OLD COLLEGIANS ASSOCIATION
Old Collegians Association
PATRON: Christine Leighton
PRESIDENT: Sam Crosbie (OC 2009)
VICE PRESIDENT: Zoe Merrick (OC 2014)
JUNIOR VICE PRESIDENT:
Greg Reynolds (OC 1973)
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)
Ron Park (OC 2013)
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 St Andrew’s College Old Collegians Association (OCA) during 2024.
At the OCA Annual General Meeting in August 2024, we thanked outgoing Rector, Christine Leighton (Patron of the OCA), for her considerable 17 years of service.
Our annual Anzac Day Service was a moving and well-attended event, supported by Year 12 students. Special guests included Board Chair Felicity Odlin, Old Collegians President Sam Crosbie (OC 2009), and Ladies Circle President Pat Hopping, who participated in the Roll of Honour and Wreaths of Remembrance.
Christine Leighton delivered a video address from Auckland, where she attended the Saint Kentigern College Anzac Service with our 1st XV rugby team. Readings and prayers were led by student leaders and staff, with a poignant address by top History student, Liam Hackston (Year 13). Musical tributes included Jack Flanagan (Year 13) singing The White Cliffs of Dover, Yuxin (Alice) Chen (Year 10) on bugle, and Cooper Gallagher (Year 12) on bagpipes. The service was conducted by College Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow.
Annual Dinner
The Old Collegians Annual Dinner on 22 August welcomed 160 guests to the new Old Collegians Foyer in the Gough Family Theatre. Jonathan Wells (OC 1987) led the Address to a Haggis alongside fellow Old Collegians. Piper Jack Boon (Year 13) then led guests to dinner, where emcee Phil de Joux (OC 1994) guided the evening’s speeches and awards.
This was Christine Leighton’s final Annual Dinner, and she was honoured again by OCA President Sam Crosbie (OC 2009) for her 17 years as Patron.
The following Old Collegians were celebrated for outstanding achievements:
Professor Roy Kerr (OC 1950) received The Alister Newton Award for Outstanding Service to the fields of Mathematics and Science. Professor Kerr shared humorous memories regarding his achievements.
Dr Jonathan Ogilvie (OC 1979) was awarded the Cockram Cultural Award for his contributions to film, including his latest work Head South Britney-Lee Nicholson (OC 2017) received the L.G. Maginness Memorial Cup for Sports Personality of the Year. Britney-Lee received the award for her excellence in football and futsal, and her ongoing contributions to sport.
The evening concluded with a spirited rendition of the College Song, led by Mark Tavendale (OC 1987).
Reunions
In 2024 we hosted reunions for 10 Years On (Class of 2010–2014), 30 Years On (Class of 1994–1998), 40 Years On (Class of 1984–1988), 50 Years On (Class of 1974–1978), 60 Years On (Class of 1964–1968) and the 1st XV Rugby Reunion (teams of 1954, 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994, 2004, and 2014). It was wonderful to reinstate the 30 Years On event, which had not been held in many years, with attendees from New Zealand, Bangkok, and Australia.
Regional Gatherings
The OCA hosted a vibrant gathering of Otago-based Old Collegians at Lone Star Dunedin on 29 May, welcoming over 30 recent leavers from 2018 to 2023. The group was made up predominantly of current University of Otago students.
Thirty-five Old Collegians, from 1948 to 2022, gathered at Duncan Cotterill for the Wellington Cocktail Function on 3 July, generously hosted by Jonathan Scragg (OC 1996). The evening brought together alumni across generations – from Lindsay Watt (OC 1952) to Lachlan Johns (OC 2022).
Gentlemen’s Luncheon
On Friday 18 October, St Andrew’s College hosted a memorable Gentlemen’s Luncheon, welcoming 121 Old Boys aged 74 to 97. The event celebrated enduring friendships and shared histories, with attendees reconnecting over stories from their school days spanning 1941 to 1968. Special recognition was given to the Classes of 1949, 1954, and 1959, marking their 65th, 70th, and 75th Year On reunions.
The day began with morning tea in the Centennial Chapel foyer, followed by student performances in the Chapel. Guests were then piped across Turley Bridge for group photos before enjoying a superb lunch. Highlights included heartfelt toasts from Ian Satterthwaite (OC 1958), Miles Kennedy (OC 1945), and Neil Thompson (OC 1945), who paid tribute to Rector Christine Leighton’s outstanding leadership.
The return of Barney Sutherland (OC 1953) and Hamish McGill (OC 1961), visiting the College for the first time since leaving, added to the sense of occasion. The event was filled with laughter, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for the bonds that unite the St Andrew’s College community.
Annual Golf Tournament
Held at the picturesque Waitikiri Golf Club on 5 April 2024, the annual OCA Golf Tournament drew 92 competitors for a day of friendly rivalry and fundraising. Dave Steel (OC 1993), playing alongside his father Peter (OC 1964), claimed the top prize. Mike ‘Scrump’ Johnston (OC 1974) ran a lively raffle, and the event raised approximately $5000 to support St Andrew’s College Cricket.
Special thanks to Michael Simcock (OC 2011) for his outstanding organisation, and to Rod Templeton (OC 1972) for once again hosting us at Waitikiri.
Presidents’ Dinner
The biannual Presidents’ Dinner brought together 20 past and current OCA Presidents, spanning from 1968 to 2024, for an evening of reflection and connection on 9 August. The event also welcomed past Board Chair, Garry Moore, and current Chair, Felicity Odlin.
Neil Thomson (OC 1957) expressed gratitude to Patron, Christine Leighton, for her 17 years of dedicated service to the OCA.
College 108th Prizegiving
The College prizegiving at Wolfbrook Arena was a stunning celebration of St Andrew’s College talent, culminating in a show-stopping rendition of Coldplay’s Viva la Vida
2024 Leavers’ Dinner
At the Leavers’ Dinner in November, we proudly welcomed the 2024 cohort into the Old Collegians Association. We send our warmest wishes to our newest Old Collegians as they embark on their next chapter, and we look forward to staying in touch.
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 2024 accounts;
• BDO also audits the College accounts and provided a clean audit review of its 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 Manager. INCOME 20242023
32,00022,000
785010,770
45,94243,954 Fund
16,345 9770 Total
102,13786,494
120,15294,235
Summary of Alumni Functions
The 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 organises 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:
785010,770800058,10085,90055,17054,10060,10045,95044,600430,540
Key Donations
There were no major donations made in 2024.
