2023 ANNUAL REPORT
ST ANDREW’S COLLEGE OLD COLLEGIANS ASSOCIATION
Old Collegians Association
PATRON: Christine Leighton
PRESIDENT:
Sam Crosbie (OC 2009)
VICE PRESIDENT:
Louise Merrick (OC 2012)
JUNIOR VICE PRESIDENT:
Zoe Merrick (OC 2014)
BOARD NOMINEE:
Stephanie Bain (OC 1992)
EXECUTIVE:
Olivia Brown (OC 2010)
Gideon Couper (OC 1987)
Phil de Joux (OC 1994)
Nick Letham (OC 2001)
Kelvin McMillan (OC 1977)
Stuart Munro (OC 2003)
Greg Reynolds (OC 1973)
OCA MANAGER/SECRETARY: Lisa Clark
ACCOUNTANT: College Financial Controller
AUDITOR: BDO
President's Report
ANZAC Day
This report outlines the activities by the Old Collegians Association (OCA) during 2023.
At the OCA Annual General Meeting in August we farewelled OCA Executive Members, Jonathan Wells (OC 1987) and Mark Mulholland (OC 1973). Mark and Jonathan were thanked for their considerable service to the OCA.
Our annual ANZAC Day Service was held in the Centennial Chapel with around 400 guests. Sam Crosbie (OCA President, OC 2009) and Rector, Christine Leighton, read the Roll of Honour.
Special mention was made of William McDonald (OC 1959), who travelled from Rotorua to attend; William served as a Platoon Sergeant in Malaysia, Borneo, and Vietnam.
Deputy Head Prefect, Lachlan Odlin, shared a personal address about his great grandfather, Winston Smith (OC 1932), who endured ‘The Long March’ as a prisoner of war in World War II.
Annual Dinner
On Friday 21 July, we hosted our OCA Annual Dinner at the College, with 135 guests attending. The evening began with a spirited Address to a Haggis by Jonathan Wells (OC 1987), assisted by John Reid (OC 1956) and Bruce Nell (OC 1967).
Sam Crosbie emceed the event, where we honoured three award winners. Dr Hugh Wilson (OC 1962) received The Alister Newton Cup for Outstanding Service, for his contributions to botany and conservation – particularly at Hinewai on Banks Peninsula. Tainui Stephens (OC 1975) was awarded the Cockram Cultural Award for Excellence and Service to Culture for his work in Māori television and film production, including the 2022 movie Whina Blair Stockwell (OC 1967) received the L G Maginness Memorial Cup for Sports Personality of the Year for his distinguished cycling career; Blair competed in multiple Commonwealth Games and the 1972 Olympics in Munich. He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1982.
Reunions
In 2023 we hosted reunions for 10 Years On (Class of 2009–2013), 40 Years On (Class of 1983–1987), 50 Years On (Class of 1973–1977), 60 Years On (Class of 1963–1967) and the 1st XV Rugby Reunion (teams of 1953, 1963, 1973, 1983, 1993, 2003, and 2013).
London Gathering
On Tuesday 22 August, 70 Old Collegians (from classes 1958–2016) and their partners, gathered with Rector, Christine Leighton at The Caledonian Club in Belgravia, London.
Despite the distance from the College, it is evident that the alumni spirit remains strong with our Old Collegians in London. We hope that the camaraderie and shared bond will remain strong in the years ahead.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this our largest London reunion to date; we look forward to staying connected with you.
Gentlemen’s Luncheon
The Gentlemen’s Luncheon on Friday 13 October was a heartwarming event for our Old Boys, with 114 young‑spirited attendees aged between 73–96. The day began with morning tea in Strowan House, followed by several musical performances, including: the Boys’ Barbershop, a cello performance by Christine Jeon (Year 12), and an organ piece by guest organist, Daniel Cooper.
After being welcomed by OCA Executive Member, Dr Greg Reynolds (OC 1973), attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch in the dining room. The event also honoured milestone anniversaries for the 65 Years On Class of 1958–1962 and the 70 Years On Class of 1953–1957. Dr Ron Jones (OC 1957) led the Grace, Stuart Fox (OC 1962) toasted absent friends, Neil Thomson (OC 1957) toasted the College, and Barrie Hunt (OC 1950) shared humorous anecdotes and donated his memoirs to the College.
Annual Golf Tournament
The annual OCA Golf Tournament was held at Waitikiri Golf Club on Friday 28 April; 113 participants lined up for some warm autumn competition.
Ross Gilmour (OC 1972) won the Old Collegians Cup for the Best Round of the Day, and Janet Nicholls triumphed in the Women’s Section.
Special thanks all the Old Collegians and friends of the College who made this event possible, including Michael Simcock (OC 2011) for organising the event, Mike Johnston (OC 1974) for co‑ordinating the prizes, Kevin Simcock for tallying scores, Chris Timbs (OC 1990) for the pre golf sausages, Rod Templeton (OC 1972) for hosting us at Waitikiri and all our generous sponsors for over 100 raffle prizes.
College 107th Prizegiving
The College Prizegiving ceremony at Wolfbrook Arena was a brilliant showcase of St Andrew’s College talent. The event concluded with a breathtaking performance of Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven – make sure to watch it on YouTube if you haven’t seen it already.
2023 Leavers’ Dinner
In November we had the honour of welcoming the 2023 Leavers into the OCA. We wish all our new Old Collegians the very best for their journey ahead and we look forward to staying connected.
Sam Crosbie (OC 2009) OCA PRESIDENT
The following financial report provides a summary of the accounts accepted by the St Andrew’s College OCA and lodged with Charities Services (CC27778).
BDO Christchurch Audit Limited completed a review of the OCA accounts, and the Executive would like to highlight that:
• we engage BDO to undertake a review for the purpose of good governance and to give comfort to the OCA Executive and Members that the OCA’s finances are being appropriately managed;
• BDO issued a clean review of the 2023 accounts;
• BDO also audits the College’s accounts and provided a clean audit review of the College’s accounts. This included an audit of the College’s bank account processes; and
• a full version of the OCA Performance Report is available on request from the Alumni and Community Relations Co‑ordinator.
INCOME 20232022
43,95430,109
—12,179
—67,732
977017,718
86,494157,738
94,235(61,180)
Summary of Alumni Functions
The St Andrew’s College OCA aims to foster and maintain the St Andrew’s College alumni community. It also supports the activities of the College and its community, including the promotion and advancement of education. The OCA organised reunions and functions to support these objectives.
School and Community Donations
The OCA has a proud history of supporting St Andrew’s College through donations and non financial support. This is a summary of our donations and grants (e.g. hardship and travel) over the last 10 years:
Key Donations
There were no major donations made in 2023.