COOL SUCCESS FOR DUCK ISLAND’S ICE CREAM
FROM RUGBY FIELDS TO BUILDING SITES: JONTY RAE’S JOURNEY
CONTROL AND CHAOSTHE ART OF DRIFTING
Kia ora Collegians,
As we embark on 2024, I want to reflect on the strength of our community at a recent birthday function I attended in January. Out of the 20 guests who attended, 15 were Collegians, whose friendships began some 31 years previous while attending St Paul’s Collegiate School. The house pastoral care system, house competitions, sports, and Tihoi are examples of how these friendships were developed all those years previous and are just as strong 31 years later. It was heartening to see the strength of our St Paul’s community.
As we approach 30 years of girls at St Paul’s in 2025, we continue to see growth in the numbers of our Harington Collegians with now more than 1,600. This group packs a powerful punch at events and on our committee.
2023 was a significant year for our Collegians with many milestones achieved as we continue our focus of engaging
Issue 106 2024 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
Melissa Good
Nerroly Hay
with our Collegians. In terms of events, we saw the Collegians Cricket match, featuring a trophy initiated by Petera Hudson. This brought together over 45 participants, fostering a sense of camaraderie among current students and Collegians. The Hamilton ‘Mix and Mingle’ held in conjunction with the First XV rugby game drew in Collegians from various decades, with some attending from as far as the United Kingdom and Brazil. Another highlight was the Mount Maunganui ‘Mix and Mingle’, which also attracted a team of Collegians spanning multiple decades. I thank you all for time and effort in attendings these events.
A small group of Collegians who started in Williams House as third formers 54 years ago gathered for a weekend and reminded us of the enduring bonds forged during those formative years.
The pinnacle of the year was the inaugural Collegians Awards Event celebrating Dr John Ormiston as our first awardee. We look forward to continued awardees’ evenings like this one as we grow our outstanding Collegian Awardee group.
Our online community continues to thrive, with our Facebook Group membership growing to almost 1,400 and our Community Website which was launched in June has allowed us to connect with Collegians we had lost contact with. If you haven’t had a look at the website, we encourage you to pop on and connect with us. www.community.school.nz
As we celebrate these achievements, let us carry the spirit of camaraderie and excellence into the coming year. Together, we’ll continue to build on our legacy and strengthen the bonds that define us as Collegians.
Warm regards
Ryan McCarthy (Sargood 1993 – 1997) President Collegians IncPhotographers:
Mike Walen
Mark Hamilton
Suzanne Miller
Headmaster Ben Skeen
As the 2024 academic year commences, I am reminded of the words of the great Aotearoa New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera who once wrote:
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.
To cultivate the minds, and thus the characters, of the 870 students who arrived at the gates of St Paul’s Collegiate School in 2024, reminders of our past are crucial in mapping our future. While the ever-changing technological landscape and societal ‘advancements’ position teenagers of this generation as arguably more informed and ‘connected’ than their predecessors, in many cases they lack the sense of belonging and grounding that many now in adulthood have benefitted from.
- Mr Skeen
At the core of cultivating a sense of belonging rests our past stories, successes, tribulations - our people. We are blessed to regularly interact with many of those people as engaged Collegians of St Paul’s. I have the privilege in my role of often meeting such individuals at Collegian events, important annual School events, and/or as proud current parents of students making their own journey through our school.
Last year I had the privilege of meeting a number of Collegians who commenced their St Paul’s journey in 1959, and while time has passed, their recollections of teachers who encouraged in them a passion for learning and seeking excellence had not. Similarly, at the same Collegians’ Mix’n’Mingle event it was a pleasure to catch up with some who had only recently finished their secondary schooling at St Paul’s. The striking revelation was not the temporal gap between them but the timeless values they shared. They were united by a profound sense of honour, a genuine interest in the welfare of the school, and a collective eagerness to assist their fellow Collegians. The strength of our Collegians community lies in its diversity, not just in terms of backgrounds and schooling experiences, but also the spaces and places they have gone onto impact. It also lies in the generosity of its members who seek to remain engaged so that current generations can benefit from them, the pioneers who over the previous decades advanced the stories of our two campuses during eras where AI was positioned as a fictional threat in sci-fi films.
So as the great rope spins into 2024, I wish to acknowledge our Collegians. Thank you for your friendships, values, identities, and willingness to help our St Paul’s students of today. As the young men and women of today work with industry and youthful enthusiasm to write their own chapters, to chart their own history, to honour the pioneering spirit and commitment of those who have come before, we collectively tip our hat to those who have paved the way, both literally and figuratively, to the present.
Please enjoy this latest edition of the Network - a collection of achievements, reflections, and stories from our people.
Holly Ho (Harington Day | Fitchett 2011 - 2013) has always been drawn to people’s smiles. Now as a registered Dentist on the Gold Coast, Australia, she is fulfilling her dream of helping people feel confident to smile.
“I loved art at high school but also liked the sciences,” she says. “Dentistry is a unique blend of art and science, where the skill of a dentist to do procedures such as shaping and contouring teeth is a form of artistry, all with the goal of helping people improve oral health. It’s a great combination for me.”
Being a dentist comes with its own set of challenges, but it is also incredibly rewarding. In her daily work, Holly encounters common apprehensions from people visiting the dentist’s office. “Sometimes the first thing a client says is, ‘I absolutely hate the Dentist.’” An essential part of her work is to create a welcoming environment and help people overcome those fears. “It’s important to me to show them that a dental visit doesn’t have to be a scary experience.”
During her school years, Holly was involved in the musical production, chapel band, chess club, hockey and the choir. She fondly remembers her time in the 2012 school production of Les Misérables. “It was an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, growth, and incredible memories.” Mr Francis Cowan (music teacher), Mr Ian Campbell (singing teacher) and Mr Nick Clothier (drama teacher) passionately guided us as we poured our hearts into practicing and perfecting our performances. It was a testament to the power of teamwork and dedication.”
Holly’s adventurous spirit provided her with an eye-opening experience of volunteering for an outreach programme in a remote region of Nepal. There she partnered with local Nepalese dentists to provide free dental treatment to those in need. She also visited schools and provided oral health education to children. This rewarding experience further prompted her to become an ambassador for dental volunteering in Nepal and later, another volunteering program which provided
free dental care to a remote region in Australia.
Her academic commitment earned her recognition, including three prestigious awards at the final Dentistry prize-giving ceremony. She received ‘The Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry award for highest mark in paediatric dentistry over the course of the degree’; ‘The Australian Society of Orthodontists Queensland branch prize award for highest mark in orthodontics over the course of the degree’; and ‘The Head of School Commendation for Academic Excellence’.
Finding a balance in life is key to Holly. She emphasised the significance of embracing the passions we develop during high school and continue to nurture them throughout our professional lives. Despite the demanding nature of her work, Holly continues to pursue her passion for music within her church community where she aspires to grow as a worship singer. She recently visited St Paul’s to catch up with staff who had guided her during her time here and she is excited to reconnect with peers at the ten-year reunion in April.
Her advice to her 18-year-old self echoes a sentiment of faith and resilience.
“I would tell myself to study hard but not worry so much,” she says. “Trust in the Lord and have faith in His plans for your life. Make the most of your time at St Paul’s. Treasure the safe and nurturing space St Paul’s provides to learn, grow, and ask questions.
Collegian Cameron Farmilo (Hamilton 1995 - 1997) and his team began handcrafting fun ice cream flavour combinations at their fine dining restaurant. The popularity of their atypical combinations, “sparked the idea of opening a stand-alone scoop store where we could really focus on more flavour development, the idea flew from there,” says Cam.
With a few favourite staples ready for market, the business opened in 2015. Named after an island in the Waikato River, Duck Island is a secret spot where the neighbourhood kids love to swim.
Among their now 50 variations, flavours include Strawberry Coconut Lime Leaf, Peanut Butter Cookie Dough, and Salted Caramel
Cacao Crumb. ‘Duck’ proudly guarantees that whatever is in the flavour’s title will be in the recipe. Duck Island also highlights other local producers and food brands in the flavour combinations.
As the success of Duck Island rapidly grew, Cam let go of the restaurant to focus on ice cream expansion and opening more stores. The business now stocks pints of ice cream in supermarkets nationwide and employs more than 200 staff members at the factory, head office and six scoop stores. Outside the usual scooping operations, the infamous Duck Truck and Trailer can be spotted at all the best Waikato events.
The business is constantly evolving and the team is always looking for new locations and neighbourhoods that would fit the brand well. Through finding an opportunity to include their customers, Duck Island has run several competitions over the past few years including one where children submitted their dreamt-up ice cream creations in the hopes of seeing them come to life. After much anticipation, the winning flavours included ‘Le Duck Island French Breakfast’ and ‘Grannies Afternoon Tea.’
As a proud Collegian, Cam describes St Paul’s Collegiate School as a “foundational part of his education.”
“He adds, Tihoi Venture School was a stand-out grounding experience as it taught me to be confident in following and trusting my instincts.
Outside of ice cream, Cam plays the drums - a skill he learned while attending St Paul’s. He also loves spending time with his three young children making it a family priority to have regular holidays together.
In 2023, the St Paul’s community celebrated Collegian Awardee Professor John Ormiston, ONZM, a distinguished interventional cardiologist and a proud member of Sargood and Williams House (1961 - 1965).
When Professor Ormiston was at high school, his biology teacher was Mr Pat Plant. Many years later, Mr Plant received a heart operation from Professor Ormiston taking the biology lesson a step further than most. This connection is just one of many that Professor Ormiston has made with families, colleagues and patients throughout New Zealand and globally.
Professor Ormiston’s journey from his boarding years at St Paul’s to becoming a trailblazer in the field of cardiology exemplifies excellence and unwavering dedication. Innovations in interventional cardiology, groundbreaking technologies, and significant contributions to medical research marked Professor Ormiston’s career.
Recognised internationally, Professor Ormiston received the Ethica Award in 2017, a testament to his groundbreaking research. In 2011, he was honoured with the Officer of the NZ Order of Merit (ONZM) for his exceptional services to medicine. Professor Ormiston’s journey, characterised by excellence and a commitment to family, serves as an inspiration to the St Paul’s community.
The event, attended by Professor Ormiston’s family, former classmates, friends, and patients, was a homage to his profound impact on the school and the field of cardiology.
The celebration commenced with a heartfelt tribute, where students serenaded the audience with two of Professor Ormiston’s favourite songs, setting a warm and appreciative tone for the evening. A captivating video and photo montage chronicled key moments in his life.
The award presentation, accompanied by a citation, showcased Professor Ormiston’s exceptional achievements. From academic excellence to revolutionary contributions in cardiology, including transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), the evening
illuminated the extraordinary impact he had on the medical world.
During his acceptance speech, Professor Ormiston reminisced about his days at St Paul’s, expressing confidence in the school’s future and acknowledging positive changes and improvements. Headmaster Ben Skeen paid tribute to the distinguished awardee, emphasizing the rich legacy of pioneers at St Paul’s and encouraging current students to build upon this heritage.
A question-and-answer session allowed Professor Ormiston to honour his late wife, Dianna, and share valuable insights with future students. His advice to “work like hell” resonated with the audience, underscoring the determination and perseverance that fuelled his remarkable journey.
The evening concluded with a powerful haka performed by students, symbolising the respect and admiration of the St Paul’s community for an extraordinary individual.
Jonty Rae (Fitchett 2008 - 2012) has filled a lot of chapters in his book of life. Since leaving St Paul’s Collegiate
School in 2012, he has studied Quantity
Surveying, played professional rugby for both Northland and Munster Ireland and started a construction business.
The unforeseen disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted Jonty’s return to New Zealand, a move initially perceived as a setback. However, seizing the opportunity to pivot, he founded MSG Construction, a Hamilton-based company built on a foundation of traditional values intertwined with forward-thinking approaches. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Jonty’s determination and adaptability propelled MSG Construction to remarkable success, now boasting a workforce of 40 individuals spanning various roles from Project Managers to apprentices.
Recently, Jonty connected with St Paul’s by extending a helping hand to the school’s
The school’s builder works closely with the students training them and preparing them for work after high school. Jonty’s business, MSG Construction, will offer expertise to the students with the long-term plan being that Jonty can help future apprentices.
Jonty has been waiting for a chance to give back to the school that he has such fond memories of. He says, “In life, you get what you give, and I have always been grateful for what I gained at St Paul’s.” Jonty says that when he started at school, he was in a low academic band and had to work hard to maintain good grades.
“The turning point for me was going to Tihoi, the experience there gave me new confidence and I could apply that to my learning.”
Jonty, who was head of Fitchett House in his final year, recalls that his friends he made were, “down-to-earth good people,” and he looks forward to helping students like that through his new connection with the school.
St Paul’s and industry builders have enabled students to gain handson experience in the construction industry as part of a programme for Year 12 and 13 students.
Students in the construction class work on-site for one full day each week as apprentice builders. The focus of the course is predominantly on construction, but students can also learn plumbing, electrical and other trades. Roughly 50 percent of the construction class students now work in the industry having landed jobs straight after
graduation. In 2023, the class constructed several fences for neighbouring properties replaced the decking outside the small gym and built a series of carports and sheds for on-site accommodation.
Additionally, the class gained invaluable experience by working alongside contractors on the Harington boarding accommodation which is a two-story structure proving 16 university-style rooms. The class also worked on the new Health Clinic that once completed, was trucked to Tihoi for use there.
The tyres on Rohan Knowles’s Nissan S13 Silvia shriek as he initiates the car sideways at up to 150 kmph. There’s no room for mistakes. Using the clutch hydraulic handbrake or horse power, the rear wheels lose traction sending
the car into a powerslide and unleashes a torrent of smoke; this is drifting, and Rohan (Clark 1995 - 1996) describes it as, “a unique blend of control and chaos, a true art form.”
In 2004, while Rohan was involved in the motorsport of circuit racing, some friends were competitively drifting and Rohan had an opportunity to give it a go. He tried it, loved it and has been competing and involved with the sport ever since and at times judging top-level competitions. Currently he is back as a driver for the last three years at a professional level. Rohan’s skills are largely self-taught but he says, “It is very different from everything you learn, everything is telling you to go straightbut it’s sideways you need to go.”
In late 1998, the Japanese form of driving a car sideways made its way to New Zealand. The cars were basic, often with no cage, little power and super skinny wheels. “With new technical advances, the cars have more steering lock, the suspension works harder and they have three times the horsepower.
The cars have become more reliable as they are now built to withstand the abuse they are subjected to,” says Rohan.
The drifting events that Rohan competes in typically span two days, with solo runs on the first day for qualification. Once he’s qualified, he competes in tandem drifting where drivers drift alongside each other, door to door, just inches apart.
Balancing his professional life at MTF Finance in Cambridge and his passion for drifting, Rohan has seamlessly merged both worlds, made even more evident by MTF assuming the role of his naming rights sponsor.
Pursuing his passion comes at a significant cost, with a day drifting at the track using 24 tyres at an expense between $3,000 and $5,000. He acknowledges the support of his brand partners, “I am so grateful for our partners, without them my car would never see the light of day.”
As Rohan gears up for this year’s penultimate round at Manfeild in Feilding and the final competition of the season at Baypark in Tauranga during May, he acknowledges friend and Collegian Jason Cutelli (Clark 19871991), whose expertise ensures top-notch tuning and maintenance of Rohan’s cars. Jason is the master distributor for Pulsar Turbo Systems New Zealand. Rohan also expresses gratitude for the support of his wife Bex and their children – Ella, Sacha, and Bradley –“without them having buy-in, I wouldn’t be able to compete, as they make huge sacrifices as a family,” says Rohan.
You can see Rohan race at the Valvoline D1NZ 2024 Grand Final, Baypark, May 10 & 11.
Tickets can be purchased through www.d1nz.com
Rohan’s Brand Partners:
• Naming Rights Partner MTF Finance Cambridge.
• S & A Motor Co Hamilton, S & A Automotive Services Hamilton, Electrical Solutionz BOP Ltd, Crème Insurance, Douglas Automotive & Engineering Ltd, ROBS MAINTENANCE,
• Fifty Shades of INK, Zombieland Rotorua, Pulsar Turbo Systems New Zealand, Infomotive Rotorua, Mac Civil Construction, MAX Fabrication, Autowire NZ, Choice Events and Promotions, TCM Farms, Domino Tyre Supply, Repco New Zealand (Rotorua),
• Penrite Oil NZ, Red Star Signs Hamilton, PSP & General Formulations, Scottys Improvements, Cafe Dynasti, Tiles by Design BOP, Log On Forestry Services.
Brothers Sean Keppler (Hamilton 2005 - 2009) and Aaron Keppler (Hamilton 2008 - 2012) are proud to have taken over the reins at the well-known vehicle dealership brand and their namesake, Keppler.
Sean and Aaron saw their parents establish Keppler in Hamilton as a used vehicle import company in 1993. The brothers then spent their school holidays washing cars, selling trade-in vehicles, and learning the various parts of the business.
Sean always had a passion for the trade and began his mechanical apprenticeship after finishing at St Paul’s Collegiate School to launch into his automotive career. Aaron was still unsure where his career path would take him. However, after receiving the prestigious University of Waikato Hillary Scholarship, he pursued a Bachelor of Management Studies. Their combined backgrounds have seen Keppler’s success today, and the brothers now share co-director roles. Sean oversees the business’s backend and operations, and Aaron crunches the numbers in the sales department. Having learned first-hand how much work goes into running a successful business, the brothers are proud to have been handed the ropes from their family and now have six years under their belt working side by side.
“We consider six years a relative success. Many families don’t come out on the other side, but we are great mates and nail any disagreements fairly quickly,” says Aaron.
Under their leadership, Keppler received a Deloitte Fast 50 award for the Master of Growth Index in 2023. The Fast 50 recognises New Zealand’s fastest-growing companies across the Fast 50 and Master of Growth indices.
In October 2023, Sean and Aaron opened their grand new location on Te Kowhai East Road, joining several other big names in the vehicle hub of Hamilton. Keppler now focuses on selling new vehicles across the GWM, ORA, Haval, and Mahindra brands. The business operates on a much larger scale, introducing more defined roles within the company, a board of directors, and a recently acquired dealership in Tauranga.
Although they didn’t realise it at the time, being surrounded by hard-working families
and passionate teachers while attending St Paul’s has been some of the best influences on the pair. Aaron recognised how much St Paul’s gave him a head start once he began university, noting that he had already learned the first year of university-level economics while at St Paul’s.
Having represented St Paul’s Rowing Club in his day, it was an easy yes for Sean to agree to a sponsorship deal for the club this year. The Kepplers have gifted the rowing club a vehicle to use throughout the sporting season to assist the teams in getting the boats to and from the lakes for regattas.
Rowing taught me how to
be a better
teammate and conduct discipline during my years at school. There are many similarities between rowing and business. You have to turn up every day to get better,
says Sean.
Their advice? Give everything a go! Sean and Aaron emphasise that there is always time to change, and you can continue changing along the way.
Richard Harman (School 1961 - 1964) arrived at the Collegians Awards armed with a gift for the School—a self-portrait of his cherished art teacher, Miss Ida Carey.
Richard acquired the piece when he spotted it in a catalogue - the purchase was a tribute to Miss Carey’s profound influence during Richard’s school days at St Paul’s. Richard expressed, “Miss Carey was more than an art teacher; she fueled my love for her works and instilled in me a passion for the arts from an early age.”
Miss Ida Carey taught at St Paul’s Collegiate School from 1961 to 1963, and later evolved into one of New Zealand’s distinguished artists. Inspired by the symbolic intricacies of moko, she embarked on a mission to translate these elements into visual narratives, celebrating the strength and identity of Maaori.
Reflecting on his time in Miss Carey’s art classes, Richard vividly recalled Miss Carey fostering an environment of creativity and cultural exchange, well ahead of her time. He shared a poignant memory of her resilience, noting how she returned to teaching after surviving a life-threatening car accident.
Miss Carey’s legacy extended beyond the school walls. Richard spoke of her paintings, displayed in major cities like Auckland and Wellington, serving as bridges between communities. “Her mastery of the brush brought forth the unique qualities of each individual, utilising the Maaori moko as a powerful means to convey personal histories and cultural pride,” Richard noted. She is also well known for many portraits including the Maaori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
The art class wasn’t the only place where Richard was inspired for his future; he credits Headmaster Reg Hornsby for his career choice. “I suspect I got my interest in politics from Reg Hornsby when he was headmaster, with his weekly current affairs classes and essays, and the 6th Form Society.”
Richard, a political journalist with a career spanning more than 40 years, has spent time as a Political Editor at TVNZ and is a life member of the Press Gallery. He also ventured into entrepreneurship, forming his own production company. His contribution to news and current affairs programming is significant, with notable achievements including founding “Agenda” (now known as “Q+A”) and “The Nation.”
In what was supposed to be a semi-retirement move, he launched the website politik.co.nz, a platform where he continues to provide insightful political analysis and produces a daily political newsletter.
Richard’s return to the school was to celebrate with life-long school friend Professor Ormiston at the Collegians Awards. The celebration was a perfect opportunity to reconnect with teachers and friends and deliver the self-portrait of his art teacher.
Miss Carey passed away in 1982 and with this new piece of art and the story of her work at St Paul’s, the School will appropriately honour her influence as a teacher and artist. The portrait will be appropriately displayed in the new Arts Block.
Simon Han (Clark 2017 - 2019) came to St Paul’s Collegiate School as a Year 11 in 2017. By the time he left in 2019, he had made many friends, become fully immersed in boarding and extracurricular activities and was Dux of the School. Now, Simon is part of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) – and he’s found it nothing short of inspiring.
UN-Habitat is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns. It works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities and is a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. Its values and mission align with Simon and his studies offered valuable insights for the internship.
After leaving St Paul’s, Simon pursued tertiary studies at University College London (UCL), where he studied BSc Urban Planning and Design at the Bartlett School of Planning and graduated with First Class Honours. He is now studying for a master’s degree (MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies)
at the University of Cambridge, Department of Architecture. His research interests span urban economics, machine learning, and spatial analysis, showcasing his dedication to making a significant impact in the field of urban planning and development.
Simon’s journey to UN-Habitat was fuelled by a genuine passion for urban planning and development. During his undergraduate studies at UCL, he extensively studied documents and books published by UNHabitat. Simon says, “I was attracted by the rigorous research conducted, the comprehensive urban policy outlines and guidelines, and the innovative urban tools.” Additionally, the prospect of exploring the urban environments and cultures of developing countries in Africa sparked his interest.
Simon initiated his journey to UN-Habitat by directly applying through the UN’s online system. After submitting his portfolio and undergoing interviews, he was fortunate to secure a place in the UN-Habitat internship program.
Simon’s role at UN-Habitat placed him in the Urban Finance and Economy team. “As a team, we are responsible for developing both financial and economic strategies for local city councils to boost the municipal revenue and urban economic development. I was involved in the projects of local municipal financial analysis software development, local economic development tool, financial strategy for refugee camps and research on infrastructure investment in Africa.”
His internship spans six months with a significant portion of it spent in Nairobi, Kenya. Currently, he continues his work remotely. “I had never gone to Africa, and it is exciting to explore the urban environment and culture from developing countries.”
Simon’s time at UN-Habitat has been marked by enriching experiences and personal growth. He speaks fondly of the diverse colleagues he has met and the opportunity to explore the living conditions of residents, particularly in areas like Kibera. Simon shares, “I enjoyed visiting some places in person to explore the different lives of the local people.”
Yet, the path hasn’t been without its challenges. Simon acknowledges the difficulties of navigating Nairobi’s lessdeveloped infrastructure and the safety
concerns he encountered. He also recalls encountering refugees protesting against policies developed by his team—an eyeopening experience.
Simon acknowledges the unique and nurturing environment that St Paul’s provided. “Both my family and I are certain that we made the wise choice of coming to St Paul’s. The student experience for me was exceptional.” He emphasises that what he cherished most was the support system that allowed him to explore his skills and interests. Simon acknowledges the dedicated staff who were always willing to assist him in various areas, fostering his personal and intellectual growth.
Among Simon’s cherished memories of the concert band and competing in tennis nationals with his friends, one standout moment was being awarded the Dux of the School in 2019. “I feel that my hard work at St Paul’s paid off, and I want those who supported me to feel proud.”
After completing his master’s degree at Cambridge, Simon plans to embark on a PhD journey at Cambridge University. His research topic directly aligns with UN-Habitat projects, focusing on local economic development with innovative machine learning analysis methods. Simon’s future holds the promise of making substantial contributions to urban planning and development on a global scale.
Collegian Mary Graham joined St Paul’s Collegiate School in 1985 to complete seventh form (Year 13), as one of the first five female students.
Recently, at the annual Bubbles After 5 event, we had the pleasure of catching up with Mary to delve into her memories of that pivotal year and discover the path she has forged since.
The decision to join St Paul’s wasn’t an easy one for Mary. In 1984, Headmaster Michael Lawrence asked her to attend an interview for St Paul’s. She was hesitant about the idea but was also ready for a change. Mary recalls being informed that her cohort was an experiment, a pioneering group paving the way for future female students. Fast forward to 2023, and Mary reflects on the growth of girls at St Paul’s. “My big buzz is that there are so many girls at St Paul’s now.” The girls’ roll stands at more than 200 in 2023.
Her teachers, Keith Greville and Rod Hamel, left an indelible mark. Mary emphasises the lack of favouritism for the new girls; instead, hard work and dedication were commended.
“It soon became clear that the only girl in the class would always get asked first if they had completed their homework so working hard brought out the best in me; it challenged me and made me want to beat the boys.” Mary formed some lasting friendships at St Paul’s that endure to this day. Mary and fellow ‘First Five Girl,’ Ruth Lee-Smith (now Walden) attended the recent Bubbles After 5 event together.
Despite facing initial challenges, including the absence of a dedicated house for the girls,
the FIFA Men’s World Cup last year in Qatar. The Olympic Sailing in Marseille for the Paris 2024 Olympics is next up and will be the 5th Olympics Mary has worked on.
The irony of being so involved in sport is not lost on Mary, “As a student, I wasn’t really into sports, I was an arts student - my old St Paul’s mates friends frequently remind me of that.”
When Mary was with TVNZ, she worked on 5:30 pm with Jude (Dobson), where Annabelle White (the 2023 guest speaker at Bubbles After 5) held a cooking segment. Mary remembered a time when they were together in Tonga on a shoot. “Unfortunately, none of the camera gear made it off the plane and the crew could not do any filming. We had to go back a few weeks later to complete the segment and that was the only occasion where I was able to holiday on company time.”
and not having enough girls to able to put together a netball team, Mary’s time at St Paul’s is remembered with fondness. “I wished I was able to stay for more than just one year,” said Mary.
Mary has many memories from that year including the makeshift girls’ house (a repurposed caretaker’s shed), led by House Master Malcolm Hill and the girls 100m sprint at Porritt Stadium when the entire school stopped to watch. It was impossible to wag (skip school) for compulsory attendance at First XV home games because, “Counting the five skirts was not difficult.” Mary also met and eventually married Collegian Jonathon Robinson (Sargood 1982 - 1986)
Post St Paul’s, Mary pursued higher education, beginning with a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Canterbury University, followed by Teachers College in Christchurch. Her final educational journey was at NZ Broadcasting School, where she discovered her passion as a Television Sound Operator—a role she has now excelled in for 32 years.
After eight years at TVNZ, Mary embraced a freelance career, working on outside broadcasts and doing location sound for general programming and documentaries. She now predominantly works on live sports broadcasts, and can usually be spotted sideline with the Sky TV crew at the rugby, netball or cricket.
Mary’s career has involved extensive overseas travel contributing to the host broadcast of major live sporting events like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and
Reflecting on her journey, Mary acknowledges the parallels between her time at St Paul’s and her career. “Being in a male dominated industry came easier after being in a mostly boys’ school for my last year.” Mary emphasises the support and friendship she receives from her television colleagues, likening it to a whaanau, a crucial factor during extended periods on the road. While the job poses challenges, particularly in adverse weather conditions, the rewards are numerous. A faultless broadcast, getting to work on some of the biggest sporting events in the world, favourable weather, and supporting the winning team contribute to the fulfilment Mary finds in her work.
If she could advise her 17-year-old self, Mary would say, “Smile in that first photo they take at school because it will be used again and again.” She was referring to the iconic photo of the five girls they took for fun, mimicking the rugby boys who never smile in a photo, they regret that now as it looks like they were miserable, but in fact they were quite the opposite.
Mary resides on the family farm in Roto-ORangi, Cambridge with her husband, Jonathan Robinson, a dairy farmer, and their children Molly and Toby. Her journey from St Paul’s to a successful career stands as an inspiration—a testament to the impact of embracing challenges and breaking new ground.
Congratulations to Ally Young (Harington 1998 - 1999) for clinching the prestigious CMO Pencil award. Recognized for her groundbreaking “Phone It In” campaign for Skinny, Ally’s creativity and impact on brand business stood out among global marketers.
Six Collegian friends joined together for a mini-reunion on Norfolk Island. Three of them lived on Norfolk Island when they came to board at St Paul’s in the 1970s. Dave, Howard and Brett are still based there and were joined by the others to celebrate John’s 60th birthday.
Dave Pitcher
19721976), John Pitcher (Williams 1977 - 1980), Paul Chapman
Collegians Josh Gullery (Clark 2017 - 2021) and Harry Derry (Fitchett 2017 - 2021) are walking the length of the South Island to raise money for the I Am Hope Foundation. Making their way through the Te Araroa track. Amazing stuff, guys!
It was great to see two Fitchett Collegians play in the International Tournament for Indoor Hockey in Malaysia. Congratulations Ben Allen (Fitchett 2018 - 2022) and Dan Scanlon (Fitchett 2013 - 2015) on the team’s success.
Congratulations to recent graduate Thomas Scanlon (Fitchett 2018 - 2022) who won a bronze medal at the World Men’s Juniors and Sub Juniors Classic Powerlifting Championships in Romania with a squat of 252.5kg.
Ngata Tapsell (Sargood 1989 - 1993) married Ingrid Blanquisco on January 7, 2023 at Te Papaiouru Marae, Ohinemutu, Rotorua. The reception was held at The Black Barn, Lake Tarawera and enjoyed by all. Also in attendance from St Paul’s were old collegians Cambell Bennett (Hall 1989 - 1993), Andy Sutton (Hamilton 1989 - 1993) and Kate Bower (née West) (Harington 1992). After pursuing careers abroad for a number of years, Ngata and Ingrid now live in St Heliers, Auckland.
Mike Grant (Williams 1963 - 1967) has lived in Lyttleton since leaving St Paul’s. He popped in for a visit for the first time in 40 years. He enjoyed finding himself in the photos in Williams House and seeing how much the school had changed.
Matthew Waddell (Sargood 2017 - 2021) is having an incredible and very full-on year. He was selected for the New Zealand U23 coxed four and competed in the World Rowing Champs in Bulgaria last year where the team placed 5th.
Prior to that, Matthew represented the University of California, Berkeley, where he is
studying, in a coxed 8 at the USA University National Rowing Champs (IRA) where the team won gold.
The University of California made history with their first-ever clean sweep with all four competing crews winning gold.
A group from Williams House class of 1969 reunited for a mini-reunion 54 years after they left the school. They picked up right where they left off with conversation and friendship.
Left to right: Pete Rogers, Murray Barker, Mark Reynolds, Eric Philips, John Goddard, Ian Campbell, Graeme Tinkler, Duncan Laing, Neville Porter (absent Allen Wilson).
Siblings Amreeta, AnJ (Harington 2010 - 2011) and Arjun (Fitchett 2010 –2014) have focused on farming for future generations. The fifth-generation family dairy farm recently won the 2023 Waikato Regional Supreme Award at the Balance Farm Environment Awards. Under the roof of their farm are almost 1,000 Holstein Freisian cows which are housed in the barn all year around. The barn, which is located close to the milking sheds is purpose-built so that the cows have everything they need including padded beds, rubber matting, a motorised scratcher in each pen, a motorised scraper pushing effluent out and robots moving the feed every two hours.
We received a precious piece of the past – a Peter McIntyre art book with the autographs of School House students from 1968. This book was discovered by Colin McDonald, a New Zealander living in the UK, who acquired it from a second-hand store and kindly sent it back to us.
The book was originally presented to a dedicated Geography teacher and School House Tutor, Mr Michael Baker. After his time here in 1968 he returned to the UK where he married and continued to teach in Somerset.
Paul Newton-Jackson (Hamilton 2009 –2013) completed a PhD at the University of Cambridge last year. He has recently been awarded a Postdoctoral Fellowship at KU Leuven in Belgium.
A massive congratulations goes to Hugh Jackson (Sargood 2012 - 2016) who came third in the 2023 FMG Young Farmer of the Year Final held in Timaru. Contestants faced a range of challenges designed to test their skills, knowledge and resilience.
Welcome home to organist Thomas Wilson (Hall | Williams 1994 - 1998) who headlined the Waikato Organ Festival during King’s Birthday weekend in Hamilton. Since 2010, Thomas was Director of Music at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, where he established a regular schedule of daily choral liturgical services, and oversaw the development of the busiest and most comprehensive Cathedral Music programme in Australia.
To the rugby-watching fans in our community, you will enjoy seeing five Collegians in the Super Rugby in 2024. Four former boarders will take the field for the Gallagher Chiefs
team and another will play in the Crusaders Team. Good luck to these Collegians - we will be cheering for you.
In a dairy success story, Gordon Fullerton (Fitchett | Sargood, 2011 - 2015) and a Waikato-based sharemilker sold a heifer calf named Hole-In-One to US Holstein breeding program. Descended from the famous ‘Doc’ cow family, the heifer boasts a remarkable genomic index. Gordon purchased the embryos with good friends including Pete Smit (Fitchett 2011 - 2015). To have broken into the US market is quite an accomplishment. Due to Hole-In-One’s genetic profile, it is likely she will be part of the embryo programme for some time.
Matthew (Hall 2007 - 2011) and Antony (Hall 2003 - 2007) Snodgrass are co-owners of Koroneiki Developments, a native planting business, specializing in over 180,000 native plants annually on non-productive farmland.
The Snodgrass brothers value connections and encourage those from the St Paul’s community, including Year 13 students seeking work experience, to reach out.
‘8 Wired’ brewery, owned by Soren and Monique Eriksen (nee Aves, Harington 1999 - 2000), was crowned New Zealand’s Overall Champion Brewery and Champion Beer at this year’s NZ Brewers Guild Awards. They claimed the coveted Champion Beer title for their Wild Feijoa, a sour pale ale barrel-aged beer, in its 10th vintage Starting with a homebrew kit gift in 2005, the couple launched the brewery in 2009, exporting to 15 countries and widely available in New Zealand. Cheers to 8 Wired for this outstanding achievement!
Congratulations to Katie Brown (Harington | Williams 2019 - 2021) who was recognised for academic excellence at Lincoln University in the Food and Fibre Awards Dinner.
Congratulations to Nick Fitzgerald (Sargood 2000 - 2004) for winning the Best Sustainability/Environmental’ award at the Hospitality Awards for Excellence, 2023. Nick and his partner Ellen own the Aura Accommodation in Rotorua.
Katie is studying a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Food Science) and she won the Top Student Award at the event.
St Paul’s Grounds Curator Elliot McKinnel married his wife Sarah at Purakanui Bay on 14 December 2023. Congratulations to the newlyweds.
Congratulations to Nicole Owen (nee Schollum) who married Troy on 30 November 2023 at the Black Barn on Lake Tarawera.
If you have news to share, email collegians@stpauls.school.nz to share your snippet
Connecting the women of St Paul’s
In a commitment to break down educational barriers, St Paul’s Collegiate School started a unique Scholarship Programme in 2018. The programme pairs a student with a sponsor providing crucial financial support throughout their academic journey. This initiative is about not only providing quality education to those who can not obtain it, but it has been the catalyst for transforming the lives of 36 individuals.
One such recipient is Ray-ven (Williams 2019 - 2023) who recently completed five transformative years as a boarder. Supported by an anonymous sponsor, Ray-ven’s time at St Paul’s was closely followed, even though he remains unaware of the sponsor’s identity. During that time, Ray-ven regularly wrote letters to his sponsor which illustrated the profound impact of support.
As Ray-ven embarks on the next phase of his life, his final letter of heartfelt words to his sponsor serves as a reminder of the difference that support and education can make. From being a House Leader to excelling in sports and academics, Ray-Ven’s journey is a testament to the opportunities given to him by the Scholarship Programme.
To my sponsor,
It is hard to believe that this will be my last letter to you. As I head into the last week of school I am filled with emotions. My journey here at St Paul’s has come to an end and the next chapter is about to begin.
It has been awesome to be a House Leader for the mighty Williams House. We finished the year with a great performance in the Winter Sports Competition. We were unlucky with our results but had a great time, especially supporting our young bucks in the House.
Once again, I am very fortunate to have some great teachers, especially my accounting teacher, Ms Bromwich, who has been so helpful and encouraging. Her belief in me has kept me going. I have achieved most of my credits and surprised myself with how well I have done. It will come down to my Art Painting credits to get me over the line for NCEA Level 3.
The second half of the year has been very memorable for me. We finished our rugby season with a tournament played
at King’s College in Auckland. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity of playing for the First XV at St Paul’s and earning my cap. I consider the friends I have made in rugby as some of my closest ever and we will remain friends well after I leave school.
The new year will see me move home for a little bit and spend Christmas with my family in Moerewa. I will then head back down to Hamilton where I will be playing rugby for Tech. I would love to see you on the sidelines and maybe meet you in the clubrooms afterward.
I am so grateful for your generous donations over the past five years. To say my life has changed is greatly because of the opportunity to attend such an amazing school like St Paul’s and that is solely because of you!
So, on behalf of myself and my family, I would like to thank you so much for being my biggest supporter. I could never repay you for what you have done and what this school has given me.
I am truly blessed, thank you. Ray-ven
Seumas, a name rooted in Gaelic tradition, is fitting for the remarkable piper at St Paul’s Collegiate School. Seumas Eade, a Year 13 student in 2023 from Fitchett House, is a member of New Zealand’s largest pipe band organisation, The Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band.
In 2023, Seumas, along with his family and their band, returned from the World Championships in Scotland, where they achieved an impressive 9th place in the World Pipe Band Championships (placing 2nd outside the UK) and secured a remarkable 7th place overall in piping. The Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band, established in 1925, consists of three competing bands, including one of New Zealand’s four Grade One Bands.
Seumas, the youngest piper in the band, embarked on his musical journey at the tender age of eight and has been deeply taken with the bagpipes ever since. He aptly describes the instrument as “very rewarding” and believes it can be picked up by individuals of all ages. Beyond his passion for piping, Seumas is a familiar face at St Paul’s various musical and performing events. Most notably, he recently portrayed Jesus in the school’s production of ‘Godspell,’ captivating the audience with both his charisma and voice.
It’s evident that playing the pipes runs in Seumas’s blood, as both of his parents are gifted pipers who first crossed paths through their shared love for the instrument. His mother, Meleana Eade, serves as a bagpipes itinerant teacher at St Paul’s and was by Seumas’s side at the World Championships.
Seumas sheds light on the rigorous preparation required for such high-stakes competitions. “We travelled to Wellington or Palmerston North every few weeks for band practice. Upon our arrival in Scotland, I battled jet lag and grappled with breaking in a new reed for my pipes. We had only a week to prepare, practicing every day to ensure we were in top form. Stepping onto the stage for our first set, I could scarcely believe we had made it to this grand stage.”
The results from this year’s competition mark the band’s most successful performance to date, making it an unforgettable experience for Seumas in his inaugural World Competition appearance. He is now gearing up for the Young Piper of the Year competition in Nelson and is set to return
to Scotland in 2024, during his Gap Year, for another thrilling competition.
When asked about his favourite piping pieces, Seumas mentions his fondness for “Beaches of Harris” by Mark Saul. A quick online search reveals a captivating 2022 concert on Facebook featuring Seumas as the lead piper – an absolute must-watch performance for enthusiasts and newcomers.
Leading the way in 2024 with Heads of School Will Hadley and Sadie Williams, and Deputy Heads Liam Inman and Grace Potter.
Will Hadley (School House) has been an integral part of the St Paul’s community since 2020 when he joined as a Year 9 day student from Southwell School. During his time at St Paul’s, Will has consistently contributed to the school. Teachers and peers alike describe him as a proactive and inquisitive student who creates a positive learning environment. His commitment to excellence extends to all he undertakes.
Sadie Williams (Harington) who became a St Paul’s student in 2022 as a Year 11, is a shining example of academic excellence and all-round commitment to school life. Her accolades include the St Paul’s Award for Year 11 and the Haylett-Petty Memorial Trophy for Excellence in all areas of school life. Her commitment to service is commendable, and she received the Altrusa Youth Award in 2023.
Liam Inman (Clark House) brings a unique perspective to his leadership role. Born in Hamilton but having spent some of his formative years in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and now with home based in Ōhope, Liam appreciates the value of diversity. He received the Kansal Family Trophy for Diligence and Persistence in the Junior School in his first year at St Paul’s. Liam is recognised for his maturity, compassion, and empathy, making him a well-respected figure among his peers.
Gracie Potter (Harington) embodies the school spirit with her longstanding association with St Paul’s. Her grandfather attended the school as a Foundation pupil, and her father, sister, and brother are all Collegians. Gracie is a remarkable sportswoman, achieving success in hockey, cricket, and cross country. She is a bubbly, effervescent young woman who isn’t afraid to speak up and speak out if she feels a situation warrants it. She wants to provide an inspirational role model to her fellow students.
Heads of school: Sadie Williams, Will Hadley, Grace Potter and Liam Inman
Heads of Clark House: Louie Short and Renee Carey
Heads of Sargood House: Tom Yetsenga and Maggie Harper
Heads of Williams House: Edward Buckley and Izzie Watson
Heads of Boarding:
Sam Stokes and Mariska Pereira
Head of Harington Day: Lily Luxton
Heads of Hall House: Tri Phan and Amelie Austin
Heads of Hamilton House: Austen Plimmer and Somer Williamson
Heads of Fitchett House: Nate Bodle and Lucie Foster
Heads of School House:
Sam Hull and Isla Robinson
Heads of Te Kaea:
Nikau Veitch and Natalya Walker-Riggins
Chapel Prefects:
Briar Roden and Oliver Heeley
Mission and Outreach Prefects:
Jimmy Ma and Vishruta Murthy
International Prefect:
Trelise Forster
Academic Prefects:
James Cunningham and Rosie Phillips
Art Prefects:
Jackson Norris and Asher Downing
Sports Prefects:
Finlay Bayne and Sophie Dunn
Two beautiful korowai, representing the legacy and growth of kaupapa maaori, were presented to the St Paul’s Collegiate School Te Kaea prefects in 2023.
The prestigious cloaks, now part of the school’s taonga, will be worn by the two Te Kaea prefects on special occasions. The first prefects to wear the korowai were Roimata Callaghan-Bristowe and James Milroy who were integral in the planning. Roimata says, “The korowai will create a lineage that demonstrates the continuous hard work to uphold Te Ao Maaori at St Paul’s.”
Each korowai is carefully and symbolically named; the kowhai one is Te Kura Tuku Iho. Roimata says, “Kura (feathers) surround the beholder and make up the main part of the korowai. Tuku iho represents the very taonga (treasure) that this korowai is and that this kura is yet to make its own story. Tuku also means to descend or pass down, symbolising the passing down of this treasure to future generations of Te Kaea prefects.”
Roimata chose the colours of kowhai and pango which signify her tribal colours of Te
Whaanau a Apanui and reflect the colours of St Paul’s. “This representation of the journey of leadership acknowledges the ancestor of Te Whaanau a Apanui, Apanui Ringamutu, as well as the adventure that is yet to arise.”
The pango korowai is named Te Waotuu-aMurakareke, the colour represents the kereruu bird and it stands for Te Waotuu-nui-a-Taane which is the domain of Taane. James says, “The colours also represent my iwi; Ngaai Tuuhoe. Murakareke is an ancestor who is well known for naming the forest where I come from in Te Urewera and is also an ancestor of the Tuuhoe people.” James also explained the significance of the cloak to those who have been to Tihoi. “It represents the journey that boys take at Tihoi where they are surrounded by kereruu and one day, the Tihoi graduate and bearer of the korowai will wear the colours of the kereruu in which they lived amongst at Tihoi.”
Roimata says, “The korowai are an embodiment of the continuously growing kaupapa Maaori at our kura as well as the lineage and legacy of Maaori prefects at St Paul’s Collegiate School.”
At St Paul’s, we follow Waikato-Tainui protocols using double vowels instead of macrons when using te reo.
LEADERBOARD
Clark House (60 points)
Fitchett House (57 points)
Sargood House (57 points)
School House (46 points)
Hall House (45 points)
Williams House (45 points)
Hamilton House (43 points)
Despite its small size, St Paul’s Collegiate School boasts an illustrious sporting legacy.
Numerous St Paul’s students and Collegians have represented New Zealand either during their time at the school or after graduating, a feat that is truly remarkable.
A new addition to the gymnasium interior is a striking 30-meter mural celebrating these athletes and their achievements.
We extend an invitation to all alumni and visitors to witness this tribute during Collegians reunions or visits to the school.
This mural serves not only as a homage to past successes but also as inspiration for future generations of athletes who pass through the school.
There are spaces available with the prompt, ‘Are you the next St Paul’s star?’ We are keen to hear from Collegians with suggestions of people to be added.
Hannah Wheeler (Clark House Matron 1983 - 1992) passed away on November 5, 2023, at Hilda Ross Hospital in Hamilton. She is now reunited with her beloved late husband, Gerald Thomas Wheeler.
Hannah was a cherished and dearly loved mother to Peter & Beverly, David & Maria, Allan & Tracey, and Mark & Rachel. Her warmth and wisdom touched the lives of many.
Hannah’s legacy extends beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of ten grandchildren and leaving a legacy of love as a great-grandmother to nine.
Ian McLaren, a cherished St Paul’s Collegian peacefully passed away on October 9, 2023, in Tasmania at the age of 76, following a prolonged illness. 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. A private family cremation service took place in Tasmania.
Ian’s warm smile and unwaveringly positive outlook on life will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jim taught at St Paul’s between 1966 - 1970. He returned to the school in 2017 for the Clark House 50th reunion and had a brilliant memory of his time at the school.
Jim passed away in June this year. He was the loved husband of Rosamond, father, and father-in-law of James (Nigel) and Vanessa, Geraldine and Bruce, Dan and Tangiwai, and
Philip Turnwald (Hamilton 1980 - 1983) passed away suddenly in January 2024. Much loved son of the late Denis and Judy Turnwald. Cherished brother of Derek (Hamilton 1981 - 1985) and Fiona and brother-in-law of Dave. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him.
grandfather of Eleana, Peter, Api, Jimi, Bo, and Mauku. Jim will be sadly missed by his family and by his friends in the many places he lived and taught.
Jim taught at the School between 1966 - 1970 as a Geography teacher and was Housemaster of Hamilton House 1966 - 1967 and Clark House 1968 - 1970.
Rodney Simpson (Williams 1963 - 1965) passed in May this year.
Rodney made significant contributions to his community and his country. Beyond his time at Williams, Rodney served as a Vietnam Gunner in the Military Ministry for Culture and Heritage with the Royal New Zealand Artillery.
His valour was recognized through the award of the New Zealand Operational Service Medal and the Vietnam Medal. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his long-term partner, Gill, his extended family, and his wide circle of friends.
Great Oaks’ Cottage, now named Reynolds Room, was formerly the school’s sick bay. It was the original farm worker’s cottage and one of the only buildings that predates the foundation of the school. Upon purchase of the land, founding board member, Canon Sergel, noted that it was the only building worth saving.
The cottage has since been home to a variety of school facilities and has undergone multiple extensions and alterations.
Founding parents and staff of the school chipped in to help tidy the cottage for use as a makeshift office of the Headmaster, Mr Ford. Before the school opened, Mr Ford would work in the cottage sending out over 2000 prospectuses in an attempt to recruit students to the new school.
The cottage was used as a sick bay and residence for school nurse and Sargood matron, Sister Norma Hunt. Sister Norma would attend to sick boys while other patients sat in the ‘waiting room’ on the outside porch.
The cottage was also home to the only television on site, making Sister Norma a very popular staff member. Other staff would frequent the cottage to enjoy some evening screen time.
The small cottage was inundated with poorly boys following an influenza epidemic. The overflow was so much that School House was repurposed as a secondary quarantine. It was decided that an extension was needed in order for the sick bay to operate effectively. Extra rooms to house sick students were added to the north side of the cottage.
With space in neighbouring Sargood boarding house at a minimum, a few rooms in the cottage extension were allocated as their study area. While the well-behaved students used the space as intended, some more rebellious boys commandeered the roof space as a secret storehouse to hide contraband. With the expansion of Sargood House later that decade, the north extension of the cottage was moved to the west side of the house.
The sick bay and nurse’s quarters were relocated to a new building behind the Dining Room. The cottage became Harington Day house.
In with the ‘old’. The cottage was repurposed once again to house the school archives and Collegians department. Great Oak’s Cottage was no more; the house was renamed Reynolds Room to acknowledge Richard Reynolds’ contribution to the school, which included the establishment of Tihoi during the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Remember to check our Community Website at community.stpauls.school.nz for content and stories that continue to make us proud.
Wayne Strong (School 1971 - 1974) is an individual whose life has been shaped by determination and resilience. With an aweinspiring 50 marathons and seven Ironmans, his commitment remains stronger than ever.
Sell-out Aussie Skincare Brand gets Shark Tank deal with $500M Oodie Shark
A trip to Chemist Warehouse led to a combination skin success story with products selling out five times since launch. Founder Davey Rooney (Hamilton 2008 - 2012) dubs his skincare company, Boring Without You, as “beauty without the bullsh*t” and caters to the oft-forgotten ‘combination skin’.
St Paul’s has an established art collection with treasured collections from wall murals to crosses to tapa cloth.
Inspired by the school motto, ‘Stand in Your Faith,’ renowned sculptor Sean Crowford designed this sculpture to encapsulate symbols significant to the school. The honeycomb wall represents the hive or school community—a place of production through education, development, nurture, and protection. The young buck symbolises the student body with its grace, beauty, and strength. The bees directly relate to hive dynamics. They symbolise the essential work within the collective each bee contributing its worth as it forges its path. Maintaining a collective relationship, the bees come together to form both the deer (student body) and the hive (school), embodying the
Anyone who entered the Chapel of Christ the King during the past 60 years would have seen the beautiful Rood Cross. It is made from Japanese oak by the hands of thenfifth-former, John Robertson (Clark 1965 -1968) and sixth-former, Bill Turner (Clark 1965 - 1968), who constructed the large cross supervised by woodwork master Mr Vic Matthews. It used to hang from the roof at the front of the Chapel and now is attached to the wall. It was designed as a result of the vision and creativity of Reverend Pat Parr, Chaplain of St Paul’s Collegiate School 1962 - 1978.
The wooden cross is faced with glass-plated pieces of copper designed by Auckland artist Pat Hanly who also designed the windows for the Chapel’s east wall.
spirit of venturing forth with faith into the wider community.
This artwork beautifully embodies the spirit of venturing forth with faith and leaves a legacy from the 2023 leavers for St Paul’s Collegiate School.
To view the art collection of St Paul’s, visit our Community Website at: community.stpauls.school.nz/pages/artcollection
St Paul’s Collegiate School would like to thank our sponsors of sport
PROUD SUPPORTERS OF ST PAUL’S
PROUD SUPPORTERS OF ST PAUL’S