Network 2025

Simon Lister: Capturing

CELEBRATING

Collegian welcome

Kia ora Collegians,

I hope this message finds you well and that you’ve all had a safe and enjoyable holiday season. I’ve made the most of the warm New Zealand weather with plenty of beach time and family excursions.

During the holidays, I had the pleasure of catching up with several fellow Collegians: Mark Allen (Sargood 1993-1995), Amber McAlister (Harrington 1996-1997), Drake Walther (Clark 2019-2021), Sam Porritt (Sargood 2011-2015), William Porritt (Sargood 2013-2017), and Hugh Jackson (Sargood 20112015). It’s always heartwarming to reconnect and see how our Collegians continue to thrive in their lives and careers.

As I embark on another year of service at St Paul’s Collegiate School, I am reminded of our strong Collegian connections. Many of those I attended school with in the ‘90s are now giving

their children the same fantastic opportunity, and in many cases, we’re seeing third-generation families continuing the tradition.

The Hamilton campus has been a hive of activity over the holidays, with sporting and cultural camps as well as ongoing construction. If you visit, you’ll notice significant progress on The Hive, a magnificent new building set to become the heart of the school when it’s completed in December 2025. The Collegians Lounge, formerly the Reynolds Room, will be housed within The Hive, offering a space where Collegians can gather, reminisce, enjoy a coffee, and reconnect while looking at memorabilia.

Our online community is thriving, with our Facebook group (St Paul’s Collegians) now approaching 1,700 members. Our community website (www.community.school.nz) continues to reunite Collegians, showcasing school photos and yearbooks and helping us reconnect with those who may have lost touch.

During the past year, we’ve had much to celebrate, with three outstanding Collegian Award recipients—Judge Wilson Isaac, Roimata Templeton, and Daniel Vettori—being recognised at the annual Collegian Awards. Looking ahead, this year we’re celebrating the 40-year anniversary of female students at St Paul’s.

As we move forward, let’s continue to build on our legacy and strengthen the bonds that define us as Collegians. Your participation in our events and initiatives makes our association truly special.

Warm regards,

Ryan McCarthy (Sargood 1993 – 1997)

President Collegians Inc

Issue 107

2025 Annual Issue

Collegians: collegians@stpauls.school.nz www.community.stpauls.school.nz

Marketing and Engagement Office: marketing@stpauls.school.nz

St Paul’s Collegiate School Private Bag 3069, Waikato Mail Centre Hamilton 3240, New Zealand

Contributors:

Suzanne Miller

Andrea Douglas

Hayley Yorke

Morgan Mackenzie

Nerroly Hay

Cover Photo: Collegian Simon Lister. Photo supplied by Simon Lister.

Graphic Designer: Melissa Good

Collegians President Ryan McCarthy

Headmaster’s pen

Championing the essence of Collegian spirit

As we embark on the 2025 academic year, I find myself drawn to the poignant words of Witi Ihimaera, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most celebrated authors:

The great Rope of Man, Te Taura Tangata, stretches from the beginning of the universe to the universe’s end. Ever changing, spirals from one aeon to the next, charting the history of humankind. Spinning, chanting, glowing, the rope goes on forever.

This imagery resonates deeply as I reflect on the 885 young men and women who walked through the gates of St Paul’s Collegiate School this year, each a vibrant strand in the ever-evolving tauira tangata of our community. While today’s students are navigating a world brimming with information and technological ‘advancements,’ many face challenges in finding the grounding and sense of belonging that previous generations often took for granted.

At St Paul’s, we believe that fostering this sense of belonging begins with honouring our stories, our triumphs, and, most importantly, our people. Our Collegians - the alumni who carry St Paul’s spirit into the wider world - are the living embodiment of these stories. Through their shared values, achievements, and connections, they offer a guiding light to the students of today.

The strength of our Collegians community lies in its rich diversity—of experiences, backgrounds, and accomplishments—and in their enduring generosity.

These pioneers, who once walked the corridors and fields of our two campuses, now stand as inspirations, shaping industries and communities in ways that seemed unimaginable when they were students.

As the great rope continues to spiral through 2025, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Collegians. Thank you for your enduring friendship, your values, and your support of the St Paul’s students of today. As this new generation writes its own chapters, weaving their stories into the tauira tangata, they do so, inspired by the pioneering spirit and dedication of those who came before.

It is with great pride that I share this latest edition of Network. Within these pages, you’ll find a celebration of achievements, reflections, and stories from our people— an ongoing testament to the essence of the Collegian spirit.

To finish, Witi Ihimaera’s musing “This is where we start. Let it be blank. Blank is different from nothing,” reminds us all that the following pages of colour and contribution are to be enjoyed, at the same time the great privilege of watching the next generation paint their pages of successes is yet to come.

Ngaa manaakitanga, Ben Skeen Headmaster

Headmaster Ben Skeen

Simon Lister: capturing the world’s untold stories

In his own words, Simon Lister’s passion lies in “capturing the world’s untold stories.” Listening to him speak, you’re drawn into tales of life in unseen worlds—of children trekking through jungles, schools perched in mangroves, and classrooms in rubbish dumps. Simon’s stories are about children who are doing extraordinary things, and he is passionate to his core about bringing these narratives to light.

Championing education in a child’s life is a mission Simon (Hamilton 1981-1984) holds close to his heart. Based in Sydney, Australia, he co-founded Nylon Studios and now leads Squeak e Clean Studios, a powerhouse in creating soundtracks for advertising, documentaries, and films. Yet, despite this professional success, Simon gives time every year to ensure he captures photos and footage of resilience in some of the world’s most challenging environments. His work with UNICEF and the United Nations has amplified the voices of thousands of children, launching campaigns that show the strength of the human spirit.

Simon’s career journey began after high school when his attempts to secure a

role as a cameraman led him to a job as a sound technician with Radio New Zealand, eventually guiding him toward advertising soundtracks and then into film. His father, a passionate motorcyclist, photographer, and music lover, inspired Simon’s interests. “My dad was all about motorbikes, photography, and music,” Simon reflects. “Now, that’s literally me.” About 15 years ago, just weeks after his father’s passing, Simon took a major journey to India, travelling by motorbike. “I was blown away by visiting another world that is so different,” he says. “I wanted to do this every year—so I did.”

Simon was inspired by world-famous photographer Steve McCurry, whose photographs capture conflicts and wars throughout the world. “I thought to myself, I’m going to take photos like Steve McCurry.”

His annual journeys led him deep into remote villages, where he captured portraits of children and families. During these trips, Simon’s work began as a personal project, but it soon caught the attention of UNICEF. Back in Sydney, one of Simon’s clients introduced him to the team leading UNICEF’s ‘Every Child’ campaign. “They told me, ‘We want you

to be the photographer and filmmaker,’” he recalls. “That’s how it started.”

Since then, Simon has worked across Vietnam, Ethiopia, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Lebanon, Thailand, the Sahara Desert, and more— documenting children’s lives and families in

Simon Lister

UNICEF ‘For every child’ brand campaign photo by Simon Lister

harsh environments. More than 1,000 of his photos have been used to tell these children’s stories.

UNICEF, a global agency supporting children’s rights, health, and education, provided a platform for Simon’s work to reach a worldwide audience. Each photograph adds a new layer of depth, with every image capturing a unique story. Working with a modest budget, he documented moments that have been used globally to raise awareness of issues affecting children in underserved areas.

In some of the remarkable locations Simon has visited, he has witnessed children in Kolkata attending a tiny school inside a 30x30-foot concrete room amidst a vast rubbish tip. “All the children wear uniforms, eager to learn,” Simon describes. “You start to cry because it’s beautiful.” He has also documented children wading neck-deep in water to collect plastic waste and young ‘Ocean Warriors’ cleaning their shores. “These kids arrive at school at 7 am and leave at 10 pm,” he shares. “They love it. It’s their life, their dream. In West Papua, there’s a marine school where students learn marine conservation. It gives them jobs, elevates their communities.”

Simon’s journeys require months of planning, and he relies heavily on local guides who help him reach remote areas. “I depend on my guides,” he explains. “They’re locals who know where to go and where not to go, who speak the language and can translate culture. They bring me to their hometowns, into slums or hidden monasteries.” His guide in the Himalayas not only led him to the monastery but also helped organise a charity event that raised $10,000 for school improvements. “Money like that means new buildings to learn, and that changes lives.”

Simon’s work also led to collaborations on the Tales by Light series (available on Netflix). He orchestrated a soundtrack with Australian musician Lisa Gerrard (known for her work with Hans Zimmer) and worked with celebrities such as Liam Neeson and Orlando Bloom. “We wanted every part of it to move people,” Simon says. His partnership with Bloom to highlight child labour took them to Bangladesh, where Simon witnessed firsthand the lives of children working long hours to support their families.

Simon’s next project is his own series that will showcase the incredible lengths children go to in order to learn. One segment will follow young nuns in a Himalayan monastery who study in extreme winter conditions, facing temperatures as low as -40°C. “They started their education in a cave,” Simon says, “and now they’re building schools to further their studies. It’s the most beautiful story of girl power—these young women are strengthening their minds every day.” His

admiration for their resilience is clear. “They’re remote, self-sufficient, and powerful.” Simon sees this series as a way to spotlight the power of education, especially for children facing extreme adversity. “If every family in the world could watch these stories, they’d see how powerful education is,” he says.

Simon’s photographs amplify the voices of communities often unheard. His work has taken him to significant events like producing the opening film for the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

After decades of work and travel, Simon remains profoundly moved by the stories he encounters “I’m not a tourist,” he says. “I’m

going to places others don’t. I see things that touch my heart, and I bring those stories back to the world.” His journey is one to remind the world of the importance of every child, every voice, and every untold story.

View the Tales of Light episode, ‘Children in Need’ by scanning the QR code below:

Netflix Tales by Light photo by Simon Lister

UNICEF ‘For every child’ photo by Simon Lister

Photo by Simon Lister

Simon Lister photography

Simon Lister photography

A life lived in colour - a walk with Robert Cox

As Foundation student Robert Cox (School/Sargood 1959–1963) celebrates his 80th birthday, his life reflects one of creativity and individuality. Walking through central Auckland, his home for the past two years, it’s clear that Robert’s passions for art and design, are as lively as ever.

During a tour of his favourite places, Robert took me to the Auckland Art Gallery, where The Robertson Gift, an exhibition showcasing a couple’s gifted art collection, is on display. As we strolled through the gallery, Robert’s enthusiasm was infectious. Recognising masterpieces before reading the plaques, he exclaims, “Oh, a Goldie! Ooh, Picasso! Oh, a Monet!” When asked about his favourite art, Robert smiled and replied, “I love colour and geometric shapes. I admire Picasso, while Salvador Dalí always has a surprise in store for you.”

Robert’s childhood was spent on his family’s cattle and sheep farm in Leithfield, where his father, Kenneth Cox, made significant contributions to agriculture by addressing cobalt that was in the grass from pumice soil (from volcanic ash around Lake Taupō)— earning an MBE for his efforts and work with the Matamata Farming Community. Kenneth was also instrumental in financially supporting the establishment of St Paul’s Collegiate School, where both Robert and his brother, Peter (Sargood 1960-1962), were among the early boarding students.

Reflecting on his time at St Paul’s, Robert offers advice to current students: “Be who you are and do what you want to do. Don’t listen to others’ rules and expectations.” This philosophy has guided Robert throughout his multifaceted career.

After his time at St Paul’s, Robert completed his teacher training at Ardmore Teachers College in Auckland and then taught primary school students. His career took a creative turn when he negotiated a role teaching art at King’s College in Auckland, igniting a lifelong love for colour. “My favourite thing about colour is its brightness,” he says, adding with a grin, “and teal—it’s a colour that goes with just about everything.”

The pull of design took Robert to London, where he trained as an interior designer at the Chelsea School of Art transitioning to interior design. Returning to Auckland, he brought homes to life with bold, vibrant hues. One of his most memorable projects, completed just before retirement, was a house for a couple in Auckland. Robert giggles and says, “I really went to town with all the colours of the fabrics and the walls, they loved it, the idea is to stretch people but not too far.” It was a perfect match for Robert’s daring style. Even now, Robert’s passion for design remains undimmed. He often spends time at the Auckland Library, flipping through interior design magazines; he proudly displays his own artistic treasures in his home, including his first-ever art purchase, a John Nickle painting.

Robert Cox with the first painting he ever purchased, John Nickle

Max Gimblett artwork donated by Robert

Staff member Andrea Douglas spent a day in Auckland with Foundation student Robert Cox to hear his story firsthand.

During our visit to the Auckland Art Gallery, we met Bill, Robert’s friend of 56 years. Over coffee, Bill recounts stories of Robert’s “Hobbit House,” a boomerang-shaped home built into the bush-clad hillside in Oneroa, Waiheke Island, which Robert designed and decorated with his partner, Clive. With a passion for the work of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, the home featured sweeping black and white steps, polished marble and bottle-shaped columns that showcased Robert’s flair for blending originality with elegance.

Robert’s generosity has extended to both St Paul’s and the Auckland Art Gallery. In 2024, he gifted a Max Gimblett artwork to St Paul’s and has also contributed artworks to the Auckland Art Gallery, further enriching the city’s artistic landscape.

As Robert celebrated his milestone birthday, his advice to live authentically and his legacy of colour and creativity will never fade.

Robert and HOD Visual Arts teacher Jonathan Cameron at Arts Day 2024

Kenneth Cox (Robert’s father) sketched by Peter Cox

Robert with friends Steve and Bill

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Celebrating 40 years of women at St Paul’s

This year marks 40 years since girls first joined St Paul’s Collegiate School, a transformative moment in its history that has shaped the school’s culture and achievements. From their initial enrolment in 1985 to their vibrant presence today, women have made an indelible impact on the St Paul’s community.

PIONEERING BEGINNINGS:

In 1985, five brave young women—Janet Shewan, Ruth Lee-Smith, Andrea Jenkins, Mary Graham, and Roimata Raumati—arrived as the first full-time female students at St Paul’s. Initially based in temporary quarters, these trailblazers faced the challenge of integrating into an all-boys school. Despite initial scepticism, they quickly proved their worth, participating in sports, cultural activities, and academic life with vigour.

The humorous reflections of those early days are captured in the 1985 yearbook. An editorial described the initial reactions to the arrival of the five girls: “Some looked upon [them] with resentment, some with awe, and others with complete amusement.” The writer continued, “Thankfully attitudes have matured, and the ignorant realised

that girls are perfectly normal, average and largely unspectacular human beings.”

This acceptance, the editorial noted, led to healthier competition in classrooms and a cultural boom as the girls contributed to music, dance, and other extracurriculars.

The girls themselves wrote a spirited response, detailing their journey of integration: “Our sudden arrival and high profile threw some boys off balance. We girls penetrated many of their activities, and boys felt threatened by our presence, but again the boys exercised great patience and consideration towards us for which we are eternally grateful.”

Their humour shone through as they recalled challenges such as completing the crosscountry race, “Five minutes after everyone else… or was it longer than that?” and their temporary “residence” in the careers room, which they apologised for making “so messy that Mr McMorran surely learnt how untidy girls can be.”

The first girls’ house, affectionately nicknamed “Hill’s Angels” after teacher Malcolm Hill, was officially named Harington House in 1991 to honour Pamela Harington, a devoted trustee. Dr Kay Etheredge, the

1988 - First netball team (Mrs Lawrence, A Brooker, N Danswan, F Scott, A Wards, M Shewan, C Pickering, R Hargreaves, S Bryant, Sister Mules)

2022 Dux Joanna Li

first housemaster of Harington Boarding House, played a pivotal role in establishing a nurturing yet disciplined environment, pushing for single bedrooms, and fostering a strong sense of belonging through bonding retreats and orientation days.

GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENTS:

The early years saw rapid growth in the number of female students and their influence. By 1992, the school welcomed its first female boarders, and Harington House became a hub of activity and camaraderie. During this period, Harington dominated the House Music competition for four consecutive years and excelled in various cultural and sporting pursuits. Susannah Beehan became the first female dux in 1990, paving the way for many other remarkable achievements by girls at St Paul’s.

The girls were introduced to their own Tihoi experience with a camp at the start of each year which became instrumental in forming friendships with the other new arrivals.

In 2010, the school expanded to include Year 11 girls, strengthening their contribution to the senior school. In the words of the then Headmaster, Grant Lander, “This year was one with many firsts for our female students: girls in Year 11; our first Head Girl (Alice Fisher); celebrations marking 25 years of girls at St Paul’s.”

Currently, almost 40% of the Years 11-13 cohort are female students, making them a strong force in the school. In 2026, St Paul’s will welcome Year 9 girls, marking another milestone in its history. Headmaster Ben Skeen reinforced the School’s commitment to delivering a character-driven education in an environment that is engaging, challenging, and supportive. “We are proud of our people and our programmes; experiencing a St Paul’s education should not be determined by gender,” he said.

St Paul’s proudly celebrates the achievements of its 1,637 Collegians, whose contributions continue to inspire and lead across diverse fields.

This issue of Network features some of the women who have contributed to St Paul’s story during the past four decades. While not exhaustive, these glimpses into their lives reflect the diversity and depth of the impact made by the women of St Paul’s. These Collegians will be invited to Bubbles After 5 at the end of the year.

2010 Alice Fisher - First Head Girl

1989 Girls’ Rowing (C Etheredge, A Brooker, T Shaw, S Bryant, F Scott)

2024 School Production Little Shop of Horrors

News story below: St Paul’s welcomes Year 9 girls

Mary Graham Class of 1985

Mary is a freelance television sound operator, specialising in live sports broadcasts. Adjusting to an empty nest, she enjoys life on the farm, travel adventures, and cycling. A lasting memory from St Paul’s is the unique “boys’ school smell” and the daunting experience of being one of five girls seated next to Headmaster Michael Lawrence at the front of Chapel each morning.

Based in Raglan, Helen balances property management with yoga, dog walks, and time with family and friends. She loves travelling, mostly to the USA and Costa Rica.

Looking back on her time at St Paul’s, she values the friendships that have stood the test of time. She says, “There’s a certain intimacy in the friendships you form at that age - they’ve become friends for life.”

Janet Williams (Shewan) Class of 1985

Based at Cooks Beach, Janet is a Chartered Accountant and the Pokura Putea (Business Support Services Manager) for Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki, managing Finance, IT, and assets. In her spare time, she enjoys running marathons, swimming, gardening, baking, and spending time on the farm her husband manages. As one of the first girls at St Paul’s, Janet fondly recalls embracing every opportunity, from sports and speech competitions to the school production of Macbeth.

Greta is Group Manager - Customer Experience at Waitomo Group, alongside St Paul’s Collegians, CEO Simon Parham and CFO Pearce Watson and Rangatira Jimmy Ormsby. She describes the team as, “like running a business with your mates,” driven by shared values of grit, competitiveness, and teamwork. A highlight at St Paul’s was the strong relationships formed, especially within Harington House. “Our cohort caught up last year, and it was special to see those bonds are still there.”

Ruth Walden (Lee-Smith) Class of 1986

Living between Hamilton and Raglan, Ruth is retired from a career in design and media. She loves spending time outdoors paddleboarding, mountain biking, and golfing. Reflecting on her time at St Paul’s, Ruth recalls the unforgettable moment when the five girls in her year had to run the 100-metre race in front of the entire school at Porritt Stadium - “You could have heard a pin drop in the stands!”

Nicola is a doctor specialising in anaesthesia at Waikato Hospital, with a focus on neuroanaesthesia, obstetrics, and research.

A mum of two, both currently at St Paul’s, she cherishes the connections made during her school years - both with teachers and fellow students, including a recent catchup in London with classmate Jenni Bull.

Helen Bloom (Robertson) Class of 1990

Greta Shirley Class of 1993

Nicola Whittle (Williamson) Class of 1994

Nikki is a GP doctor and a Medical Officer for Immigration NZ. Nikki stays busy with her three sporty teenagers, often found cheering at athletics tracks, catching up with friends, or enjoying time on the water.

A proud highlight from her time at St Paul’s was becoming the first-ever female Deputy Head of School.

Kara is a director and part owner of NAI Harcourts Hamilton and co-owner of Red Star Signs with her husband, Clinton. When not on the tennis court or adventure racing, she’s cheering on her two sons in their many sports.

A standout memory from St Paul’s is being part of the netball team that won the Waikato secondary school competition.

Emma is the Principal at Hinuera Primary School and a busy mum to two children and three bonus children.

She fondly recalls the camaraderie in Harington Day House under the guidance of Housemaster Jude Young, whose support and good humour were always appreciated. With girls in the minority at St Paul’s, Mrs Young’s steadfast backing made a lasting impact.

Emily works as a lawyer in Hamilton and spends her free time with family, including her two little girls and their cheeky black lab, Biscuits.

A lasting memory from St Paul’s is being roped into all the sports teams due to the small number of girls at the timean experience that she says, “led to fun opportunities and special friends for life.”

Rachael Spitzer Class of 2002

Rachael is an Executive Assistant, with days that are manic but never boring. She enjoys collaborating with a variety of people and tackling a broad range of tasks. Outside of work, Rachael serves on the Collegians Committee and she loves spending time in the garden, hiking, and reading.

Her fondest memories from St Paul’s are the lifelong friendships she made, including meeting her best friends.

Morgan

Morgan is the Marketing and Communications Manager at Northern Districts Cricket and a marriage celebrant, having officiated weddings for several St Paul’s Collegians.

Based in Cambridge, she is a busy mum to two young boys, she cherishes her fond memories of early mornings and afternoons at the rowing sheds, regattas, and English class with the inspiring Mr Groom.

Kara Gerrand Class of 1998

Emma Williams (Bunker) Class of 2004

Emily Schwikkard Class of 2007

Seifert (Croasdale) Class of 2008

Nikki Retford (Wilson) Class of 1997

Megan lives in Hamilton and works as a Radiation Therapist, planning treatments for patients requiring radiation therapy. When not working, she’s busy with her husband and two boys - soon to be three in July! Free time is rare, but she enjoys running and the outdoors.

A standout memory from St Paul’s was the girls’ orientation week at Tihoi, a unique chance to bond before starting school and seeing where the boys spent their time away from home.

Victoria is a junior doctor at Tauranga Hospital, enjoying being in a team environment supporting patients on their medical journeys. In her spare time, she loves being outdoors at the beach. Her favourite memories at St Paul’s include rowing successes, particularly winning the Dawn Cup at Maadi 2017 and bronze for the Girls U18 Coxed Eight. Camps at Lake Mangakino also stand out.

Lizzy is a tax accountant based in Hamilton, currently on parental leave after welcoming her first child in late 2024. Her hobbies include running, brunching, watching movies with her husband, and spending time with loved ones.

A standout memory from St Paul’s is the 2011 girls’ Tihoi trip, where a rain-soaked bivvy adventure forged a lifelong friendship - one of her bivvy mates even stood by her as a bridesmaid at her wedding in 2024.

Samara is in her third year of a BMus degree, majoring in classical performance on the viola. Alongside her studies, she teaches violin and singing at several Hamilton schools and performs with OPUS Orchestra.

A lasting memory from St Paul’s is the countless hours spent in the music department, rehearsing, exlporing new pieces, and sharing those moments with friends. “It was a place where I felt truly at home.”

Based in Philadelphia, Katie collaborates with musicians worldwide. She’s currently performing in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and will return to NZ in May as a soloist in Verdi’s Requiem.

Katie recalls tramping trips with her adventurous friends. “It was great that everyone had their Tihoi experience - I didn’t have to teach them how to pitch a tent.” She also recalls the day someone took an unexpected dip in the Pool of Reflection during Chapel Service.

Trelise is currently a first year university student in 2025. During the summer, she worked as a staff member at Wintec, assisting many students with their enrolments.

In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry and short stories. She fondly remembers Cultural Day 2024, a celebration where passion, courage, and vulnerability took centre stage to showcase the diverse and beautiful cultures that make up our world.

Katie Trigg Class of 2016

Victoria Chanwai Class of 2018

Samara Nation Class of 2022

Trelise Forster Class of 2024

Megan Radonich (Cowley) Class of 2010

Lizzy Senior (Rajan) Class of 2012

Breaking barriers in the building industry

In a field historically dominated by men, Rebekah Laby (Harington|Sargood 2003-2004) has not just found her footing—she’s thriving. Six months into her tenure as CEO of Rave Build, a leading New Zealand construction software company, Rebekah is redefining leadership in the construction sector.

After completing a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in psychology and sociology, Rebekah worked at Mitre 10 Mega and pursued a trade manager’s role. Her innate understanding of the trade industry got her shoulder tapped to work for Yeoman Homes, where she quickly propelled and scaled operations from 10 to 100 annual projects in her final year.

When the opportunity arose to join Rave Build in 2020 on a short-term contract, Rebekah saw immense potential in the software. Leveraging her first-hand experience as a client, she played a pivotal role in reshaping the product to better serve New Zealand builders. This journey culminated in her appointment as CEO, where she now oversees both leadership and product ownership, ensuring the software evolves in response to real-world needs.

Rebekah acknowledges that the road has not always been easy. Early in her career, being a young woman in construction meant proving herself repeatedly. “I was told too many times that construction wasn’t a game for women,”

she recalls. But rather than accept those limitations, she excelled—winning awards and earning a reputation as a leader to watch.

At Rave Build, her technical challenges often involve “technical debt” or redesigning outdated features. Yet, it’s the human element that drives her forward. “I love showing people what we’re capable of,” she says. “If someone doubts, we can do something, I make sure we deliver X, Y, and Z.”

For Rebekah, leadership is about more than just results—it’s about people. “My team brings me so much joy,” she says. Whether it’s receiving glowing client testimonials or watching her team solve complex problems, she takes pride in fostering an environment where innovation thrives.

Her vision for Rave Build is ambitious: perfecting the product in New Zealand before expanding into Australia and beyond. Collaboration with other Kiwi companies is on the horizon, as she seeks to build a comprehensive ecosystem for the construction industry.

Balancing this ambition with her family life in Canterbury is a priority. As a mother, she hopes her daughter sees first-hand that a fulfilling career and personal life can go hand in hand. When Rebekah is at home, she is an active relaxer, reading books or spending time in the garden or around the house with her daughter wearing her Sargood Trackies from her St Paul’s days. Rebekah calls them ‘heritage.’

Rebekah’s early years were spent on a Christmas tree farm in Te Kōwhai, where she and her brother Gareth Smith (Hall|Williams 2004-2008) earned pocket money selling trees. Growing up, she experienced a ‘good old Kiwi’ upbringing. “Mum and Dad were your typical parents; the oldest child got all the rules and the youngest one broke them,” says Rebekah.

Always keen for a challenge, Rebekah was a spectator at Maadi Cup one year, watching a childhood friend compete as a coxswain. Curious to see if rowing was a sport she might enjoy, she joined her school rowing team. “I had an absolute blast,” she says.

As a Year 10 student, Rebekah wanted to be challenged to be the best version of herself, so she asked her mum if they could attend a St Paul’s Open Day. They did, and soon Rebekah

was sitting in the office of Greg Fenton, the then St Paul’s Headmaster. Rebekah remembers Mr. Fenton saying, “We want you to exceed your own expectations, not ours.”

Rebekah transferred to St Paul’s in Year 12, seeking new challenges. One memory she has of St Paul’s is pulling an all-nighter to perfect her NCEA History projects and achieving the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, presented by Dame Silvia Cartwright. Rebekah fondly recalls teachers like Roger Bell, who pushed students to be their best. “I called him Rog; he wasn’t pleased about it, but he was always someone you could go to for help,” she says.

Reflecting on her journey, Rebekah offers advice to young women aspiring to break into male-dominated fields: “Don’t let anyone tear you down or tell you not to go for it. Prove them wrong. Focus on quality over quantity and take more risks. Life is short—live in the moment.”

With her leadership, Rebekah is proving that the construction industry isn’t just for men— it’s for anyone with the vision, determination, and resilience to lead the way. And in doing so, she’s inspiring the next generation of women to dream big and build even bigger.

Laby family

Michelle Burke (Harington 2003) with Rebekah and her husband at their wedding Jan 2023

Collegians fill up Waitomo Group boardroom

National Fuel company Waitomo Group’s, management team includes four Collegians: Jimmy Ormsby (Williams 1986-1990), Simon Parham (Hamilton 1989–1993), Greta Shirley (Harrington 1992–1993), and Pearce Watson (Williams, 1997-2001). With the four Collegians making up half of the management team, Greta Shirley describes it as, “like running a business with your mates.”

When Grey and Adelene Ormsby chose St Paul’s Collegiate School for their son, Jimmy, they were encouraged by other King Country families and the lure of Tihoi Venture School. Jimmy, who credits much of his success to his time at the school, says, “St Paul’s taught me discipline, hard work, and the value of being part of something bigger than yourself,” Jimmy reflects. “State in Fide—Stand Firm in the Faith. On the school motto, it’s not so much in a religious sense for me but in the strength of teamwork and commitment.”

Today, Jimmy and his wife Ailsa own Waitomo Group, a national fuel company rooted in Te Kūiti. Founded in 1947 by his grandfather Desmond, the business faced a turning point in the early 2000s: sell or transform. Desmond advised his son Grey to exit, but Grey chose

to push forward. “My grandfather told my dad to get out,” Jimmy recalls, “however, Dad thought otherwise. He believed the business could do better if returned to family ownership, so with the understanding that I would join, he took the risk and bought out Mobil Fuel. We’ve never looked back—a testament to Dad’s vision and what a family business can achieve.”

Jimmy joined Waitomo in 2003 as Waikato Sales Representative, advancing to Managing Director in 2016. He led Waitomo’s transformation from a traditional wholesaler into a disruptive force in retail fuel, a change catalysed by the bold decision to open their

first petrol station in Te Uku in 2012.

As Waitomo expanded, Jimmy turned to fellow Collegians to help lead the charge.

Simon Parham, Greta Shirley and Pearce Watson. Also, in the SLT team are current St Paul’s parents Tim Beasant, Alastair Wilson and Julie Carruthers (married to Ollie Carruthers (Williams 1987-1991)

Simon, who joined Waitomo Group after 16 years at Mobil, was instrumental in Waitomo’s ongoing growth and development. He was appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer when Jimmy took a sideways step in 2023. Greta brought more

Grey Ormsby

2024 U16 Quad in the Grey Ormsby boat

Simon Parham, Jimmy Ormsby, Greta Shirley and Pearce Watson

than 20 years of media and marketing experience, strengthening the brand as Waitomo expanded into new markets. Pearce, the youngest of the group, moved into the role of Chief Financial Officer, succeeding a predecessor of 19 years.

“Dad always says, ‘birds of a feather flock together’” Jimmy says, “We’re all different, but our core values are the same: commitment, agility, and a willingness to take risks — traits shaped at St Paul’s. Our business success comes down to our values: great people, top performance, and fair fuel priceshe tangata, he mahi, he utu hoko.”

For the Waitomo Group team, St Paul’s instilled discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. “The lessons we learned stay with us,” Simon explains. “On the rugby field, rowing on the river, or in the classroom, we adapted and thrived under pressure. The core principle of trying to do things better than how we did them yesterday stays with us. The competitive activities at school also helped shape our behaviours — from the various sporting events to the house competitions. It drives a competitive nature that then transcends into business activities.”

Jimmy agrees, “The friendships we built at St Paul’s last a lifetime. The bond and trust from those early mornings, winter sports, and late-night study sessions are irreplaceable. St Paul’s prepared us for more than business; it prepared us for life”, Jimmy says. “Resilience, leadership, and community remain our guiding principles.”

Under Jimmy’s leadership, Waitomo Group has become New Zealand’s largest independent fuel supplier, with more than 100 Fuel Stops and Diesel Stops nationwide and a thriving commercial fuelling operation spanning the country. The company won the Supreme Award at the Waikato Business Awards last year and scooped up the Business Growth and Strategy and Sustainability categories. Described by the judges as ‘a trailblazer in the fuel industry, and an exceptional intergenerational family-owned business,’ the company was commended for its ‘visionary leadership team disrupting the market with bold strategies and groundbreaking innovation’.

Innovation and sustainability are key to Waitomo’s strategy. From bulk fuel solutions to future fuels like hydrogen and EVs, the company continues to push boundaries.

“St Paul’s is known for forward-thinking, like launching the Agribusiness in Schools Programme, which we supported from the outset. That same mindset drives us at Waitomo—being brave and taking calculated risks,” says Jimmy.

Despite its growth, Waitomo remains a family business. Ailsa is a Director, Grey serves as company Kaumaatua, and Jimmy and Ailsa’s eldest daughter Isla has recently worked

within the business. “One day, Isla and Kiri will have the opportunity to join the business if that’s something they’d like to do, so it’s important they understand what goes on at Waitomo,” says Jimmy. “Both our girls have attended Waikato Diocesan, but their cousins Caitlin and Benjamin Lou, as well as plenty of their mates, have attended St Paul’s. The family connection is firmly there.”

And in a fitting tribute to the family legacy, the St Paul’s rowing boat was recently

named Grey Ormsby. Grey was the founding Chairman of the St Paul’s Rowing Committee. The boat has featured as the winning boat in the 2024 U16 Quadruple sculls and the boys’ squad are aiming to back this up with another winning performance at the New Zealand Secondary School Championships (Maadi Regatta) in Karapiro this year.

Today, Waitomo employs more than 100 Kiwis from its Frankton headquarters in Hamilton.

Grey (left) and Jimmy Ormsby

Jimmy Ormsby and Simon Parham

Craig and Jo Maddison’s vision for a forest school

As you step into the grove at Te Miro Forest School, you can’t help but be in awe of Craig and Jo Maddison’s creation —an outdoor school for three to six-year-olds, nestled among towering kahikatea trees. The calls of Kereruu echo through the forest, cicadas hum in the background, and the laughter of children at play drifts through the air.

For Craig Maddison (School 1983–1985), the forest has always been a place where life makes sense. Craig’s childhood was shaped by both loss and opportunity. When he was just six years old, his father passed away, but his father’s legacy ensured Craig could attend St Paul’s Collegiate School. However, in the 1980s, there wasn’t the support for learning that Craig needed, meaning school wasn’t easy. Craig struggled with dyslexia, finding the traditional classroom setting challenging. But when he arrived at Tihoi Venture School, St Paul’s outdoor education campus, everything clicked.

“I was no good in the classroom, but get me outdoors, and I came alive. I loved the house setup at Tihoi, with the fire, no power except for a plug for a toaster and a radio,” says Craig.

After finishing school, Craig went into farming and then sharemilking before spotting a niche in the market and launching his own dairy farm effluent business in the Bay of Plenty. He designed and built the pumps and machinery himself, creating a successful operation. Then, meeting his wife Jo changed everything.

With seven children between them, Jo—a midwife—struggled to find daycare for their children. So, with no formal training, the couple decided to start their own. Craig designed the plans for the childcare centre, and together they built Little Einsteins. Jo swapped midwifery for teaching, earning a degree in early childhood education, and the daycare quickly flourished.

However, as time went on they wanted something different, something that aligned more with their values. They began taking small groups of children from their daycare on an excursion to a forest twice a week.

“This is where we learned we didn’t want to be just tripping into the forest—we wanted to live in it,” says Jo.

That’s when the idea of a Tihoi-style preschool education centre took shape. Craig

began searching for land—somewhere they could create a forest school. For five years, he knocked on farmers’ doors, asking if they would sell a piece of land to the couple but was unsuccessful. In 2021 they discovered a beautiful, raw, unspoiled native bush property in Te Miro, (20 kilometres from Cambridge), with a stream running through it. But the farmer’s response was a firm “No.” Craig didn’t give up. He kept working on the farmer for more than eight months, and finally, the answer changed to “Yes.”

However, the land was far from ready. Craig and Jo spent months clearing away old rubbish, broken glass, and abandoned cars. But with every challenge, their vision only

Craig and Jo Maddison

grew stronger and they held true to their family mantra; you never lose, either you win or you learn.

Every item at Te Miro Forest School is recycled, repurposed, or built by hand. Even the Kura Centre is an old speedway clubroom from Rotorua that was set to be burned down. Jo laughs as she remembers the shocked looks from neighbours when they trucked in the rundown clubrooms.

“There were lots of moans and complaints, I even put out a public apology to the Te Miro community on the Facebook page, asking them to bear with us,” says Jo. Once the clubrooms were in place Craig started the renovating, even the toilets were from an old school where they no longer met regulations. Known as the ‘Trade Me king,’ Craig is always on the lookout for someone else’s junk to turn into a treasure for the Forest School.

Since opening in February 2022, 35 children plus dedicated staff arrive daily at Te Miro Forest School, ready to explore. They work with animals, make mud pies, and feed the eels in the stream. It is learning without walls. And what happens when it rains? “The children grab their gumboots and jacket and off they go,” says Jo.

For Craig and Jo, this isn’t work. “We retired five years ago,” Craig says with a grin. “This is just living the dream.”

And the impact? “Enormous,” says Jo. The forest environment brings out the best in children, fostering resilience, cooperation, and kindness. “It still surprises me,” she reflects. “If a younger child falls, there’s always an older one reaching out a hand to help.”

Each year, for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, the school invites parents to spend the day with their children in the forest. “It’s always funny to hear the parents say, ‘Ooh, be careful!’ or ‘Watch your step!’ or ‘Can you really go up that?’” Jo laughs.

As you stand among the trees, watching children climb, create, and care for one another, you realise—this isn’t just a school. It’s a gift for the next generation, one that feels more essential than ever in a world dominated by screens and technology.

Old Rotoura Speedway clubrooms, repurposed as the new Kura (school)

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Grant Hislop: from The Rock to new streaming platform

Forty years ago, Grant Hislop (Sargood 1981–1984) finished St Paul’s Collegiate School, setting out on a journey that would see him shape New Zealand’s media landscape and champion music in innovative ways. From founding iconic platforms like The Rock, running the ZM and Radio Hauraki radio networks, to managing artists like Goodshirt, Pluto, and Opshop, and touring around the world in his own band, Grant’s career has been as diverse as the music he loves.

Born in Christchurch, Grant’s early years were spent moving around New Zealand. His deep appreciation for storytelling was sparked by family tales—his grandfather’s war stories and his father’s adventures as a pilot and entrepreneur. This love for narrative and connection would later drive his approach to radio, television, and now streaming.

In 1986, just two years after leaving high school, Grant stepped into broadcasting as a radio announcer, quickly making an impression by winning the Australasian Best New Broadcaster Pater Award. Over the next few decades, he established himself as a media innovator, founding stations like The Rock, The Edge, and Kiwi FM, co-founding Radioworks, and driving artist development at Warner Music NZ. Along the way, he worked with acts like Madonna, New Order, Linkin

Park, Shihad, Emmylou Harris, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. His voice became familiar to many as the corporate voice of Vodafone, The Rock, The Hits, and JuiceTV.

Grant’s passion for music extended beyond the airwaves. He’s managed 30 artists, label-managed high-profile projects, and revived iconic platforms like Rip It Up and JuiceTV, which he relaunched in 2020. Under his leadership, Juice has grown to reach over 600,000 monthly viewers, offering a unique format that celebrates both new music and timeless classics.

Now, Grant is turning his attention to the digital world with Mood, a music streaming platform he describes as “Spotify with pictures” or “Netflix for music content.” Mood combines curated music channels, documentaries, concerts, a retail store, and a guide, all in one experience. For Grant, this is about more than just delivering content—it’s about reinvesting in the future of music.

“Our audience can dig deeper,” he explains. “They can discover new artists, explore heritage music videos, and support the ecosystem of music in a way that really matters. This isn’t just a platform; it’s a community.”

Grant’s commitment to community is also evident in his other ventures. In Tauranga, he

established Vinyl Destination, a record store, coffee shop, and the home of The Station, his 27th radio project. “Broadcasting from a record store creates a unique space for connection,” he says. “It’s a place where music lovers can meet, share stories, and discover something new.”

Reflecting on his career, Grant credits his time at St Paul’s with teaching him the values of perseverance and creativity. “Boarding school in the 1980s wasn’t really geared up for disrupters. Fortunately, there were enough faculty members who encouraged me, and any resistance I encountered only strengthened the tenacity needed to launch a new business.”

“I first butted heads with the head of music due to my rock ’n’ roll leanings but I ended up being a chapel soloist, and so we developed a kind of mutual respect. I was a member of the New Zealand Youth Choir for a few years after leaving and looked out one night to see him in the audience, which meant a lot. I think he was secretly quite proud.”

As for the future, Grant is focused on expanding Mood and continuing to champion artists, both new and established. “There’s so much music out there, and we need to give it a meaningful home,” he says. “That’s what drives me.”

Grant Hislop in the studio

Preserving the legacy of Rodney Hamel

Dunedin-born Rodney Hamel, 87, who specialised in landscapes and portraits, was a much-loved teacher at St Paul’s Collegiate School from 1963 to 2000. A number of Collegians and past staff members are on a labour of love to collate the images of Rod’s art.

Rod’s sister Clare Hamel, nephew Antony Hamel, Collegians Chris Clarke (School 1974-1977), Jeremy Wells (Sargood 1994), Benny Castles (Williams 1997-2001), and former staff members Emma Bettle (Pullar) and Gregor Fountain are collaborating for the project. The project was sparked by Emma’s question, “Where are Rodney’s paintings?” and has now culminated in more than 400 images of his paintings being collected. Antony has compiled these into folders, accompanied by anecdotes, ensuring Rodney, now based in care in Dunedin, can reflect on and enjoy his work during these twilight years.

In 1963, Rod joined the staff at St Paul’s and quickly made an indelible impact. From his Caesar haircut and stove-pipe trousers to his unconventional ideas and sharp wit, Rod challenged the norms of a sport-dominated school, bringing a fresh cultural and academic perspective. He introduced Art History in

1975 when the subject first became available to New Zealand secondary schools. He was also a teacher of Drama, Geography, History, Classical Studies and English and head of History during his time at St Paul’s. Rod left St Paul’s briefly from 1971 to 1976, when he served as head of English at Melville High School, before returning to St Paul’s.

Rod’s contributions to St Paul’s were transformative. Rod’s passion for drama saw participation levels soar, with students engaging in junior and house drama, play readings, and major productions. His impact extended to the classroom, where he inspired students to think critically, read widely, and question conventional assumptions. Collegian

Port Chalmers on the Aramoana Road

Zuna Wright portrait of Rodney Hamel

Fairfield Hotel (1958)

John Allen (Hall 1974-1978) reflected, “Rod was a remarkable teacher and transformed my view of what was possible in life.”

Rod also played a pivotal role in the Seventies Club (1976-1997), established to broaden students’ horizons. Through this initiative, he exposed students to theatre, literature, and notable guest speakers, organising trips to Auckland to attend major theatre productions. In addition, under Rod’s guidance, the school magazine, the St Paul’s Collegian, underwent a significant makeover introducing new layouts and modern typefaces.

Rod’s creativity also extended to theatre, where he directed several notable productions that pushed boundaries and captured imaginations. His 1968 production of Twelfth Night was particularly innovative, reimagining the play amidst milkshakes, mini-skirts, and a backdrop of 1960s counterculture. While daring, his theatrical vision sparked enthusiastic admiration and lively debate within the school community.

Rod’s influence wasn’t limited to the canvas and classroom. Emma Bettle recalls being one of the lucky benefactors of Rod’s famous picnics on Maungakawa Hill. “Rodney had such a wonderful way of making these occasions special. He’d bring a proper Caesar salad and a basket, and we’d dine under the wild rhododendron tree, with sweeping views of the Waikato. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience of art and storytelling.”

Rod’s connection to Maungakawa Hill was deeply personal and artistic. The hill, with its former sanatorium and dramatic landscapes, became a recurring theme in his paintings. Rod’s sister recalls, “Rodney was a romantic landscape painter inspired by the countryside around him. This was the subject matter for many of his paintings, but each was unique with variations in the vivid palette, sky— particularly clouds and the moon—trees, strange little buildings, and people engaging in somewhat puzzling activities.”

Rod began painting at the age of 13, initially working with watercolours. Encouraged by celebrated artists such as William Reed, one of New Zealand’s few surrealist painters, Rod transitioned to oil painting in the 1990s. He described learning to paint with oils as a lengthy apprenticeship, often working late into the night to refine his technique.

Central Otago also held a special place in Rod’s heart with family holidays always spent in Queenstown. The Central Otago paintings came to life on his hessian-covered canvases.

Rod’s art allowed him to travel widely. It took him around the world, visiting people he knew—many of whom he had taught—and having extraordinary adventures that became the source of much hilarity around the dinner table.

Reg Hornsby portrait

Waikato on display at St Paul’s

1970 (approx) - Rod Hamel and class

The dedicated efforts to preserve Rod’s work are a testament to the lasting impact he has made on his students, colleagues, and the community. As one Collegian aptly reflected, “Rod was a remarkable teacher and transformed my view of what was possible in life.” As one Collegian recalled, “He ranks among the best.”

The following photos of art were kindly provided by Moray Gallery, Dunedin where they are displayed:

• Port Chalmers on the Aramoana Road

• The New Bandstand, Maungakawa Hill, Cambridge

• Fairfield Hotel (1958)

• Otago Harbour

The paintings: Reginald Hornsby and the Waikato Landscape oil painting are both on display at St Paul’s Collegiate School.

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Otago Harbour

Reg Hornsby with Rodney Hamel

1989 Mr Hamel and the detention boys

The New Bandstand, Maungakawa Hill, Cambridge

From a blanket studio to blockbuster work

When Vikram Rajan (Fitchett 2016-2020) first began experimenting with voice acting, his studio was a humble arrangement—a laptop and microphone under a blanket. He then advanced to a closet full of clothes and foam. Fast forward to today, and Vikram is a rising star in the world of voice acting, working with global clients from a professional studio in Hamilton and lending his talents to major projects, including Amazon Prime’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Netflix’s Power Rangers: Dino Fury.

Vikram has always had a knack for imitating accents and sounds and, even as a child, delighted in creating ‘silly’ noises. In 2018, he started turning his ‘party trick’ into a career, practising voices and refining his acting and sound. After finishing at St Paul’s Collegiate School, Vikram studied for a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts at Unitec in Auckland, focusing on screen and stage acting techniques and styles while simultaneously growing his voice acting skills at home in his spare time.

Vikram has been honing his craft for seven years and is working full-time as a professional voice actor, equipped with a professional home studio featuring double-lined walls with foam and an 80-kilogram soundproof door. He also gets called to record in the recording studios as well. Represented by agencies in New Zealand and the USA (specifically San Francisco, New York and LA), he collaborates with international clients, often working across time zones. His repertoire is diverse— he voices everything from young adults to fantastical creatures, zombies, young children, stoic warriors and even comedic characters. “I’ve been typecast for a lot of characters that die or explode. I find it the easiest to slip

into,” he says. “There’s always a serious side too, something they try to hide or put on as a facade. No character is the same.”

Vikram takes pride in creating characters from scratch, describing his preparation process: “To get into character, I warm up both physically and vocally for about 30 minutes. I receive an audition brief—what accent, a little bit of the story, and the character’s traits, the lines itself—and audition with my best interpretation. The way I approach it is by showing the character’s struggles within each line. Each line is a different scene, and that emotional range helps show I can act through my voice. I try not to spend too long on auditions because if I do it will sound unnatural; if it takes more than five takes, I step back, do something else, and come back with fresh ears and pick up from there.”

His expertise extends beyond voice acting to looping, the post-production process of adding voices and sounds to film and television. Vikram’s work on the upcoming New Zealand feature film TINĀ, released in February 2025, is just one example of his contribution to the craft.

In addition to acting, Vikram has ventured into voice directing and casting, running a

global roster of remote talent. “Casting is fascinating—it humanises everyone in the process and you take the time to hear it all. Listening to auditions sharpens my ear and helps me grow,” he explains. “With a team, we’ve cast for animation, video games, dubbing, and even award-winning podcast series.”

Despite his growing success, Vikram stays grounded. “I think going outside and touching the grass every so often is very important,” he jokes. Reflecting on his career, he adds, “This is my future for the next 40 to 50 years. It’s crazy, but I love what I do.”

Scan the QR code below to watch a demo of Vikram in his voice-acting mode:

Vikram Rajan in voice-acting mode

Musical rediscovery led by Dr Paul Newton-Jackson

Collegian Dr Paul Newton-Jackson (Hamilton 2009–2013) has played a pivotal role in revealing the secrets of a rare and historically significant piece of music. Dr Newton-Jackson’s international team have shed new light on Scotland’s pre-Reformation musical heritage through decoding and reconstructing a musical fragment contained in Scotland’s oldest printed book, published in 1510. The discovery, published in the academic journal Music & Letters, has received widespread international media coverage.

The musical discovery came about through a collaboration between scholars at the University of Edinburgh (UK) and KU Leuven (Belgium). The team found a fragmentary musical score (pictured), handwritten on a blank page within a copy of the Aberdeen Breviary known as the “Glamis Copy”, held in the National Library of Scotland. The first book to be printed in Scotland, the Breviary itself is a collection of prayers, hymns, psalms, and readings for daily worship, commissioned by King James IV of Scotland to establish distinctly Scottish religious rituals, avoiding a reliance on books imported from England or Europe.

After deciphering the musical notation, Dr Newton-Jackson and his team identified the melody as a harmonisation of a night-time hymn called Cultor Dei (“servant of God”), traditionally sung during Lent. Through painstaking research, the scholars proved that the score was a fragment of a larger piece involving multiple simultaneous melodies—a technique known as polyphony. This type of music, although common in Scottish religious institutions at the time, has left few surviving

examples. The team reconstructed the missing parts of the hymn from the fragment, allowing a piece of lost music to be heard again for the first time in 500 years.

In 2014, Paul took up a Girdler’s Scholarship to study music at the University of Cambridge. He went on to receive further scholarships to study for a Master’s degree and PhD, also at Cambridge, which he completed in 2022. His doctoral thesis on the German composer Georg Philipp Telemann (1681–1767) was awarded an honourable mention by the International Musicological Society’s Outstanding Dissertation Awards. In 2023, he was offered a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at KU Leuven in Belgium, where he now works as a specialist in early music research. He is currently writing a book on sixteenth-century Scottish music, which will be published in late 2025.

“When I set out to study at Cambridge, I had no idea how much there was still to discover about the history of music. Unearthing and reconstructing this fragment was so exciting because it gives us a glimpse of what music sounded like in Scotland five centuries ago. There’s a lot of beautiful ancient music hiding in the archives, just waiting to be dug out.”

The researchers believe the fragment originated in Aberdeenshire. Through a meticulous investigation into other handwritten annotations in the Aberdeen Breviary, Dr Newton-Jackson and his team were able to identify the book’s original owners. They determined that the most likely person to have written down the music was a chaplain at St Mary’s Rattray, a rural settlement in Scotland’s northeastern corner. This chaplain also had probable links with

Aberdeen Cathedral, a hugely important site for music during this period, but from which not a single note of written music has survived.

This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about Scotland’s musical history and demonstrates the resilience of cultural traditions, even through the upheavals of the Reformation. As co-author Dr James Cook explains, “for a long time, it was thought that pre-Reformation Scotland was a barren wasteland when it comes to sacred music. Our work shows there was a rich tradition of high-quality music-making in Scotland’s cathedrals, churches, and chapels, on par with anywhere else in Europe.”

Dr Newton-Jackson’s role as lead author of this project highlights the important work of Collegians in advancing global understanding of history and culture. Through the dedication of these researchers, a small but precious artefact of Scotland’s religious and musical past has been preserved, enriching our understanding of the period’s artistry and heritage.

A recording of the reconstructed piece (with Paul singing) can be heard by scanning below:

Paul Newton-Jackson in Leuven, Belgium, outside his home which is a former convent built in the 1500s Musical Score

Feeding the St Paul’s community with love

It’s a well-known fact that at St Paul’s Collegiate School – everyone raves about the food. For both students and staff, mealtime is a cherished part of the day, and much of that magic can be attributed to the warmth and care of Head Chef Chris Warner. Whether it’s a hearty lunch or a special event dinner, every meal comes with a side of Chris’s infectious smile and genuine commitment to nourishing the school community. Recently, Chris was honoured for his exceptional dedication, receiving a 2024 Honours Award for Service to Catering and the Wider Community at

the Independent Schools of New Zealand Awards Dinner in Christchurch.

For Chris, who has spent more than 15 years managing the culinary needs of St Paul’s, this recognition reflects a career milestone. “The highlight of my working career,” he says, referring to his time at the school. It’s easy to see why – from coordinating more than 1,500 meals a day to ensuring that every student and staff member feels welcome, Chris has built more than just menus; he has built connections.

His ability to rise to challenges is legendary, particularly during moments like the power outage that threatened to disrupt dinner for 300 boarding students. Quick thinking and resourcefulness meant no one went hungry, reinforcing his status as a true hero of the school. Beyond his culinary skills, Chris has cultivated a culture of care and mentorship within his kitchen team, empowering them to grow and thrive under his leadership.

The impact of Chris’s work extends far beyond the school grounds. His volunteer efforts for community events like the Scouts Jamboree and “The Chefs Night Out” demonstrate a commitment to service that runs deep. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he further

showcased his adaptability by setting up an on-site supermarket for residential staff, ensuring the community continued to function smoothly in uncertain times.

As Headmaster Ben Skeen remarked, “Chris’s ‘can-do’ attitude and inability to say ‘no’ have made him a hero at our school, touching lives with every meal he prepares.” Chris Warner is not only the man behind the meals but also a pillar and a friend of the community. And as long as he is in the kitchen, there’s no doubt the St Paul’s community will continue to savour every bite, and of course, rave about it too.

Scan the QR code below to watch the kitchen team in action at St Paul’s:

Chris Warner accepting his award

The St Paul’s kitchen team with Chris Warner and his wife Beryl

Wei-Wei Ng on navigating her career change

For St Paul’s Collegiate School Collegian and former Deputy Head Girl Wei-Wei Ng (Harington 20082009), the path to finding her ideal career has been anything but linear. With an impressive academic background and a career spanning continents, she now thrives as a Senior Pursuit Strategist at Ernst & Young (EY) in Auckland, a role that combines her love for strategy, collaboration, and problem-solving.

During her years at St Paul’s, Wei-Wei was always passionate about school subjects Debating, English and History and had anticipated a life working in law. After completing her secondary schooling, Wei-Wei went on to pursue a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Media Studies at Victoria University of Wellington. Her qualifications led her to work as a solicitor in Nelson and Auckland but it was during this time that she realised she had a change of heart. “It was tough to accept that after three years as a lawyer, it wasn’t for me.”

During this reflection period, Wei-Wei was offered a Prime Minister’s Scholarship to study Mandarin at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. As a fourth-generation Chinese New Zealander, Wei-Wei was interested in connecting with her roots and exploring modern China.

After living in Shanghai for a year, Wei-Wei and her husband Marcus moved to Hong Kong as Marcus landed a job as a design engineer

for a project at Disneyland. After a lot of networking and applying for jobs, Wei-Wei secured a job in the Business Development team at Freshfields, a global law firm. “It was the perfect role where I could use my legal experience but also try something new,” she shares.

Although Wei-Wei and Marcus loved the vibrant culture, travel opportunities, and cuisine of living across Asia, COVID-19 disruption and local job opportunities caused the pair to move back to New Zealand three years ago.

Now at EY, one of the ‘Big 4’ accounting firms, Wei-Wei supports teams across the firm to secure new clients and projects. Her role spans strategy development, research, project management, and even visual design. “I love the variety of what I do and the opportunity to work with different teams and learn about their expertise,” she explains. Her work has touched on diverse areas, including government reform programmes, banking cyber operations, agribusiness organisation design and major infrastructure upgrades. While rewarding, the role comes with its challenges. “Like most jobs, it can be highpressure and stressful, especially with tight deadlines and coordinating multiple people,” she says. Navigating economic uncertainty has added another layer of complexity and a first in her career.

Wei-Wei credits her time at St Paul’s and her teachers for shaping her perspective. She

recalls the impact of Mr Defyd Williams, her Year 13 history teacher. “His teachings on relations between Maaori and Pakeha and Te Tiriti gave me a strong foundation to understand modern social and political issues. His passion for New Zealand history and unique teaching methods made a lasting impression.” She also recalls a field trip to Waitangi on Waitangi Day as being one of the most unique and engaging schooling experiences.

During the pandemic, Wei-Wei and Marcus took up sailing, a hobby they’ve continued since returning to New Zealand. From sailing around Waiheke Island to watching the Matariki stars rise from Rangitoto, their adventures reflect their love for the outdoors and life back home.

Wei-Wei’s journey is an inspiring example of how the path to success isn’t always straight—and how sometimes, the detours lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Wei-Wei Ng and husband Marcus

A Collegian connection at Holland Beckett

Since its founding in Tauranga in 1937, Holland Beckett has grown from a small regional law firm into a powerhouse of legal expertise in the Bay of Plenty where four Collegians are employed. With more than 130 staff in Tauranga and an additional 160 across offices in Rotorua, Whakataane, and Taupō, the firm has earned its reputation for delivering highquality legal services.

Among the firm’s many achievements is the presence of four St Paul’s Collegians working together. John Mackay (School 1986–1990), Natasha van der Wal (Harington 2000–2001), Meg Skilton (Harington | Fitchett 2013–2015), and Gretel Muir (Harington | Williams 2019–2021) have found success at Holland Beckett.

John, a partner since 2008, has been instrumental in the firm’s evolution. Known for his practical approach to commercial and property law, he is a trusted advisor in the road transport sector. His leadership has driven innovation, including the adoption of open-plan offices to encourage collaboration.

“Although I finished my time at School House 35 years ago, I never miss an opportunity to mention St Paul’s,” says John. “The school helped shape my career, especially through the common bond of being a Collegian. It’s rare to mention St Paul’s to someone in the wider business community and not find a connection—whether through being a Collegian, family, or Tihoi Venture School.”

Recently appointed partner Natasha leads the Rotorua commercial and property team, with expertise in Maaori property interests, iwi social housing, and papakaainga. Her work reflects Holland Beckett’s dedication to tackling complex legal issues and serving diverse communities.

“My time in Harington Boarding helped me develop a strong work ethic that has carried through university and into my career,” Natasha shares. “I’m especially grateful to teachers like Dr Smithells and Dr Etheredge, who encouraged me to pursue a conjoint degree in law and biological sciences— something I wouldn’t have considered without their support.”

Meg, who joined the firm as a solicitor in 2023, focuses on business sales, purchases, and transactions. She works closely with John, demonstrating that a successful legal career

can flourish alongside the enviable Bay of Plenty lifestyle.

“At St Paul’s, I learned the value of hard work, meaningful relationships, and integrity,” says Meg. “These lessons have been a strong foundation for my career. Holland Beckett builds on those values with its supportive environment, helping me grow while staying focused on my goals.”

Gretel, a former Head Girl of St Paul’s, joined Holland Beckett as a summer clerk while completing her final year of law studies. Her experience highlights the firm’s commitment to nurturing young talent.

“St Paul’s set me up for life beyond the school gates,” says Gretel. “This summer at Holland Beckett has exceeded my expectations. I’ve gained invaluable skills—both legal and otherwise—while attending client meetings, court, and drafting important documents. The teamwork, leadership, and positive atmosphere at both St Paul’s and Holland Beckett have shaped me profoundly.”

Holland Beckett’s journey over the past 88 years has been remarkable. From their bold adoption of open-plan offices in 2008 to their expansion into multiple Bay of Plenty locations, the firm continues to push boundaries. With an imminent move to a purpose-built CBD office in Tauranga, the firm

is poised to reinforce its legacy as a leader in the region’s legal landscape.

Their accolades reflect this leadership. In 2024, the firm became one of the six founding signatories of the Framework for Collaborative Pro Bono in Aotearoa, advancing access to justice for New Zealand’s most vulnerable. They were also recognised as an Excellence Awardee in the NZ Lawyer Law Awards for their work on the Bay of Plenty Housing Equity Fund and appointed to the All-ofGovernment Legal Services Panel across all major legal areas. In addition, long-serving partner Bill Holland was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours, a testament to his dedication to both law and community service.

Holland Beckett has built a culture that values community involvement and giving back. The firm actively participates in local Chambers of Commerce, provides voluntary and pro-bono services, and supports a variety of charitable and non-profit organisations.

For St Paul’s Collegians, working together at Holland Beckett represents more than just a shared workplace—it’s a continuation of the supportive, values-driven culture they experienced during their school years.

From left: John Mackay, Meg Skilton, Natasha van der Wal and Gretel Muir

Collegian Awards 2024

In October 2024, 130 guests, including friends, whaanau, past students and past staff, gathered to celebrate the achievements of Collegians: Judge Wilson Isaac, Roimata Templeton, and Daniel Vettori. Among the attendees were past staff members Andrew Botting, Peter Hollister, Peter Gilbert, former Headmaster Grant Lander, and Tihoi directors John and Christine Furminger. Also in attendance was 2023 Collegian Awardee Professor John Ormiston. The evening was filled with warm tributes, humility, and heartfelt memories.

Judge Wilson Isaac, in his speech, paid tribute to the St Paul’s staff who helped shape his path, particularly recalling Rod Hamel, Peter Hill, and former headmaster Reg Hornsby. He shared a humorous anecdote about Mr Hornsby, who, upon meeting Wilson, remarked, “You look like a pole-vaulter— short, but with long arms.” Wilson quipped, “Where I come from, those were the qualities of a good shearer.” Sport and athletics played a significant role in his school life, with Wilson excelling in the First XV rugby team and the 1969 and 1970 Athletics Teams under Vic Matthews. His whaanau graced the evening with a moving waiata in response to his award, followed by nostalgic campfire-style singing, bringing back memories of ‘the old days.’ Judge Isaac was honoured for his nearly three decades of service in the Maaori Land Court and his expertise in Maaori land law.

Roimata Templeton, who had just returned from Germany to live in Aotearoa that same week, gave a breathtaking performance of As If We Never Said Goodbye. Her powerful rendition brought tears to many in the audience, showcasing her immense talent and growth. Her former vocal coach, David Griffiths, was in attendance to honour her accomplishments, proudly noting, “She’s ten times the Roimata she was when she left.” Roimata’s daughter, Lily, was also present to witness her mother’s achievements. As one of the first five girls to enrol at St Paul’s, Roimata made an early impact by helping introduce the cultural tie and establishing the school’s first dance group. In 2010, she returned to direct and choreograph the school’s production of Sweeney Todd, with several cast members from that production attending the dinner. Roimata’s extensive international theatre career includes roles in major productions such as Cats, Beauty & The Beast, and Mary Poppins, working with industry giants like Disney, Cameron Mackintosh, and Stage Entertainment.

Dan Vettori, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated cricketers, reflected on the confidence he gained as a student at St Paul’s. He humorously recounted how headmaster Steve Cole didn’t initially recognise his potential as a spin bowler but after observing his ‘average’ medium-pace bowling, suggested he try spin; after a first watch, he said, “That will do.” Dan credited Mr Cole’s unwavering support with helping him develop the self-assurance he now hopes to instil in his own children. Although Mr Cole was overseas during the event, he sent his heartfelt congratulations to Dan. Another influential cricket coach during his school years was Mr David White. David went on to play cricket for New Zealand and also served as New Zealand’s Chief Executive for many years. He sent his apologies but recognised Dan’s award as outstanding and well-deserved. During a Q&A session, Dan spoke about leadership by example and how he admired players fully dedicated to the game. The evening’s MC, Headmaster Mr Ben Skeen, light-heartedly noted that Dan was the only awardee not to perform and jokingly suggested that Dan’s performance could be a demonstration of his spin-bowling technique. Dan, however, kept the secrets of his spin close to his chest.

Throughout the evening, current St Paul’s students showcased their talents, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Olive-Rose Hapuku opened the event with a beautiful

of Pookarekare Ana, followed by a violin performance from Monique JamesThomas. Adi Manda and Arnah Currie, stars of this year’s school production of Little Shop of Horrors, captivated the audience with their duet of Suddenly Seymour

Scan the QR code below to watch behind the scene footage and interviews

rendition

2024 Awardees Dan Vettori, Roimata Templeton and Wilson Isaac

Olive-Rose Hapuku singing

with Dan, Roimata and Wilson:

Judge Wilson Isaac and Ryan McCarthy

Charlotte Grey, Frances Oliver, Roimata Templeton, Lily Ridder and Russell Grey Paul Ford

and Jeremey Wells PJ Williams and Kent Currie

Grant and Judith Lander Roimata Templeton and Ryan McCarthy Peter and Gay Gilbert Peter Hollister John and

Christine Furminger 2023 Awardee Professor John Ormiston Adi Manda and Arnah Currie singing Suddenly Seymour Judge Wilson

Murray and Maree Llewellyn, Leigh and Dixie Wright Leilani Tuala-Warren and Aidan Warren Dan and Nick Vettori Suzie

Collins, Wilson Isaac and Cameron McCaull Ruth and Shane Walden with John Robinson and Gwen Williams Renzo and Robyn Vettori

Jessica, Miriam and James Driscoll Tim Elliot and Michael

Snippets

SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS

Four Collegians have been selected for the U21 Future Black Sticks Men’s and Women’s Teams: Sam Lints (Sargood 2017-2021), Javahn Jones (Clark 2020-2022), Jamiee Eades (Harington | Sargood 2022), and Richard Ruetsch (School 2020-2024)

Owen Robinson (Hamilton 2005-2009) represented New Zealand in Men’s Trap Shooting at the Paris Olympics.

Dean Fullerton (Fitchett 2011-2015) and the New Zealand Polo team claimed victory in the Gloucestershire Festival of Polo in June 2024 defeating England in the final to win the Golden Jubilee Trophy

Grace Namana (Harington | Clark 20112013) played netball for Southern Steel during the 2024 season. Predominantly a goal shoot, Namana has since extended her repertoire to also become an accomplished goal attack. She manages her sporting career alongside being a lawyer for Te ArawhitiCrown of Maaori Relations.

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Former Head Boy Matthew Chanwai (Hamilton 2019-2023) has been appointed Organ Scholar at Downing College, Cambridge. Now studying Music, Matthew is embracing the opportunities that come with this prestigious role, which allows talented organists to develop their skills alongside their academic studies.

Ben Scanlon (Fitchett 2016-2020) was inspired to pursue nursing after a school trip to the slums of Cambodia. Now part of the first cohort of nursing graduates from the University of Waikato, he crossed the stage at The Pā alongside more than 60 others at graduation. Ben has already begun his career at Tui Medical Rototuna, following in the footsteps of his late father, an urgent care doctor, and his mother, a Plunket line nurse.

INDUSTRY AND LEADERSHIP

Harri Moss (Hall 2012-2016) has won the inaugural Nufarm RCNZ Agri-Chemical Applicator of the Year award. Harri, the Operations Manager for Spraylink, received the award at the Rural Contractors NZ conference in Masterton.

Ashton Robinson (Hamilton 2018-2022) is one of six agricultural students awarded a $5,000 scholarship through the primary sector On Farm Support programme.

Jon Tanner (Hamilton 1973-1977), a former New Zealand Men’s Hockey player and longtime supporter of St Paul’s, has played a key role in shaping the sport for more than 40 years. He was instrumental in establishing Midlands Hockey as one of New Zealand’s top regions and is now leading the reintroduction of the Premier Hockey League with the launch of the Mavericks franchise.

Dr Michael Oehley has been appointed one of just two Medical Advisors to the Medical Council of New Zealand.

Ben Watson (School 1995) has remained connected with St Paul’s, with his children, Charlie (Williams 2019-2023), Izzie (Harington/Williams 2022-2024), Tamsyn (current) and Lola (2026) attending the school. Ben and his wife, Stacey, run a family farm in Richmond Downs near Matamata and in 2023 founded Genez, New Zealand’s fastest-growing genetics company. Genez supplies beef semen to dairy farmers, leveraging advancements in wearable technology and cow collars.

Jetta Kete (Harington 2023-2024) has been selected for the NZQA Top Art exhibition, a prestigious showcase of outstanding student work that tours the country. Jetta, a dedicated documentary photographer, also won the 2024 Bell Photography Award for her commitment to the craft.

Gary Schofield (Hall 1970-1974) received a remarkable honour, with a artwork he created 16 years ago now being used as an official gift at Arlington National Cemetery, one of the most sacred sites in the United States.

Katie Trigg (Harington 2014-2016) has won the 2024 Lexus Song Quest, Aotearoa’s most prestigious opera competition. She takes home a $50,000 prize, continuing the legacy of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, who won in 1965.

A group of ten current and former directors of Tihoi Venture School gathered for a reunion last year and shared a picture with the school marking a historical moment to have all of them together in one room.

Rugby league star Lance Hohaia (Hamilton 1997-2001) visited St Paul’s to train with students. Lance has been based in the USA since 2016, continuing his coaching career.

Hugh Jackson (Sargood 2012-2016) is back in the running for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year title after securing victory in the Waikato Bay of Plenty Regional Final.

The 27-year-old claimed the top spot in February after a day of intense competition at Waerenga School, tackling a series of practical and theoretical challenges. This win qualifies him for his second Grand Final appearance, having previously competed in 2023, where he finished third overall.

If you have news and photos to share, email collegians@stpauls.school.nz to share your snippet.

2024 events and reunions

Bringing together Collegians and friends

London Mix and Mingle - Josh Hay, Noel Setters, Scott Sinclair, Ben Skeen, Matt Casey, Fraser McKillop and Tim Carpenter Ten and 20-

Fieldays - Hannah Austin 10 and 20 Year Reunion After 5 Men’s Networking Event Ten-Year Reunion attendees

Bubbles After 5 Women’s Networking Event Bubbles After 5 Women’s Networking Event Thailand Collegian Reunion

Fieldays - Thomas Scheres and Paul Wilson

2024 events and reunions

Bringing together Collegians and friends

Bubbles After 5 Women’s Networking Event After 5 Men’s Networking Event Fieldays - Kendal Buchanan 20-Year Reunion

Fieldays - Nicola Pipe Ten and 20-Year Reunion Fieldays - Holly and Jed Taylor Thailand Collegian Reunion Ten and

2024 events and reunions

Bringing together Collegians and friends

Bubbles After 5 Women’s Networking Event Thailand Collegian Reunion Fieldays - Calvern Sing Ten and 20-Year Reunion

Bubbles After 5 Women’s Networking Event Fieldays - Jason Steiner and Paul Wilson

Building a legacy of health and wellness: The Hive

St Paul’s Collegiate School is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the development of The Hive—a state-of-the-art health and wellness centre set to transform our campus and redefine community engagement.

Unveiled at a Black Tie Gala Dinner on 7 September 2024, the $15 million Hive project represents the future of student health, well-being, and connection. Designed to be more than just a facility, The Hive will be a hub where students, parents, and Collegians thrive. The centrally located building will be a hub for our community, featuring:

• Health Clinic: Providing comprehensive healthcare services, including triage and isolation rooms

• Counselling Services: Offering support for students’ mental and emotional well-being

• Parents’ and Collegians’ Lounge: A welcoming space for parents and Collegians to relax and engage with each other and the school, including areas for working and refreshments

• Historical Space: A dedicated area celebrating the history and achievements of our alumni

• School Shop and Reception Areas: Convenient facilities for students and parents

• Support Staff Workspaces: Areas supporting the activities of school, engagement, and finance, and the Collegians’ Association

• Accommodation for Overnight Guests: Ensuring visitors have a welcoming place to stay

As part of the Hive project, Sargood House will receive a significant upgrade, including:

• A new Year 12 dormitory

• An upgraded existing common room and additional common spaces

• Refurbishment of ablutions, locker areas and the Matron’s Hub

• Upgraded courtyard and outdoor spaces

• Extended boarding staff accommodation

• This will complete the refurbishment of all boys’ dorms at St Paul’s

The Hive will honour the school’s history, standing on the site of the original health clinic and Great Oaks Farmhouse—both symbols of care and community at St Paul’s since its inception in 1959.

The Hive - Front Entrance

The Hive - Front Entrance

OPPORTUNITY TO GET INVOLVED

Since St Paul’s opened in 1959, our community has come together to build and support facilities that enhance the student experience. From parents painting the old farm cottage to students gathering bricks for the library, these acts of giving are woven into our school’s fabric.

In recent years, vital giving by the community has enabled the construction of the Gallagher Agribusiness Centre of Excellence and the Lander Centre, both of which have made a remarkable impact on our campus. Now, we invite you to support us in bringing The Hive to life, ensuring future generations of students benefit from an environment that supports their health, well-being, and success.

If you would like to discuss a donation or pledge, please phone Andrea Douglas at the St Paul’s Foundation on 07 957 8878. There

will be name recognition in The Hive for all donations over $500.

Scan the QR code below for more information.

The Hive - Sargood Courtyard

The Hive - Student Reception Entrance

The Hive - Atrium

long-serving staff members

We farewell four members of our teaching staff: Mr Josh Howard, Mr Mathew Hewett, Mr Ian Campbell, and Mr Garth Littlejohn. Together, they’ve dedicated nearly 75 years to St Paul’s Collegiate School, and we are deeply grateful for the leadership they’ve brought to our community.

Ian and Garth are heading into retirement, while Josh and Mathew will continue their teaching journeys in the Waikato. Below is the farewell speech from Mr Campbell at assembly on behalf of the leaving staff.

At this time of year, people often give advice and share parting words of wisdom they have gathered over the years. However, I sometimes think that we, as teachers, often forget to thank the student body for the advice and wisdom that you teach and share with us every single day.

Firstly: Patience. Every day, you remind us of the need for patience—to slow down and

take a deep breath. Whether it’s working with those who make mistakes, those who find school difficult, or those who face challenges in learning, we must constantly adjust and remember that success often comes from patience. What other job reminds us of this so consistently? Breathe.

Secondly: Tolerance. You teach us the importance of understanding why people do the things they do and why they are different. You remind us to listen to the backstory, to acknowledge the hardships and difficulties that students experience, and to develop empathy, rapport, and compassion. In today’s world, showing tolerance for others’ needs and differences is more important than ever. Tolerance helps to prevent prejudice.

Thirdly: Resilience. Day after day, we return to this place of work, ready to pick up where we left off. We repeat the same advice, offer the same help over and over again, hoping that change will take place. Sometimes it

does; sometimes it doesn’t. But with stamina and strength, we learn to keep trying—where others might give up and walk away.

Fourthly: Friendship. We get to share in the joys of success and watch people grow into outstanding citizens. There is no other profession where such a diverse group gathers and allows their lives to be shared in so many ways. Everyone benefits from positive and meaningful friendships and connections, no matter how small or complex they may be. Small acts of kindness can lead to lasting friendships, regardless of age.

So, to all of you, the students of St Paul’s, thank you for sharing these valuable gifts with us—the staff and teachers. You help us apply them to other aspects of our own lives, and in doing so, you allow us to continue growing as better people because of it.

Josh Howard Mathew Hewett

Ian Campbell Garth Littlejohn

Guy Johnstone (Sargood 1990-1994)

Nika Asadi’s journey of passion and perseverance

Achieving the title of Dux is a goal many students aspire to, but for St Paul’s Collegiate School’s 2024 recipient, Nika Asadi, it was the culmination of years of dedication and determination.

Reflecting on the moment she was announced as Dux, Nika shared: “I was overwhelmed with emotions because the hard work I had put in over the past two years had paid off. My end goal for my high school studies was always to be Dux. It was my motivation to do well.”

With a strong passion for the sciences, Nika’s academic journey has been fueled by genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. “I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world, especially biology. Human evolution has been my favourite topic, as it provides an incredible insight into how we’ve transitioned from apes in the trees to modern civilization.”

This passion and drive have earned her a scholarship to the University of Otago, where she will study Health Science in 2025, with the ultimate goal of pursuing a career in medicine.

Nika credits much of her success to the support and resources at St Paul’s. “The facilities and guidance here have been incredible, especially the teachers. My biology teacher, Mrs Lock, believed in me during moments of doubt, and her support kept me going through stressful times. Mrs Keep, my physics teacher, went above and beyond to

help me learn beyond the Level 3 curriculum and prepare for scholarship physics.”

Her journey has also been deeply personal, shaped by the unwavering support of her family. “My brother, Keyan, has been my biggest supporter over the past two years. He’s always helped me when I was struggling and never doubted what I could achieve.

My parents, too, have sacrificed so much to ensure I could focus on my studies, providing me with a secure foundation to succeed.”

As she prepares to take her next steps toward a medical career, Nika Asadi embodies the values of hard work, gratitude, and a passion for learning—a true testament to the spirit of St Paul’s Collegiate School.

ST PAUL’S ANNUAL ACADEMIC RESULTS

Nika Asadi with her parents

Prizegiving 2024

Celebrating the success of our students

Egan, Isaac Albery and Monique James-Thomas - Cowan Plate Kydon Boot - G W Lander Resilience Award Sadie Williams - Andrea Jean

Nika Asadi - Dux of the School Isla Robinson - Proxime Accessit Sam Stokes and Annie Stokes - St Paul’s Award for Year 12 and

and the John Oehley Cup Asher Downing and Jackson Norris - The Rodney Hamel Cup Sam Kansal, Jack Walch, Sam Fletcher, Isabela

Jenkins Cup and Te Hookai Nuku, Senior Manukura Ariki “Maaori Academic Excellence” Award

Austen Plimmer - St Paul’s Aeronautical Trophy Briar Roden - Seavill Cup and Peter Hampton Innovation in Agribusiness

Brianna Griffiths - David Harries Memorial Trophy Nate Bodle - The Luman Family Trophy Trelise Forster - Galatians Trophy

Grace Walters - de Jong Trophy and Dan Bryant Cup Oliver Heeley - ICT Award

Sophie Dunn - Wayne O’Brien Trophy, Renee Carey

Davies Family Cup, Gracie Potter - The Margaret Forsyth Trophy and The Fitchett Trophy, Jessie Morris - The PW Johnstone Memorial Trophy

Amelie Austin - The Thornton Gallery Trophy, Lucy Hadley and Will Hadley - The Cole Cup and Leggatt Prize & Old Collegians’ Trophy

Student leaders 2025

HEADS OF SCHOOL

Georgia Roberts joined St Paul’s as a Year 11 boarding student in 2023 and has quickly established herself as a leader and role model. She achieved NCEA Level 1 endorsed with Excellence, earning a Scholars Tie with a GPA of 90%. Georgia is also a Scholastic Centurion for IGCSE Mathematics, highlighting her strong academic foundation.

A multi-talented sportswoman, Georgia made an immediate impact in netball, playing in the Senior Gold team and being named Most Improved Player. Her true passion lies in rowing, where she has led her crew to impressive podium finishes at major regattas, including first place at the AON NZ Junior Rowing Regatta and the North Island Club Championships. As Rowing Captain for the 2024/2025 season, she is committed to guiding her crew to a medal at the 2025 Maadi Cup regatta.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Georgia has demonstrated her leadership skills as a Year 12 Peer Support Leader for Williams House and has received a Service Award for her contributions to Chapel. Known for her sunny disposition and willingness to help others, she volunteers her time to umpire netball and assist novice rowers.

Looking to the future, Georgia is considering a pathway in Sustainable Engineering at Canterbury University in 2026. Growing up in rural Gisborne, she has a strong support system from her family, who encouraged her independence and growth.

Roy Zhu joined St Paul’s in 2021 as a Year 9 student in Fitchett House and has since made a remarkable impact on the school community. He achieved NCEA Level 1 endorsed with Excellence, earning a Scholars Tie with a GPA of 96%. Roy’s academic prowess is evidenced by his recognition as a Scholastic Centurion in multiple subjects, including NCEA Level 1 Economics and History, and Cambridge AS Mathematics, placing him on the Academic Honours Board.

Roy has also excelled in the performing arts, gaining his Senior Cultural Colours for Music, Speech, Drama, and Debating. His busy cultural calendar in 2023 included a second-place finish in the Hamilton Pianoforte Competition and winning the Roslyn Cunnington Trophy for Overall Best Prepared Speech at the Hamilton Speech Competition. This year, he has continued to build on his success, earning accolades in various cultural pursuits.

Beyond academics and the arts, Roy has been an active community member, leading the Year 12 Service Programme and volunteering at local organisations, earning the 2024 Best Volunteer Award at the ROC Trust Awards. He has also represented New Zealand at Australia’s Model UN National Conference.

As a sportsman, Roy has participated in Futsal and Football, representing the U19 Boys team and the WAIBOP Mens Team. Looking ahead, he plans to explore university options in Australia or New Zealand in 2026, keeping his options open as he considers his future pathway.

Head Boy - Roy Zhu

Head Girl - Georgia Roberts

Student leaders 2025

DEPUTY HEADS OF SCHOOL

Annie Stokes joined St Paul’s as a Year 11 boarding student in 2023, bringing a wealth of talent and dedication to the school. She achieved NCEA Level 1 endorsed with Excellence and earned a Scholars Tie with a GPA of 97%. Her academic achievements include recognition as a Scholastic Centurion in multiple subjects, reflecting her passion for learning.

Annie is a versatile athlete, participating in tennis, hockey, and mountain biking. She excelled in cross-country running, finishing third in her division and going on to compete at the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools Cross Country. Recently awarded her Senior Sporting Colours, Annie has also earned recognition for her contributions to the arts, receiving Senior Cultural Colours for Excellence in Arts and Music.

In addition to her athletic and academic accomplishments, Annie is a dedicated volunteer. She serves as a Year 12 Peer Support Leader for Sargood House, contributes to the Boarding Committee, and has been involved in various service initiatives, including the Over the Fence Ministry and the Refugee Orientation Programme.

Annie recently represented St Paul’s in the Altrusa Youth Award and participated in an Art and Literature Tour to Europe, aligning with her passion for painting. She is considering a future pathway that allows her to help others, exploring her options for tertiary education in 2026.

William Peoples joined St Paul’s in 2021 as a Year 9 student in Hamilton House. He has shown impressive growth as a scholar and athlete, achieving NCEA Level 1 endorsed with Merit and a Scholars Tie with a GPA of 82%. His early involvement in the Big Sing and Adventure Racing set the stage for a successful journey at St Paul’s, where he contributed to his Adventure Racing team becoming regional winners.

In his time at Tihoi, he was voted Most Valued House Member of Hart House, further showcasing his leadership qualities. William is a dedicated swimmer, competing in the NZSS Championships and achieving podium finishes in various events, including third place in the Junior 200 IM at the Waikato Secondary Schools Championships.

Rowing is where William’s true passion lies. He has rowed for the St Paul’s Rowing Club since Year 9, consistently striving to improve each season. His crew recently placed second in the A Final of the Boys U17 Coxed Quad Sculls at the AON NZ Junior Rowing Regatta, and he aims for a podium finish at the next Maadi Cup Regatta.

As a Peer Support Leader, William actively mentors younger students and fosters a supportive environment within the school. He plans to join his siblings at Canterbury University in 2026, exploring pathways in Engineering or Architecture.

Deputy Head Girl - Annie Stokes

Deputy Head Boy - William Peoples

Student leaders 2025

Williams House - Emily Davies and Hunter Pocock Hall House - Caitlin Foot and Lachlan Mollard Hamilton House - George

Charles Etherington and Fredricka Savill Clark House - Martine Devlin and Imri Seavill Harington Day House - Matilda Millar

School House - William Rushbrooke and Gracie May Sarich

House - Maxwell

Student leaders 2025

Aidan Hodgson Arts - Eric Joe and Olive Hapuku International - Martina Zhang

and Outreach - Daniel Zhao and Charlotte Belz Sport - Jasmine Davis and Campbell Boyd Academic - Iona Martynoga and

Campbell Soanes and Rosie Willson Te Kaea - Ashley Lake and Lachyn Moeke Chapel -

St Paul’s Historical TrailDining Hall

The Dining Hall is arguably the most popular building with students from all generations. While the building itself has undergone many changes to become the first class catering facility it is today, the daily challenge of catering for hundreds of growing teenagers has remained the same.

Initially located next to The Quad in what is now the Science Block, the Dining Hall was close to boarding School House (now the Maths Block) and the classrooms creating a hub of the school. It wasn’t long before a bigger space was required and a new hall was built in its current location.

Originally, meals were served to seated students. The Chef, Mrs Gibbs, spent some time attempting to convince Headmaster Hornsby to adopt a cafeteria system, in which students would mostly serve their own food and sit where they please. Mr Hornsby was adamantly against the idea as the removal of

designated seating would reduce the staff’s ability to supervise manners and converse with students over mealtimes.

It wasn’t until the arrival of Headmaster Hart that Mrs Gibbs’ vision was realised. Following a weeklong trial, the doubters had been

converted. Not only were the meals hotter and the room quieter but the system also produced major cost savings.

The changes were made permanent and the St Paul’s system was adopted by a number of similar institutions throughout the country.

Initially located in what is now the science block, the old Dining Hall held its first function, a thanksgiving service, on the first official day of school at St Paul’s on 12 February 1959. From then and into the early ‘60s, all chapel services were held in the dining hall as the school was yet to have a designated worship space. This involved a lot of “wearisome movement of furniture” which students were tasked with before and after every service.

The Dining Hall could no longer seat all students at once. Around 50 students were required to eat in the neighbouring library while trolleys filled with food and utensils were wheeled to and from the kitchen.

The school roll was expanding and showed no sign of slowing down. A desperately needed new dining room was opened in Term 1 and the old Dining Hall was converted into Clark House common room.

The Dining Hall 1959 (now the Science Block)

1970s

The Dining Hall was increasingly being used to host special functions for the school community. The St Paul’s Collegiate Association’s ‘Dine and Dance’ was hosted in the Dining Hall as “an informal social occasion where parents and friends could meet.” The building’s value as a place to offer hospitality and build community was beginning to be realised.

2012 2024

The Dining Hall underwent a $3 million refurbishment which included the addition of the annex, expanding capacity to seat 350 diners. Headmaster Grant Lander noted that the upgraded facility “greatly enhances our ability to cater for major school events… It is a facility the whole of the St Paul’s community should be proud of.” The extension was officially opened by former staff member and St Paul’s Fellow, John Mortimer.

In 2024, outdoor dining was introduced at St Paul’s with a large covered area with seating and BBQs added creating even more space for dining at St Paul’s. The area is called Tuuaapapa - The Terrace.

Dining Hall Cafeteria Service 1990 -1992

1959 early Dining Hall beside Way Oval

Dining Hall boys eating at tables

Late ‘60s or early ‘70s Dining Hall

In memory - staff and supporters

Beverley Aves (Staff 2003-2008)

Beverley Aves served as the Academic Secretary at St Paul’s Collegiate School from 2003 to 2008, playing a pivotal role in supporting staff and ensuring the smooth running of the school. She will be remembered for her dedication, warmth, and the positive impact she made during her time at St Paul’s. Bev is remembered with love by her children, Logan Aves (Hamilton 1998) and Monique Eriksen (Aves) (Harington 1999–2000), and her grandchildren. She passed away in September 2024.

Jack Jenkins (Friend of St Paul’s)

Jack Jenkins was a proud supporter of St Paul’s Collegiate School and instrumental in establishing the scholarship programme at the school. Through Jack and his wife Alison’s unwavering support, five students have had the opportunity to pursue their education at St Paul’s, reflecting Jack’s profound belief in the transformative power of education.

A devoted husband to Alison for 58 years, Jack was a loving father to Andrea (Harington 1985–1986) and Malcolm (Hall 1983–1987), father-in-law to Lena, and a proud Poppa to Emily (Harington 2015–2017) and Thomas (Hall 2016–2020).

Jack will be remembered for his boundless generosity, his dedication to education, and the lasting impact he made on St Paul’s. Jack passed away in June 2024.

Originally from England, John Lloyd arrived in New Zealand in the early 1970s after Headmaster HR Hornsby, his former teacher, invited him to help shape a young Anglican school in Hamilton. Despite its modest beginnings, John saw promise in St Paul’s and dedicated two decades to teaching there, leaving a profound impact on the school’s community.

As a geography teacher, department head, and Housemaster of Williams House (1978–1986), John and his wife, Cynthia, created a warm and supportive environment for students. They were proud parents of Jeremy (Hamilton 1974–1979), Emma, and Nick (Hamilton 1977–1981).

John’s legacy shone brightest on the cricket field. As First XI coach (1974–1982) and head of cricket, he transformed the school’s approach to the sport, developing its first cricket facilities through innovative fundraising and resourceful efforts. He also coached hockey and led the canoe club, inspiring students through his passion for sport.

At his retirement, Headmaster Steve Cole described John as the epitome of a successful teacher, praising his scholarly approach, humour, and kindness. Even after retiring, John remained a beloved part of St Paul’s, attending school events and celebrating its achievements.

John passed away in December 2024.

Margaret Bruce (Staff 2001-2010)

Margaret Bruce served as the school nurse at St Paul’s Collegiate School with care and compassion. A steadfast supporter of the school, she often attended events and shared her talent for creating beautiful flower arrangements.

A devoted mother to Raewyn, Angela, and James (deceased), and a cherished Nana to six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, Margaret found immense joy in her family. Known for her vibrant spirit and infectious humour, she lit up every room she entered. Her colourful attire, love of celebrations, and kindness left a lasting impression on staff and students alike. Margaret passed away in July 2024.

Rev Cowan (Chaplain 1978-1979)

The Reverend Don Cowan served as acting Chaplain at St Paul’s Collegiate School in 1978–1979, leaving a lasting impression with his compassion, humility, and commitment to service.

In 1980, he became Auckland City Missioner, transforming the Mission into a vital source of social assistance. Under his leadership, the redevelopment of the old Prince of Wales Hotel and nearby properties created resources to support those in need with dignity. In retirement, Rev. Don lived in St Mary’s Bay and spent his final months under the care of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Herne Bay. He passed away in December 2024.

John Lloyd (Staff 1974-1994)

Peg de Winton

Peggy de Winton was the beloved soul mate of the late Tom (Staff 1971–1977), devoted mother to Peter, the late Tony, and Mary, and proud grandmother to Kalin, Olivia, Alice, and Toby. She found great joy in her greatgrandchild, Anthony.

During Tom’s tenure as Housemaster of Clark House (1971–1977), Peggy’s kindness and guidance helped create a welcoming and supportive home for many students, complementing Tom’s leadership.

Her life was enriched by a love of music and community service. For more than a decade, she accompanied the children’s choir at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, delighting families and young voices with her talent. Whether supporting St Paul’s rowing teams or sharing her musical gifts, Peggy brought joy, humility, and grace to all she did. Peggy passed away in October 2024.

Hannah Wheeler (Staff 1983-1992)

Hannah Wheeler, former matron of Clark House, will be remembered for her warmth and nurturing spirit, which touched many lives within her family and the St Paul’s community.

She was a devoted mother to Peter (Hall 1972–1974), David (Hall 1973–1976), Allan (Hall 1979–1982), and Mark (Hall 1982–1985), as well as a proud grandmother to ten and great-grandmother to nine. Hannah passed away peacefully on November 2023 at Hilda Ross Hospital in Hamilton.

Shirley Sinton (Staff 1979-1997)

Shirley Sinton, a cherished staff member at the Tihoi Venture School, dedicated 19 years (1979–1997) to ensuring that every student and staff member was well-fed and cared for. As a founding member of the kitchen team, she was instrumental in establishing the high standards and seamless routines that have become a hallmark of the Tihoi experience.

Described as “pint-sized but with the heart of an elephant,” Shirley was a practical and capable farmer’s wife who loved the boys, especially the mischievous ones. Her warmth and good humour made her a trusted figure, and many boys sought her out for a chat when they were “in trouble again.” Even years after their time at Tihoi, some maintained correspondence with her, a testament to the impact she had on their lives.

Shirley was meticulous in planning menus, organising supplies, and ensuring meals were consistently first-class. Whether it was the hearty midday meals or rations for expeditions, her food was never met with complaints. Shirley had a knack for encouraging students’ growth, often delighting in watching boys mature and adapt to their new environment. From teaching them about kindling to helping them build resilience, Shirley’s influence reached far beyond the kitchen. She will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of working alongside her and by the many boys whose lives she touched.

Shirley passed away early 2025.

Laurie Pilling (Friend of St Paul’s)

Laurie Pilling generously supported several St Paul’s Collegiate School students throughout the school scholarship programme.

He was the dearly loved husband of the late Sheena and beloved companion of the late Mavora. Laurie was a much-loved father to Lisa and Stuart (School 1982–1986), and an adored grandfather to Liam, Timothy, Riley, and Rachel. He was also a cherished uncle to his nieces and nephews.

Laurie passed away peacefully in his sleep in Hamilton in June 2024.

Rod McMorran served as a teacher at St Paul’s Collegiate School and is remembered for his efficient, humorous, and steady manner.

Having experienced boarding life as a student at Wanganui Collegiate, Rod understood the unique dynamics of Anglican boarding schools. He first joined St Paul’s in 1965, returning in 1969 after time spent overseas in Europe and India, and remained a prominent figure at the school until his retirement in 1996.

Rod contributed far beyond the classroom. He led expeditions, ran the stamp club, organised athletics standards, coached rugby, established the Harriers group, coached swimming, and guided yachting. His geography classes were particularly appreciated by the sons of farming families, who valued studying the weather under his tutelage.

From 1971 to 1979, Rod was the Housemaster of Hamilton House and later served as Deputy Headmaster from 1983 until his retirement in 1996. A natural leader, he was a calming presence and a reliable face for both staff and students.

His work on the school timetable, led him to become computer literate—a skill he embraced with determination. Rod served under four Headmasters: HR Hornsby, AD Hart, MG Lawrence, and SW Cole.

Rod is remembered with loveby his wife, Alison, and their children, Mark (Hall 1985–1989), Tom (Hall 1983–1987), and Jane (Harington 1991–1992). Rod passed away in January 2025.

Roderick McMorran (Staff 1969-1996)

In memory - Collegians

Graham Dodd (Sargood 1959-1961)

St Paul’s Foundation student No. 19, Graham Dodd, was a cherished member of the St Paul’s community, remembered for his adventurous spirit and enduring connection to the school. As a student, his love for the outdoors and a chance encounter with wild hives sparked a lifelong passion for beekeeping, which was nurtured with the support of the school and the local Apiary Inspector.

Graham fondly recalled building engines in the mechanics club and humorous escapades from his school days. These stories, shared at reunions, connected generations of St Paul’s students and celebrated the school’s early history.

A devoted husband to Doreen for 52 years, Graham was a beloved father to Raymond, David, Barbara, Catherine, and Sarah, and a much-loved grandad to 14 grandchildren. Graham passed away in October 2024.

Bob Chatfield (School 1964-1966)

Bob Chatfield, formerly of Cromwell and Christchurch, passed away peacefully at home in Tapanui following a short illness.

He was the beloved husband of Raewyn, a cherished father to Michelle (Auckland) and Andrew (Christchurch), and a proud Grandad to Private J.V. Chatfield, his 17 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Bob was also a much-loved stepfather to Jim, Steve, Kelly, Jo, Damian, Mike, Katie, Donna, and Richard. Bob passed away in August 2024.

Ian McLaren (Sargood 1960-1963)

Ian McLaren, a cherished St Paul’s Collegian, was known for his warm smile and unwaveringly positive outlook on life. A proud Collegian, he travelled from Australia to attend events and spoke at the 2019 reunion.

He was a beloved father to Fiona in Tasmania and Angus in New York, and a dear brother to Ross in New Zealand and Anne in Australia.

Ian passed away peacefully in October 2023 at the age of 76, following a prolonged illness.

Howard Alexander (School 1960-1962)

Howard Alexander (above far right) served as Head Prefect of School House and was the commanding officer of the school’s cadet group, earning the respect and admiration of his peers. Fondly remembered by his fellow Collegians from the 1960s, he remained connected with the St Paul’s community and was a frequent attendee at reunions. Howard passed away in September 2023 at the age of 79 and now rests in Maunu Cemetery in Whangarei.

James Burt (Williams 2001-2004)

James Burt was a key member of the Putāruru community and a friend to many Collegians, leaving behind a profound legacy.

He was a beloved husband to Hannah and a dedicated father to Sage and Tane. James was the cherished son of John and Karleen and a beloved brother to Ashley and the late Jono (Williams 2004–2006, passed away 2010). He held a special place in the hearts of his extended family as a grandson, nephew, cousin, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to many. James passed away in April 2024.

Tim Green (Clark 1979-1982)

Tim Green died suddenly on the Gold Coast, Australia. A much-loved son, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to so many. He passed away in November 2024

Peter Tracy (Sargood 1968-1972)

Peter Tracy was a former national pole vault champion and record holder. Peter was in the St Paul’s Collegiate athletic team and a member of the Hamilton Athletic Club. He won the national junior pole vault title for three years from 1972, the national senior high jump title in 1973 and the senior pole vault in 1974.

Peter set a national record of 4.55m in the pole vault in Victoria Canada in July 1973 and went on to break his own record five times over the next two years. He was the first New Zealand athlete to receive an American athletics scholarship, being accepted by the University of El Paso Texas. It was there that he set his last national record of 5.20m in March 1976, a record that stood for 14 years. Peter represented New Zealand at the 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games where he was fifth in the pole vault.

Peter, based in Cambridge, died in December 2024.

2025 upcoming events

News you might have missed

There are many news stories about St Paul’s Collegians on our community website. Visit our news page to read in detail about the following Collegians’ journeys.

Sam Grayling (Fitchett 2001-2005) is leading the World Economic Forum’s Labour Market initiatives in Switzerland, shaping the future of global workforces. His journey began at the University of Otago before working at New Zealand’s Treasury and now influencing economic policy on a global scale.

Maddy Tims (Harington 2015-2017) transitioned from St Paul’s Agribusiness classroom to an exciting role with Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, where she leads a programme supporting the industry’s future.

Hannah Austin (Hall | Harington 2015-2017) has found success in the agricultural sector, now working as the Agricultural Contracting Services and Marketing Coordinator for her family-run maize and grass business.

Dr Lachie Cooper (School 2007-2011) is passionate about inspiring students to pursue careers in healthcare. His story highlights the challenges and rewards of working in the medical field.

Jonathan Miles (Hall 1981–1985) has dedicated more than 30 years to protecting New Zealand’s native birds, particularly the kiwi. As Auckland Council’s Regional Biosecurity Manager, his work in predator control and species translocation has played a key role in conservation efforts.

Julia Harney (née Frick, Harington 2009-2010) followed her early passion for healthcare into midwifery. Her story shares how she transitioned from nutrition to supporting women through childbirth.

Nicole Pipe (Harington 2019) is forging her path in engineering, a field still underrepresented by women. She shares insights into her studies and career development.

Chris Foot (current staff) known for his crocodile-hunting adventures before becoming a teacher, was featured in the New Zealand Herald and our news page. The article covers his transition from working with crocodiles to educating students.

Jonty Rae (Fitchett 2008-2012) was a finalist in the Waikato Business Awards, nominated for Emerging Leader of the Year. Recognised for his leadership at MSG Construction, Jonty continues to make an impact in the industry.

Ben Gilbert (Hall 2001-2005) is now Microsoft’s Legal Expert for Artificial Intelligence. After studying law and business at the University of Waikato, his legal career took a unique turn when an opportunity with Microsoft arose.

Elizabeth Lawrence (Hamilton | Harington 2009-2010) is an inspirational teacher. Her career choice was sparked by a comment from former staff member Mr Peter Gilbert.

Cam McLean (Hamilton 1993-1997) has taken his experiences as a St Paul’s athlete and turned them into a coaching career. Now giving back by mentoring others, he balances coaching with work in the tech sector and playing in a band.

Preeya Reddy (Harington 2003-2004) returned for the Class of 2004’s 20-year reunion, sharing her journey from football fields at St Paul’s to a career in law.

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