From the Headmaster’s pen
In 1979, forty years ago, the first intake of 54 boys arrived at Tihoi Venture School in a recently vacated and fairly dilapidated timbermilling village. The establishment of a venture campus was a huge leap of faith, led by the Headmaster at the time, Tony Hart; Board member, Michael Selby; Board Chairman and passionate environmentalist John Mortimer and first Director, Mike Shaw (fresh from two years at Geelong Grammar’s equivalent, Timbertop, in Victoria).
At the time, Tony Hart mused: “A residential venture school offered what, as a boy (and later as an overgrown boy), I had longed for. A sort of Desert Island where you could build your house, cut your own wood, cook your own food and see how you could survive on your own two feet; to sleep out in a tent, paddle a canoe, climb a hill and lie exhausted in grass at the top. On long summer days, the classroom seems claustrophobic. Surely one could let a boy spread his wings for a spell and live…”
Since its inception, Tihoi has been extremely fortunate with the quality of people that have led the programme. Four sets of directors who, along with their partners, have all made an impressive difference during their tenure: Mike and Judy Shaw (1978-1981), Brian and Jan Neville (1981-1992), John and Christine Furminger (1992-2006) and Chris Wynn and Cyn Smith (2006-present).
CONTRIBUTORS
Rebecca Robinson, Ginny Semmens, Michelle Smith, Rachel Fitness, Andrea Harper and Monica Holt
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mark Hamilton, Andrew Constable and Sarah Tafuna
COLLEGIANS (INC) 07 957 8805 collegians@stpauls.school.nz
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COVER PHOTO
The Pioneers of Tihoi reunion – Collegians and staff, both past and present, gathered at Tihoi on Saturday 14 September to celebrate 40 years of Tihoi Venture School.
Much has changed in the physical environment with improvements to the student houses, the addition of a modern dining room and classrooms; new activities have been added to tramping, kayaking and abseiling, where today’s year 10 boys additionally experience caving, mountain biking and alpine adventures.
There is an increasing recognition that in a time of huge social change, the programme at Tihoi is something that every 14-year-old boy in the country should experience. In a world where there is an emphasis on possessions; communication is dominated by cellphones and social media, where computer games like ‘Fortnite’ dominate many screenagers’ recreational time, and domestic chores such as lighting the fire are disappearing from teenagers’ life skills, the experience of Tihoi is seen as ever more important.
At Tihoi, while the environment has changed, the ‘stakes in the ground’ have not. No television and electronic distractions, the retention of the wood-fire cooking ranges, the chopping of fire wood, morning surprises, no sugar drinks or junk food, time for reflection in journals and a 44-hour solo camp in the bush, as well as a huge emphasis on fitness. It seems the basic tenets and foundations have lasted the test of time.
On 14 September 2019, we welcomed back the “Pioneers”, the Collegians for whom the first decade of this experience was even more ‘basic’ than that which today’s fourth formers have to endure – plenty of blackberry, primitive housing conditions, with little insulation and lack of protection from the elements in the rooms in which they sleep. We had a great day. Many stories were retold, which probably stretched the truth, but there was a common theme promoted.
The Tihoi Venture School experience had a strong impact on people’s lives and it had helped define who the graduates had become.
G W LANDER HEADMASTER
Mist over Tihoi in the early days
Bronze sculpture stands proud
Abronze sculpture of an oversized student exiting a tent, is the focal point to all those who drive in the school grounds, and is the second piece of public art for Hamilton by accomplished sculptor, Paul Dibble.
Entitled, The Journey, the sculpture reflects the change and transition of adolescent boys and girls into adulthood, through their education experience at St Paul’s Collegiate School. It is also symbolic of St Paul, who changed and transitioned from the persecutor of Christians Saul, to Paul the champion.
The art installation was commissioned to celebrate 60 years of the school and 40 years of Tihoi Venture School and was unveiled at a public ceremony on Monday 14 October.
The sculpture captures the essence of adolescence through the figure looking awkward and confused. This represents the time when adolescents are beginning to work things out for themselves. It represents the story of childhood to adulthood through the uncertainty and excitement of adolescence.
The artist’s use of a tent was inspired by the architectural vision behind St Paul’s Collegiate School chapel. The chapel was deliberately designed in the shape of a Middle Eastern tent reflecting that students don’t stay long, they ‘pitch’ their tent and after their time at school, they move on.
Full school haka performed in thanks to sculptors Paul and Fran Dibble at unveiling ceremony
Mike and Judy Shaw officially cut the ribbon to unveil the sculpture
Paul Dibble touching up his sculpture
Headmaster Grant Lander with Fran and Paul Dibble after the unveiling
The Pioneers of Tihoi celebrate 40 years of Tihoi Venture School
14 September 2019
Back in late 1978 when Tihoi Venture School was established, the scene was one of utter desolation – rubbish, broken glass and windows, vandalised houses, rotten floors, stoves full of soot and missing parts and no spouting on most houses.
The pioneering staff, Tihoi’s first director, Mike Shaw with full time teacher, Mr Bill Holden and three recent school leavers from St Paul’s; Steve Tracey, Grant Eyre and Phil Kearney, went about repairing the original mill houses making them habitable for 54 young 14-year-olds who were to live in them for 18 weeks, starting January 1979.
Each of those pioneering staff, including the kitchen staff (except Shirley Sinton who was ill), all attended the reunion and it was the first time they had all been back to Tihoi together since leaving 40 years ago.
When Tihoi was established 40 years ago, many people were sceptical of the programme. They believed taking students into a remote region with back-to-basics conditions for 18 weeks was an outrageous idea and were sure the venture school would never last.
At the reunion, 40 years on, St Paul’s Collegians were welcomed back to Tihoi by a poowhiri. They were treated to an afternoon of tours by current Tihoi boys, invited on a bush walk and given the chance to climb onto the adventurous high ropes course. The Tony Hart Library was opened by Tony Hart’s widow Mrs Clare Hart and son Richard Hart and a historical timeline of Tihoi was unveiled. This was followed by an evening dinner.
Pioneers welcomed to the dining room for the celebration dinner on the eve of the Tihoi Reunion.
Poowhiri
The pioneers of Tihoi were welcomed to Tihoi for the 40th reunion on Saturday, 14 September 2019, with a stirring poowhiri.
Hosted by current staff of Tihoi along with St Paul’s staff and members of Whanganui Bay, the poowhiri acknowledged Tihoi as a taonga, a special and sacred place for many.
Matua Tahau Thompson welcomes Collegian Craig Rofe
Craig Rofe (School 1982-1986) responds
Matua Tahau Thompson welcomes guests
Director Cyn Smith calls guests on site
Opening of the Tony Hart Library
The dedication and opening of the Tony Hart Library recognised the vision of Headmaster Tony Hart, who was instrumental in the decision to build a venture school.
Represented by his wife, Clare Hart and son, Richard Hart, the Tony Hart library was officially opened at the reunion. Richard Hart spoke on behalf of his father and noted Tony would have been so proud to see the library opened as he had a passion for reading, literature and the arts. Clare Hart cut the ribbon to the library, officially declaring it open for business! The library played host for many Tihoi historical artefacts on display at the reunion event, which Collegians enjoyed viewing as part of the activities of the day.
Following the dedication to the Tony Hart Library, conducted by Reverend Peter Rickman, visionary and Tihoi’s first Director, Mike Shaw, did the honours of cutting the celebration cake. Mike was joined by his grandson, Ben Urlich, who is in the current Tihoi intake.
Tihoi Venture School celebrates 40 years
Mike Shaw with grandson Ben Urlich cut the cake
Revd Peter Rickman dedicating the library
Richard Hart says a few words about his father’s love of books
Clare Hart cuts ribbon on Tony Hart Library
Clare Hart, wife of Tony Hart, with son Richard Hart, unveiled the sign to officially open the Tony Hart Library
Tours and high ropes
Boys from the current intake at Tihoi took Collegians on tour and proudly showed the pioneers around the school.
Of special interest was the high ropes course and just one brave Collegian took the plunge from the top (pictured).
Collegian Craig Rofe (School 1982-1986)
Timeline and historical boards
Tihoi’s history revealed
The history of Tihoi since its establishment in 1978 can now be viewed in a series of boards. The timeline stretches six metres long and has been installed on the outside wall of Tihoi’s office block. It reveals significant moments in Tihoi’s development, from the first scenes of utter desolation when the venture school was first established, through to the introduction of parent tramps, mountain biking and weeklong expeditions.
These milestones and more are documented in the timeline, which will become a reference point for the boys when they study the history of Tihoi during their social studies curriculum.
The timeline was unveiled at a ceremony at Tihoi’s 40th reunion celebrations. Each decade was unveiled by the five directors who have played an important role in guiding hundreds of adolescent boys through their Tihoi journey.
Tihoi Reunion
What’s in a name?
Each house, occupied by the boys when at Tihoi, has a story about the person their house is named after. Many of these people were the original timber mill workers who moved on when the milling site was sold to St Paul’s.
Their story now sits proudly on the outside of each house. There were many great stories uncovered when researching who each of the nine houses at Tihoi were named after.
Polly’s House was named after Polly Hepi. She and her husband, Tiniwaata moved to Tihoi in 1951 where he worked in the timber yard at the mill until he passed away in 1960. Polly stayed on in the village until the late 60s raising their nine children in a modest threebedroom house.
Mere Brown is the daughter of Polly and lives in Whanganui Bay. Mere considers the staff at Tihoi her family and welcomes each intake to Whanganui Bay for a day of activities and a traditional hangi, which is prepared and put in the ground by the boys.
The house boards will form a heritage trail at Tihoi, where other significant sites will be identified and their history explained.
Tihoi Reunion
Directors of Tihoi: Mike and Judy Shaw (1978-1981), Brian and Jan Neville (1981-1992), John and Christine Furminger (1992-2006) and Chris Wynn and Cyn Smith (2006-present)
Mere Brown, daughter of Polly with Cyn Smith (right) and niece Jo
Richard Hart with his mother, Clare Hart pictured outside Hart House
Fred Graham Carving
Collegian Committee President, Brent Mexted (Sargood 1982-86), worked with renowned carver, Fred Graham, to produce the iconic Tihoi carving which has pride of place in the dining room. This treasure was bestowed on Tihoi to commemorate 40 years.
Fred Graham, a 91-yearold creator of forms, is a Tainui kaumatua of Ngati Koroki Kahukura descent. Fred was asked to produce the piece of art, which he has called “Tihoi – a place of self-discovery”. During the evening proceedings, the carving was unveiled and Collegians were asked to welcome the taonga to its new home.
Each of the ten disks that form the carving symbolise the very spirit of Tihoi, from the outdoor activities the students experience to the uniqueness of the region where Tihoi is located.
The disks are positioned on four pillars representing the four visionaries of Tihoi. These visionaries were Headmaster Anthony (Tony) Hart, Mr Mike Shaw, Mr John Mortimer and Mr Michael Selby.
Collegians reminisce
Collegians took the time to reminisce and reconnect at the Pioneers of Tihoi reunion, many making the most of spending time with their former peers and teachers.
Two of the three pioneering kitchen staff of Tihoi, Lesley Hawkins and Ngaire Albert
Jake Alloway and Matt Dawbin spent hours making Tihoi road signs that were popular gifts for all those who attended the reunion
Students in the current intake at Tihoi were fully involved in reunion events and activities, hosting Collegians on the tours of the school and helping set up for the unveilings and presentations
Grant Mitchell (Williams 1978-80), Brent Mexted (Sargood 1982-86) and Lisa Mitchell
“Both Tim and I really appreciated to be asked to attend the 40th celebrations of Tihoi Venture School. We enjoyed sharing many happy memories with past staff who were our close neighbours and friends, spanning 1978 through to 1989. It was also our privilege to first meet with Tony Hart and Mike Shaw and hear their enthusiasm for their planned vision which would instil new life into what threatened to be a dying village. We had arrived from Kaikohe in August 1973 when both mills (Tihoi and Waihaha) were still operating, with both villages providing a healthy school roll. There were many colourful characters too that we met and who became part of our lives.
It was wonderful to witness the development of the vision of the Venture School into reality for future students. We really appreciated how the history of Tihoi was acknowledged, by respecting Maori taonga and tikanga, while giving recognition to the early pioneers who worked in hard times. The commitment to guardianship of the land and the protection of the environment evident in the boys’ education, is to be commended. Especially special for us, was to hear the sound of children’s play and laughter coming from the original school playground as well as in the backyard of our previous home.
So on behalf of those older families, who would have been so proud to have found that they had contributed in the past to the ongoing Tihoi experience, we congratulate Tihoi Venture School, St Paul’s Collegiate School and wish them well for a successful future”.
JILL, TIM MURIWAI AND FAMILY
Simon Franks (Clark 1978-82) was a guest speaker on the night, addressing the Collegians with a hilarious story about why he didn’t finish Tihoi
Pioneering staff of Tihoi, including Bill Holden, Phil Kearney, Lesley Hawkins, Grant Eyre, Steve Tracey, Ngaire Albert, Mike and Judy Shaw
Tihoi visionary, Richard Reynolds reminisces with John Templer (Sargood 1982-86)
A closer look at the the Manaaki trophy, which will be presented annually to the boy who shows ‘Generosity in Spirit’
The Manaaki trophy is for ‘Generosity of Spirit’. Donated in 2019 by the 1979 tutors Steve Tracey, Grant Eyre and Philip Kearney to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Tihoi
1979 Era
Standing: Grant Mitchell, Ngaire Albert, Murray Holmes, Bill Holden, Phil Kearney, Judy Shaw, Mike Shaw, Grant Eyre, Steve Tracey, Richard Thorp, Gavin Reynolds, Jeffrey Stretton
Kneeling: Neil Lickfold, Simon Franks, Richard Dodds, Boyd Wilton, Craig McLeod
1980 Era
Standing: Rhett Bishop, Ian Roy, Jeremy Bainbridge-Smith, Ngaire Albert, Judy Shaw, Kevin Belz, Mike Shaw, Christopher Haskell, Shirley Kerr, James Thomas, Warrick Kerr Kneeling: David Graham, Ian Ridgway, Glen Davies, Lyndon Kapoor, Gerald Kapoor
1981 Era
Standing: John Bannock, Alistair Pettitt, Grant Clark, Christopher Power, Tim Morgan, John Robinson, Jan Neville, Brian Neville, Alan Houchen, Ngaire Albert, Judy Shaw, James Reeves, Mike Shaw, Roger Lamb, Shirley Kerr, Mark Storey, Warrick Kerr, David Stuart, Gary Wilson, Dave Matthews, Wayne Roberts
Kneeling: Richard Riddell, Angus Stubbs, Antony Blakely, David Wright, Paul Hunter, Clyde Rouse, William Oliver
1982 Era
1983 Era
John Templer, Blair MacKenzie, Craig Rofe, Brent Mexted, Ross Parker, Jan Neville, Brian Neville, Ngaire Albert, Roger Lamb, Lesley Hawkins, Shirley Kerr, Warrick Kerr, Mark Turnwald
Roger Lamb, Dianna Connolly, Alan Connolly, Jan Neville, Brian Neville, Ngaire Albert, Warrick Kerr, Lesley Hawkins, Shirley Kerr, Richard Ludbrook, (Ludbrook Jnr.)
1984 Era
1985 Era
Roger Lamb, Dianna Connolly, Cindy Paraki, Alan Connolly, Jan Neville, Brian Neville, Ngaire Albert, Shirley Hawkins, Steve Gore, Bruce Webber
Ray Hollingsworth, Jan Neville, Brian Neville, Ngaire Albert, Chris Wynn, Lesley Hawkins, Mark Jones
Reflections from the Collegian perspective
“I have had the privilege of knowing one of these visionaries, Mike Shaw who was the very first Director at Tihoi for the very first intake of 1979. This is when it all began. I’ve talked to a number of people today who have noticed how much the place has changed, the high ropes course and the new buildings. But these are all aesthetics, the core values remain the same. They boys still get up early for ‘morning surprise’; they still cook their own breakfasts and eat the cookie dough. Would you believe it, but my 84 year old mother still has the letters I wrote to her when I was here?! If you chat with some of the boys here tonight, you’ll discover that letters are still sent home every week. You’ll also discover that many of the traditions remain unchanged. Even the daily programme is much the same”.
BRENT MEXTED (SARGOOD 1982-86)
TIHOI, TIHOI!
In the back-blocks of West Taupo, many miles from town
Lies a lonely little village, that was slowly running down.
The Old Mill was still standing, where the saws once whirred and roared
Gnawing at great Rimu - conservationists were ignored!
There’s Huru-huru-maku, the river running far
And Tu-ta-ka-moana, an ancient Maori Pa.
There’s Ti-ti-ra-u-penga and Pureora too,
And they stand upon the skyline, all looking down on YOU!
Chorus: Tihoi Tihoi, Tihoi Venture School, Tihoi Tihoi - man the place is COOL!
The houses were all empty, the people were all gone
But the club was still in action, and the beer was flowing on.
Then along came an old grey Bentley - the owner had foreseen
That Tihoi had the essence, of the making of his dream.
Well this place has really flourished, the paint has come and gone
Many active brushes, have slapped the colours on.
Instead of green and orange, and the purple of house four, There’s lovely browns and yellows. And white around the doors!
Chorus: Tihoi Tihoi, Tihoi Venture School, Tihoi Tihoi - man the place is COOL!
And then we were all ready, for the first boys to arrive, They clambered through their houses, the place was now REVIVED!
The chimneys were a smokin’, the walls were wearing thin, Reports of broken windows, were quickly coming in!!
Now here comes Warwick Burgess - his sheep have gone astray, He has unusual methods, to bring them back to bay.
He climbs upon his ‘dozer, and kicks it into gear
To round up woolly creatures, he hasn’t seen for years!!
Chorus: Tihoi Tihoi, Tihoi Venture School, Tihoi Tihoi - man the place is COOL!
Now there’s old Jock McCabe, with his hard hat red and bright, Who winds his way each evening, back through the moonlit night. He’s been down at Waihaha, and smashed his left head-light, And the reason that he’ll give you, is “The FOG came down that night!”
There’s Ngaire, Shirl and Lesley, slicing up the veal, Slaving o’er hot ovens, to give the boys their meals.
There are carrots, beans and sweetcorn, and many other foods
Watch out for Lesley’s ladle, if anybody’s rude!
Well the boys are all departing, and so we say farewell, Returning to the city, to pollution, grime and smell
We hope they will remember, the place they knew so well, And don’t forget this story, that we have tried to tell!
Chorus: Tihoi Tihoi, Tihoi Venture School, Tihoi Tihoi - man the place is COOL!
Final word
This is only a sample of the photos from the Pioneers of Tihoi Reunion. All photos can be viewed on the St Paul’s website via the Photo Gallery on the Collegians page.
David Wright (Williams 1980-84) made the leather cover while in class at Tihoi in 1981, as it was one of the arts and craft activities on offer at the time.
DAVID WRIGHT (TIHOI 1981, SECOND INTAKE)
Collegian, John Bannock (Williams 1980-84), was brave enough to show he could still wear his original Tihoi t-shirt from 1981
Steve Tracey, Phil Kearney, Grant Eyre and Bill Holden perform the Tihoi song, originally written in 1979 and adapted slightly for performance purposes on the night
Mike Shaw addresses the Collegians at the reunion dinner, with the Tihoi carving pictured in the background. Mike shared stories with the group, which were received with laughter and sometimes incredulous applause at the nature of the work that went on in the pioneering days
Support for the Solomons
StPaul’s Chaplain, Reverend Peter Rickman, is on a mission – a medical mission to help those delivering healthcare services in the Solomon Islands.
“The Solomon Islands is a remarkable country. Despite facing many challenges, there is a real desire and commitment to improve the quality of life for themselves and in particular, their children,” says Revd Rickman.
Three years ago, Revd Rickman and a group of people from the Waikato, came together to discuss what they could do to help the island communities. Within that group was Jill Bindon and Anita Seccombe, daughters of Arthur Hugh Fletcher – who left New Zealand in 1927 to go and build a hospital at Fauabo, on the island of Malaita.
This was the first hospital in the Solomon Islands and by 1930 it had over 400 patients. Closed during World War II, but reopened in 1945 – despite the operating theatre being destroyed – it was staffed predominantly by nurses and run as a basic rural health clinic.
“In 2016, Jill and Anita visited the island to see what, if anything, remained of their father’s work. They were amazed to find that it was still operating as a clinic with two nurses and five assistants, serving the needs of some 9,000 Solomon Islanders,” says Revd Rickman.
However, they noted the poor state the hospital was in, with no electricity, no sanitation and buildings in urgent need of repair.
These needs saw the birth of the Solomon Islands Medical Mission (SIMM) supported by Revd Rickman, Archbishop Sir David Moxon, school doctor Dr Michael Oehley, and other local people from the medical and engineering sectors. Together, with partner agencies in the Solomon Islands, work to upgrade and refurbish the hospital begun.
As well as the hospital, SIMM is also supporting a smaller project on the main island of Guadalcanal, on the outskirts of Honiara.
Here, several hundred refugee families, brought over to be plantation workers, live with no shelter – other than a few plastic sheets. The plantations have since disappeared through logging.
Revd Peter Rickman and Sister Neslyn with her class at the Mother Emily Kindergarten
Sister Neslyn, Revd Peter Rickman and Brother Samson, unpack teaching supplies
Our bonds with the Solomon Islands go back many decades, it is wonderful to see this continue through SIMM and St Paul’s.
On his first visit to the Solomon Islands in 2017, Revd Rickman visited this community and discovered a solitary teacher at work trying to provide very basic education for the children of these refugees.
Through the support of a group of Anglican nuns living nearby, a basic kindergarten was established. The teacher, a Franciscan Brother called Sampson, now supported by three other sisters, provide an education to over 50 children in very difficult circumstances and with few resources. SIMM supports these two projects through a variety of different ways, including the shipping of medical and educational supplies and the development of projects to aid the creation and provision of refurbishment and sanitation.
“Last May, I was able to return to the Solomon Islands to see how things are progressing,” says Revd Rickman. “My visit was timely as it coincided with the arrival of 21 boxes of medical and educational supplies, donated by local Hamilton businesses. The children were totally blown away to receive their first ever pair of scuffs, their own toothbrush and toothpaste, plus reading and writing books.”
“I also visited the hospital and it was so good to see the first instalment of solar panels, providing much needed electrical power for two of the wards. Prior to installation, babies were being delivered in the night by the nurses wearing head torches!”
However, much work remains to be done.
“We aim to develop further the involvement of St Paul’s school community with SIMM and these two projects,” says Revd Rickman.
“Next year we hope to return with a group of students who have an interest in medicine, teaching and building/engineering. I am also working towards recruiting a group of Waikato engineers, medical professionals and other qualified people to return to the clinic and, along with our students, help re-establish basic sanitation and water supply,” he says.
“Our bonds of friendship with the Solomon Islands stretch back over many decades, so it is truly wonderful to see this continue through SIMM and St Paul’s.”
REBECCA ROBINSON
Revd Peter Rickman with Bishop Sahu, Bishop of Malaita standing in front of the hospital wards
Brother Samson and Sister Neslyn
These two girls where excited to see their faces on the cover of the fundraising collateral
Sign in front of hospital A water heater
The home and away life of a top Art Director
When at St Paul’s I used to make all the props and sets for the plays and dances.
One of Alistair Kay’s (Williams 1975-1979) first jobs was designing a set for the hit 1980s New Zealand game show ‘It’s in the Bag.’
It launched his career as an awardwinning freelance film set designer, working for more than three decades all over the world.
It was a talent that emerged early.
“When I was at St Paul’s I used to make all the props and all the sets for the plays and the dances and all that sort of stuff.”
The pinnacle of his career was winning a prestigious Emmy Award in 1993, for outstanding art direction on the Russian production Stalin.
For more than a decade now, Alistair, 57, has lived at Whangaroa Harbour in the far North. He goes overseas to work on films, often for months at a time.
When Network caught up with him, he was on a short break in the South Island after working in Auckland and Dunedin on a film adaptation of Eleanor Catton’s The Luminaries
“If you don’t have time to read the 830 pages, it has now been made into six onehour episodes and hopefully it will be on screens in 2020.”
Alistair grew up on a sheep farm, which was later converted to dairy, at Kihikihi south of Te Awamutu. When he was 15, the family moved to Northland to be orchardists.
After leaving school, Alistair enrolled in Graphic Design at the then Auckland Institute of Technology. But he found it “too tedious”.
He worked in the theatre industry, before being offered a job as a designer at TVNZ.
He created and made sets for iconic New Zealand television shows like Kaleidoscope, the Benson & Hedges Fashion Design Awards and It’s in the Bag. By this stage, many of his friends had left to travel overseas, so Alistair got an early release on his TVNZ contract and went too. He was to live in London for 18 years.
At the time, it was hard to break into the film industry and initially he worked as an exhibition designer for some of the big trade shows.
On the set of ‘The Ten Commandments’ in Morocco
“I used to take my folder of work around to some of the film studios to try and drum up work. At that time, in 1987, it was Thatcherism and it was hard to get into the film industry. It was one of the few industries in Britain that still had quite a strong union. And you couldn’t just turn up and say, ‘give me a job’.”
He did get a break, after creating a sketch, from just a small photograph, of an actor portraying a King in a period drama. “They said, ‘what else can you do?’ and I said, ‘I am a set designer’.” He was offered a job on a film in India. The rest, as they say, was history.
It is a highly creative job, and he puts in some long hours. “The job I do is pretty intense, I often start at 6.30am and finish at 8pm, six days a week.”
An Art Director is responsible for the concept and design and oversees the building of the sets to budget and to schedule. Lighting is also a big part of what he does.
The highlight in his career so far, would be working on Stalin. “We were filming in the Kremlin, and basically Mikhail Gorbachev said to all his underlings, ‘let them go wherever they want’.”
Alistair has always been selfemployed. “You never know if or when you will ever work again, so hopefully you build up a good reputation and get offered more work.”
Set design has taken him all over the world, often for months at a time, mainly Eastern Europe, Northern Africa, Hungry, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Spain, France, Germany and Holland. When in London he was based in St Martin’s Lane.
He decided to buy property here around the time of New Zealand’s America’s Cup defence.
“I was working in Budapest when I saw all my Hungarian friends get really excited about the coverage of the Waitemata Harbour. So, I thought I better buy a place in New Zealand soon, otherwise all these foreigners will get in first.”
He and a builder built his place in the early 2000s, a simple and stylish house, inspired by the look of a Doc Hut, with amazing views and beach access.
He has a long-distance relationship with a partner in Australia. “I have a partner who lives in Sydney, he is an architect, but we only see each other three to four times a year, the rest of the time it is just me.”
When it comes to work, he doesn’t often tell his film contacts he is living in New Zealand, as they like him to be accessible and available. “I got a phone call from an American producer saying, ‘can you be in Morocco first thing on Monday morning?’ And I said, ‘yeah, yeah sure’. I got there before him and he thought I had flown from London.”
He has worked with people all over the world and says New Zealanders have a better attitude to challenges than almost anyone he has ever met.
Last year, Alistair spent several months in China. “It was one of the few places I hadn’t worked, and I was excited to be going. But the film had many major flaws and was never made. It was a sci-fi and some aliens invaded China, so the censors didn’t like it.”
His brother Stuart Kay (Williams 19741979) also lives in Northland and runs a physiotherapy practice in Kaikohe.
MONICA HOLT
Alistair’s sketch of the King Charles II actor
Alistair’s house at Whangaroa Harbour
On the set of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ in Budapest
No stake too high
It’s Monday morning and St Paul’s senior students are listening to a man talk about monetary policy in New Zealand, in particular the effect of the recent official cash rate drop.
Who better for them to be hearing this from than former Board Chair and once Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank – Rod Carr (Williams 1972-1976).
Rod has returned to his old high school to spend the day speaking to students, some of who may be considering a career in the financial field. “See economics and accounting can be rather cool,” he says to the students, “especially when you see how it relates to a world context.”
His visit today, is his way of “contributing back” to a school that was an important part of his life. “Apart from giving me a good grounding in education, St Paul’s gave me an enormous confidence in myself.”
Legally blind since birth, Rod has roughly 40% vision on moving objects and 6/60 vision on distance. He is also completely colour blind. But he’s never allowed the challenges of his eyesight to restrict his goals.
Growing up, instead of attending a special school for the blind, Rod was mainstreamed into Saint Kentigern Boys’ School. “There was support available, but I had to foot it with ordinary kids in an ordinary class.”
That support and inclusive behaviour continued when he came to St Paul’s with older brother, John. “I remember Pat Plant would call out the words, for my benefit, as he wrote them on the board. Even sitting in the front row, I couldn’t read the blackboard.”
At school, Rod was head of Williams House and – even though he couldn’t catch a ball or partake in many sports – he excelled at swimming, and was captain of the swim team and junior swim champion. Rod was also an excellent debater, leading the debating team in Years 11 and 12. He was part of the St Paul’s “dream team” that included, Simon Upton, who became a Minister of the Crown, and John Allen, who was at one time the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
But Rod had always had an interest in banking, “when I was a kid, my Grandmother took me to her stockbroker to buy some shares. I watched them go up and down and found that rather intriguing.”
In his school certificate year, he decided he wanted to do accounting, which was for him “the beginning of breaking the mould.”
He describes himself as a, “born optimist, sometimes to the point of a reckless optimist –that ‘what could possibly go wrong’ attitude.”
But he didn’t always make the best choices and says in Year 12, it nearly ended very badly. He proudly revealed to his mother he had figured out how to sell shares he did not own on the New Zealand Stock exchange to benefit when a share price declined, “my mother very nearly took me out of school!”
A young Rod Carr with Mrs Carr
Rod Carr
After finishing university, Jack Beckett – a former Board of Trustees member who had taught Rod accounting at school – introduced him to the assistant general manager at the Bank of New
After around 20 years in banking, that included five years as Deputy Governor and five months Acting Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Rod made a significant career change.
He relocated to Christchurch to run software firm, Jade in 2003. While in this role, he was approached about applying for the position of Vice Chancellor at the University of Canterbury – a role he then commenced in February 2009.
His time at Canterbury posed many challenges, as he took on a hands-on role in the recovery process after the impact of the Christchurch earthquakes.
Now after ten influential years, Rod has retired from Canterbury. He still remains a director of the ASB bank and a trustee of the Christchurch Arts Centre and Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust.
Living in Christchurch, Rod and wife Jenny, whom he met while studying at Otago University, have four children – Elizabeth, James, Richard and Christopher – who already have nine university degrees between them in medicine, engineering, physics, biology and business.
But it’s not all banking and academics for Rod.
No one ever told me I couldn’t do anything.
He’s also a keen runner and earlier this year, ran the North Korean marathon in Pyongyang. To date, Rod has run 22 marathons including ones in Boston, New York, London, Paris, Capetown, Istanbul, Easter Island and Antarctica – “If you’re ever going to run these things, you have to run the cool ones.” In October, he’ll run the Polar Circle marathon in Greenland.
When asked what his biggest highlight to date is, his response is easy –“being chosen by Jenny to be her partner”.
“Jenny has never said to me ‘you can’t’ or ‘you shouldn’t’. This also comes back to my positive experience at school – no one ever told me I couldn’t do anything.”
Rod is the new chair designate for the Climate Change Committee.
REBECCA ROBINSON
Rod discussing accounting with students
Rod Carr and the penny trail fundraiser 1976
Rodd Carr in lane 5 circ 1976
Rod addresses St Paul’s senior students
1 St Paul’s 1st XV players celebrate their win over Whanganui Collegiate in the CNI final
Paul’s music students perform
haka at the
Aspire Festival on the Gold Coast (credit Aspire Fest)
Coromandel to California – a kiwi boy’s real life Baywatch experience
Huntington Beach, California, could seem like a world away from Jae Broomfield’s usual beach at Tairua, but with its white sands, excellent surfing and beach culture, it could not have felt more like home to the young lifeguard.
The Year 11 St Paul’s student was selected, along with 16 others, to represent Trust Waikato Tairua Surf Life Saving Club in a two-week lifeguard educational exchange at the worldrenowned Baywatch beach during the July holidays.
The aim of the exchange is to educate young lifeguards, from both New Zealand and the US, on local patrolling procedures and compare with those back home.
“Huntington Beach is very different to Tairua”, says Jae, “They need to be aware of things like the towering pier, not to mention the huge patrol area and masses of people that swim there daily.”
As Huntington Beach doesn’t use flags, like in New Zealand, the whole beach is open to swimmers – one of many unique learning opportunities that Huntington provides kiwi lifeguards.
The programme balanced indoor lessons with practical time on the sand.
“They place a lot of emphasis on preventive actions and getting to the victim before they are in a rescue situation. This means constant communication with the public and lots of time in the water, informing swimmers about the dangers surrounding them.”
I’m excited to take the skills and experience and apply these to our patrols in Tairua.
Jae’s first day on the beach was a culture shock due to Huntington Beach’s military approach to lifeguard training.
“On the very first day I was called out for having poor posture and needed to be standing straight with hands by my side when in roll call lines.”
A preliminary to the trip included 18-months of training to prepare for the physical demands of Huntington’s difficult conditions, which Jae says was hugely beneficial.
“From the IRB Amazing Race to the constant runs and buoy swims, this training allowed us to fully participate in every activity thrown at us.”
But it wasn’t all work! Jae explored the local region, joining his host family on trips to Catalina Island and Camp Pendleton, the largest military base in the States.
“We spent the days sunbathing, body surfing and laughing with new friends. It is something I won’t forget for the rest of my life.”
Now Jae is looking forward to sharing his new skills with the rest of his team come surf season this summer. “I’m excited to take the skills and experience I have gained back to New Zealand and apply these to our patrols in Tairua.”
A contingent from Huntington will complete the exchange in December in the hopes of making safer beaches on both sides of the Pacific.
“I can’t wait to show them our slice of paradise and I am very keen to add to the already great memories we have made with our American buddies.”
RACHEL FITNESS
Young environmentalist wins international travel award
Marnie Best has always had a fascination with nature, so the Year 13 student was thrilled to win a trip to attend the Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science and Technology programme in Australia.
As the recipient of a 2019 Royal Society Te Apārangi travel award, Marnie joined other keen scientists for the programme held in Queensland in August. Her time was split between the University of Queensland’s Gatton and St Lucia campuses. “It was so hands-on with all the technology there which was really cool,” says Marnie.
Marnie had hoped the programme would provide guidance on future studies to fulfil her eco-passions. Initially she was looking at an agribusiness and science degree, but after five-days of learning about everything from goat condition checking to wildlife management, Marnie now has her heart set on a Bachelor of Science.
“I am aspiring to future studies that may lead me down a medical research or agricultural research path. When I look at the world and see the news and social media posts circulating regarding the rapid deterioration of our planet, I continue to realise I want to chip into the bigger picture using science (particularly chemistry and biology) in a way that makes a positive contribution,” she says.
Introducing Collegians Executive Officer, Ginny Semmens
Coordinating events, bringing people together, and preserving the history of a school with an outstanding reputation – are just some of the reasons Ginny Semmens was drawn to the role of Collegians Executive Officer at St Paul’s.
Taking over from Suzanne Miller in June, Ginny has a background in local government communications, community event coordination and recent experience in the education sector. She is a registered teacher and has been a lecturer at Wintec in the School of Media Arts.
Students float winning idea at Fieldays
A solution for combatting dirty water in animal troughs won a group of St Paul’s students the title of ‘Young Innovator of the Year’ at the 2019 New Zealand Agricultural Fieldays.
Ginny grew up on steep hill country farm 40km east of Pahiatua. She is passionate about experiential education in the outdoors and has held the voluntary position of Chairperson for the Outward Bound Council of New Zealand – an organisation she was part of in a volunteer capacity for more than a decade.
She was a Wairarapa College boarder and “truly values the sense of community and loyalty that develops through this learning context”. As the new Collegians Executive Officer, Ginny looks forward to meeting St Paul’s Collegians at upcoming events.
Year 13 students (pictured L-R) Pearl Lovell, Lucy Gray, Jana Stokes, Abby Bartels and Cate Wilson designed ‘Bobble Trough’, a floating electrolysis unit that releases small amounts of copper ions to prevent the growth of algae and other microorganisms in troughs.
Bobble Tough is a 24/7 fully automated unit that can link to your phone. “Using the app, farmers can monitor the copper levels ensuing they are good and maximised in the trough, and it allows them to move a unit from one trough to another,” says Jana.
Judges were impressed with their development process, their use of external expertise, their understanding of IP and of course, their solution. Presented to them by Peter Nation, CEO of the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, the students received a trophy and $1000 cash.
Snippets
Marriages
Mark Robertson (Sargood 1986-1990) married Claire Snell July 19, 2019, at Farnham Castle, Surrey, UK. Collegian Nick Styles (Williams/Hall 1987-1991) was one of the groomsmen. Mark and Claire live in London.
Hayden Gutry
Hayden Gutry (Hall 2005-2009) has just graduated with a Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern University in Chicago. Hayden is now working for the National Football League (NFL) in New York City.
An enormous amount of time went into the production of the oak wood boxes, which were gifted to the school leavers from the Collegians (Inc) last year. School leaver Jonathon Porritt (Hamilton 20142018) was the craftsman who made the beautiful boxes, as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Jonathon is now completing a building apprenticeship, putting his talented skills to good use!
Yolk Ferns, a team of two including Collegian Ben McColgan (Sargood 2012-2016) (right) and his mate Lachie Davidson, were crowned world champions at egg throwing at the 2019 World Egg Throwing Championships in London in July.
Warren and
Ross Bird
Brothers Warren (Sargood 1971-1975) and Ross Bird (Sargood 1973-1975) paid a visit to the school and enjoyed remembering Sargood days from the 1970s.
A prestigious appointment
Dr Michael Oehley (Hamilton 1997-2001, current school doctor 2017-present) has been appointed Chief Written Examiner for the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. In this role, he will be responsible for setting the academic standard by which all GP trainees are judged. He has also founded the Waikato Travel Clinic at Avalon Medical, providing the Waikato region with pre-travel medical advice and immunisations. Michael now juggles seven roles – GP, travel doctor, exam writer, medical educator, school doctor, husband and father of two. He is enjoying the variety and challenge of his diverse career, and finds his lunchtime clinics at school a refreshing part of his busy day.
The Instillery, a nationally renowned managed IT and security services provider founded by CEO and Collegian Michael Jenkins (Hall/Fitchett 19972001), recently announced that former Prime Minister, the Hon. Bill English, has joined the company’s board as an independent director.
Timothy Pearce
Timothy Pearce (Williams/ Hall 1997-1998) has broken the world record for the fastest 5km indoor rower in the 30-39-year old lightweight mens’ category, with a time of 16.33.5.
New Book
Max Hill (School and Williams 19611964) has just published a book titled ‘To the Ends of the Earth and Back Again’.
Collegians Karen Saxena (Sargood 2004) and former schoolmate (and current St Paul’s teacher) Dan Teka (Sargood 2001-2005) recently met up at St Paul’s.
(Sargood 1974-1977) recently paid a visit to his former boarding house after 47 years.
Collegian and author, Coll Bell (Sargood House 1965-1968), has written a book titled Saint Who?, about his time at St Paul’s as a young boy: “My first impression as we turned into the driveway at the front entrance to St Paul’s was that of a place of learning, an institution. As the large playing fields slipped by and the grand brick building with its central tower was approached it became obvious that this was no amusement park.”
Warren and Ross Bird
David Martin
David Martin
Collegian David Martin
Karen Saxena and Dan Teka
Karen Saxena and Dan Teka
Ben McColgan
The
The Yolk Ferns
Gift boxes for 2018 leavers
Jonathon Porritt and former Collegians Officer, Suzanne Miller
Michael Jenkins
The Hon. Bill English with Collegian and founder of The Instillery, Michael Jenkins
Coll Bell
James Russell
James Russell (School 1986-1990) has become a household name as a children’s author, with seven best-selling books to his name. His books have been published in eight countries. Russell has written three picture books for 3-7 year-olds – The Dragon Hunters, The Dragon Tamers and The Dragon Riders; and four junior novels for 8-12-year-olds entitled The Dragon Defenders series. His junior novels are the highest-ranked by a Kiwi author on the Whitcoulls Kids Top 50 list, voted for each year by New Zealand readers. Russell is also somewhat of a digital pioneer, having been the first in New Zealand to introduce ‘augmented reality’ content into all of his books. Through the use of a device and a free app, parts of his books come to 3D life.
Simon Talbot
In March, Simon Talbot (Hamilton 1990-1994) was awarded University of Auckland’s 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award for his work as a reconstructive surgeon. Simon is currently the Director of the Upper Extremity Transplant Programme at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School. Simon successfully led teams to complete ground breaking double arm transplants in 2011, 2014, and 2016. He leads a research laboratory with funding from the United States Department of Defense to further this work.
Condolences
We occasionally like to send you an email or write you a letter.
If we do not have your email or postal address, please update it by emailing: collegians@stpauls.school.nz or going to the Collegians tab at www.stpauls.school.nz
Our thoughts are with the families of our St Paul’s community who have lost a loved one recently.
Please contact us if you hear of the death of a Collegian, or if you have family members who are unwell (so our Reverend can offer prayers). Email collegians@stpauls. school.nz or phone +64 7 957 8805.
Ross Sutcliffe (School 1965-66) passed away on 27 May. During his time at St Paul’s, Ross was a member of the 1st XV rugby team and the school cricket team.
Former Head Boy Paul Robinson (Sargood 1980-84) passed away from bowel cancer end of May. He had attended the 60th reunion earlier this year and had really loved catching up with everyone. Thoughts are with Paul’s family including his sister-in-law Collegian Mary Graham (Harington 1985)
K3 Legal specialises in: Civil Litigation
Business and commercial Employment
Property and construction
Family and relationship property
Trusts and asset protection
Mildred Bayley, wife of former Clark Housemaster Robin Bayley (1964-67) passed away in Nelson on September 17 after a long illness.
Stuart Pedersen (School 1974-78) passed away in a yachting accident on 14 October, 2019.
Speak to James Nolen, old collegian and K3 Legal Director about how we can help.
James Russell with books
Simon Talbot (second from left) Collegian and Distinguished Akl Uni Alumni award recipient - image courtesy University of Auckland
Support for the Hornsby Learning Hub
Raising one million dollars is a towering goal. But it’s the goal necessary to meet the need for a contemporary, all-inclusive learning space for our students.
Today, we celebrate because our extremely generous community prove that this is not out of reach!
It is people such as Foundation student Peter Lorimer (1959-1962) and past member of staff, Susan Waddell (1997-2006), who are helping us to reach this target of delivering the Hornsby Learning Hub for St Paul’s.
Peter recalls arriving at the start of 1959 to a school consisting of just three classroom blocks in the quadrangle – one contained classrooms, another the boarding accommodation and lastly the dining hall and kitchen.
“I attended the 60th anniversary reunion of the school in March 2019, the first time I had visited St Paul’s for many years. I was most impressed with the progress the school had made in the 60 years since I was a there and wanted to contribute to the next stage of its development as a school equipped for learning in the 21st century,” says Peter.
Susan recalls her time at St Paul’s with gratitude, the challenges and rewards she encountered.
“Since then, St Paul’s has excelled in promoting present and future initiatives which my grandsons, Matthew and James Waddell (Sargood House), are thriving and benefiting from,” she says.
The Hornsby Learning Hub will be located in the ‘heart’ of St Paul’s and with the school’s chapel – the ‘heart’ of school life – we are offering chapel chair plaques at $1,500 to support the build of the learning hub and students of St Paul’s.
Susan says, “The chapel is very special to me indeed, so it is a privilege to have our family name recorded here”.
If you would like to join Peter and Susan to help us reach our target of fundraising $1 million and to learn more about this project, please contact Andrea Harper on 027 603 7260 or a.harper@stpauls.school.nz
Matthew and James Waddell installing their family plaque on a chapel chair, purchased by their grandmother Susan Waddell
The plaque purchased by Peter Lorimer in the Chapel of Christ the King
The heart of St Paul’s
Kevin Gallichan remembers the day St Paul’s Headmaster, Grant Lander asked him for help.
When Kevin walked into the Headmaster’s office, Grant sat him down, looked him straight in the eye and said, “Kevin there is a wee boy out there that needs our help. If we don’t help you know where he will end up don’t you?”
Kevin dislikes inequality and was drawn in by Grant’s story about this boy who had two absent parents and had grown up in a gang culture. Grant had learnt about this boy through his primary school teacher who referred to him as ‘a young boy with huge potential’. With Kevin Gallichan, Jack Jenkins and the Headmaster, this was the day the Te Amorangi Scholarship Programme was introduced at St Paul’s.
Te Amorangi means to lift up, so St Paul’s opened its gates, its heart and gave this boy the security he needed from outside influences.
This would have never have happened if it wasn’t for St Paul’s.
Kevin recalls with a smile the boy’s first disciplinary meeting with the school Board. A member of the Board asked, “what’s the one thing you have enjoyed about this school?” The boy with tears rolling down his cheeks replied, “I get hot food.”
The second question was, “if we suspend you, where will you go?”
“I have nowhere to go, St Paul’s is the only home I have ever had,” said the student, and with this, the school picked him up, wrapped their support around him and gave him a second chance.
Through a set of circumstances, Kevin’s student discovered who his sponsor was. Kevin’s involvement as a sponsor then changed and he managed this relationship in conjunction with the school.
“This led to a very hands-on and wonderful experience for me,” says Kevin. “I loved the interaction of turning up and watching him play rugby, talking to him after games and providing him with a bed during the school holidays.”
This wee boy has now grown into a young man who is gaining merits in maths, science and English and will attend Otago University to study physiotherapy in 2020.
“This would have never have happened if it wasn’t for St Paul’s. St Paul’s changed his life, and the trajectory of it,” said Kevin.
In 2020, St Paul’s would like to provide six more individuals with the opportunity to thrive in the heart of St Paul’s environment. “The results of the Te Amorangi Programme are staggering, and we need more sponsors to help provide these life-changing opportunities,” says Kevin.
To learn more about becoming a Te Amorangi sponsor, please contact Andrea Harper on a.harper@stpauls.school.nz
Motivated by Montana exchange
An exchange opportunity in Montana, USA, has left Mikayla McClennan with many memorable experiences – one being a close-up encounter with a bison! The Year 13 student completed a three-week trip, along with five other students from New Zealand, organised by New Zealand Young Farmers.
Selected as part of the Young Farmers’ TeenAg programme, the students attended the 4-H Congress in Bozeman. The 4-H Congress is the largest, out-of-school youth development programme in the state.
Staying with host families, the group also had the opportunity to explore parts of Montana. “Getting to see a bison up close at Yellowstone National Park, watching a local 4-H fair, the congress dances and guest speakers, as well as a Boone and Crocket scoring workshop for recognising the size of North American big game animals– were among highlights of the trip,” says Mikayla.
Mikayla (third from left) prior to a themed 4-H Congress dance
Among the best in the world
Aidan Nelson (Year 13) and Frazer Tam (Year 11) have had the chance of a lifetime – to represent New Zealand on the world stage for inline hockey.
The two boys were part of the New Zealand junior inline men’s hockey team who competed in the recent World Roller Games held in Barcelona, placing 15th overall. It was an incredible experience for both.
Musicians put on a show for GC tour
The sounds of music resounded throughout the Gold Coast as 600 students and their teachers from across Australia and New Zealand descended on the city for the 2019 ASPIRE International Youth Music Festival. A group of 60 St Paul’s musicians headed across the ditch to be part of this event.
The three days that followed featured standout adjudicated performances from top schools across New Zealand and Australia in Gold Coast’s The Star theatre.
St Paul’s Big Band, Choir, and Concert Band competed against 11 other schools during the nine-day tour. The Big Band also had the opportunity to perform at Queensland’s largest shopping complex, Pacific Fair.
“We played five games against top-rated countries from all over the world. It was an opportunity like no other, playing the sport I love in Barcelona,” says Frazer.
“It showed us that we can compete with the best teams in the world while also showing us what we need to improve on. The games were an amazing experience, one that I will learn from and use to increase my skill and knowledge of the game,” says Aidan.
St Paul’s Choir placed third, as did the Concert Band, and although the Big Band didn’t place, they performed extremely well against schools who have music academies students join from very young ages.
The NZ junior men’s inline hockey team
Photo credit: ASPIRE Music Festival
Skiers hit the slopes for Waikato champs
After two months training in heavy rain, ice, wind and blizzardlike conditions, St Paul’s ski team was well prepared to face the Waikato Secondary School Ski Championships in August.
Attend a St Paul’s open day or information evening
St Paul’s holds a number of open days, tours and information evenings throughout the year for families to find out more about the school’s offering. We welcome any family wanting to find out more about what St Paul’s has to offer their teenager.
Keep an eye on the website for upcoming dates and register online to attend at stpauls.school.nz/ events
Eighteen skiers took to Turoa Ski Field for the challenging banked slalom course that saw each skier complete two runs. With over 60 boys and 50 girls competing, from secondary schools across the Waikato, it was a long day of racing in heavy rain and snow, with limited visibility.
St Paul’s ski team excelled in their commitment and effort with Henry Mandeno (Year 13) placing first in the boys’ banked slalom event. Callum Shepherd (Year 13) placed fifth and Lachlan Coleman (Year 12), sixth, placing three of our skiers in the top ten of the boys’ competition.
Other notable successes included Frankie Smith (Year 11) who was the seventh fastest girl on the mountain and Sam Ladbrook (Year 9) who put in the tenth fastest run.
Students serve up weekend of good intentions
In support of the World Vision 40 Hour Famine, a group of St Paul’s students gave up their weekend to spend 40 hours serving others.
Led by Jana Stokes and Daniel Rickman, senior students Zainal Wong, Chris Penno, Holly Skelton, Katie Grant, Sarina Liang, Mikayla McClennan, Annie Hantz, Kayley Caulfield, Zara Leong and Sophie Stocker, joined forces with students from Waikato Diocesan School for Girls, to complete a weekend of servicerelated projects earlier this year.
“Thousands of kiwis, alongside the 12 of us, participated in this weekend – all taking away something different and invaluable from the 40 hours,” says Jana.
Projects included working alongside local charities Kaivolution and The Serve; hosting a party for over 80 children from the Refugee Orientation Centre Trust; helping at Waikato Hospital, escorting patients to and from a chapel service; and performing a singalong concert at St Joan’s Rest Home.
St Paul’s ski team in Turoa for the Waikato champs
Students lending a helping hand at The Serve
Collegians gather for 1st XV rugby reunion
Collegians who have worn the 1st XV rugby jersey were invited to the inaugural 1st XV rugby reunion event on July 6, 2019.
Gathering to enjoy an afternoon watching the current 1st XV play St Peter’s School in a Central North Island (CNI) match, televised by Sky, it was a great day for Collegians to catch up. The score added to the positive vibe on the day, with St Paul’s winning 52-12. Those who attended were also treated to an entertaining speech by well-known former rugby coach and St Paul’s Collegian, Ross Cooper (School 1965-1969).
Ross was in the St Paul’s 1st XV rugby team for three years and was awarded his rugby colours. His rugby career included playing for Canterbury U19s and the Waikato Colts, he also played for Wairarapa – Bush and Thames Valley.
Collegians learnt that Ross started his coaching career helping at St Paul’s with the 2nd XV while he was at the University of Waikato. Following this, he has a long career coaching at regional level. In 1994, he made the All Blacks panel and has been an All Blacks selector and assistant coach.
It was an honour to host Ross Cooper at the reunion and to see many Collegians who have played in the 1st XV jersey return to catch up with one another. We look forward to welcoming back many more for future 1st XV events, with the next one being planned for 2020.
Collegians at the rugby reunion, almost all having worn the 1st XV rugby jersey for St Paul’s
Bumblebee Cayde Lewis with Ross Cooper ready to run the ball onto the field
Andrew Gibbs with Collegian Ross Cooper
University graduates
Congratulations to St Paul’s Collegians who have recently had a tertiary qualification conferred. Please note not all tertiary institutions provide us with results; we include what is provided to us.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Georgina Gibb Diploma in Applied Science
Massey University
Lou-Anne Roman Bachelor of Science
Caitlin Reid Bachelor of Communication
Harry Pickernell Bachelor of Design with Honours
Cameron Wratt Bachelor of AgriScience
Arjun Singh Bachelor of AgriCommerce
Sofia Harbottle Bachelor of Communication
Timothy Robertshaw Bachelor of Arts
University of Canterbury
Benjamin Bowden Bachelor of Engineering (Third class honours)
Tyla Mead Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Anjena Singh Master of Science (Merit) Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Guy Wilkins Bachelor of Forestry Science
Blake Wilson Bachelor of Commerce
University of Otago
Fiona Thorp Bachelor of Laws
Katherine Keddell Bachelor of Science
Olivia Street Bachelor of Science
Lucy Shilston Bachelor of Science
Eleisha Campbell Bachelor of Science
Victoria University
Matthew Collier Bachelor of Arts
Samuel Cooper Bachelor of Commerce
Liam Jackson Bachelor of Commerce
Courtland Lee Bachelor of Commerce
Beth Noble Master of Building Science
Jack Schicker Bachelor of Design Innovation
Dominic Scott-Jones Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Laws
DISCOVER THE TIHOI DIFFERENCE
EXCLUSIVE TO St Paul’s Collegiate School, Hamilton, the Tihoi Venture School experience is a unique 18-week programme for our Year 10 boys.
Located near Taupo, the Tihoi Venture School programme removes boys from technology, connecting them instead with the outdoors. The programme combines academics, outdoor and social activities to give our young men con dence, build their resilience and develop their independence, giving them a valuable head start into their senior years.