahi rā te whare rangimārie ko Waikawa, ka hoki ki tō mātou whare Parihaka ai. Ākonga who attended were very keen to attend more of these types of noho next year and a new cross-school band was formed!

Ahakoa he iti he pounamu - ka whawhai tonu mātou ki te ako i te reo rangatira kia tūtuki ai ngā wawata nō nehe rā, nō ngā tūpuna Māori. Ahakoa ko wai, ahakoa nō hea, he reo tēnei mō tātou katoa, mō tātou e whakapau kaha ana kia hāpaitia tēnei tino taonga tuku iho, kia tāngata whenua ai i te reo Māori i konei.

Dr. Delyn Day

TeAoHaka

Te Ao Haka programme, now in its second year as an NCEA University Approved subject, was run from Te Rei Puta o Te Hau / MBC facilitated by Whaea Delyn. Over the year all the ākonga found opportunities to perform, whether it was in the classroom, performing with MBC Kapa Haka, in the tautoko group for Ngā Manu Kōrero, or with Ngā Taiohi o Wairau Kapa Haka. Halfway through Term 3, Marlborough Girls’ College students joined the class and we welcomed Whaea Althea Vercoe as kaiako. The plan is for the class to be a joint MBC / MGC class again in 2025.

Throughout the programme, ākonga developed their knowledge and skills in Te Ao Haka engaging in local kōrero, and te reo Māori narratives. Ākonga created new haka, waiata, music, and choreography, which we hope will be adopted by MBC Kapa Haka in the future. For the first half of the year, we had ex-students Kaiziah Maru and Adam Cairns sharing their knowledge as kaiāwhina.

We would like to thank Kaiziah, Adam, Matua Ihaka Griffin-Matthews, who came over from Motueka to teach us how to choreograph haka, and MBC Kapa Haka kaiako, Kōkā Helen Joseph.

Dr. Delyn Day

Woodwork

Crafting Success: Year 11’s Journey to Mastering Furniture Making

This year, our Year 11 students embarked on an exciting project in their furniture classes, creating unique and practical fishing rod holders. With two dedicated classes, the students began their journey by honing their joint skills through practice and precision.

The project kicked off with a series of lessons focused on different types of joints, essential for any woodworking project. Students practiced techniques such as dovetail, mortise and tenon, and finger joints, ensuring they had a solid foundation before moving on to their main project.

Once confident in their skills, the students designed and constructed their fishing rod holders. This project not only allowed them to apply their newly acquired joint-making skills but also encouraged creativity and problem-solving as they customized their designs to meet specific needs.

The results were impressive, with each student producing a functional and aesthetically pleasing fishing rod holder. This project has not only equipped our Year 11 students with valuable woodworking skills but also instilled a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work.

Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and we can’t wait to see what they will create next year.

Building Community: Year 12’s Creative Furniture Projects

Our Year 12 students took on two remarkable projects this year, showcasing their skills and creativity while also fostering community connections. The first project involved crafting outdoor chairs from wine barrels generously donated by a local firm. We are incredibly grateful for this donation, which exemplifies the power of community collaboration.

The students began by learning the fundamental skills of reading and understanding plans, a crucial step in any woodworking project. With these skills in hand, they transformed the wine barrels into beautiful and functional outdoor chairs, each one a testament to their hard work and ingenuity.

In their second project, the students designed and built modern bedside tables. This task further honed their ability to interpret plans and execute precise woodworking techniques. The results were stunning, with each bedside table reflecting a blend of modern design and practical functionality.

These projects have not only enhanced our Year 12 students’ woodworking skills but also highlighted the importance of community support and collaboration. Their achievements this year have set a high standard, and we are eager to see their future innovations.

Constructing the Future: Year 12’s Hands-On Learning

The Year 12 Construction class has been busy this year, starting with foundational projects like building work horses and steps. These initial tasks helped students develop essential construction skills and confidence in their abilities.

As the year progressed, the students took on more complex projects, including building a floor for a shed. This project provided practical experience in larger-scale construction and teamwork. Additionally, the class contributed to the school community by creating practical projects such as shelving units, which are now being used around the school.

These hands-on projects have not only equipped our Year 12 students with valuable construction skills but also demonstrated the importance of practical learning and contributing to the community. Their contributions have made a lasting impact on our school, and we are excited to see how they will continue to grow.

Building Foundations: Year 13’s Advanced Construction Projects

Our Year 13 Construction class took on the ambitious task of constructing sheds, providing them with an initial insight into building structures. The project began with students creating detailed models of their sheds, allowing them to understand the intricacies of design and planning.

Once their models were perfected, the students moved on to the actual construction process. This hands-on experience was invaluable, giving them a comprehensive understanding of building techniques, materials, and safety protocols. The sheds they built are not only functional but also a testament to their hard work and dedication.

These projects have equipped our Year 13 students with advanced construction skills and a solid foundation for future endeavours in the building industry. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and confident that they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Wine Barrell Chair made by Alex Roberst

Laying the Groundwork: Year 9

and 10

Junior Classes

Our Year 9 and 10 students began their journey in the workshop by learning the essential safety skills required to work with tools and machinery. These foundational lessons are crucial for ensuring a safe and productive environment.

The students then applied their new skills to a variety of projects, including making clocks, cheese boards/trays, and woodworking mallets. These projects not only helped them practice their woodworking techniques but also allowed them to create useful and decorative items.

Through these hands-on projects, our junior students have gained a solid understanding of workshop safety and basic woodworking skills. Their enthusiasm and creativity have been inspiring, and we look forward to seeing their continued progress in the coming years.

Riki Palatchie

AcademicSeniorPrizeGiving

Photo Credit: Fiona Mark

Photo Credit: Fiona Mark

Photo Credit: Fiona Mark

Photo Credit: Fiona Mark

Formal

Photo Credit: Brya Ingram Photography

Kia ora/Konnichiwa

OtaScholars

Being able to travel to Japan and represent Marlborough Boys’ College has made it by far one of the best experiences of my life. It was just so amazing to experience Japanese culture and most importantly, Japanese life.

I would highly recommend for anyone to go and visit Japan because it is such a beautiful country, and it is an experience of a lifetime.

Arigato/Thank you.

Jack

King 2024 Ota Scholar

The culture, immersion in Japanese life, and sightseeing made it a trip to remember. I was blown away by the kindness and welcoming attitude that I was shown, and the differences but also similarities between the Japanese and Kiwi lifestyle. I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity and loved seeing my host brother and other Jissen Gakuen students when they visited in September.

Thank you MBC.

Connor Pugh

2024 Ota Scholar: Connor Pugh

Sushi Making

Shrine Visit

We arrived in Tokyo, and it was great meeting the host families and some of the Jissen Gakuen staff members at Narita Airport.

The school was well prepared to welcome us with a beautiful ceremony, which made us feel like rock stars. Our students then took part in classroom studies including several activities, these included cooking classes, dressing up in traditional Japanese clothes, sports, Japanese calligraphy and a tea ceremony. We had a chance to do a presentation about New Zealand and introduced the Pukana game.

Our students were very well looked after by their host families and the school, as well by the students, who were so friendly.

One of the highlights of our visit was a two-hour trip to Lake Kawaguchi to see Mt Fuji. The teachers took me to some amazing places in Tokyo, including the National Museum, Tokyo City View Tower, Shibuya Crossing, and a river cruise.

It was hard to say goodbye, the whole school and many parents farewelled us with a beautiful ceremony, including a haka performed by the JG students. Our students delivered a great speech each and sang “Ko Te Waiponamu”. Many thanks for the opportunity to visit Jissen Gakuen. We all made friends for life, and we hope to meet again someday.

Rosimere Cookson

Haruto Sakamoto studied at MBC for Term 3 this year. Haruto made a significant contribution to music and football while studying at MBC and he was also involved in the school snowboard/ski team.

Haruto’s homestay home was with Katharine and Des Davis who were so generous with their time by taking Haruto on many outdoor adventures in Marlborough and the Tasman. Haruto was always smiling; we wish him well in his future studies.

Marlborough District Council has a Sister City relationship with Tendo in Japan, this relationship was first signed in 1987, and each year MBC hosts two students from the MDC Sister City for one week. This year in March was the first exchange since 2019. Kenshiro is very interested in gardening and farming and was fascinated with the grape industry. Keita is interested in the travel industry and was so happy to experience travelling to NZ and around Marlborough.

Haruto with Principal Matua John Kendal

Haruto at Mount Hutt with school Ski Team

Keita Ishikawa with his buddy Aycen Legge

Kenshiro Takemura with school buddy

Matteo Clarson

Naoto Habu

Naoto from our sister school Jissen Gakuen, Japan studied at MBC for one year in 2023. Naoto was a very kind; friendly and respectful young man and it was brave of him to live away from his home for a year. Naoto liked playing basketball, he played for a MBC team and enjoyed the Winter Camp trip to Lake Rotoiti. He is pictured on his way to camp with Hugo Edsall a MBC student who supports the international students from Japan.

Kawin Boonset

Kawin, who is from Thailand, studied at MBC for three years, graduated at the end of 2023 and was accepted into the ARA Institute of Canterbury for 2024 to study Construction Management. Kawin played football and also found that he loved cooking while attending MBC. Kawin won one of the cooking competitions with a fellow classmate while studying FTY. Kawin’s homestay parents were Aman and Kanchana Chowfin who have been a caring homestay family for many years for MBC. We could not welcome international students to MBC without the generosity of families in the Marlborough Community who open their homes to these students studying Kawin with his homestay family - Aman and Kanchana Chowfin

Matua John with Matsumoto Tomoyuki Jissen Gakuen Teacher

BrazilianScholars

Marlborough Boys’ College hosted six students from Brazil who applied for a scholarship through the Brazil Government in Terms 1 & 2, 2024.

These six young men were amazing and really appreciated the opportunity to study at MBC in New Zealand. They would never have been able to travel outside of their hometowns to experience school life in another country if they had not been chosen for this scholarship.

The students committed time to, sport, music, sciences, ESOL, drama, cooking, and exploring Marlborough.

The students were:

Andrey Silva Do Carmo

Victore Augusto Marion De Souza

Helyaby Gabriel Ferreira Vieira

Joao Victor Da Silva Baretto

Ruan Felipe Da Rocha Ciriaco

Lucas Gabriel Brandao Alves

Photo Credit: Fiona Mark

JissenGakuen

Jissen Gakuen Junior School Summer Exchange

Our sister school, Jissen Gakuen, from Tokyo Japan sent 52 students and six teachers for their annual Summer School Exchange in September. This annual exchange program is a remarkable event that fosters cultural exchange and understanding.

Hosting 52 students and six teachers is a significant undertaking that speaks volumes about the welcoming nature of the MBC community. This initiative not only enriches the lives of the visiting students but also offers the host families and their children a unique opportunity to experience new perspectives and build international friendships. Such programs are instrumental in developing global citizens who appreciate diversity and the value of intercultural interactions. It's a commendable effort that strengthens bonds between communities across borders and leaves a lasting impact on all participants.

Jissen Gakuen with Homestay Host Brothers

Photo Credit: Fiona Mark

TeReiPutaoteHau KapaHaka

Tēnā koutou raurangatira mā ngā iwi o te rohe o Wairau o Mātāwaka hoki.

Ka tuku mihi nunui ki ngā akonga Kapa Haka o te Kāreti nei Te Rei Puta o Te Hau mō o koutou mahi tautoko ngā momo mahi o Te Kura nei i roto i ngā piki, ngā heke ka tū Rangatira koutou.

It is with sadness that our Principal, John Kendal and his wife Sarah leave us at the end of this year. Their support, care, aroha, towards our students has been appreciated immensely by students, past students, teachers, and parents. The students always stood proud and comfortable, performing alongside their Principal, which uplifted their level of performance. Marlborough Boys’ College has lost a taonga.

The group performed at several events this year within the community of Wairau.

Highlights:

Welcoming the CricketInternational Quad Series held at Horton Park early this year, involving New Zealand, Australia, England, and South Africa.

The group participated in welcoming Te Mana Kura Tahi and Te Huinga Whetu (Primary and Secondary school National Kapa Haka Competitions) which was hosted by Te Tau Ihu o te Waka a Maui in Nelson

Entertaining the children at Pascal Early Childhood Centre.

Performing at Taiopenga, combined with M.G.C. and The Pataka.

Kia kōrua Matua John rāua ko Whaea Sarah hokia ki ngā maunga o Te Roto nui a rua o Kahu- mata- momoe kia purea kōrua i ngā hau o Tāwhirimātea hei ora ma kōrua.

No reirā whakamomiti tēnei ki a kōrua mai i te kura Te Rei Puta o te Hau.

Mā Pango Mā Whero Ka Oti Ngā Mahi.

NgāManuKōrero

Ngā Manu Kōrero is a prestigious speech competition that celebrates the art of oratory among young Māori, focusing on both English and Te Reo Māori. Founded to promote cultural pride and confidence in public speaking, the competition encourages students to express their thoughts on a wide range of topics, from personal experiences to social issues. Participants showcase their skills in a supportive environment, where they not only develop their communication abilities but also connect with their cultural heritage. Each year, Ngā Manu Kōrero attracts talented speakers from schools across the country, creating a vibrant platform for the next generation to share their voices and perspectives. School and Regional competitions are held, with the winners of each section advancing to the national competition.

This year we were proud to have speakers in all four categories at both the school and regional competitions: - Pei Te Hurinui Jones (Senior Māori), Korimako (Senior English), Rawhiti Ihaka (Junior Māori) and Sir Turi Carroll (Junior English). This was a goal from 2023 after taking a group down to Dunedin to support the MGC speakers.

Representing Te Rei Puta o te Hau/Marlborough Boys’ College at the regional competition were:

Pei Te Hurinui Jones – Rangatira Smith

Korimako – Tānenuiarangi Norton

Rawhiti Ihaka – Manaia Huntley

Sir Turi Carroll – Manaia Huntley

Each of our students placed in the top three of their respective categories, and we are truly proud of them all. But this year one of the standout performers was Manaia Huntley, a Year 9 student, whose compelling presence and thought-provoking messages captured the hearts of the audience and judges alike. Manaia deservedly won both the English and Te Reo Māori Junior sections, making him the only student qualifying for the national competition to speak in both categories.

For this year’s competition, he chose to speak on the themes of whānau and wellbeing; subjects close to his heart. Both speeches were focused on personal experiences, drawing the audience in and creating an immediate connection. Manaia shared the journey of both his koro and his own ill health, and his dynamic whānau. This authentic approach not only showcased his vulnerability but also underscored the importance and strength of whānau. Manaia stood out not just for his content but also for his delivery. His ability to engage the audience, coupled with his confident stage presence, earned him commendations from the judges, “You looked like you really enjoyed yourself. Keep working on your craft, and you’ll continue to shine. What a huge effort to be the speaker in both languages!”

Manaia was awarded the E Tipu E Rea trophy for the student with the most points speaking in both Te Reo Māori and English. Much like the regional competition, with 60 prepared speeches in both the junior and senior categories being delivered over two days, Manaia was the only one to speak in both categories. He is truly a rangatira!

Manaia’s success did not come overnight; his preparation involved weeks of research, writing, and refining his delivery. With the guidance of his kaiako and whānau, he honed his kōrero to ensure it was impactful and relatable.

Manaia Huntley stands as a shining example of the potential within our students. His passion and his ability to communicate effectively have made a lasting impact on Marlborough Boys' College and the wider community. With his eyes set on the future, Manaia hopes to continue developing his public speaking skills and pursuing opportunities.

Sarah Kendal

LibraryReport

Our Librarian team has worked hard to ensure that everything runs smoothly in spite of the challenges 2024 has brought with it.

In the Library this year we have continued to keep up with our traditions to help out the school community. These include free fruit, breakfast before school and the lunch-time device-free (laptops) activities. We have been enforcing our device-free lunchtimes so we can give our school community the opportunity to connect with each other and create new and stronger friendships with their peers without the distraction of technology.

Over the year we have been decorating the library in relation to the different events happening around the school and world. These events include the Olympics, Pride Week and Matariki.

Our hard-working, enthusiastic team consists of our Head Librarian, Sheldon Williams, Deputy Head Librarian, Josh Wyatt, and our Senior Librarians; Alan Ashfield, Charlie Howard, Martyn Davis, Gael Escarrilla, Max Berger, Ezekiel Lyall, Emmerson Bull, and Ethan Roberts. Also, in the Library we have Mrs Coleman who is the Library and Learning Resources Coordinator. This group forms the backbone of the Librarian team, making sure that our day-to-day activities are carried out, while our hard-working and wonderful Junior Librarians are the glue holding us together.The Junior team consists of; Toby Wilson-Bush, Jasper Wilson-Bush, Luca Vesely, and Hugo Edsall. As a team we work together and always strive to succeed.

Behind the scenes between Mrs Coleman and her Librarian team we are putting in countless hours ensuring that the ākonga are able to do their mahi. Not only do we issue day loan devices and books, but we also do many other things. Special thanks to Mrs Coleman who puts an immense amount of effort into ensuring that ākonga can have access to a computer to support their learning.

As we approach the end of a long and hard-working school year, the Librarian team will see some changes. Our Senior Librarians, Sheldon, Josh, Alan, Martyn, Charlie and Gael will say their final goodbyes to the MBC Librarian Team. However, it brings us great pleasure to invite four new Librarians to join the team; Nathan Sweet, Sam Molony, George Frampton and Ryan Merwood. We also have the pleasure of Ezekiel Lyall being Head Librarian for 2025.

Moreover, as a team, we would like to say a massive thank you to all the contributions of those who have supported the Library throughout 2024, from our maintenance staff who work effortlessly to ensure our space is clean and tidy for the next day, to our teachers who have volunteered to help during their lunchtimes; your efforts don’t go unnoticed. Another thanks, to all the staff and students who have donated books and fruit throughout the year, we truly appreciate this.

Finally, the Librarians would like to thank Mrs Coleman from the bottom of our hearts, without whom we would not have this amazing opportunity. Her dedication to the library never goes unnoticed.

We look forward to what challenges 2025 brings us!!

Ngā mihi nui,

The Library Team

PrideQSA

The Marlborough Boys’ College Queer-Straight Alliance group, Pride, met intermittently this year, with a continued focus on creating and promoting a safe and inclusive culture for all of our akonga. Our major project this year was School Pride Week, which took place in June. MBC held a number of events throughout the week, and ran a week-long creativity competition where Houses and individual students could create their own products promoting diversity and inclusivity in the school. Entries came in from around the school, and in a range of mediums, showcasing the incredible talents of our students. Awatere took out the House competition for their video on drag, and Andrei Elises was awarded the individual award for his stunning visual art submission ‘United in Diversity: Stronger Together.” In addition to School Pride Week, we worked with local community groups and organisers to promote events that celebrate diverse genders and sexualities, and put strategies in place to help whānau and guardians seeking support in understanding their rainbow rangitira. We continued to supply staff and students with opportunities to educate themselves and increase the visibility of our inclusive environment here at MBC. Pride QSA looks forward to continuing to meet next year and welcome all members.

Courtney Ieremia

LeosClub

LEOs club has had a wonderful year full of team work and generosity – with students giving their time and energy to many different events and causes, and the community digging deep to donate to our fundraising efforts.

In February, the club voted to donate $1000.00 of funds raised the previous year to the Lions Club NZ Cancer Trust. This will go towards establishing a mobile skin cancer screening service.

Environmental work this year involved weeding at the Marshall Place native bush reserve and planting native trees beside the Taylor River. Both of these events took place alongside the Marlborough Branch of Forest and Bird.

We participated in a major fundraising event this year, Drop for Youth, for the Graeme Dingle Foundation (GDF). Funds were raised through a variety of means, including: a firewood raffle, bagging and selling pine cones, a goodies raffle at New World, a sausage sizzle at Bunnings Warehouse, sponsorship and three nights of marshalling at the extraordinarily busy and well attended ‘Energize Marlborough’ event.This was a new and incredible experience for our boys. With thousands of attendees, our students had to dig deep to keep level-headed while managing the crowds. They did us proud.As a result of the whole team’s successful efforts for GDF (close to 7,000 dollars raised and the ‘top’ team), five of our boys were able to have the fabulous and terrifying experience of parachuting with Sky Dive Abel Tasman in Motueka!

Other projects this year included: chopping and bagging kindling to raise funds for Alzheimers Marborough, assisting at John’s Kitchen, counting foreign and old coins for NZ Lions ‘Heads Up for Kids’ programme, and assisting with the Scitech Fair.

At the time of writing, we have more engagements ahead; the first being a fundraiser sausage sizzle during the Lion’s Bookfair weekend (October). We hope to finish building an outdoor seat to raffle. We have four boys heading off to the National LEOs camp in Kaiteriteri in October. The Lions Mistletoe Market is another chance to sell sausages for a good cause, and is usually extremely busy and fun! (December).

The first task for 2025 will be deciding which community Project to donate to next. Our heartfelt thanks for the support we receive from Blenheim Lions, parents and caregivers, and to the businesses and public who donate and sponsor our efforts. Extra special thanks must go to the amazing Malcolm Williams, our Lions mentor and support person for the last 18 years! Always patient and kind, he dedicates countless hours to assist us, and we would not be without him.

Active members in 2024:

Year 13: Martyn Davis, Alan Ashfield, Sheldon Williams, Charlie Howard, James Savage

Year 12: Paul Yoon

Year 11: Toby Randall, Kobi Ireland

Year 10: Kevin Barnard, Joseph Begg, Mathew McLeod, Jasper Wilson Bush

Year 9: Jack Gray, Jack Livingstone, Luke Tucker, Manaia Huntley, Louis Baker, Ollie Baker

In-school Support: Jan Worrall

Lions Support: Malcolm Williams

Jan Worrall

Photo Credit: Jan Worrall

FilmClub

This year we launched the Marlborough Boys’ College Film Club. This club focuses on supporting and guiding students through the process of creating their own films, along with offering opportunities for any productions that arise. This year, several of our Film Club members created work that appeared in both the Random Directions Film Festival and the Top of the South Film Festival. We also worked with The Mick Jellyman Charitable Trust to produce a promotional video about the work the trust does in supporting youth cricket in Marlborough for their Fundraising Gala Dinner. Students in the Film Club have the opportunity to develop their own concepts, scripts and treatments for short films, and create cinematic pieces that they can truly take ownership of. We are always keen to find new members, and look forward to seeing our numbers rise in 2025.

Courtney Ieremia

Mason Moffat, Raheem Mir & Patrick Griffiths with Chris Cairns & Martyn Wilson, Chairman of the Mick Jellyman Charitable Trust

EnvironmentalClub

In 2024, the Environmental Committee have organised and been involved in various events. In Term 2 we introduced a new ‘Clean Travel Week’ House event that encouraged students to bike to school. While the decrease in carbon emissions from more students biking to school may not have been significant, it represents an important step toward a cleaner future.

The committee were involved in two clean ups throughout the year as well, one at Rarangi Beach and the other at Harling Park. Our involvement with Forest and Bird NZ midway through the year was another highlight, where a number of boys were involved in planting trees by the Taylor River. As Environmental Prefects, we were also in charge of our respective House Service events. These events included tree plantings at the Grovetown Lagoon, Yealands Winery and Marfell’s Beach. The boys are looking forward to our Long Island environmental observation trip, happening in late November. The Committee would like to thank Mr Anderson and Whaea Jan for their help throughout the year and we wish the committee all the best in 2025.

Baxter Croad

ElectronicsClub

As the Head of Physics at Marlborough Boys’ College, it gives me immense pleasure to reflect on the remarkable journey of our newly established Electronics Club. This initiative, led by our enterprising Year 13 student, Willem Hayton, has truly been a highlight of the year.

Meeting every Wednesday in Lab 1, the Electronics Club has become a hub of creativity and innovation. Each week, a dedicated group of Year 13 and junior students gather to delve into the fascinating world of electronics. Under Willem’s enthusiastic guidance, members have been building a variety of electronic devices, gaining handson experience with the fundamentals of electronics.

But the learning doesn’t stop there. The students have also been exploring the basics of computer programming, integrating their newfound coding skills with their electronic projects. This combination of hardware and software has led to some truly impressive creations, showcasing the ingenuity and technical prowess of our students.

Despite being in its inaugural year, the club has fostered a positive and light-hearted atmosphere. The small but passionate group of members have formed a close-knit community, collaborating and sharing their knowledge with enthusiasm. The camaraderie and teamwork displayed by the students have been truly inspiring.

We are incredibly proud of Willem and all the club members for their dedication and hard work. The Electronics Club has not only provided a platform for learning and innovation, but has also sparked a genuine interest in electronics and programming among our students.

As we look forward to the future, we are excited to see how the club will continue to grow and evolve. We anticipate even more amazing projects and hope to expand our membership to include more students eager to explore the world of electronics.

Congratulations to the Electronics Club on a fantastic first year. Here’s to many more years of creativity, learning, and fun!

Join us next year and be part of the innovation!

Dr. Harvey

Aquabots

Both Year 9 and Year 10 students got a taste for underwater exploration this year by building NZAquabots in their technology classes.

In AQB001 five teams of students designed, built and modified Aquabots using kits supplied by the Ministry of Inspiration to complete tasks based around climate change and Flooding. The Aquabots were required to pick items up, push levers and relocate items as well as being able to navigate an obstacle course. Students followed the Engineering Design Process during the course using design software to modify existing designs, as well as producing 3D printed parts.

Once built, the Aquabots were tested in the water both at MBC, and also in the Grovetown School Pool. Keen teams completed testing at Stadium 2000 alongside other Marlborough teams.

Practice paid off with four Marlborough Boys’ College teams competing in the inaugural Marlborough NZAquabots Regional Competition. This was held on Friday 19th October at Stadium 2000 and was an awesome day for all those involved; it was an amazing demonstration of teamwork and problem solving. Teams overcame challenges such as losing propellers, motors not working and completing tasks they hadn't seen before. Teams were also required to complete a Quiz which tested each team’s knowledge of Environmental and Climate Change issues, as well as a presentation where students talked about the design process they had gone through and challenges their team had faced.

MBC teams finished in 1st and 2nd place in the College division at the regional competition. The MBC Aquaneers - Tana Barron, Sam Malony, and Luke Tucker won the competition, and Team Robofish - Rex Webster, Luke Bourgeois, Kymaine King and Ronav Lal were close behind in second place. Both of these teams have now qualified for the National Finals in Auckland on 30th November & 1st December.

Katharine Davis

Bands

Our MBC brass players comprising Ariel Rofe, Luke Riley, Tyrese Bristowe and percussionist, Bronson Blissett were victorious members of our very own Marlborough District Brass Band who took out the Australian B Grade Brass Band Championship in March this year when they competed in the Australian National Band Championships in Adelaide. On returning to New Zealand, the band members then had to regroup and prepare for the Nelson/Marlborough/West Coast Brass Band Championships. Again, MDBB took out the band titles and Ariel, Luke, Tyrese and Bronson won the junior ensemble along with excellent results in the Individual Age Group Solo competition. It is great to see the tradition of MBC's strength in the Brass program continuing to reap rewards.

The South Island Secondary Schools’ Jazz Band competition, known as Southern Jam, is a highly anticipated event in New Zealand. Taking place annually, it brings together talented young musicians from across the Island to showcase their skills and passion for jazz music. The competition not only serves as a platform for these students to perform and receive recognition, but it also fosters a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among participants. Throughout the years, Southern Jam has become a significant cultural event, drawing in large audiences, and providing invaluable experiences for aspiring jazz musicians. This year was no exception with 20 bands from across the South Island entering the competition. MBC had two bands entered. Our Jazz Trio, The Flat Whites, consisting Louis Girling, Rowan McKay Simpson and Leni Manson from MGC, performed a mixture of Jazz Rock, Latin American and popular jazz standards, while our funk band, Funkasaurus Rex, hit the audience right between the eyes with their powerful funk and fusion standards. Both groups were successful in securing a Silver award and The Flat Whites winning a Bronze award.

Robin Randall

Brass Ensemble Funkasaurus Rex

Choir

The MBC choir, Synergy, is one of the key contributors to Marlborough Boys' College's cultural fabric. With their rich harmonies and powerful voices, they have really captivated their audiences again this year. Their performances range from traditional choral pieces to contemporary arrangements, showcasing their versatility and talent. As they prepared to enter the Big Sing National Secondary Schools’ Choral competition, the challenge was to recruit new members across the various year groups to give the choir a blend of young and older voices. The boys worked tirelessly to refine their choral skills to get them to the stage where they were going to be competitive. Their results certainly endorse the hours of rehearsal. At the Nelson/Marlborough Regional Festival, Synergy put on an unforgettable performance. From the beautiful Māori song, Ka Waiata and the very haunting, In Flanders Fields to the outrageous Mambo Italiano, the boys were certainly a crowd favourite. From completing a successful regional competition, the choir was then selected as a reserve choir in the lineup for the South Island Cadenza finale where the top 12 South Island choirs compete for gold, silver and bronze awards. Ultimately, the choir were invited to take part in the event. However, with time growing very short to prepare, it was decided not to accept this year’s invitation. The choir then worked toward their performance for the MBC 125th Anniversary during Labour weekend.

Robin Randall

Synergy

Back: Ethan Mills, Dylan Kirby, Louis Baker

Middle: Joe May, Phineas McFadden, Ben Kenny, Hugo Edsall, Hamish Sampson

Front: Kayel Meadows, Seth Gifford, Asher Gotty, Luke Riley, Oliver Jurgeleit

The Plot:

CombinedCollegesProduction

LegallyBlonde

Elle Woods was a fashionable sorority queen who had everything: a handsome boyfriend, wealth, and status.

Her life changed when her boyfriend, Warner, dumped her for Vivian, a law student.

To win him back, Elle applied to Harvard Law School and got accepted. Although Harvard was challenging, she befriended Paulette, a manicurist, and fell in love with Emmett. As Elle took her studies more seriously, she got the chance to prove herself by defending Brooke Windham, her role model, accused of murder.

Determined to prove Brooke's innocence, Elle showed her true potential and redefined her goals.

The Production:

Students from Marlborough Boys’ College, Marlborough Girls’ College and Richmond View School took part onstage and backstage.

Legally Blonde ran for a season of four shows in the ASB Theatre 3-6 July. It was directed and choreographed by Jeannie Mark and produced by Marlborough Girls’ College. Audiences were thrilled with the lively, dynamic dance sequences and quality singing from the cast. The projections enabled smooth transitions of scenes, while the colourful lighting contributed to the show’s energy.

Cast from MBC:

Stage Manager: Sam Morris

Stage Crew: Riley Neal, Michael Gibbs, Finn Maskill, Jasper Wilson-Bush, Jed Cornelius

Warner Huntington 111: Ben Kenny

Professor Callahan: Oliver Jurgeleit

Chad: Oliver Jurgeleit

Lowell, Law student, Guard, Police: Ethan Mills

Store manager/Frat#4, Winthrop/Dewey/Law student: Seth Gifford

Jet Blue Pilot/ Frat #5 / Law Student/ Cameraman/ Elle's Dad: Fergus Campbell

Kyle/ Frat # 6 / Law Student: Kayel Meadows

Ngaire Searle

CulturalAwards

Photo Credit: Fiona Mark

Waihopai WinnersoftheHouseCompetition

Waihopai House has thrived under the exceptional leadership of its prefect team, who have fostered unity and success. Each member has played a crucial role in maintaining competitiveness and creating a positive, inclusive atmosphere.

Leo Marfell and Elijah O’Donnell, our Sports Prefects, led by example and motivated teams to excel. Rhys McWilliams, the Academic Prefect, ensured academic excellence, while Mason Herd, the Environmental Prefect, prioritized sustainability. William Baker, the RIPR Prefect (Responsibility, Involvement, Pride, and Respect), ingrained these values into our culture. Noah Gare, the Arts & Music Prefect, infused creativity into House events.

Ryan Webb provided essential academic support as the Learning Support Prefect.

Head of House Barend Lindeque’s leadership was pivotal in uniting Waihopai. Hugo Rowden Liosa and Martyn Davis also played key roles in organizing events and rallying the House. Together, they ensured Waihopai House was always a strong contender for first place.

Despite fierce competition, Waihopai achieved remarkable victories in Athletics, Raft Building, Cross Country, Super Bowl, and Talent Quest. These successes were due to hard work, unity, and perseverance. We also performed well in Swimming Sports, Travel Week, House Chess, Erg Comp, and House Service.

House Service was a priority for us, focusing on community impact. Beyond competitions, we aimed to create a welcoming environment for all students. Led by Ben Filipo and supported by Patrick Mulcahy, we emphasized inclusivity and respect. This sense of community helped students connect beyond competitions.

I am incredibly proud to have led Waihopai House through a year of success and growth. UP THE WOLFPACK!!! ������������������������

Barend Lindeque

Wairau

The Wairau Prefect team consists of Baxter Croad (Environmental), Louie Girling (Music), Harry Mason (Academic), Harry King (RIPR), Ulrineto Lousiale (Pasifika), Ted Small (Māori), Ben Gibbons (Sport), Rico Chen (Deputy Head Boy) and me as Head of House.

The team has led Wairau House to an overall successful year. We have taken part in all Inter-House competitions this year, coming away with many highlights and special memories. Some of those include the House Chess competition, House Service competition, and House Math competition, where Wairau emerged victorious. Although Wairau House did not win as many sporting competitions, one particular highlight was coming 1stequal in the House E-sport competition, this moment stood out because of the tremendous support we received in the hall.

To reflect on the 2024 school year, as a House, we have collectively helped the boys get more involved in the school. Although we could not have done this without the help of our Dean, Mrs Raeli, and many other teachers/parents who helped organise events involving Wairau House. By displaying the RIPR values as a perfect team, we have influenced the younger year groups to continue the Wairau House legacy. Getting boys involved in House events makes them more willing to learn and proud to be a part of Marlborough Boys’ College.

Next year I hope the Wairau team learns from our time as Prefects and creates an even better environment for the boys.

Walter Wickham

Ōpaoa

The Ōpaoa House has had an outstanding year in 2024, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our Prefect Team: Jonty Gifford (RIPR), Finn Maskill (Sport), Rory Tompson (Academic), Sheldon Williams (Māori), Tyler Lang (Environmental), Will Partridge (Pasifika), Mathew Hall (Arts and Music), Seth Gifford (House Prefect), Finn McKenzie (Deputy Head Boy), Josiah Lenati (Head Boy), and Jack Frisken (Head of House). Their hard work has led Ōpaoa to secure first place in five Inter-House events!

One of the standout moments this year was our victory in the Haka competition, which required extensive training from the boys. Additionally, the Cross-Country competition was a significant achievement, with Ōpaoa finishing in second place, reflecting the commitment and participation of our students.

At the start of 2023, the Prefect Team set a goal to cultivate a unified culture within Ōpaoa House. We recognised that communication, accountability, and resilience were essential to our success. As we near the end of 2024, I can confidently say that our Prefect Team has made a positive impact on Ōpaoa House.

Serving as Head of House has been a rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the support from Mr. Hill and my fellow prefects. I believe that Ōpaoa House has a bright future ahead in 2025, and I wish the next Prefect Team all the best as they carry on this legacy!

Jack Frisken

Awatere

Awatere House, led by Ben Kenny, stepped up to the plate in 2024. Our spirit in the House Choir was unmatched and we brought the boom to every event we participated in. Our prefects were exceptional, Lafai King (Environmental) being a notable example with his hard efforts in the House Service competition.

The Academic Committee made itself known through its numerous fun events, spearheaded by ‘sigma’, Kayel Meadows (Academic).

Triumphant twins Ajay (RIPR) and Jake Gane (Sport) outperformed themselves, not only on the rugby team, but also in organising Cross Country, MBC Games and the countless fun sport activities made available to students.

As mentioned, our House Choir took home the trophy for its third year in a row, which wouldn’t have been possible without Mika Vakasilimaratu (Arts & Music). Fale’ata Avafou and the Pacifica committee did an awesome job of running events throughout the year, such as Tongan Language Week and gathering students for the Polyfest.

Nathan Brook-Taylor had an immense role as Deputy Head of House, offering a helping hand in every event organised. All of this wouldn’t have been possible without Dean, Tracey Moanaroa and Assistant Principal, Tui Raeli, who did the majority of the hard work for us. While the 2024 Awatere Prefects are having to say goodbye to the House, we’re hopeful for the next generation to lead the charge in 2025.

Ben Kenny

AthleticsResults

U14

Newrecordssetin2024: Year9 FredMehrtens 400m 5878

AthleticsChampions

1.Ethan Abbott (24pts)

2.Ivan Chong (22pts)

3.Keegan Middleton (20pts)

U15

1.Cullum Rayner (32pts)

2.Kade Timms (22pts)

3.Thomas Blackmore (20pts)

U16

1.Elijah O’Donnell (36pts)

2.Max Skehan (32pts)

3.Alex Hansen (24pts)

O16

1.Anru Erasmus (44pts)

2.Leo Marfell (16pts)

3.Josh Vularika (16pts)

HousePlacings

1st Waihopai 2nd Wairau

3rd Awatere 4th

CrossCountry

The MBC Cross country was again held at the Taylor river this year. Excellent running conditions were embraced by the elite runners and the students intent on seeing their House take out the Trophy.

The Year 9 and 10 runners covered a distance of 3km whilst the older years all ran 5km. An enthusiastic cohort of Year 9 students started first with 165 runners competing.

Year 10 boys were a little less represented with 137 students turning out to run. In terms of numbers, 302 boys running across Year 9 and 10 wasn’t too bad. There are some fantastic young multi-sport athletes coming through the younger ages.

The most disappointing of the age groups was the Year 11’s with just 93 of the possible 202 students; well under 50% attendance. What was not disappointing though was the quality of the top 5 places, in particular, Connor Pugh who ran an extremely quick, low 18 minute 5km, averaging 3.39min/km.

The Year 12 and 13 students started together but finished separately. Some great young athletes on display. Finn McKenzie showing some real ticker after having not done a lot of training in preparation for this run. Finn recorded an excellent 17.39 min 5km, averaging a rapid 3.31min/km which absolutely blew away his competitors.

Year 12 results

Year 13 results

Overall results

Staff help was amazing with Chris Grage doing a huge job on the live score board in James Bowater’s absence. Thanks to those prefects and senior leaders who helped to make it a successful day. Until next year……

Chris McMurtrie

Athletics

A small but dedicated group of Athletes travelled to Saxton Fields in Nelson on 11/3/24 to compete in the Tasman Secondary School Athletics Championships.

The boys were small in number but gained some fine results on a tough windy day.

The pick of the results were:

Boys Under 14

100m – Fred Mehrtens – Silver

200m- Fred Mehrtens – Silver

400m – Fred Mehrtens – Gold.

1500m – Keegan Middleton - Silver

Boys Under 15

400m – Alex McLeish - Bronze

800m – Alex McLeish – Silver

Boys Under 19

400m – Anru Erasmus – Silver

800m – Anru Erasmus – Gold

Triple Jump – Anru Erasmus - Silver

All the boys that travelled conducted themselves with pride and were a credit to MBC. The following boys also travelled and competed very well, Vilikesa Nawaqavonovono, Ivan Chong, Rico Reyneke, Cullum Rayner.

A few weeks later, Rico Reyneke and Fred Mehrtens made the trip to Timaru for the South Island Secondary School Championships. A real eye opener for these boys who competed against the best age group athletes in the South Island. The boys should be hugely proud of their performances. Rico gaining a Silver Medal in the Under 15 Shot Putt. Fred had a busy meeting and qualified for the finals in the 100m, 200m and 400m. A remarkable achievement. He was 4th in the 100m and 200m finals and gained a superb Silver Medal in a high class 400m final.

The boys showed the fight and heart that MBC students are known for and certainly earned the respect of their peers.

Dave Tinker

Basketball

2024 has been yet another year of growth for Basketball at MBC, even though last year we didn’t think it could get any bigger. This year we have had the addition of the Senior Falcons who competed in the MBA Men’s B Grade. We also had record numbers playing Friday Night College League with 25 teams playing on a Friday night, comprised of over 220 boys.

All competitive teams this year have developed strongly and had some awesome results. Matt Manu took on the massive job of Head Coach of the Senior A side this season and has made good progress with a very young team. Matt has put in a power of work with these boys, and I thank him very much. A special mention needs to go to Bucky Popoalii who attended several Nelson trips with the Senior A boys but also took time out of his busy schedule to attend the South Island Regional Tournament in Dunedin.

Thanks also needs to go to the rest of our volunteer coaches and managers who continue to give up their valuable time to help run and coach Basketball at the school. To Ollie Folster, Bucky Popoalii, Denyse Healey, Huia Crosby and Dan Page, the Basketball program doesn’t run without you. Thank you all so much.

Back Row: Sebastian Balasoglou, Hayze Neilson, Tylen Bassett, Harrison Fishburn, Maui de Wildt, Chris McMurtrie (Coach)

Front Row: Dylan Gifford, Hero Karuna, Zephur Dollimore, Jaiden Hollis, Archie Thompson

Junior A Basketball

Thanks also to the parents of our boys. Having the parents and whānau in behind what we are trying to achieve and supporting us is just so important and I would like to thank all caregivers for their support.

We look forward to seeing all the boys back next year and I can’t wait to see how far we can take Basketball at MBC.

Chris McMurtrie

Junior A

Defensive Player of the Year: Archie Thompson

Offensive Player of the Year: Hayze Neilson

Shooter of the Year: Maui de Wildt & Sebastian Balasoglou

Team Man of the Year: Harrison Fishburn

Junior B

Best Defence - Tyreece Parkes

Best Shooter - Jack Wickens

Best Offence - Mason Ewing

Team Man of the Year - Benjamin Goosen

Senior A

Defensive Player of the Year: Leon Wightwick

Offensive Player of the Year: Malachi Murrell-Manu & Ollie Harris

Shooter of the Year: Cullum Warmouth

Team Man of the Year: Jimmy Fitzpatrick

Senior B

Defensive Player of the Year: Rangatira Smith

Offensive Player of the Year: Hunter Warmouth

Shooter of the Year: Arjohn Maglalang

Team Man of the Year: Rangatira Smith

Senior Falcons

Defensive Player of the Year: Jesse Crawford

Offensive Player of the Year: Liam Darragh

Shooter of the Year: Noah Gare

Team Man of the Year: Ben Rodsienglum

Back row:

Buxton Popoalii (assistant coach),Vencent Vermeer, Malachi Murrell-Manu, Malakai

Riwaka-Clarke, Rangatira Smith, Matt Manu (Coach)

Front row: Jimmy Fitzpatrick, Te Ariki Hook

Alex Boyce, Dan Clarke ,Ollie Harris

SeniorABasketball

The Senior A Basketball Team has had a tough season in the Nelson Secondary Schools Basketball Competition. The team travelled over to Nelson every Wednesday, coming up against teams from Nelson College, Waimea College and Nayland College. Playing against age grade competition week in week out has been overwhelmingly positive for our Basketball programme. Even though the results did not always go our way, we knew it was going to be a season of development, finding our feet and building team chemistry. If we measure our success by these measures, then it has been an extremely successful season. Looking forward, we are going to be much more competitive over the next two to three seasons.

The Senior A team had some pleasing results in our annual school sports exchanges. The team had exchanges with Shirley Boys’ High School, Nelson College, St Thomas of Canterbury College and St Bede’s College. The team drew with Shirley Boys’ and had a nail biting 2-point win against Nelson College, playing hard right to the final buzzer. The team also registered a win against St Bede’s and had a loss to St Thomas’ College in our first ever exchange. The boys showed good defence and great team work to perform well with the exchanges this year. We love having exchanges as it adds so much to the team environment.

The team then travelled down to Dunedin for the South Island Secondary Schools Competition. The tournament ran for just under a week, with the boys playing eight games in four days. The boys were absolutely fizzing for this tournament, looking to get some wins and improve on our placing from last year. The quality of Basketball at this tournament is mind blowing with even teams who come from relatively small schools, competing to the highest level. After some tough games and close losses, the reality of tournament Basketball soon set in, and after a massive four days the boys had registered one win against Burnside High School.

A big thank you to all the parents for their support and assistance with helping this year go ahead. A massive thank you to Bucky Popoalii for his time and energy helping out over in Nelson and at the tournament in Dunedin. Bucky brought with him endless energy and enthusiasm and we really needed that when things got tough down in Dunedin. A huge thank you to Chris Mc Murtrie for his tireless effort and the time he puts into our Basketball programme and the leadership he brings to the Basketball programme here at Marlborough Boys’ College. We could not have run the team without his support and passion. Thank you all for your help this season. Lastly, thank you to the young men in the Senior A Basketball Team and wider squad for your time and dedication this year. You showed at times that you could play some good basketball that we want to continue here at Marlborough Boys’ College. Thank you, Team.

Matt Manu

JuniorABasketball

The Junior A Basketball team has had a very successful 2024 season. This year we had a great mix of boys who all got along with each other on and off the court which created a strong team culture and helped us both with our results and our enjoyment of games and trips.

The boys competed in the MBC Men’s B Grade competition played on a Wednesday evening. We played reasonably consistently over the season, matching it with the big boys. I love playing in this grade because the adults we play against don’t shy away from being physical with the boys, which helps us to hone our game. We need to turn big teams around, play fast and hit open shots and I feel we developed hugely in these areas during the season. The boys finished the Men’s B grade season with five wins and four losses.

For our annual exchanges we started the year slow with a big loss to Shirley Boys’ High School. Their press defence doing a number on our offence. Next up was Nayland College and with a few of their players being unavailable the boys got a roll on, winning by close to 100 points. Nelson College is always tough, and the boys lead the whole game only to be beaten in the last two minutes of the game. Waimea College was next, and the boys had a convincing win. A new exchange for us was St Thomas of Canterbury College; the boys started slow and were never able to fully recover, going down by nine points. To finish off the traditional fixtures we had St Bede’s College, who unfortunately had to send up their B team. Again, our boys winning by close to 100 points. So overall, we had a record of three wins and three losses from our exchanges.

In preparation for tournament, we had several other games and also for the first time ran a day long training camp. We had three very hard fought wins against Richmond View High School Senior team, two wins coming in over time, and one with a game winning 3 pointer. We also had three games against our MBC Senior B team getting one win from three games.

Next for this team was a trip to Dunedin for tournament. We had prepared well for this event and were confident. We were in a strong pool with Otago Boys’ High School, Shirley Boys’ High School and Middleton Grange School. First up was Shirley, who earlier in the season had beaten us by 20. There were times in the game where it looked like history might repeat itself, Shirley up by 14 at one point, but the boys never gave up and with two minutes left in the game we took the lead and held on for a massive upset win against a very strong side. Next up we played a well drilled and athletic Otago Boys’ side. I feel like we could have taken the win against Otago Boys’ and we were up by 5 at the half, but the 3rd quarter was a shocker for us only scoring 3 points and Otago ran away with the game in the end. The boys after a massive game against Shirley might have just run out of gas. We then needed to beat Middleton Grange to secure 2nd spot in our pool and we did this very convincingly, having a strong game offensively and defensively.

The boys were one win away from a top eight spot and standing in our way was Rangiora High School, and what a nail-biting game it was, eventually the boys coming out on top with a 3 point win. For the first time that I can remember, the MBC Junior A team had made the quarter finals of the South Island champs. St Bede’s were our next opponent, and they were a great side. Unfortunately, they had won their pool of only three teams, not four. What this meant was that this game was only their third game of the tournament, compared with us who were playing our fifth and boy did it show. They were fresh, hungry, well drilled and a very good defensive side with a fantastic defensive press. The boys just couldn’t match their intensity, and we were well beaten. The playoff for 5th place then began and the first hurdle was Kaiapoi High School who we beat well, which left Cashmere High School for our final game for 5th place. The boys started well but we found ourselves down by 12 in the 3rd quarter. The call was made to dig deep and the boys were able to find a new level and with three minutes left in the game we found ourselves up by 1 point. Unfortunately, the boys could not close it out, finishing with a narrow loss but what a great game it was and a fitting finish to a very good tournament, finishing 6th place in the South Island. The boys represented the school with distinction on and off the court and were a pleasure to take away.

Overall, for the season the boys finished with 16 wins and 12 loses for a 0.75 record.

I would like to thank the boys for a really enjoyable season. Personally, I feel that this was the best team we have been able to put together at a junior level for some time. Not because of the results but because of the culture the payers helped to create and also the hard work and dedication the boys put into their training and games.

Endless thanks need to go to Huia Crosby, our team Manager. Huia is extremely well organised and went the extra yards this season to ensure the team ran smoothly. Huia, the boys and I thank you for all you have done and the tireless hours of mahi.

Thanks to Dan Paige who gave up his Tuesday mornings to be the boys skills coach. Dan is incredibly knowledgeable on the game of Basketball and the boys soaked up all the advice he could give them.

The parents of our boys also need a mention. I feel so lucky to be involved with boys who have such supportive parents. Nothing is ever too much and there are always hands to help if it is needed. Thank you, guys.

Until next season…….

Chris McMurtrie

Cricket 1stXICricket

The 1st XI Cricket team had a mixed year with results, but there were some excellent individual performances.

Annual Quadrangular Tournament

The year started with Marlborough Boys’ College playing in the annual Quadrangular tournament featuring Hutt International Boys’ School, Nelson College, and Rathkeale College. This was in the last week of the summer holidays and was held in Nelson.

The opening game was against Rathkeale College. They batted first and set a target of 185. This was chased down by Marlborough Boys’ College in the 41st over with six wickets to spare. With this win, Marlborough retained the Clinton Baker trophy for a second year.The highlight was the century by Luke Holdaway (107). Earlier, Holdaway had been to the fore with the ball, taking 3/16 and was ably supported by Nathan Brooke Taylor with 3/32.

On the second day the boys were well beaten by a strong Hutt International Boys’ School team who set what turned out to be an unassailable target of 279 runs. Nathan Brooke-Taylor was the pick of the bowlers with 3/35. Marlborough Boys’ College was dismissed cheaply for 60, Max Ruffell top scoring with 24.

The team bounced back to beat Nelson College on the final day, setting them a target of 235 and bowling them out in the 37th over. Ben Armstrong top scored with 50 and was ably assisted by Lachlan MacNeill and Baxter Croad who both scored 41. Luke Petrie returned the excellent figures of 5/13.

D’Arcy Cup/Gillette Cup Qualifier

The team had to play Waimea College in the D’Arcy Cup/Gillette Cup Series qualifying match. Unfortunately, the toss proved crucial, and Marlborough Boys’ College was sent into bat, scoring 149; Sam Young top scoring with 26. Luke Holdaway, 4/15, and Baxter Croad, 3/26, did their best to keep Marlborough in the game with excellent bowling, but Waimea got the victory with two wickets in hand and five overs to spare.

St Thomas of Canterbury College (Two Day Match)

In February, St Thomas of Canterbury College made the trip north to play a two-day fixture, in what is hoped will be an annual alternating home and away fixture. It has been a few years since Marlborough Boys’ College have played a two-day match and the players got a lot out of it. St Thomas batted first and declared on 300/7. The wickets were shared around amongst the bowlers. Marlborough were all out for 215 in reply, crucially avoiding the follow-on. Sam Young top scored with 40. St Thomas extended their lead, adding 188 to their total, setting Marlborough a target of 274 to win on the second afternoon. Hayden McWilliam benefitted from the aggressive batting taking 5/42. Archie Cornelius chimed in with 3/60. Marlborough batted assertively and entered the last twenty overs, needing five runs per over with wickets in hand. Unfortunately, Sam Young, who had top scored with 86, was dismissed and Marlborough collapsed. They held out until the very last possible over, getting to 209/9 and were six balls away from the draw, but unfortunately, St Thomas’ got the last wicket with three balls to spare to win by 63 runs. Luke Holdaway supported Young with an aggressive 46.

Nelson College Annual Match

The last game of the 2023/24 season was the annual interchange with Nelson College. Due to the inclement weather, this was played at Jubilee Park in Richmond. Marlborough Boys’ College won the toss and decided to bat, scoring 212/8 in their forty overs. The highlight was the partnership between Lachlan MacNeill and Luke Holdaway of 156 off 25 overs. Holdaway scored 79 from 76 balls, while MacNeill made 72 in a slightly less frenetic display of batting. Marlborough tore into the Nelson College batting order with Holdaway and captain, Baxter Croad to the fore with their pace and accuracy. Nelson was very quickly 15/3 in the fifth over. Nelson recovered to be 104/3 before 1st XI debutant, Dane Winstanley ripped the heart out of the Nelson innings with his accurate leg spin, taking 4/35. Nelson struggled through to 188 and were dismissed off the last ball of their forty overs, giving Marlborough victory by 24 runs.

MBC Quadrangular Tournament (Term Three Holidays)

Marlborough Boys’ College cricket played host to Auckland Grammar School, Christ’s College, and Otago Boys’ High School during the second week of the Term 3 holidays in what is becoming an annual tournament.

Marlborough Boys’ College played Auckland Grammar School on the first day on the number one pitch at Horton Park. Grammar batted first and scored an impressive 301-6 from their fifty overs. Their top-order batters adapted to the slowish nature of the wicket and accelerated through the innings well. The most impressive MBC bowler was leg spinner, Dane Winstanley, who bagged 2-38 from his 10 overs.

MBC struggled throughout their innings against the accurate Grammar attack, which included two New Zealand age group players. Luke Holdaway was the only batter who looked comfortable against the Grammar bowlers, top scoring with 31 including five boundaries. MBC were dismissed in the 26th over for 60, giving Grammar a convincing win by 241 runs.

On the second day, MBC were more convincing against Christ’s College. MBC lost the toss and after 14 overs, Christ’s were regretting the decision to bat first, being seven down for 39 runs. Excellent opening spells of bowling by captain, Baxter Croad and Nathan Brooke-Taylor aided by some good catching and fielding saw MBC clearly on top. The Christ’s lower order dug in, and they made their way to a respectable 210 before being dismissed in the 48th over. Croad was the best of the bowlers with 3-22, while Brooke-Taylor supported him with 3-41, Archie Cornelius took 2-53 and Kayse Holdaway claimed 2-17.

MBC’s reply did not begin well with both openers dismissed with only 29 runs scored, Lachlan MacNeill scoring a hard hit 21. This brought Luke Holdaway and Ben Armstrong together who combined in a partnership of 81 in only 12 overs taking MBC through to 110/2. Holdaway was the dominant partner going to his 50 in only 29 balls. He was in complete control and had the Christ’s bowlers at his mercy. Unfortunately, he was dismissed for 60 off 42 balls, including seven 4's and three 6's, precipitating a collapse that saw five wickets dismissed for only 22 runs, with Armstrong contributing 31 runs. Hayden McWilliam kept MBC in the hunt scoring 34 and getting them close to the target. He was supported by Brooke-Taylor and Cornelius in adding 62 runs in total for the eighth and ninth wickets. The rearguard action faltered at 196 giving Christ’s victory by fourteen runs.

The third day started with rain necessitating a reduction to 35 overs. OBHS won the toss against MBC and elected to bat. Consistent batting throughout their innings saw them accumulate 180 in their 35 overs. The best of the bowlers was Luke Holdaway with 2-34, while Cornelius was expensive in picking up 2-56 off his seven overs. The MBC batting effort was poor again and for the third time in a row at the tournament they failed to get to 100, being dismissed for 84 in the 31st over. Top scorer was MacNeill with 30, which included five 4's and one 6.

Baxter Croad captained the side well throughout the year. He was rewarded for his efforts with selection in the Marlborough Senior Representative side and was joined in this team by Nathan Brooke-Taylor and Luke Holdaway. Sam Young has been added to the wider winter training squad. This is an exceptional effort by these fine players.

Many thanks must be given to Mr Greg Logan, who has coached the side this season. He is well respected by the boys, and they benefit hugely from his considerable cricket knowledge and experience.

Thanks, must also go to Ms McIntosh for her brilliant work as Manager of the 1st XI. She has done so much behind the scenes, often in her own time, to enable that the boys get to play inter-school cricket. She has a passion for the game and a passion for the boys to do well. She is taking a break from her role to attend to her baby daughter. The team wish her all the best for the future. Mr Mason stepped into the role when she left to go on maternity leave.

Mark Mason

Back Row (L-R): Mr Mark Mason (Manager), Sam Young, Hayden McWilliam, Benjamin Armstrong, William Baker, Dane Winstanley, Max Ruffell

Front Row (L-R): Lachlan MacNeill, Kayse Holdaway, Archie Cornelius, Baxter Croad (Captain), Nathan Brooke-Taylor, Luke Petrie, Luke Holdaway

Inset: Mr Greg Logan (Coach)

JuniorCricket

In 2024, we will once again host the Year 9 South Island Festival of Cricket. Teams from Shirley Boys’ High School, Christchurch Boys’ High School, Christ’s College, Otago Boys’ High School and Nelson College will be travelling here in December for the games to be played at Oliver Park. The 2023 festival was held in Christchurch. It included a notable performance from James Crowe as he carried his bat in a losing effort against Christ’s College. The team was ably captained by Josh Harris.

This year’s team have played a rain affected match against Nelson College. Harry Nailer bowled especially well. Unfortunately, the team were unable to chase down the target set by Nelson. The 2ndXI beat Nelson – thanks to Mr. Kotze for taking them.

Matt Clarke

Back Row: Daniel Baker Billy Hurren, Tom Heagney, Fionn Heagney, Harry MacNiell, Hunter Wong, Mr Matthew Clark (Coach)

Front Row: Theodore McFadden, Lachie Cooney, Tamati de Wildt, Eddie Russell, Harry McKendry, Harry Nailer

Cycling

Southern Tour, Seddon, New Zealand Schools Cycling

Once again, we have been graced with fantastic students, racing, weather and a very handy location in Seddon. This testing environment of rolling hills and a slightly windy environment made the riding, at times, difficult for some. The Seaview course was, as always, a spectacle with a brutal headwind from the turn around when you return to Seddon, and then the series of hills to finish you off. Our team rode with pride and, at times, really put the pressure on the opposition. Gus Jackson started his journey earlier this year on road bikes and this was his first event where he would test his skills against others his age. Gus did a super job and represented himself and MBC very well.

Our Juniors were ready for this event after plenty of training and racing with others earlier in the year. Bruce led the way with two 3rd placings, one in the Road Race and one in the Criterium. Ha Min and Rory both rode hard and found the competition tough, both boys finished consistently in the top 10 of each event.

The seniors were where the action was going to happen with Finn returning to Road Cycling from a very successful rugby season, and Cooper riding with the Under 20 boys for the first year. Finn finished the tour off with a 3rd place overall and was 3rd in the Individual Time Trial, with Cooper hot on his heels in 5th. The Criterion saw Finn finish 4th and Cooper 6th. The Hill climb was cold and very hard this year because of the wind, and Finn really pushed hard and came 2nd, with Cooper setting a Personal Best and coming 5th. The featured race of the weekend was the Boys Under 20 Road Race, with a very experienced and strong field ready to race, attacks came thick and fast with the hills being the obvious place to attack. Finn and Cooper were up to the challenge and stayed in the front bunch all race. Cooper finished 4th and Finn was 5th.

Finn completed the weekend with a 3rd place overall for the Under 20 Boys.

All boys were a pleasure to support and represented MBC well. Plans were already put in place to ready ourselves for the Nationals to be held in Timaru later in the year.

Richard Hill

Top left. Red top- FinnMcKenzie

Top right. Copper Johnson Bottom. Rory Frater

NationalSchool RoadCyclingChampionships

Marlborough Boys’ College sent a team of six to the National School Road Championships in Timaru during the first week of the school holidays in September. This was the first time in several years that we have sent a team away to compete at a national level. The team comprised of three seniors and three juniors.

Months of planning and training became a reality when we departed for Timaru on Saturday, with racing starting on Sunday and finishing on Tuesday afternoon.

Sunday saw the first event with the Juniors racing in the morning. First off was the Under 14 Boys which saw Bruce Tunnicliff finish 7th out of a field of 17. Bruce rode a solid race and descended the only hill like a fearless professional rider. He was unlucky to be dropped by the lead bunch in the last attacks before the finish line. The Under 15 Boys saw Rory Frater and Ha Min Oh finish their race in 26th and 35th out of a field of 38 riders. Both boys competed very well with Ha Min showing his development this year as a competitive road cyclist. Rory, although not having the race he wanted, showed his determination and rode the best he could in difficult circumstances.

Gus Jackson, who has just recently started competitive Road Cycling rode the testing 41.6km course in a Personal Best and finished 29th in a very strong field of 42. Gus rode exceptionally well with a small group to finish only a few minutes behind the leading bunch. We look forward to seeing Gus race next year when we travel to Manawatu. Finn McKenzie and Cooper Johnson both raced in the major race of the day, the 62.4km Under 20 Boys. This field was stacked with talent, but we were confident that Finn and Copper would show their talents. The pace was fast from the start and saw several boys struggle to hold wheel of our Marlborough riders. Frequent attacks saw riders struggle to handle the wonderful mid Canterbury rolling hills. In the last 10km, Finn and Cooper looked for opportunities to break the leading bunch and Finn finally got away in the last climb. The finish sprint was frantic with the bunch chasing Finn for the win. Finn was pipped at the line and came second, but was credited with the same finish time as the leader, Joshua Grieve. Cooper came in with the bunch in 14th place. Truly one of the best road races I’ve seen in many years.

On Monday, the Team Time Trial racing began and our Under 16 Boys of Rory, Ha Min and Bruce made up a composite team, with Noah from Garin College. This 20km course tested many and we finished 15th out of 22 teams. Our Under 20 team was a composite team with the Grieve brothers from John McGlashan College riding with Cooper, Finn and Gus. On paper this team was a beast, 1st and 2nd and 14th in the Under 20 Road Race and Personal Bests from Gus and Dan the previous day. The boys were unstoppable and took two minutes out of one of the Auckland schools. We finished 5th and only 50 seconds off a podium. Not bad for a bunch of boys who had never ridden together in a Time Trial.

The last event was the Points race at Levels Raceway and saw all boys produce Personal Best times in this race on a very fast competitive track.

Special thanks to Warren and Karl who acted as coach support, and to the parents who set their boys up for success. Also, Cuddon Cycling Marlborough who gave a significant donation to make this trip possible for our boys.

Richard Hill

Road Cycling Team.

Back row: Rory Frater, Ha Min Oh, Bruce Tunnicliff, Mr Richard Hill

Front row: Gus Jackson, Finn Mckenzie, Cooper Johnson

MountainBiking

Tasman Championships: Silvan Forest, Nelson

This year MBC took a large team of riders to the Tasman Champs at Silvan Forest in Nelson. It was a real mix of very experienced riders through to a group of enthusiastic new Year 9’s who were at their first Secondary Schools’ event. It was a great day for racing as the tracks were dry and fast. The fields exceeded all past records with 68 riders competing in the Under 16 competition.

Top Performances:

Enduro

U14 : Billy Hurren 7th , Toby Wakelin 10th, Oli Hayes 11th

U16 : Liam Harcus 9th , Connor Pugh 11th

U19 : Hamish Gleeson 6th

XC

U14 : Billy Hurren 4th , Bruce Tunnicliff 7th

U16: Connor Pugh 3rd

U19: Cooper Johnson 1st, Gus Jackson 2nd

South Island Championships - Coronet Peak Queenstown

A small and relatively inexperienced group of riders headed south to Coronet Peak in March to compete for the South Island title. The fields for this event were massive and our riders learnt a great deal from competing in a field this big. We lost two riders to injury prior to the event starting, which was frustrating.

Top Performances:

Enduro

U20 – Alex Craig 6th

U16: Liam Harcus 6th

Downhill

U16: Jono Planthaber 8th

Year 9 - Rory Walter

The team that headed south was a new look team with many riders at their first event, and the bulk of our Team in the U15 and U16 sections. Day 1 was the Enduro and early morning rain made some of the tracks difficult to negotiate.

Alex Craig in the U20 section was our standout rider in the Enduro Competition, finishing with a 6th place finish.

Day 2 was XC Day. The course was right in the centre of the valley, so it was very cold for the morning races, but by the time the U17 and U20 guys were riding, the sun had made the long climb a very hot and energy sapping one.

Highlight of XC Day was the U20 Boys race These guys did six laps of a tough course and four riders raced out front from start to finish. Our rider, Finn McKenzie, was at the front of this pack for most of the race. The finish had a tight turn just before the last sprint to the finish line. Finn came around the corner with his wheel just in front, but the rider from Dunstan High School came back at him. Finn, as he has done throughout his five years of riding for MBC, showed strength of character and responded to win by 0.2 of a second. It was a great effort from Finn to win the U20 Boys National XC title in 2023 and 2024.

Top performances also came from Connor Pugh and Gus Jackson in the U17 race, with Connor finishing 10th and Gus 16th, respectively.

The Downhill competition attracts such a massive number of entries, that it is split into two days, each day has 250 riders. In the Junior DH, a mechanical fault on the chairlift meant the riders didn’t get to ride their race, and the seeding time was used to decide placings. In the Senior DH there were no issues, and all runs were completed successfully. Alex Craig was, once again, our best rider with a very creditable 11th place.

The members of the Team and I would like to acknowledge the support we get from our parent group and the wider mountain bike community. CycleWorld Blenheim and the Marlborough Mountain Bike Club are always there to help and support the MBC Team. This team could not function or achieve like it does without this support.

Paul Molyneux

Callum Clemett

Jono Planthaber

Mountain Biking

Back Row: Max Joyce, James Dwyer, Rory Walter, Jono Planthaber, Finley McCormick, Bruce Tunnicliff

Middle Row: William Guckert, Tom Dunne, Oli Hayes, Billy Hurren, Liam Harcus, Callum Clemett, Connor Pugh

Front Row: Gus Jackson, Alex Craig, Finn McKenzie, Paddy Trower, Angus Walter, Paul Molyneux

William Guckert

Football

1stXIFootball

Senior Football began on February 1st with pre-season training and continued twice a week throughout the season. The enthusiasm and intent of the squad was seen in the early days and never wavered, even in the cold, wet, dark nights of July. The First XI squad this year comprised of a twenty-four-man extended squad. Twenty of this squad played for the team, with ten of these making their debut for the Senior side.

The First XI played under the guise of Rangers Reserves and became a feeder squad to the Rangers First team, which won the Senior Men’s Tasman League and Cup. Playing in the Senior Marlborough Mens’ Division 1, the squad, at times, found the physical nature of the opposition difficult at the outset. Mid-season, the team went three games without winning. However, this proved to be a catalyst for a renewed focus and reset of goals. As a result, the team went on to win nine games on the bounce and the streak was only broken in the last game of the season where we went down gallantly in the final of the Knockout Cup (2-4).

Runners up in the Cup, it was to be the same story with the League, finishing second by two points. However, it is important to note that we played the Champions four times and won three of these encounters. The league was an exciting race between three teams this year and the standard of play rose, as did the nail biting.

Inter School fixtures again started with Shirley Boys’ High School. Going down 2-0, it was good to play an excellent passing side that moved the ball at speed. This set us up for our National qualifiers in the Tasman region. Unfortunately, we lost to Nelson College 1-3, but perhaps a draw may have been a more balanced result. The crucial game came against Waimea College. Due to goal difference, we only had to draw to gain qualification. This we did 1-1, after controlling the first half. In the second half possession and shots on goal were quite even. It was enough to get us to Auckland.

Prior to tournament we played St Thomas of Canterbury College and St Bede’s College, winning the former 2-0, but only drawing against a St Bede’s side that we should have easily put away in the first half.

September saw the team fly to Nationals in Auckland for Tournament week. A young side comprising of seven Year 11 aged boys, threw themselves into the exposure of the strong competition. In Pool play our first two games were against Hamilton Boys’ High School and the current champs Westlake Boys’ High School. The Baptism of fire was certainly tiring physically, but the Boys fought strongly through the week. Unfortunately, we didn’t win a game: seeded 32nd at the outset, we finished 32nd.

The experience was essential for this young team moving forward, and the reality of where we need to be in terms of skill and strength for future years. The boys were, as usual, impeccable off the field and won many friends for their character and resilience through the week.

This year the team was captained well by Rico Chen who was mature and balanced in his outlook. Further, he gained the accolades of Marlborough Division 1, Player of the Year and MBC Team Player of the Year, at the National Tournament. Tyler Black was Vice Captain and was a rock of support, as well as a rock on the field. Elijah O’Donnell gained selection into the U17 Tasman team which competed in the Southern league.

To fly the squad to Auckland and play for a week was more than $20,000. A massive thank you to the following who enabled us to get there: The Neame Trust, Tractor Repair and Services (Shirt sponsor), Workflow (Training top sponsor), and Redwood Trust. Our newly formed Parents Committee for their organisation in the Quiz night, Toyota Cars. And finally, Nigel Timpson and Paul O’Donnell for their assistance at Tournament week.

Inter School Record

Shirley Boys’ High School (Loss) 0-2

Nelson College (Loss) 1-3

Waimea College (Draw) 1-1

St Thomas of Canterbury College (Win) 2-0

St Bede’sCollege (Draw) 1-1

Competitions Record

Marlborough Senior Mens’ Division 1 Runners up.

Played 13. Won 7. Draw 3. Loss 3.

Marlborough Mens’ Senior Knockout Cup Runners up.

Final (Loss) 2-4

National Lotto Premier Tournament - Auckland Position 32nd.

Gareth Pugh Coach

MBC First XI FOOTBALL 2024.

Back row: Logan Stone, Nathan Brooke Taylor, Hugh Bradley, Archie Botham, Elijah O’Donnell, Kahu Hoeta,

Middle row: Paul O’Donnell (Asst Coach) Bakoaun Bakoaun, Jonty Gifford, Josh Main, Connor Pugh, Will Baker, Rhys Yockney, Hugo Llosa Rowden.

Front row: Gareth Pugh (Coach), Finn Brown, Finn Maskill, Rico Chen (Capt), Tyler Black (V. Capt),Henri Piddington, Nigel Timpson (Manager)

Inset- Nathan Drury, Helyaby Vieira.

JuniorFootball

Junior Football – Undefeated all season, Tournament Winners and recognised as the top U15 School team in the South Island. This is the pinnacle of what we can participate in at this age group.

Interchange Record:

The Junior Football Squad started training midway through Term 1 and it was apparent that with the numbers (and skill level) of those attending, that it would be a challenge to pick the squad.

We had a fantastic opening game away against Shirley Boys’ High School 1-2 (MBC win). This battle was hard fought and reminded us of the unbeaten run that followed the last time we won our first game away against Shirley Boys’.

Our next game against Nelson College saw a 2-1 MBC win as we started to transfer the considerable work from the training field to ‘master’ the possession game against a group of very skilful Nelson players.

Our next away game against St Thomas of Canterbury College was 0-5 (MBC win) on the artificial Christchurch United turf, and the confidence of the team was riding high.

Our geographic isolation and the unfortunate lack of opportunity against Waimea College and St Bede’s College meant we were not able to build on this success leading into tournament.

Tournament Record:

Christchurch Secondary Schools’ U15 Football to compete against the top football schools in the South Island.

The team hit the ground running in the pool play phase, winning all four games with a total of 31 goals scored and only 2 conceded. 5-1 Vs Timaru Boys’ High School, 10-0 Vs Otago Boys’ High School (9s), 4-1 Vs St Thomas of Canterbury College, and 11-1 Vs St Bedes’ College.

A physical semi-final against Otago Boys’ High School (Year 10s) ended with a 3-1 victory, booking the Junior Football Falcons their well-deserved spot in the final against a highly organised, tenacious and skilful Shirley Boys’ High School.

The final was the sixth game in three days and in a close game, a penalty in Shirley’s favour saw the MBC team trailing 1-0 with the final whistle looming. The team responded well to a late tactical shift that activated our impressive strike force to take it level with one minute to spare.

The final (and the recipient of the cup) was then destined to be decided by the cruelty of a penalty shoot-out. MBC held their nerve to take out the penalties 3-2 and lift the South Island U15 Cup.

A great group of young men, showing awesome growth in so many ways, leading to a welldeserved accolade that topped off an awesome season.

Michael Heath

Back: Michael Heath, Brendon Ferguson, Caleb McAulay, Alejandro Fernandez-Puertas, Cullum Rayner, Alex McLeish, Gabriel Lamond, Cameron Pakes, Samuel Johanson , Aiden Batty, Jeimar Zapata Zuniga, Dave Grono

Front: Sam Grono, Archie Campbell, Ben Linfield, James Parley, Hunter Wong, Callum Wells, Campbell Ferguson

Futsal

The Senior Futsal teams, Gold and Blue attended the Tasman Championship in Nelson on June 17th. MBC Blue playing in Division 1, came 3rd, only losing one game all tournament to the eventual winners, Nelson College 4:3. All other games were won, with a resounding 17:3 win in the 3rd and 4th playoff.

MBC Gold finished 5th in Division 2, in a hard fought and entertaining tournament. Two losses by one goal, and two draws were unfortunately not enough to put them in the playoffs. However, they did end the day with a friendly, in which they beat a Division 1 team.

MBC Gold team included Campbell Ferguson, Alejandro Fernandez-Puertas, Gabriel Lamond, Ben Lindfield, Caleb McAulay, Alex McLeish, James Parley, Jeimar Zapata Zuniga. MBC Blue included Sam Grono, Samuel Johanson, Nav Kumar, Matthew Norton, Cameron Oakes, Cullum Rayner, William Smith.

The Junior Futsal team went one better this year and won the Tasman Championship! On Monday 10thJune, MBC had two teams (Blue and Gold) compete in the Tasman Futsal tournament. Both teams performed well.

The Blue team only narrowly lost to Golden Bay High School, who made it through to the final.

The MBC Gold team won all their pool play games, making it through to the final and won the tournament. Waimea College were dispatched in the semi-final before Golden Bay High School were put away in the final emphatically, 10 goals to 1.

Gareth Pugh

Back row:

Caleb McAulay, Alejandro Fernandez -Puertas, Matthew Norton, Cullum Raynor, Ben Lindfield, Cameron Oakes, Samuel Johanson, Campbell Ferguson, Jeimar Zapata Zuniga,

Front row:

Gabriel Lamond, James Parley, Nav Kumar, Sam Grono, William Smith, Alex McLeish.

Artist: Achilles Bobis L2 Painting

Golf

This year we have seen a continued resurgence in the number of MBC students playing golf at both the social and competitive level. Once again, we had the largest team by far entered at the Tasman Champs, with teams entered in the Top division and also the Ambrose teams’ event. We have also hosted a Boys’ School Invitational tournament this year which we are looking to expand in 2025, as a way of helping the boys prepare for competition golf outside of Marlborough.

MBC made their return to the NZSS Tournament in New Plymouth during winter tournament week. It was a young team of Kobe Hart (Year 10), Spencer Gregg (Year 10) and Harry McNeill (Year 9), but regardless of their age they approached the competition with an aggressive mindset and got to work in miserable conditions for their practice round, forging what they believed would be a strategy for success leading into Day 1.

The weather cleared on the morning of the first day and the course was in great condition despite the heavy rain the previous day. The weather had made mowing difficult and the rough was a lot longer than anything our boys had experienced in Marlborough which led to a tough day for our team when they strayed off the fairway. Kobe Hart put up the best score for MBC in Round 1, and despite struggling with the longer rough, the team found themselves starting the second day in 12th position and set a goal of finishing in the top ten.

The team were tested again by the damp conditions that came with an early tee time; the greens played a lot slower than the previous afternoon and they finished the tournament in 14th place with Harry McNeill finishing with the best score for MBC on Day 2. Overall, it was a very positive result for a team of Year 9 and 10 students playing in an open age group, against the top schools in the country and it shows there is a promising future for MBC Golf with all of these boys returning to have another go at qualifying for the National Tournament in 2025.

Hamish McKerrow

Golf Nationals: Spencer Gregg, Kobe Hart & Harry MacNeill

Hockey

1stXIHOCKEY

TEAM : Aidan Bennett, Alex Herd, Alex Macri, Ben Armstrong, Harry Wilkin (Vice-Captain), Jack Watts, Jock Flanagan, Lachlan McNeill, Liam O'Connell (Captain), Logan Flight, Louis Girling (Vice-Captain), Luke Holdaway, Mason Herd, Rhys McWilliams, Sam Young, Ted Small, Harrison Fishburn, Spencer Gregg (non-travelling reserve)

COACHES: Sandy O’Connell & Pip Herd

MANAGER: Hugh Girling

MBC TEACHER LIAISON: Jenny Thomas

The MBC Hockey 1st XI had a very good season, culminating in finishing 2nd at Johnson Cup –meaning MBC won promotion and will attend the top tier Rankin Cup tournament next season for the first time since 2010. The year began with a very competitive trial process and 12 returning players were available which led to the selection of a strong and experienced squad for 2024.

As with previous years, Marlborough Hockey asked the 1st XI to play in the Premier Grade, but with only three teams in the grade this year, the inevitable player concentration meant the boys effectively played shadow Marlborough Mens’ representative teams every week. Despite this challenge, the boys played very well and improved steadily over the season (especially their mid-field and defence) and finished the season within a point of making the competition final.

Converting field position into goals and improved penalty corners remained a key focus for the team; this saw the inclusion of a separate PC (Penalty Corner) practice which led to good on-field decisions and lots of goal scoring opportunities. Key to this was the development of strikers Luke Holdaway, Lachlan McNeill, Aidan Bennett and Jack Watts, who looked to use improved field position and ball control to create goal scoring chances.

The engine room of the 2024 1st XI though, was its mid-field of Harry Wilkin, Sam Young, Mason Herd, Liam O’Connell, Jock Flanagan, Ben Armstrong, Ted Small and Logan Flight, well directed by goalies Louis Girling and debutant, Harrison Fishburn. The new team members this season Rhys McWilliams, Alex Macri and Alex Herd all had very strong debut seasons.

The rising standard of play in this team was evidenced by nine team members being selected for the Tasman U18 team, which finished with a best ever result of 6th overall at National Tournament in Palmerston North. Players selected were: Mason Herd, Sam Young, Lachlan MacNeill, Aidan Bennett (Non-travelling reserve), Liam O’Connell, Jock Flanagan, Harry Wilkin, Louis Girling and Logan Flight.

Further evidence is found in the Inter-School season results: 2023 - 12 games, 5 wins, 6 losses & 1 draw (39 goals scored & 20 conceded) 2024 – 12 games, 8 wins, 3 losses & 1 draw (33 goals scored, only 15 conceded) The 2nd place at Johnson Cup was a strong step up from 3rd in 2023 and, as mentioned, secures the team entry into the Rankin Cup tournament in 2025.

Inter-School fixture results: 16th May - Shirley Boys’ High School - draw 2-2

17th May - Shirley Boys’ High School - won 3-1

May - Nelson College (Blenheim) - lost 0-4

27th June - Waimea College (Blenheim) - won 3-0

21st September - St Bede’s College (Blenheim) - won 3-1 (best result in recent years)

Top of the South Secondary Schools Tournament (Nelson): Nelson College (Nelson) - lost 1-2

Waimea College (Nelson) - won 5-3

Cup Tournament (Nelson): Rolleston College - won 7-0

Dunstan High School - won 4-0

Cashmere High School - won 2-0

Whanganui High School - won 2-0

Nelson College (final) - lost 1-2

Coach (Sandy O’Connell) was again very impressed with the level of improvement in the team this season, their focus on fitness, building skills, understanding team tactics has led to strong results.

Back Row: Hugh Girling (Manager), Ben Armstrong, Lachlan MacNeill, Rhys McWilliams, Harry Wilkin, Liam O'Connell, Aidan Bennett, Logan Flight, Mason Herd, Jock Flanagan, Sandy O'Connell (Coach)

Front Row: Pip Herd (Coach), Alex Herd, Alex Macri, Jack Watts, Louis Girling, Ted Small, Sam Young, Luke Holdaway.

Abs : Harrison Fishburn

Ten members of this year’s squad represented Marlborough at U18 and Senior level (Louis Girling & Harry Wilkin for Marlborough Senior A, Ben Armstrong, Liam O’Connell, Jock Flanagan, Mason Herd, Sam Young, Logan Flight and Lachlan McNeill for Marlborough Senior B Men. Louis Girling was selected in the Maadi Cup Men’s A team, while Ben Armstrong, Liam O’Connell, Mason Herd and Sam Young were selected in the Maadi Cup Men’s B team.

Jock Flanagan was Marlborough Hockey Association Most Improved U21 Men’s player for 2024.

Another feature of this season was the introduction of 1st XI Hockey Caps, to be awarded at the 50 & 100 game milestones, a truly remarkable effort demonstrating team commitment & dedication. The recipients this year were:

Liam O’Connell – 112 games, five seasons played

Louis Girling - 92 games, four seasons played

Ben Armstrong – 89 games, four seasons played

Sam Young – 79 games, three seasons played

Lachlan McNeill – 77 games, three seasons played

Jock Flanagan – 77 games, three seasons played

Harry Wilkin - 76 games, three seasons played

Mason Herd – 76 games, three seasons played

Jack Watts – 52 games, two seasons played

From the results above we can see the 1st XI’s performances this year was a step up on season 2023 and with only two Year 13 players departing (Liam O’Connell & Ben Armstrong) the team should be well placed for a strong season in 2025.

So, a very solid season of improvement and justified excitement for next season. Another admirable feature of the team this year is their on-field self-control and attitude (an expectation of being in the 1st XI) which the team again consistently delivered. In addition, several members of the squad assisted with Junior Hockey programmes and consistently filled the teams weekly Junior Grade umpiring commitment (particularly Jack Watts, Louis Girling and Liam O’Connell). 2024 saw Hugh Girling again doing a fantastic job as Team Manager alongside, CoCoach Pip Herd and Teacher Liaison, Jenny Thomas; we thank them for their efforts managing and co-ordinating the team this year, particularly during tournament week. On behalf of the 1st XI Hockey team, coaches and support staff we would like to acknowledge and thank MBC for the support extended to the 1st XI during the 2024 season.

Sandy O’Connell and Pip Herd

5th September 2024 – MBC 1st XI Hockey Team after semi-final win over Whanganui High School securing promotion to Rankin Cup at Johnson Cup Tournament in Nelson

6th September 2024 – MBC 1st XI Hockey L to R Sam Young, Louis Girling, Jock Flanagan, Mason Herd & Harry Wilkin defend a penalty corner against Nelson College in Johnson Cup final in Nelson.

2ndXIHockey

The MBC Hockey 2ndXI had another fantastic season in 2024. The progression of many of the same players from 2023, joined with some new faces, meant the team started very well and continued to grow as the season progressed.

The team was fortunate to have Ollie King step in as Coach, with Dave Craig as Assistant Coach. The experience and expertise that Ollie and Dave gave to the boys, and their dedication to bringing out the best in each of the lads was hugely valued and showed in the results.

The boys again played locally in the Division One grade. Oppositions included MGC 1stXI, Beawai Masters, Beawai Women, Arotea Women and Awatere. Playing against such strong (mainly adult) opposition, throughout the season, set the boys up well for the games against their own age group. Notably against Nelson College and St Bede’s College where solid wins were obtained, including winning the Tasman Secondary Schools Tournament.

In the local tournament the team came away with a very solid third place and were again awarded the trophy for Most Improved Team.

The hope is for continued competitive hockey in the 2025 season and more age group exchange games.

Mention also goes to many of the team who regularly helped with Hockey Marlborough Fun Sticks and Junior umpiring.

Personally, I enjoyed the excellent attitude of the boys throughout the season. They often had to dig deep and find an extra gear, and without exception this was done with a smile, maybe a slight grimace, and then another smile! They truly played as a team and really were a pleasure to hang out with and manage. Sincere thanks to all the parents and caregivers for their support and encouragement to allow these boys to enjoy their sport.

Lucy Walter

Back row: Nico Kenyon, Oscar Mason, Angus Walter, Oliver Phipps, Jonty Graig,

Middle row: Dave Craig (Manager), Keegan Middleton, Spencer Gregg Liam Harcus, Paddy Girling, Lachie Cooney, Lucy Walter (Manager)

Front row: Harry MacNeill, Billy Hurren, Willem Rowe, Kobi Ireland, Ben Storey.

Abs : James Litchfield, Ollie King (Coach)

RugbyUnion

Our Aotea U14 teamsstarted the season with 28 players in each team and the coaches were very happy to maintain those numbers through until the end. This year we brought in a new initiative creating an U14A Rugby team, to reward those new to school players who have been typifying the school values of Respect, Responsibility, Involvement & Pride. Our hope is that it will set the expectation in their first year at college in relation to what we value, as Falcons. A huge thanks to the coaches, James Kauri & Dave Wickens, and their management for their time and energy invested in our lads.

Our Aotea U15 teamshad a great season! They were competitive in all their games and we definitely have a talented bunch coming through to the senior ranks next season. Numbers were up again, with one of our U15 teams having 29 players! Coaches, Charlie Tikotikoca, Malaki Mulitalo, Vaughan Harris, Hamish Thomas and their management have been instrumental in growing these boys over the last two seasons.

OurJunior XV(U15A) team had games against Shirley Boys’ High School, Nelson College, St Thomas of Canterbury College and St Bede’s College. These lads were competitive in every game, so coaches were expecting big things ahead. Coaches, Josh Harrison and Jared Bell, along with Manager, Hamish Thomas, took our charges down to the South Island Tournament held in Christchurch over five days. MBC beat Shirley Boys’ High School, Rangiora High School, Southland Boys’ High School and Waitaki High School before close losses to Timaru Boys’ High School and Nelson College. MBC placed 3rd,which is an awesome achievement, and something that has not been done in some time.

The Motorworld U17 Senior teams had great results, and a lot of that can be credited to the experience and direction of Coaches, Stu Campbell and Kaleni Taetuli, along with Blue Manager, Wendy Lindstrom. Our Blue team finished in style, beating the eventual champions in their final game, which was a highlight for their season. The Gold team had a number of new players, but played some good footy which will keep our senior boys interested in the game for years to come.

The Meaters Of Marlborough 2ndXVteam which was largely made up of U17 players, had a great season going through unbeaten! Their battle in Christchurch against St Thomas of Canterbury was a thrilling game, eventually winning the nail biter. I was particularly impressed with the last 10minutes of the game. St Thomas' boys were big strong lads who were tackling hard, but our Falcons just kept getting back up and hammering their line! It took a mammoth 18 phases for our lads to eventually get over the line and seal the win! Coaches, Ben O'Sullivan and Stu Campbell, put some serious time into this team, and the style of play they produced was awesome. A very proud season.

Tonga Taumoefolau

ThePaknSave 1stXV

The Pak n Save 1stXVfinished the season in 4thplace. It was a great experience for MBC to get to that position with strong results against Shirley Boys’ High School, Timaru Boys’ High School, Selwyn College, St Andrew’s College, St Thomas of Canterbury College and St Bede’s College. The boys finished the round robin with a 6 win - 3 loss record. These young men dreamt big at the beginning of the season; making the top 4 was the longterm goal. Not only did they reach that goal, but they had a shot at an upset against eventual champions, Nelson College from over the hill. It was a proud day for Tasman Rugby to have two of their teams in the semi-final. Nelson College won the match, 32-10, but it was a great effort by our lads, fighting hard until the final whistle. Our execution in key areas wavered at times, but the intent and desire was there in spades! We are looking forward to building on this groundbreaking season in 2025.

Five players made theCrusader U18'sthis year; this is huge for the school and their whānau.

Leo Marfell, Rico Nicklin, Mason Nicklin, Ben Gibbons and Anru Erasmus attended a fourday skills camp. A squad was named for a game against the Hurricanes U18, which saw Leo

Rugby 1st XV Team List

Back Row:

Matthew Large (Assistant Manager), Jason Aitken (Manager), Luke Zillwood, Ajay Gane, Vancouver Sio, Harley Hebberd, Kyan Marcroft, Josh Flynn, Ben O’Sullivan (Assistant S & C Coach), Peter Flynn (Assistant Coach)

2ndRow:

Tonga Taumoefolau (Head Coach), Jake Gane, Finn Neal, Tom Robinson, Mason Nicklin, Anru Erasmus, Luke Petrie, Rico Nicklin, Jordyn Gardiner, Couper Robinson, Tui Raeli (Assistant Coach)

Front Row:

Maifea Filipo, Ben Sziranyi, Toby McLay Davis, Finn McKenzie (VC), Ben Gibbons (C), Leo Marfell (VC), Tafa Asiata, Ben Blackmore, Harry King, Ata Obetaia Inserts:

Mika Vakasilimiratu, Tim O’Malley (Assistant Coach), Paul Beckett (Head S & C Coach)

Cancer Society 15hr Challenge

Photo Credit: WENZ Photos

JuniorFalconsRugby Tournament

The U15 Tournament team for 2024 didn't even start in 2024, it started in 2023 when the coaches got us together and told us what we had to do to make this team, and what they expect from us over the holidays. They said, the work towards the 2024 tournament team starts now. Over the break players worked hard to get in shape for the upcoming season. The season quickly came around and we were off to our respective club teams to play with our mates and have fun.

For eight rounds we played just club and had fun, but then we prepared for our upcoming game against Shirley Boys’ High School. We tracked well, smashing goals towards our game. The hard work paid off, we won convincingly 49-29 but played very sloppily at times. We then had a quick turnaround. We played Nelson College two weeks later and we had many improvements to be made if we were to win. The Nelson game started well, winning at half time 19-15, but then we let our foot off the throttle and Nelson capitalised, beating us by 15. However, we didn't let our heads drop as there were many positives from the game.

We didn't have a game until later in the term so we had lots of time to work on those silly things that we couldn't get right in the Nelson game. We were scheduled to play St Andrew’s College, but they pulled out at the last minute. Luckily our coaches worked hard and found us another game with Nelson, our shot at revenge. Once again, we started well scoring early, but Nelson weren't just going to roll over, they fought back and took the lead at halftime. Many things were said at halftime to get us amped for the second half ahead; we fought our way back until we were drew with just minutes to go. We had a prime opportunity to win the game but we lost the ball. We were happy with improvements, but sad we couldn't get the W.

We then played St Thomas of Canterbury College two weeks later, they were massive. I'm sure many boys were nervous, but we put out a performance we were all proud of. Everyone left it all out on the field, no one was scared to make a tackle, we had built a brotherhood, everyone had each other's back. Unfortunately, we lost 19-29, but the effort was there which was missing at times during the other games. We had St Bede’s College the week after, where we put on a performance to be proud of. We won very well, 54-5.

It was looking good for the upcoming tournament, but we had a six-hour long training on Saturday to test us mentally and physically, but also to strengthen our brotherhood. That day we were all tested, but we came out strong with a very strong mindset ready to hiss for the tournament. We went down a day early to get a feel for where we were going to play for the week. Everyone woke up feeling well, ready to go hard for our first game

I which was against the tournament hosts, Shirley Boys’ High School, who we beat earlier in the year. We were tested, they were very physical, and we weren't clinical, but the Falcons work rate and tika helped us to pull through and get the W, 19-5. We had a one hour turn around for an exciting first time match in the tournament against Rangiora. They started well but ultimately our skill was just too much for them. We won 50-12, making us 2-2 for the day. We headed home where we all had ice baths to recover. Many of us were tired so we just slept until dinner.

We had team challenges throughout the whole time where team ‘Thor’ won most of them, which was my team. We woke up ready and excited to possibly make semis for the first time in years. Our first game of Day 2 was against the defending champs, Southland Boys’ High Scool, let’s just say we were nervous but luckily that quickly went away. We were off to a quick start and never stopped, we won 49-0. We then had Timaru Boys’ High School in one hour. During the warm up for that game we were complacent and happy to have just made the semis, so Timaru punished us. They had the right mentality, wanting to kill us at every opportunity they had, which they did. We lost 20-7. While we were hurt, we were happy we had made the semis against our rivals from over the hill, Nelson. Everyone was pumped for this game, wanting the W more than any other game. We started the best we could, defending well and hard, winning everything and playing with high intensity, giving us the lead 21-17. Unfortunately, they then scored which saw us drop our heads, and then they just kept going. We lost 28-43, but the effort was there. Everyone was sad but proud of each other for not giving up and playing to the best of our abilities.

The next day we had Waitaki High School for 3/4 place. Our warmup was lacklustre. Everyone was moping because we didn't reach our ultimate goal of winning, but we still had an opportunity to make history by coming third. We were very sloppy because we were sad, but we showed a lot of tika and worked hard; we got the W 18-12. HISTORY!

Back row: (L-R) Kymani Tikotikoca-Lal, Tyler Mulitalo, Jude Fyfe-Stafford, Zandre Kefe, Josh Harris, Max Ruffell, Makalio Ligaliga, Mr Jared Bell (Coach)

Middle Row: Tyler Mulitalo, Kuli Waqaituakana, Cayse Winitana, Jake Clarke, Liam Cohen, Louis Thomas, Kaue Da Silva, Mr Josh Harrison (Coach)

Front Row: Viliami Manoa, James Crowe, Kereopa Wikaira-Rangiuala (Captain), Justin Prescott (Vice Captain), Kade Timms, George Adams.

Absent: Hamish Thomas (Manager), Tonga Taumoefolau (Coach),Thomas Blackmore, Izac McLeod, Vilikesa Nawaqavononono, Oscar Tupouto'a, Suede Asiata

RugbySevens

MBC Sevens have made their return to the NZSS CONDORS Tournament in Mt Maunganui, taking place in November, for the first time since 2020. In the Tasman Secondary School Qualifying Tournament held at Sports Park, Motueka early in Term 4, the team managed to go undefeated, and finished the day beating Nelson College 21-17, after being down 12-5 at halftime.

The team is excited about the chance to head to Condors and compete against the best teams in the country.

It was also a successful day for our U15 Sevens team who went undefeated in pool play and continued this through to the final where they also had a come from behind victory against Nelson College, and are the 2024 Tasman U15 Sevens champions.

Condors National Sevens Tournament

In the Tasman SS qualifying tournament held at Sports Park Motueka early in Term 4, it was a successful day for our U15 Sevens team who went undefeated in pool play and continued this through to the final where they had a come from behind victory against Nelson College finishing the day 2024 Tasman U15 Sevens champions.

Our Senior Sevens team also manged to go undefeated and finished the day beating Nelson College 21-17 after being down 12-5 at half-time.

This win gave our MBC Sevens an opportunity to return to the NZSS CONDORS Tournament in Mt Maunganui, for the first time since 2020. The team was excited about the chance to head to Condors and compete against the best teams in the country. After three years away from the Condors Tournament, our MBC Senior Sevens side made a fantastic return to the top competition just missing out on the top 8, finishing 11th overall with a convincing win over Kings College Dunedin in their final game. This experience has fuelled the fire for those boys returning in 2025 to continue having a presence at the National Tournament.

A big thank you to Mr Bell, Mr Harrison, Mr Raeli, Mr Taumoefolau and Mr Kendal for their efforts and support with the sevens program this year.

Hamish McKerrow

Back Row – Tui Raeli (Coach), Vilikesa Nawaqavonovono, Josh Vularika, Anru Erasmus, Sam Vularika, Kyan Marcroft, Justin Prescott, Towa Murdoch, Hamish McKerrow (Coach)

Front Row – Mika Vakasilimiratu, Rico

Nicklin (Vice Captain), Sani Fa’aoa, Leo Marfell (Captain), Maifea Filipo, Harry King, Ata Obetaia

TouchRugby

2023/24 MBC Senior Touch went to Nationals in December 2023. This took place in Rotorua. We had a very challenging pool with two teams in our pool making the top six. After four pool games we ended up outside the top 10 in the country. We battled away in second part of the tournament and finished 17th in the country. Over the season, we played in the local Marlborough Mens’ league where we lost the final. In late February, we played in the Tasman Champs in Nelson which we ended up losing in a close one to Nelson College. Next up was the South Island Champs; with a young team we finished 8th. The team is planning on going to Nationals again in December, in Rotorua.

This is the last year for some of our key players in the team, who have given great service to Touch Rugby at MBC over the last few years. So on behalf of the coaching group, I would like to thank these boys and wish them all the best for their future; Leo Marfell, Axell Allen, Ben Blackmore, and Finn McCarthy.

We had a couple of players who were picked up in NZ trial U20 squads; Leo Marfell and Axell Allan. Thomas Blackmore was selected for the U16 South Island Tournament team.

Thank you to Jarrod Dunn and Bridget Gane for all your help in getting the boys to the tournament and managing them while they were there. Also thank you to the Redwood Trust and the Neame Trust for financially helping us get to our tournaments.

Awards

Senior Blues Winners - Leo Marfell, Axell Allan, Ben Blackmore

Senior Player of the Year – Leo Marfell and Axell Allan

Josh Harrison

Back row left: Zephur Dollimore, Jake Clark, Louis Thomas, Thomas Blackmore, Finn McCarthy

Front row left: Ajay Gane, Leo Marfell, Axell Allan, Jake Gane

Absent: Rico Nicklin, Harley Hebberd, Couper Robinson, Josh Flynn, Anru Erasmus

Coaches: Josh Harrison and Keelan Murrell Managers: Jarrod Dunn and Bridget Gane

Rowing

The MBC Rowing Squad started out with 19 boys this season, spread across the grades between Under 15 to Under 17. The coaching group comprised of Head Coach, Clayton Lindstrom, Grant Morgan, Glen Marfell, Daniel Karena, Ethan Alderlieste and Kriss Godsall.

We competed under the banner of Wairau Rowing Club at Marlborough Champs in December 2023, Canterbury Champs and South Island Club Champs at Lake Ruataniwha, Twizel in January 2024. Both regattas were cancelled due to bad weather after getting through some of the heats. We had entered events from singles, pairs, doubles, fours, quads and an Octi eight.

We then took a squad of 18 to South Island Secondary School Rowing Champs in Twizel where we finally had some weather we could race in, and made it to eight A finals. Four crews medalled out of those A Finals. Logan Flight in the U16 single was unlucky with the last race of the day; the weather turned bad, making it a race of survival.

U17 Pair - Silver (Louis Girling, Blake Campbell)

U15 Octi Eight - Silver (Matthew McLeod, Jesse Englefield, Toby Randall, Beau Webber, Paddy Girling, Archie Saggers, Brodie Blick, Jack Taylor, Jack Shaw).

U15 Quad - Silver (Matthew McLeod, Toby Randall, Beau Webber, Archie Saggers, Jack Shaw)

U16 Quad - Bronze (Aidan Bennett, Willem Rowe, Logan Flight, Hunter Marfell, Blake Marfell)

The 2024 Maadi Cup was in Twizel this year at Lake Ruataniwha. We again had a squad of 18 to represent MBC at the National Champs. After a week of racing, the squad had progressed to four A finals and five B finals.

U17 Pair - Gold (Louis Girling, Blake Campbell)

A dominant race in the final following a terrible start and having to row through the field to finish with clear water over Sacred Heart College and St Thomas of Canterbury College. Louis and Blake also made the A final in the U18 pair, which is a big achievement.

U16 Quad - Bronze (Aidan Bennett, Willem Rowe, Hunter Marfell, Logan Flight, Blake Marfell)

With an epic finish sitting in 4th with 250m to go, the boys made a huge push to go into 3rd place leaving Wellington College without a medal.

The boys all had an outstanding season, with the most of them medalling at some stage. I am hugely proud of all the boys and how far they have progressed during the year. Our U15 group were short on numbers until Archie Saggers joined the crew in January, and Jack Taylor only a month before Maadi Cup.

A huge thank you to coaches Grant, Glen, Dan, Ethan and Kriss for the hours you have all put on the river. John Robinson for his advice and mentorship. The MBC Rowing Committee for being a well-oiled machine and all the parents who have helped during the season, we wouldn’t be able to do it without you.

Clayton Lindstrom

Back Row: Paddy Girling, Brodie Blick, Matthew Mcleod, Blake Pitts, Blake Marfell

Middle Row: Clayton Lindstrom (Head Coach), Jesse Englefield, Archie Saggers, Hunter Marfell, Willem Rowe, Toby Randal, Beau Webber, Jack Shaw, Daniel Karena, Glen Marfell.

Front Row: Logan Flight, Louis Girling, Blake Cambell, Aidan Bennett, Jack Taylor.

Sailing

The 2023/24 Sailing season has been an exciting journey of growth, learning, and determination for the Marlborough Boys’ College Sailing squad.

Kicking off the season, the team competed in the Regional Regatta held in Nelson. With its notoriously strong tidal conditions, Nelson proved to be a challenging but rewarding venue for our young sailors. The team approached the regatta with a strong sense of focus and a clear goal to refine their strategies against the shifting tides. This experience was invaluable, sharpening the crew’s tactical awareness and boosting their confidence in handling complex water conditions. By the end of the event, the boys had significantly improved their teamwork and communication, which set a solid foundation for the next major competition.

The season culminated in the National Regatta in New Plymouth, where the team faced a new set of challenges: large swells and unpredictable winds. These conditions pushed our sailors to the limit, but their perseverance and grit shone through. The experience gained from the Nelson Regatta was put to good use, with the team adeptly adapting to the swells and making the most of each race.

Despite the tough competition from schools across the country, the Marlborough Boys’ College team showed resilience and never gave up, demonstrating marked improvement in their sailing techniques and strategic decision-making. The event was a testament to their growth over the season and highlighted areas for further development.

Overall, it’s been a season of development, camaraderie, and tenacity. The Marlborough Boys’ College Sailing crew should be proud of what they’ve achieved and excited for what lies ahead. Here's to another year of pushing boundaries and achieving even greater heights on the water!

Special thanks to Coach Jeff Fyfe, Mark Davis, and Lloyd Bush, who travelled with the team to both Regattas. Also, thanks to our sponsors, Bluebridge, Harcourts, Gascoigne Wicks, Liquid Action, Johnson's Barge Service, Radich Law, NZ King Salmon O'Donnell Park Barging, Kam Transport, and Marlborough Medical Imaging.

David Wilson

Back Row – Toby Wilson Bush, David Potts, Adam Beattie, Thomas Yvon Front Row – Jacob Davis, Ben Preece, Jude Fyfe Stafford

Ready to head out at the Nationals in New Plymouth

Names From Left to Right Mark Davis, Adam Beattie, Ben Preece, David Potts, Toby Wilson-Bush, Jacob Davis, Jude Fyfe – Stafford, Thomas Yvon, Reuben Wilson, Lloyd Bush and Jeff Fyfe (Coach)

Team Building at Regionals in Nelson Names from Left to Right

Bottom Row Jacob Davis, Ben Preece, Reuben Wilson, Adam Beattie, Middle Row Jeff Fyfe (Coach) Toby WilsonBush, Jude Fyfe – Stafford, Thomas Yvon, Lloyd Bush

Top Row David Potts

Skiing

Canterbury Secondary School Ski Championships. Mt Hutt 2024.

Richard Hill

Dear Mum and Dad,

I’ve got a spot of down time so thought I would write a quick letter letting you know how things are going. It has been super cool and the best trip ever. Sure, leaving at 7.30 am was a shock, but the van trip to Methven was easy and a lot of fun with coffee stops and lollies along the way. We skied in the afternoon as training for Thursday races. The snow was amazing and there is sooo much area to ski that we could train without getting in the way of others. Luca is fast on his snowboard, and I think will do well. Alex and Adam are our best skiers, and Will and James look real good too. On Thursday we got up and got ready for our racing, Mr Hill got all our passes sorted and bibs for racing. The wind was picking up, so we all got in some skiing while Haruto and Luca did their snowboard races. They got in a run each and then Mt Hutt shut all the lifts because of the wind. Stink ah. All racing was cancelled. This meant that the skiers missed out on racing! We skied again this morning until just after lunch and then started to drive home. Next year we’re going to come back, and I think we’ll all make the top ten, except Haruto who won’t be here. Hope you have enjoyed having a break from me, I’ve loved being away skiing, so thanks for the support. All my food has been eaten so Mr Hill’s going to buy us all Pizza in Christchurch. See you tonight.

Your favourite son xx

Ps. I will need new skis for next year, please.

PPs. Luka came 10th in his snowboard race, Haruto missed a gate, so his runs didn’t count, but he did have a good time.LOL

Back row: James Hill, Mr Richard Hill

Front Row: Left to right: Luca Vesely, Adam

Beattie, Alexander Craig

Absent: William McCullum and Haruto Sakamoto.

Squash

The Squash team this year has great numbers, with a good influx of Year 9 students on the courts. The squad of around 21 players entered the Tasman Secondary Schools’ tournament as the largest group of players at the event. The dominance of MBC in the squash community is evident with teams winning this tournament in all divisions, and title wins at the South Island Secondary Schools’ tournament in Dunedin.

The A team of Jack Fisken, Max Benge, Reuben Henry, Ben Pottinger, Wade Spragg and Archer Keown took their energy and passion back to the Squash National tournament to complete for the 24th year in this event, placing 10th. The pinnacle of this year’s event in August, was having Jack Fisken named in the New Zealand Tournament team to play against Australia, and being named Captain of the Boys’ team. The B team players at this tournament performed the best that a Marlborough Boys’ College B team has ever placed at Nationals, placing 27th, demonstrating very good depth in the sport.

As a number of tournaments involve travel, with often considerable distance from Blenheim, the team show that they are passionate and committed to their sport, and are well supported by their coaches, Nic Dan and Ben Rush.

Nic Dan

Front:

Back: Archer Keown, Max Pickering, Hector Michalakis, Oliver Clarke, Ziggy Adriatico, Ollie Heaney

Wade Spragg, Reuben Henry, Jack Frisken, Max Benge, Ben Pottinger

Swimming

MBC Swimmers have had an outstanding year, with all boys competing atthe highest level of age-group swimming in New Zealand – National Age Group Championships and / or New Zealand Short Course Championships.

At the New Zealand Short Course Championships, Jack Love won his first National Title in the 17-18 age group in the 400 Individual Medley.He also won a silver medal in the 400 Freestyle and a bronze in the 200m Butterfly, and at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Championship meet, he won a bronze in the 400m Freestyle.Will Atkinson also won two 13 year old National Titles at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Championship in 2024winning both the 50m and 100m Butterfly events.

Finn McNabb, Max Skehan and Quinn Verran placed in the top 15 in New Zealand in several events in the male, age group racing throughout the year.

In November2024, Finn McNabb won the South Island Secondary Schools Open Water Swimming (16-19 age group) Championship in Nelson.

Lowri McNabb

Will Atkinson, Jack Love, Finn McNabb, Max Skehan

Swimming Team

Tennis

2024 has been another solid year for the MBC Senior Boys’ Tennis Team. In early February we took two teams across to the Tasman Regional Champs in Nelson, where our ‘A’ team of Dan Clarke, Max Sowman, Josh Harris and Ryo Kimura won the overall TSS Championship for a second year in a row.

The team had to get past a very good Waimea College side in the final, which they did on a countback after the scores were locked at 3-3 following the six matches. This was largely thanks to some very dominant singles’ performances from both Josh Harris and Ryo Kimura at number 3 and 4, who propelled the countback in MBC’s favour.

Our ‘B’ Team of Theodore Sandford-Jury, Flynn Weaver, Jack King, Ben Preece and Alex Herd also had a good day, finishing 3rd in the Championship grade after some admirable performances.

Following the regionals, our A Team of Dan, Max, Josh and Ryo headed to Christchurch for the annual South Island Secondary Schools event held at Wilding Park. Like previous years, the team had a very tough match against a stacked Christ’s College side who were last year’s beaten finalists at the Nationals, before going on to have closer losses in the ties with both Ashburton College and Otago Boys’ High School.

Overall, the team did very well again, given that we did not have any Year 13 students and that we were predominantly playing against older boys. The team also bonded well off the court and enjoyed the excursions to Timezone at Westfield Mall and out to Ngā Puna Wai to watch our Senior Volleyball team play in their respective competition.

With all the same boys able to play again in 2025, it will be exciting to see their development as a team.

Jared Bell

MBC A team (left to right)

Dan Clarke, Ryo Kimura, Josh Harris, Max Sowman, Mr Jared Bell

UnderwaterHockey

Marlborough Underwater Hockey has continued to support MBC UWH players. We run regular training sessions twice a week for our senior players and once a week for new players.

This year, the boys have played in club and school tournaments. At the South Island Club tournament, Marlborough won silver in both B and C grade teams.

The boys combined with MGC players to enter a composite team in the Central Zones Schools competition in June. We played in the senior open grade with tough competition.

MBC Players, Liam Williamson, Albie Edmonds and Andrew Hall are also in the South Island team for the U18 tournament at Labour Weekend.

Liam also attended the School Nationals as a pro ref which involves refereeing many games. Thanks for giving back to the sport in this way, Liam.

We always welcome new players to our pool sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact marlboroughuwh@gmail.com for more information.

Nicola Pozwillo

Back row

Ben Muir, Albie Edmonds, George Manson

Front row

Andrew hall, Liam Williamson

WaterPolo

MBC Water Polo continues to represent with pride this past season. In November 2023, MBC's Junior (Year 9 & 10) Water Polo team took part in the South Island Junior Secondary Schools’ tournament. Liam McIntyre (Year 11) took on the responsibility of coaching the team. The team finished 3rd in their pool, with strong wins over King's High School (17-0), Christchurch Boys' High School B (20-3), and Christ's College (17-5). MBC faced a tough cross-pool match against St. Bede’s College, losing 6-9. The team came together to finish strong, securing two more wins to take 3rd place and the bronze medal. A huge thank you goes to Marlborough Water Polo for hosting this tournament at Stadium 2000, and to Liam, who has shown a talent for coaching our juniors.

This year, our Senior MBC Water Polo team demonstrated great strength, achieving bronze in the South Island Senior Secondary Schools tournament held in Christchurch in March. The team finished 2nd in their pool with impressive wins over Shirley Boys' High School (6-3), King's High School (6-2), and St. Bede’s College B (9-5). Heading into the cross-pool matches, we were victorious over Burnside High School (8-4), which earned us a spot in the semi-final against one of the tournament favourites, Christchurch Boys' High School. Unfortunately, we lost this match 3-13, leading us to the bronze medal match against St. Andrew's College. The game was tight until the very last possession, with St. Andrew's scoring to take the match into a penalty shoot-out. Our MVP was undoubtedly our keeper, Fynn Russell (from Queen Charlotte College, playing for MBC), who made two fantastic saves and then scored the winning penalty to secure 3rd place and the bronze medal.

A special mention goes to Scott Keay, who was selected for the U17 New Zealand Mens’ Water Polo team that competed in the 2024 Australian National State Championships in September. The U17 NZ team narrowly missed out on a medal, placing 4th overall. The achievements of the MBC Water Polo team would not have been possible without the combined efforts of the players, parents, and coaching staff. Alastair Keay (Assistant Coach) played a pivotal role in guiding the team to success. Additionally, Marlborough Water Polo's support has been instrumental in securing MBC's reputation as a formidable Water Polo team.

Patrick Mulcahy

row: Coach Patrick Mulcahy, Leon Edsall, Liam McIntyre, Scott Keay, Jacob McLeish, Finn McNabb, William McCullam, manager Yolande McIntyre

Back Row: Fynn Russell (QCC), Stian Kuun (Richmond View), George Adams, Hugo Edsall, William Atkinson, Jamie Harrison and Assistant Coach Alastair Keay

Most improved junior player - Alex McLeish

Junior player of the year - Leon Edsall

Most improved senior player - Liam McIntyre

Senior player of the year - Scott Keay

MBC Blues award for representing New Zealand in water polo - Scott Keay

Front

Athletics

SportsAwards

McCallum Cup - Senior Athletic Champion - Anru Erasmus

Fletcher Cup - U16 Intermediate Champion - Elijah O’Donnell

St George Cup - U15 Athletics Champion - Cullum Rayner

Roselli Cup - U14 Athletic Champion - Ethan Abbott

Athletes with a Disability

Ann McNicholl Cup - Viel Yukoya

Basketball

Holdaway Trophy – Most Improved Player - Senior Vincent Vermeer

Coaches’ Trophy – Basketball Player of the Year Alex Boyce

MacDonald Whānau Cup - Hayze Neilson

Cricket

A & J Marfell Cup – Sportsmanship, Leadership and Dress

Baxter Croad

RMR Bean Cup – Best 1stXI Batsman Luke Holdaway

MBC Coaches Cup – Best 1stXI Bowler Nathan BrookeTaylor

John Guy Cup – Most Outstanding Senior Cricketer Luke Holdaway

Bartlett Bat – Most Promising Junior in Cricket James Crowe

Cycling

McAlpine Cup – Best Junior Cyclist - Rory Frater

Ginders Cup – Most Improved Cyclist - Hamin Oh

Gibbons Cup – Cyclist of the Year Senior - Cooper

Johnson Mayfield Motors Cup - Track Cyclist of the Year - Rory Frater

Cross Country

Jason Brown Cup – Yr 9 Champion - Keegan Middleton

Dee Cup – Yr 10 Cross Country - Liam Harcus

Brian Simpson Trophy – Yr 11 Champion - Connor Pugh

Patchett Family Cup – Yr 12 Champion - Elijah O’Donnell

Peter R Jackson Cup – Snr Champion - Finn McKenzie

Golf

Robinson Memorial Trophy - Best

Marlborough Boys Golfer - Kobe Hart

Mountain Biking

MBC Mountain Biker of the Year - Finn McKenzie

Reidie Cycles Points Cup – Junior ChampionJono Planthaber

Peak Fuel Points Cup - Senior Mountain Biking

Champion - Finn McKenzie

Hockey

Coaches Cup – Most Improved Player Alex Herd

Bartlett Cup – Senior Player making Outstanding Contribution Liam O’Connell O’Connell Family Cup - 1st XI HockeyMost Valuable Player Sam Young

Multisport

Shepard Cup – Triathlon Senior Champion

Finn McKenzie

Reidie Brothers Challenge Cup –

Multisports Senior Athlete of the YearFinn McKenzie

Rowing

Tony Brook Trophy – Junior – Best Novice

Oarsman - Beau Webber

MBC Rowing Cup – Most Conscientious

Oarsman (Open) - Logan Flight

Coxswain Cup – Rowing Coxswain (open)Jack Shaw

Hegglun Tankard – Most Improved Oarsman (Open) - Blake Campbell

Blenheim Rowing Club Cup – Best

Performed Crew ( Open) - U17 Pair - Blake

Campbell and Louis Girling

The Van Velthooven Cup – Most

Outstanding Oarsman – Sweep Oar (open)Louis Girling

Rugby

Cassidy Cup - Most Improved Player (Senior) - Harley

Hebberd

Hart Trophy - Team Player of the Year - Finn Neal

Ian Hammond Memorial Cup – Best Defensive 1st XV

Player - Ben Szirany

Mathews Cup – Outstanding 1stXV Player - Ben Gibbons

1 st XV Best Forward - Rico Nicklin

1 st XV Best Back - Leo Marfell

Claw Award - Tom Robinson

Tough Man Award - Ata Obetaia

Best Attacker - Anru Erasmus

1st XV Leadership Awards - Finn McKenzie

Harrison Jones Family Trophy Best Defensive Player 2nd XV - Towa Murdoch

Tomlinson Cup - Most Improved 2nd XV Player - Hawaiki

Gerrard

Highest Point Scorer 2nd XV Player - Luke Zillwood

Most Valuable 2nd XV Player - Ben Campbell

Under 14 Player of the Year - Makalio Ligaliga

The Harrison & Bell Coaches Award for Most Dedicated U15 Player - Kereopa Wikaira-Rangiuaia

Brice Family Cup - Under 15 Rugby Player of the YearJustin Prescott

Sailing

United Video Team Sailing Cup – Senior Showing Most Effective Leadership - Ben Preece

Most Improved Junior Sailor - Jude Fyfe-Stafford

Gifford Family Trophy - Most Improved Senior SailorJacob Davis

Shooting

Shooting Scene Trophy – Senior – Best .22 Marksman

Willem Rowe

Love Trophy – Small Bore Target Shooting - Junior Kevin

Barnard

Murray Haycock Memorial Trophy (open cup) Reuben Henry

Skiing

Junior Ski Trophy - Adventure Sportsworld Trophy - Luca Vesley

Squash

Old Boys Association Squash Trophy – Senior Best Player - Jack Frisken

The Craig Family Award – Best contribution to Squash - Wade Spragg

Swimming

MBC Senior Swimmer Of The Year - Jack Love

MacQueen Cup – Intermediate ChampionGeorge Adams

Senior Championship Cup – Senior Swimming Champion - Finn McNabb

Yr 9 Swimming Champion Trophy - Quinn Verran

Yr 10 Swimming Champion Trophy - William Atkinson

MacDonald Cup – Junior Swimmer Of The YearWilliam Atkinson

Table Tennis

Marlborough Boys College Senior Table

Tennis Champion - Oliver Phipps

Tennis

Brydon Cup – Senior Singles ChampionDan Clarke

Orchard Cup - Junior Tennis ChampionJosh Harris

Touch

Senior Touch Player of the Year - Leo Marfell & Axell Allan

Thompson Family Cup - Marlborough Boys

College Contribution to Touch - Axell Allan & Ben Blackmore

Volleyball

Tomlinson Cup – Senior Volleyball Player of the Year - Maifea Filipo

The Wayne Hegarty Award – Contribution to Volleyball - Adam Harvey

Dave Oliver Trophy – Best Junior Volleyball Player - Justin Prescott

Underwater Hockey

Most Valuable Senior Player - Liam Williamson

Most Valuable Junior Player - Andrew Hall

Water Polo

Water Polo Cup – To Best Senior Water Polo Player- Scott Keay

Reed Trophy – To Best Junior Water Polo player

- Leon Edsall

Certificate - Most Improved Senior Water Polo Player - Liam McIntyre

Certificate - Most Improved Junior Water Polo Player - Alex McLeish

Football

The Stuart Cup - Senior Football Champion- Rico Chen

The Russell Nicholson Memorial Cup - Senior Player making the most outstanding contribution to Football- Tyler Black

The Murchison Trophy - Year 9 Football Player Of The Year -Aiden Batty

The Straker Family Cup - Junior Football, Most Valuable Player- Benjamin Lindfield

Futsal

Cipriano Cup - Most Valuable Futsal Player- James Parley

NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES 2024

Jack Frisken - Selected to play NZ Secondary Schools SquashTeam to play Australia, Jack was also Captain of this team.

Scott Keay - Chosen to represent New Zealand U17 men’s side in the Australian National State Championships 26 September 2024

Kevin Barnard - Selected in the South Island Shooting Team and NZ Secondary Schools Shooting Team

JAMES D’AUVERGNE MEMORIAL TROPHY for Best All-round Sportsperson for 2024 - Finn McKenzie

MBC SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR - Rowing - Boys Under 17 Pair - Louis Girling, Blake Campbell

MBC SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR – The Buckley Cup - Finn McKenzie

MBC Sports Team of the YearLouie Girling & Blake Campbell

Finn McKenzie - MBC Sportsman of the Year & Best Allround Sports Person for 2024

WhānauClasses

Artist: Asher Gotty L1 Art

Artist: Abdul Carillo L2 Photography

Artist: Mau Petaia L2 triptych print

Artist: Taylor Sutherland L2 Photography

125th Anniversary Fireworks

Acknowledgements

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the Marlburian 2024. This magazine is a wonderful testament to the dedication and spirit of our staff, students, and whānau at Marlborough Boys’ College. While we’ve captured many special moments, there are countless more that couldn’t fit within these pages.

Editor: Michelle Priestley

Proof Reader: Sarah Kendal

School Photographer: Fiona Mark

Rugby Photography: WENZ Photos

Formal Photography: Brya Ingram

Professional Photography: Gavin Hadfield IG - @gavinhadfield Whānau Class Photos: Top Shots