Blacks Network
TEACHER TAKES ON INTERNATIONAL CROSSFIT TOURNAMENT
AGRIBUSINESS IN SCHOOLS
LANDER CENTRE
OPENING
A positive response in challenging times
IN RECENT TIMES AN OVERWHELMING SENSE OF UNCERTAINTY HAS PERMEATED THROUGHOUT EACH LAYER OF OUR PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIVES. FOR MANY, THE LACK OF CONTROL, COUPLED WITH THE LESS THAN OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOKS BEING DISCUSSED ON A DAILY BASIS ACROSS OUR NEWS CYCLE, HAS UNDERSTANDABLY LED TO FURTHER FRUSTRATION AND STRESS. —Ben Skeen
Such feelings have been deeply experienced by our young people, who have had to contend with social isolation, the somewhat independent nature of distance learning, and the loss of extra-curricular activities. For our senior students, the imminent commencement of external examinations has added a further layer of pressure.
Yet out of this period of challenge and unrest, there is much to acknowledge and celebrate. The first of these genuine highlights has been the adaptability and endeavour of our students during interchangeable periods of time at different alert levels. Be it online, in virtual breakout rooms, or in following onsite protocols at Alert Level 2, our young women and men have demonstrated co-operation and maturity, consequently allowing us to get on with the important process of teaching and learning.
Secondly, our staff have again illustrated not only their technical expertise in
curriculum delivery and/or logistical management of our campuses, but moreover have provided immense energy and goodwill, thus allowing the School to continue to deliver a high quality educational service during this unsettling time.
Notably and most importantly, it has been the service mentality and outreach initiatives our community has focused on in recent months, that as a guardian of this great school, I am most proud of. I have always held dear a quote from the film ‘The Emperor’s Club’ that notes “Great ambition and conquest, without contribution, will be without significance. What will your contribution be?” With respect to the numerous displays of St Paul’s Collegiate School generosity and giving in recent times, I would humbly suggest we are a community of contributors. Yes, there are always spaces and places where we can give more of ourselves for the betterment of others, but recent contributions to Flame Cambodia, the World Vision 40 Hour Famine and the Hamilton Christian Foodbank, to name but a few, are tangible examples of a community outwardly focused. Long may this be nourished and enhanced.
In recent times the term ‘vulnerable’ has been prevalent in headlines and soundbites -
the vulnerable and isolated elderly, the vulnerability of the unvaccinated, our vulnerable health service, vulnerable businesses, the list goes on. Brené Brown, an American professor, author and selfproclaimed storyteller, has researched the concept of vulnerability for much of her professional life. She concludes that part of our quest to be wholeheartedly human, starts with having the courage to be vulnerable ourselves. She attests this vulnerability starts with acknowledging we don’t have all the answers nor the control, and as such she challenges us to step forward with a desire to form deep connections with others, for it is connection that brings purpose and meaning to our lives.
Therefore, while enjoying the following pages that celebrate our students’ successes and record accomplishments of our school community during a time of great uncertainty, I implore each of you, valued members of our educational and faith community, to reflect on how your resources can be used to connect with others while we traverse this shifting landscape.
As Martin Luther King Jr once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”.
Issue 102 November 2021
Contributors: Monica Holt, Andrea Douglas, Michelle Smith, Morgan Mackenzie, Ginny Semmens, Matthew Waddell, Geoff Lewis and Nicola Martin
Photographers: Mark Hamilton, Andrew Constable, Chris Chivers and Sarah Tafuna
Collegians (INC): 07 957 8805 collegians@stpauls.school.nz
Marketing and Development Office 07 957 8898
St Paul’s Collegiate School Private Bag 3069 Waikato Mail Centre Hamilton 3240 New Zealand
Advertising: If you wish to advertise in Network please contact Melissa Good on 07 957 8898 or m.good@stpauls.school.nz for a rate card.
Cover photo: Image of Samisoni Taukei’aho debuting for the All Blacks. He is the School’s third Collegian to become an All Black.
Ben Skeen
Littlejohn smashes national records
Blowing her competition out of the water, Laura Littlejohn (Year 12) has gained multiple medals and broken regional and national records over the course of the year.
On Saturday 3 July, Laura competed at the Waikato Winter Short Course meet where she broke the New Zealand 16-year-old girls’ record for her 200 metre individual medley, with a time of 2.12.85 minutes.
Buoyed by this success, she then went on to compete at the New Zealand Secondary School Swim Championships two weeks later, where she was
one of the standout athletes of the competition. Not only did Laura collect eight gold and two silver medals, but she also claimed two more New Zealand age group records, eight Waikato age group records and two Waikato Open records.
It was the rapid time of 54.03 seconds in the 100 metre freestyle that landed her a New Zealand record. Her 100 metre individual medley swim in just 1.00.59 minutes was also a New Zealand age group record and under the qualifying standard for the Senior World Short Course Champs due to be held in Dubai later this year.
Menotti snags June Clifford Silver Award
Triathlon success gains invitation to international stage
For Oliver Larcombe (Year 13), 2021 has been a triumphant year winning several medals at various triathlons around the country. However, it was the win at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships in March that gained Ollie a spot to compete at the 2021 U19 Junior World Championships in Bermuda this year.
The team is made up of the best three males and females
in New Zealand. Sadly, due to the arrangements of the MIQ facility, Ollie and his teammates are unable to participate in the overseas race, as they cannot secure accommodation on their return home.
Looking ahead to the 2022 World championships in Montreal, Ollie is determined to make the U19 New Zealand Triathlon team once again so he can finally secure an international race.
While competing at the New Zealand Community Trust Music Contest on 5-6 August, Matthew Chanwai (Year 11) played the cello in the trio, Menotti.
Made up of pianist Audrey Guo (Westlake Girls’ High School) and second cellist Junghwan Choi (Rangitoto High School), Menotti received the prestigious June Clifford Silver Award. With over 300 groups to compete against, the trio performed ‘Suite for Two Cellos’ and ‘Piano’ by Gian Carlo Menotti.
In honour of Mrs June Clifford, Chair of Chamber Music New Zealand, the Silver Award is presented to six of the national semi-finalist groups, each receiving a $500 cash prize.
The competition has been a long process, beginning in June where the group first played at the Auckland district preliminary rounds. Earning a place at the Auckland District Finals, the trio progressed further and were awarded a spot in the Northern Regional Finals before competing at nationals.
Menotti trio performing
Ollie on the home straight
Laura celebrates in the pool
by Monica Holt
Quick call-up a dream come true for Samisoni
SAMISONI TAUKE’AHO (SONI) BECAME THE SCHOOL’S THIRD ALL BLACK WITH A SURPRISE CALL UP IN JULY, MAKING HIS DEBUT AT WAIKATO STADIUM AGAINST FIJI.
Samisoni Tauke’aho (Sargood 2013-2015) was driving home to Hamilton after watching the All Blacks play Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium.
Then came the unexpected phone call “probably the best call I have ever had.” It was from All Blacks manager Darren Shand. “He told me they wanted me to meet them in Dunedin before the first test against Fiji.”
“I got called about lunchtime and the flight to Christchurch, and then Dunedin, was at 4 o’clock. So, I had to do my washing and pack really quickly and then hit the road.”
While he may have got the callup due to injury, Soni, 24, had long been on the radar of All Blacks selectors.
The son of a nurse mother, and policeman father, Soni grew up in Tonga, and was a stand-
out junior rugby player at Tonga High School. He has an older brother, and a younger brother, as well as another three siblings his parents have adopted.
From Years 11-13, he moved to New Zealand, attending St Paul’s as a boarder, and quickly made his mark in the St Paul’s first XV rugby team as a skilful and physically powerful forward. He won selection for representative teams, including Waikato U16 and U19; New Zealand Secondary Schools, New Zealand Barbarians and the Chiefs.
Soni said he first felt relief stepping on to his home field at FMG Waikato Stadium, after the excitement of the selection.
“I got to achieve my dream of running on to be an All Black and after that it was just business as usual doing my job. Doing my part for the
All Blacks.” He did it in style, scoring two tries on debut. There were mixed emotions as travel restrictions meant his parents could not be there.
“But they were watching on the TV at my village, they were all tuning in, so that was pretty exciting.”
Soni thanked Andrew Gibbs, Ryan McCarthy and Paul Hodder for having a big influence on his development as a rugby player at St Paul’s and the person he is today.
After leaving school, as he adjusted to life in New Zealand, Soni boarded with Paul and Kirsty Hodder at their home in Hamilton East, and affectionately calls them his “New Zealand parents.” Hodder, the school’s High Performance Rugby and Cricket co-ordinator, describes some of Soni’s outstanding
his All Blacks selection.
“He is a world-class scrumager and reliable thrower into the lineout, and a physically direct player who is a ‘handful’ for the opposition.”
After a successful debut, Soni was selected for the All Blacks’ tour of Australia.
Soni is planning for life after rugby and has started a law degree at the University of Waikato. “Hopefully I get to finish it during my playing career and get to use it afterwards.”
Soni owns his own home in St Andrews, Hamilton, and lives with his partner Caitlin Lawry. His younger brother Tevita, a Year 13 boarder at St Paul’s (Sargood House) stayed with them during the recent Level 4 lockdown.
Aside from rugby, Soni loves walking his Golden Retriever dog in the neighbourhood and has recently purchased some golf clubs.
“I am not very good at all,” he laughs. “But it is good to have something to get into aside from rugby.”
For now, it is all about the rugby, as Soni establishes himself in the All Blacks.
Former Collegians to be selected for the All Blacks were Kit Fawcett (1976) (Sargood 1968-1971) and Geoff Hines (1980) (Sargood 1974-1977).
Soni’s first VX coach reflects on his remarkable story
ANDREW GIBBS WAS SONI TAUKE’AHO’S FIRST RUGBY COACH AT ST PAUL’S AND HAS WATCHED HIM MATURE FROM A SHY TONGAN SCHOOL BOY, TO AN ALL BLACK. GIBBS REFLECTS ON HIS RISE THROUGH THE RANKS.
“When you talk about Soni, it is always Soni and Peli (Asipeli Mafuataimi), (Williams 20132015).” Peli was another young man from Tonga who came to NZ at the same time as Soni. They were the captain and vice-captain of the Tongan U15 rugby team. As a pair, they were formidable on the field and best mates off the field. I don’t think there is anyone from school who when remembering Soni would forget that the other half of the duo was Peli. Unfortunately, Peli was not as durable as Soni and had a couple of injuries that meant he could not continue to play rugby. He is now a farmer on the island of Vava’u in Tonga.
“My first impression of Soni was, wow, this guy is going to be special. This shone through immediately.”
I have coached many outstanding players at the first XV level. Many have had the mental game, the skill factor, the emotional capability, or the physical ability. Few have had all of these, and that is what makes Soni special. He has the total package needed to play our game at the highest level.
Apart from being the complete player, Soni is also hugely loyal. He is a St Paul’s man, a Sargood man, and a family man. He is loyal to all those who show him trust and loyalty.
Soni is incredibly driven and a hard worker. At St Paul’s he graduated with a Merit
endorsement at the end of Year 13. This is an amazing achievement for someone with English as a second language. He has also continued to study law alongside his rugby playing. Soni is very goaldriven and once he has his mind fixed on something it is very hard to change it.
As a player, he was one of, if not, our hardest workers, even though he was one of the best players. He never rested on his laurels and displayed hard work, commitment, and personal sacrifice in all he did both on and off the field.
He was a “follow me” type leader as the captain and would never ask others to do things he would not do himself. He was a huge competitor and hated losing. He was always very gracious and didn’t sulk about it, but you could see it in his eyes that he was never happy with second place.
When he made the All Blacks Soni called me to say he was
going to be selected. Soni has never forgotten where this journey started and although he has done all the hard work himself, he is quick to remember those who have helped him along the way. They often say that great men make great All Blacks. Whilst Soni will no doubt continue to be an amazing rugby player I don’t think this will ever define him as a person. He comes from a wonderful family, is clever, loyal, empathetic, and committed to anything he does.
Soni really is a good man and I am proud to have been his first XV coach and now friend.
This and opposite page: Soni playing rugby at school
Soni in 2014 Boarders Tug-o-war comp
Asipeli Mafuataimi (Peli)
Andrew Gibbs
He was one of eight Kiwis to qualify but the only male Master from Australasia to take part in the prestigious event which attracts the very best competitors from around the world.
Ryan’s dedication to fitness makes him a regular in St Paul’s gymnasium as he puts countless training hours into CrossFit – as well as teaching and coaching the school’s second XV rugby team.
CrossFit is a combination of gymnastics, weightlifting and aerobic conditioning and has become a global fitness phenomenon in recent years.
Ryan took up the sport after he moved down from Auckland, had given up club rugby, and was looking for a new fitness challenge. He had come from a teaching job at Macleans College where he had done Olympic weightlifting.
In 2013, Ryan’s new colleague introduced him to the world of CrossFit and he was immediately hooked.
It was a long road to get to the World CrossFit champs, after narrowly missing qualification in 2019, and then qualifying for 2020, in the Masters 40-44 age bracket, but the event was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year, out of 15,000 participants in the qualification process, only the top 20 athletes worldwide (00.01%) qualify for each category of the World CrossFit Games. It is a rigorous qualification process with applicants required to participate in nine qualification workouts, having to send through work outs and videos as proof of the workouts, which are then judged and verified. He is extremely grateful to the school for giving him leave so he could attend; and also for the
financial support from many people as his sport does not receive any public funding.
“Obviously, the whole trip was made possible by the many people who kindly donated to my Givealittle page. The response was overwhelming. The whole trip would not have been possible without the amazing financial support I received.”
The event itself is three days of intense competition in Madison, Wisconsin. “There are three workouts per day. You don’t know what the events are in advance, they tell you the night before.”
“I had a 7.5 km run, a 500m swim, plus other traditional CrossFit workouts involving gymnastics and weightlifting.”
It was a fantastic, once-ina-lifetime experience. “The people you meet and the camaraderie between competitors in awesome.”
“I was the only Australasian Master Male athlete, there were two Canadians, two French, and the rest were Americans. I was probably quite unique as I was only one of three who did not own a CrossFit gym.” He finished his division in the competition in 12th place.
Under Ryan’s leadership CrossFit, which builds
mental toughness, strength, speed, power and aerobic fitness – has been introduced to the school’s sports programme. The goal is to enter a team in national competitions.
In terms of his own future, the bug is still alive, and Ryan would love to compete in the World Games again next year. Forever the perfectionist, Ryan says “there are so many skills involved you never master it.”
He wants to encourage students to give it a go, to never give up on their goals and not to be scared to try new things. “Regardless of the outcome, give it a go. People will still be proud of you if you try.”
Travel restrictions and the requirement to do a stint in managed isolation on returning to New Zealand meant he was away for five weeks.
A cancelled internal connection meant he had to reschedule flights and had a spontaneous trip to Disneyland as he waited for a rescheduled flight.
A natural athlete, Ryan did gymnastics competitively prior to St Paul’s and then took up athletics and rugby under the guidance of Paul Wilson and Gary Henley-Smith while a
student at St Paul’s. He was part of the 4x100m school track relay team which still holds the national Secondary Schools athletics record of 42.53 obtained in 1997.
He described a tough athletics training regime under Paul Wilson, still on staff at the school, which helped him develop discipline and good training habits. “That was where my training ethic was developed, we would run on Sundays here and train six days a week so that gave me a grounding in hard work.”
His sporting prowess was a solid foundation to study a Bachelor of Education at the University of Otago. He played 52 first-class games for North Otago and had one season with the Highlanders Super Rugby team.
Ryan grew up in Turangi and gave most sports a go including motorcross, swimming, athletics, hunting, snow and water skiing.
Involved in all areas of school life, Ryan has been on the Collegians’ Association Committee for 10 years and has spent three years as Vice President. He is a former Head of House at Sargood while a student; and Sargood Housemaster from 2016-2018 and Deputy 2011-2015.
Ryan lives in Hamilton, with his wife Maree, also a PE teacher, and their children Taylor, 11, and Sam, 9.
Smiles on the sprint course
Strong culture wins Plate to Pasture Award
SERVING NINE FOR LUNCH IS ALL PART OF A DAY’S WORK FOR ALLEN (WILLIAMS 1984-1988)
AND JO JOHNSTONE. —by
Andrea Douglas
Winners in the Silver Fern Farms Plate to Pasture supplier awards for 2021, Allen and Jo of Wallace Johnstone Ltd run a bull, beef and finishing steer operation. They winter 1800 trading cattle, mate 5500 breeding ewes and carry 200 replacements.
Allen and Jo were winners of the Western North Island Prime Beef Award and finalists in the Bull Beef category by outshining the other 16,000 suppliers. When the judges visited their farm, Jo wowed them with an Asian twist on scotch fillet, a meal that would appeal to their customers and could be recreated at home.
Head judge Melissa Sowden noted that Allen and Jo epitomise what the judges were looking for in a Silver Fern Farms Plate to Pasture Award winner.
“The systems, processes and policies on this farm were next level, and their future focus on environmental sustainability was clear.”
They understand what it is that consumers are demanding now and into the future, and they’re gearing their business to match and exceed these market expectations.
“The Johnstones already include indigenous biodiversity and carbon reporting on their farm. They’ve planted an impressive 12,000 natives in the last two years, with plans for another 5,500 in the next year. Their property boasts 250ha of lush regenerating native bush, demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability,” she said.
Jo Johnstone attributed their success to the strong team culture they have built on farm.
“You’re
nothing without your team and we’ve spent a lot of time creating a culture among our team. We love our people, and we’ve built that into the culture.”
Allen expressed his surprise at having been chosen among such a strong field.
Allen and Jo’s prize includes an international in-market tour. Allen said, “obviously this won’t happen for a while with Covid-19, but hopefully it’s on the radar soon.”
In the meantime, Allen and Jo enjoy having their two children, Lily and Harry (Williams 20152019), return home to the farm during their university holidays.
While Allen and Jo are past parents of St Paul’s, Allen is also on the School’s Foundation Board as a Director where he is involved in managing the Foundation’s forestry portfolio.
Johnstone Family - Allen, Jo, Lily and Harry
Asian twist scotch fillet dish
Trading London life for the family farm
AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CORPORATE CAREER IN LONDON, ANNA WILDMAN (HARINGTON 1994) RETURNED HOME TO THE KING COUNTRY FAMILY FARM AND IN 2016 TOOK OVER MANAGING THE PROPERTY.
by Monica Holt
The 700-hectare property is located 15km west of Te Kuiti, on land which Anna, 44, describes as “absolutely beautiful.”
She runs the dairy grazing farm, running 1100 cattle in winter as well as red deer and beef.
“We are predominantly dairy grazing. Our dairy farming clients send us their calves which we rear through to 2-year-olds.”
Returning home to New Zealand in 2012, via Central America for six months, Anna went home briefly and planned to shift to Auckland to look for a job.
“It was meant to be a couple of months and I kind of just stayed here and got more and more involved in the operation.
Eventually deciding that I wanted to have the opportunity to manage the business.”
As a school leaver, Anna studied a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Otago, specialising in finance and IT, and notably “nothing to do with farming.”
She had a short stint working in Auckland then in 2001 moved to London – a city she loved for its variety and pace of life.
Anna worked in local government, working for Lambeth Council in Brixton in a business development and IT systems role with a large staff.
Having had nothing to do with farming for 20-years – and
leaving home as a young teen to attend boarding school in Hamilton – it was a case of learning on the job.
“We have an absolutely stunning property and after so many years being inside, I just love not being in an office and getting to spend my days outside.”
She loves working with animals and the green and lush surrounds at the farm which has been in the family more than 70-years.
“It was quite a change for me coming back to the farm, learning everything I can and seeing the changes and improvements we are making on the property, that is the joy.”
Her father, who lives on the property, also helps out on the farm when he is there.
Anna’s background means she is a keen adopter of onfarm technology, including using the water monitoring application developed by her brother Richard Wildman (Williams 1997-2001) through his company, Knode (knode. co.nz). Knode helps businesses monitor their key assets with real-time data and insights, enabling business owners to make smarter, more impactful decisions.
Another Collegian, her neighbour Trinny Groube (Harington 2019-2020) has been working on the farm part time, when she is not working on her family’s own block.
Anna Wildman (Harington 1994)
Candlestand completes Chapel
THE SCHOOL HAS BEEN GIFTED A CANDLESTAND WITH ORIGINS DATING BACK 300 YEARS. IT WAS DESIGNED AND HANDMADE BY JIM FITCHETT, SON OF DR MARCUS FITCHETT, ONE OF THE EIGHT ORIGINAL FOUNDERS OF ST PAUL’S COLLEGIATE SCHOOL.
by Michelle Smith
The Pascal (Easter) candlestand has been the missing object from St Paul’s Chapel Services which are commonly used in ceremonies such as baptisms and events where candles are lit to mark significant tragedies.
Revd Peter Rickman says this candlestand has made the Chapel of Christ the King complete.
“The Chapel has never had this particular type of candlestand before,” says Revd Rickman. “Its presence connects us with Jesus ‘the Light of the World’, a light shining in the darkness of life when we need it the most.”
The candlestand is made from totara, donated by Peter Fitchett, Dr Marcus Fitchett’s eldest son, but it also contains two very special pieces of marble which came from St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
In 1956, Dr Fitchett visited the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in London and asked if he would gift something for the newly proposed St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton, New Zealand. He was gifted two pieces of marble that became detached from St Paul’s Cathedral in the bombing on 29 December 1940, the 114th night of the Blitz of the Second World War.
But these pieces of marble have further history. They were handcrafted over 300 years ago and were the original pieces of stone used in the St Paul’s Cathedral built in the late 11th century. This cathedral was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666. Stone and marble recovered from this building were used to rebuild the new St Paul’s Cathedral.
These marble pieces from St Paul’s Cathedral built originally in 1666 and then rebuilt between 1675-1710, are now embedded into the Fitchett candlestand.
The candlestand was blessed and dedicated at a special Chapel service held on Sunday 27 June and attended by the Fitchett family.
Fitchett family at the dedication to the new candlestand
Michael Fitchett (School 1960-1961)
Peter Fitchett (School 1959-1961)
Patricia Brown and Jim Fitchett
World renowned musician now teaches at St Paul’s
GRAMMY-AWARD WINNING SINGER, TIMOTHY WAYNEWRIGHT HAS AN EXTENSIVE MUSIC CAREER SPANNING OVER 30 YEARS AND JOINED ST PAUL’S AS THE NEW DIRECTOR OF CHORAL MUSIC IN JULY THIS YEAR.
by Morgan Mackenzie
Acknowledging how enthusiastic the students are, Timothy is excited to share his musical passion in this newly created role at St Paul’s.
“St Paul’s is a glorious place to work and there is a true sense of community and camaraderie between the teachers and pupils. The level of teaching here is exceptional and I’m thrilled to be part of this network, passing on knowledge to these passionate students.”
Wayne-Wright has performed with, co-directed and project managed the a cappella group, The King’s Singers, since 2009. The group was labelled ‘most successful vocal ensemble on the planet’ by Gramophone magazine in 2018 and has represented a gold standard in a cappella singing on the world’s greatest stages for over fifty years. Throughout the lifetime of The King’s Singers, they have been presented two Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award and a place in Gramophone magazine’s inaugural Hall of Fame.
Over the past two years, Timothy has held the Artistic Director position at the CHORALSPACE Winter and Summer Festivals in Berlin. CHORALSPACE is an event
that enables, supports, and showcases local and international choral performances. His role was to lead the process of the artistic programming for the international choirs.
Timothy is actively engaged in adjudicating worldleading choral events and undertaking masterclasses across the globe. Most recently he judged the European Choir Games in Sweden and The Heart of Chorus International Choral Festival and Competition in China. His masterclasses have taken him to the UK, China, Sweden and Germany.
Timothy graduated from Goldsmith’s College at the University of London with a Bachelor of Music in 2004 and went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Vocal Studies, which he received a scholarship to do so, from the Trinity College of Music.
With many tremendous feats, we are delighted Timothy has landed at St Paul’s Collegiate School.
“St Paul’s already has a strong choral reputation, thanks to predecessor Timothy Carpenter. I’m thrilled to continue developing and nurturing the choirs over the next few years. They’ve been a joy to teach so far, and I am looking forward to watching their talents improve.”
Timothy Wayne-Wright II
The King’s Singers
THE AGRIBUSINESS IN SCHOOLS PROJECT BEGAN IN 2013 WHEN THE PROGRAMME WAS FIRST DEVELOPED AND TRIALLED AT ST PAUL’S - AND EIGHT YEARS ON IS BEING TAUGHT IN 97 SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT NZ.
In 2013, St Paul’s designed and developed a pilot Agribusiness programme to encourage secondary school students, in their own school, to consider career pathways in the primary sector. The following year, the programme attracted 44 students across years 12 and 13.
In conjunction with developing the programme further, the School established an Agribusiness Advisory Group made up of key representatives from across the primary sector. This group continues to meet twice a year to advise the School on current industry trends to ensure the programme’s content is relevant and sector driven. The School also formed relationships with a set of business partners to help fund the work they were undertaking.
As the numbers of students wanting to learn Agribusiness continued to grow at St Paul’s, this led the School to successfully lobby Government and the Ministry of Education
(MoE) to trial the Agribusiness pilot programme at 12 lead schools around the country before being accepted as achievement standards at NCEA levels 2 and 3. This was an incredible achievement, given most achievement standards and NCEA course work is written by the MoE.
Along with business partners, DairyNZ, Beef+Lamb NZ, AGMARDT, Meat Industries Association, Gallagher, Rabobank, NZ National Fieldays, NZ Kiwifruit Growers Inc and Fairview Motors, St Paul’s has made the Agribusiness programme available to 97 schools
within New Zealand. These organisations continue to partner with the programme to reach their collective goal of having 100 schools and 3500 students enrolled in the programme by 2023.
Other sector partners including BNZ, Zoetis, Greenlea, Waikato Milking Systems, Waitomo Petroleum, AGrowQuip, Campbell Tyson and TetraPak were involved in the development of the agribusiness national curriculum.
As the Agribusiness programme completes its eighth year, the primary sector is starting to see young graduates from the programme entering the workforce and providing the rural sector with well-qualified and capable young people. Network caught up with some of these Agribusiness graduates to find out where they are now.
Agribusiness is taught in 97 schools to more than 3000 students across New Zealand
Pioneer students of Agribusiness enter the workforce
HUGH JACKSON (SARGOOD 2012-2016) FIRST STUDIED AGRIBUSINESS IN HIGH SCHOOL IN 2015 AS A YEAR 12 STUDENT WHEN THE SUBJECT WAS STILL IN ITS INFANCY. AS A YEAR 13 STUDENT, HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE GROUP WHO WON THE 2016 FIELDAYS YOUNG INVENTOR OF THE YEAR FOR A PROJECT THEY HAD TO DESIGN IN THEIR AGRIBUSINESS CLASS. —by Michelle Smith
It was the first time Hugh and the group of 17-year-olds had invented anything, but their post hole borer holder, that attached to a trailer or motorbike to assist a single person to bore holes, attracted great interest from Fieldays attendees.
“I really enjoyed the opportunity to design an agribusiness product and develop the concept through to prototype and present at the National Fieldays,” says Hugh. “The Agribusiness programme really encouraged us to be innovative.”
Hugh continued his study to tertiary level graduating with a Bachelor of AgriCommerce at Massey University, majoring in Farm Management and is now working at DairyNZ as an Extension Partner for the mid-Canterbury region.
“A big part of my role is to help farmers through change. I also share the latest research and development produced by DairyNZ and facilitate discussion groups with farmers, enabling them to learn from each other.”
Hugh loves networking and developing relationships with farmers.
“I am constantly learning from them and hope too, that I am helping them be better at what they do.”
Hugh attributes studying Agribusiness at secondary school level to igniting his career in the dairy sector.
“The programme definitely exposed me to the career opportunities available to us and what type of work is on offer in the primary sector,” says Hugh.
LIBBY MAIN (HARINGTON 2012-2014) SPENDS HER DAYS FOUR-WHEELDRIVING ACROSS THE HOKITIKA RIVER IN WESTLAND TAKING WATER SAMPLES, OR SPEAKING WITH LOCAL IWI, COUNCILS OR THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND FISH AND GAME.
by Nicola Martin
They’re not the type of jobs that immediately spring to mind when you think about a career in Agribusiness.
The 24-year-old is an environmental technician at Westland Milk Products and is about to take on a new role as an Irrigation Technician with Fonterra, at their Hautapu operation, just outside of Cambridge in the Waikato.
While Libby grew up on a 350-hectare dairy farm in the South Waikato, she says it wasn’t until she started studying Agribusiness at St Paul’s Collegiate School, that she grasped the breadth of career opportunities available in the New Zealand agriculture industry.
“I think people still view a career in agriculture as one where you are working on a farm every day, but the truth is there is so much more to it than just running a farm. There are so many support industries that need skilled workers,” says Libby.
Libby was one of the first cohort to study Agribusiness at St Paul’s, when the course was first trialed in 2014.
“I knew that agriculture was my passion but the course at St Paul’s gave me confidence that the industry was wider than working on a farm and it
helped to show me there were good opportunities and career paths to follow.”
When Libby graduated from St Paul’s she went on to study at Lincoln University completing a Diploma in Applied Science (Agriculture) followed by a Bachelor of Environmental Management.
During her second year she took an elective paper on water quality, and says she knew that was how she wanted to make her impact.
“It was while I was at university I discovered I really enjoyed the study of water quality and I knew that was the direction I wanted my career to go,” says Libby.
The variation in her day from heading out on site collecting water samples, to advising the executive management team on resource consents or new environmental legislation, is what she enjoys most about her job.
“I have the ability to plan my own day. I can break up the desk work with on-site jobs at my own discretion. I think the most surprising thing I have discovered since working is how short the industry is of highly skilled staff to do this work,” says Libby.
While she still considers herself early in her career, Libby thinks she would eventually like to move closer to working directly with farmers to help them improve their environmental management.
Hugh Jackson (Sargood 2012-2016)
Libby Main (Harington 2012-2014)
*Unit standards and achievement standards are two types of assessments schools use to assess student knowledge. Both standards specify what a candidate needs to know, do, and understand.
Unit standards are competency based and usually vocational based assessment, developed by the relevant industry training organisations such as the PrimaryITO.
Schools need to be accredited to assess unit standards by the relevant industry training organisation. There are just two grades; Achieved (A) for meeting the criteria of the standard and Not achieved (N) if a student does not meet the criteria of the standard.
Achievement standards are based on assessing New Zealand curriculum developed by the Ministry of Education. Achievement standards are measured by four grades; Achieved (A) for a satisfactory performance, Merit (M) for very good performance, Excellence (E) for outstanding performance, and Not achieved (N) if students do not meet the criteria of the standard.
Partnering with secondary schools in New Zealand to teach Agribusiness
LEVEL 2
SCHOOLS
67 schools taught Level 2 Agribusiness achievement standards* (as at 2020)
SCHOOLS
409 schools are teaching some form of primary sector education (Agricultural and Horticultural Science or Agribusiness either unit standards* or achievement standards*). 409 SCHOOLS
6645 students have studied Agribusiness over the last four years 67
SCHOOLS LEVEL 3
65 schools taught Level 3 Agribusiness achievement standards* (as at 2020)
URBAN
RURAL
60% of secondary schools teaching Agribusiness are urban and 40% are rural.
506 TEACHERS
506 teachers have attended Agribusiness conferences, professional development sessions, pre-service training or training placements.
ACHIEVEMENTS
AGRIBUSINESS PROGAMME WINS AT BIOSECURITY AWARDS
The Agribusiness in Schools programme was recognised for its outstanding contribution to protecting New Zealand’s environment from pests and diseases.
The project team won the inaugural kura/school award in the Ministry for Primary Industries’ 2020 New Zealand Biosecurity Awards held on 16 November, thanks to a new unit of work written to help New Zealand students better understand
biosecurity within NCEA Level 3 Agribusiness.
The achievement standard, which has been made available to all New Zealand secondary schools as part of the agribusiness subject, covers the impacts of biosecurity on the primary industry and the types of practices in place, while allowing students to come up with their own innovative future proo ng ideas.
From left St Paul's Associate Headmaster Ainsley Robson, Deputy General Biosecurity New Zealand Penny Nelson, Agribusiness Project Curriculum Director Kerry Allen and Agribusiness Advisor Melanie Simmons.
Pioneer students of Agribusiness enter the workforce
MAGGIE POWELL (HARINGTON 20152017) CAME FROM THE HIGH RISES OF HONG KONG TO AUCKLAND AS A FOURYEAR-OLD WHEN HER PARENTS MOVED TO NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST CITY. NOW THE AGRIBUSINESS GRADUATE WORKS FOR AN INDUSTRY TAKING ITS PRODUCTS TO THE WORLD INCLUDING HONG KONG, AND CHINA WHICH ARE SOME OF ITS BIGGEST MARKETS.
While she didn’t have a background in agriculture, Maggie says she was introduced to the industry after studying Agribusiness from Year 12 at St Paul’s. It was here she was also inspired to forge a career in New Zealand’s primary industries.
She is now part of the Silver Fern Farms Graduate Career Programme.
“I was born in Hong Kong and my parents moved back to Auckland when I was four. I had always dreamed of being a doctor or a lawyer but then I discovered chemistry wasn’t my strong point.”
Maggie, who enjoyed business subjects at high school, was
encouraged to consider studying Agribusiness at St Paul’s and she says, “something clicked”.
“It wasn’t an obvious choice for me, but through the course I discovered
the vast opportunities offered by the industry,” says Maggie.
After she graduated from high school, she went on to study at Massey University in Palmerston North, and did a Bachelor of Agri-commerce, majoring in International Business.
She started her role on the Graduate Career Programme at Silver Fern Farms in 2021. The company exports to 60 countries worldwide. It employs about 7,000 people at the peak of its season, across 14 processing sites and four office hubs throughout New Zealand.
Maggie is currently based in Dunedin in the marketing team with a focus on brand development for New Zealand and global markets, but her role in the Graduate Career Programme will see her gain experience in a variety of roles.
“I think it will be a really interesting industry over the next few years. I’m already
learning so much. My job involves looking at trends in the market and positioning products as red meat that’s good for you,” says Maggie.
She says the emergence of Covid-19 has meant people have really started to look at their diets.
“The red meat market has come under a lot of pressure as there is a real push towards plantbased eating but there is also a real opportunity to support local,” says Maggie.
Maggie had no idea where a career in agribusiness could take her before studying at St Paul’s.
“Being raised in the city I think you often learn all the negative things about the agriculture industry. I was totally oblivious to it, I don’t think I could have told you how milk was made,” Maggie laughs.
She believes people’s understanding is slowly changing however and now young people coming into the industry had real drive to make a difference.
Where once agriculture may have been considered a course
by Nicola Martin
with easy credits, Maggie says it is now attracting students that are top in class in business subjects and top in class in science.
Studying at St Paul’s I saw the passion the teachers had, and many of them came from agriculture backgrounds. I realised this is so much greater than growing grass and grazing animals, this is actually someone’s livelihood, says Maggie.
Teaching the teachers about Agribusiness
IN HER ROLE AS NATIONAL AGRIBUSINESS SUBJECT ADVISOR, MELANIE SIMMONS THRIVES ON INSTILLING A PASSION FOR THE PRIMARY INDUSTRY IN BOTH TEACHERS AND STUDENTS THROUGHOUT NEW ZEALAND. —by Nicola Martin
Based at St Paul’s, Melanie has been in the role since 2018, working as the National Advisor for the Agribusiness subject.
Melanie’s involvement with the subject stretches back to its very beginning.
She was one of a collective of teachers from eight schools throughout New Zealand, enlisted to collaborate and write a suite of achievement standards which would provide teaching and learning across all eight primary sectors and their entire value chains.
Once developed, Melanie taught the new subject at Feilding High School and when the role of National Agribusiness Subject Advisor, based at St Paul’s was advertised, she says she jumped at the chance.
She believes being a teacher has given her credibility in the role because of the close contact, connection, and relationships she needs to form with teachers. It has also helped in encouraging schools to introduce the subject.
Last year Agribusiness was taught in 97 school across New Zealand catering to 3057 students, while in 2019 there were 93 schools teaching Agribusiness to 2500 students.
Around 60 percent of the schools are urban based.
“What that tells us is that while there was only an increase of four schools there was an increase in nearly 600 students, which means the subject is growing in those schools that are offering it,” says Melanie.
Her weeks are spent between visiting schools to encourage them to teach the course, answering the phone to teachers, often working in the classroom, who have questions from students on the spot, to moderating assessments or presenting at and attending industry events.
“They don’t think of working in Germany doing a marketing programme for Brancott Estate Wines or writing code for Fonterra to put electronic billboards up across Tokyo in Japan, but that’s also working in the primary sector,” says Melanie.
The multidisciplinary course covers everything from business and economics through to technology and the sciences. Students who are pursuing careers in Agribusiness are doing extremely well with starting salaries between $60,000 to $70,000, and sometimes a car, phone, laptop, and a fuel card, says Melanie.
Traditionally there has been a real lack of understanding of career pathways in the primary sector and it hasn’t been viewed as a high skilled qualification. People think it’s working on a dairy farm, 4am starts and polluting the environment, that’s the perception we’re fighting against. says Melanie.
“There is still this idea you need to be a doctor or a lawyer to do well but they certainly aren’t the only career pathways,” says Melanie.
These perceptions are why she works so hard to capture both teachers and students across New Zealand and facilitate real world learning in the classrooms teaching Agribusiness.
She uses her Agribusiness class at St Paul’s as a testing ground of sorts, a place where she can try out innovative curriculum ideas and approaches before introducing them to other schools.
“If we’re teaching about the cashflow forecasts of a prawn farm we get them eating prawns, talking about where they came from, and can we produce them in New Zealand? Students leave the classroom invigorated and more than that they’re also saying, ‘we just had a mean feed in Agribusiness’.”
It’s moments like these that are the reason she does the job.
Melanie Simmons
1. Jazz hands for Clark House 2. Junior boys off to a good start 3. Start of the race at school cross country 4. Happiness in Hall House 5. King Herod song 6. The girls happy on cross country course 7. Jesus Christ Superstar band 8. Resilience paint on Arts Day 9. The Jesus must die scene Jesus Christ Superstar 10. Hall House leading the pack 11. Sculpture making on Arts Day 12. One foot in front of the other 13. My temple should be a house of prayer 14. Asher Downing plays ukulele solo for Fitchett House 15. This Jesus must die 16. Hall House Chalk Art 17. Hall House led by top conductor Tanika Naidoo 18. Hamilton and Fitchett with wind in their hair 19. Head boy Matthew Waddell leads Sargood 20. Painting Mr McGrath at Arts Day 21. Origami in Williams House for Arts Day 22. All the leaves are brown for Hamilton House 23. Face painting on Arts Day 24. What’s the buzz at Jesus Christ Superstar.
Cam Elliott
LONG STANDING MEMBER OF THE ST PAUL’S COMMUNITY, MR HONE CAMPBELL NOSSITER ELLIOTT, BETTER KNOWN AS CAM, PASSED AWAY SUDDENLY ON 16 JUNE 2021.
Cam made an outstanding contribution to the governance of St Paul’s Collegiate School over a long period of years. He served as a Trustee of the Waikato Anglican College Trust for 22 and a half years (from 1987 through to April 2009); was a founding Director of Great Oaks Trading Company Limited (the School Shop) from April 1995 through to April 2018 – an incredible 23-year timespan; acted as a Director of Great Oaks Property Limited from March 2002 through to January 2008; and was deservedly made a Fellow of St Paul’s in 2003.
Cam and wife, Lee (former teacher at St Paul’s) provided homestay and pastoral care to many international students, welcoming them into their own home and extended family.
David MacKay
(School 1959-1961)
He was one of life’s true gentlemen. He spoke up when the need arose and what he had to say was always worth listening to, given his measured and wellconsidered approach to all things.
Cam was passionate about seeing St Paul’s thrive and he took great pride in building relationships within the community.
One of our much-loved Foundation students and a stalwart supporter of St Paul’s passed away in June 2021. David was the dearly loved husband of Marge and father and father-in-law of Hugh and Kim; and Hein and Nikki. He was student number 35 at St Paul’s from 1959 to 1961. David was a strong supporter of the Collegians and volunteered his time to be part of the Collegians Committee.
Around 14 Collegians attended a service for David in Tauranga, which is testament to the strong friendships he had within the St Paul’s community.
Margaret Forsyth, mother of Collegians Thomas (School/Sargood 2001-2005), Jonathan (School 2004-2008) and Lucien (School 20072011) Nabbs passed away in May 2021.
Timothy McKergow (School 1961-1965) and Head of School in 1965 passed away in May 2021.
Chris Lamb (Hall 1977-1981) sadly passed away in July 2021.
David MacKay fourth from the left
Cam Elliott leaves St Paul’s for the final time through a full school guard of honour
St Paul’s Fellow Cam Elliott with Lee Elliott
Chris Wood
Julie Wood, mother of international footballer, Chris Wood (School 2005-2008) gifted a signed jersey on behalf of Chris to teacher, Mr Michael Groom in June. Chris is very thankful to his former football coach, mentor and inspiration, Mr Groom. Chris also hit the headlines during the Olympics as part of the OlyWhites football team, helping the team make history and enabling their first ever Olympic win.
Linus Muller
Linus Muller (Hall 2014) played hockey for Germany at the 2020 Olympics held this year. Linus attended St Paul’s as an international student from April to October 2014 where he was hosted by Don and Sheryl Sandford. Linus played in the First XI hockey team at the time, representing the school at Rankin Cup in Palmerston North that same year. Linus has played for Mannheimer HC, Germany since 2018.
Northern Districts
Collegians Matt Fisher (Hall 2013-2017) and Freddy Walker (Fitchett 2008-2012) have been selected to play for the Northern Districts Cricket Association for the 2021/22 cricket season.
Zac Posa (Sargood 2010-2014) is now a fully Qualified Quantity Surveyor. Zac works for Livingstone Building and he was involved in the construction of the new Lander Centre at St Paul’s.
Julie Wood with St Paul’s teacher, Michael Groom
Linus Muller (far left) with first XI team in 2014
Rod Carr Rugby representatives
Rod Carr (Williams 1972-1976) Since completing ten years in his role as Vice Chancellor of the University of Canterbury in 2019, Rod Carr has kept busy. In 2019 he ran the Pyongyang Marathon in North Korea, walked Hadrian’s Wall, completed the Polar Circle Marathon in Greenland and accepted the role of Chair of He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission. The last eighteen months have been busy for the Commission as it prepared advice for New Zealand on; what greenhouse gas emissions would meet our domestic targets and international obligations; and how we would reduce our emissions to live within those budgets. Rod continues his role as a director of ASB bank and crown owned company Otakaro which is developing the Christchurch Convention Centre and the new Metro Sports Centre in Christchurch with a combined value of a billion dollars. His pro bono work includes trusteeships of the Christchurch Arts Centre and the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust.
Four Collegians were selected to play for Canterbury rugby this season. Congratulations to Liam Allen (Sargood 2014-2018), Fergus Burke (Williams 2013-2017), Luke Donaldson (Hamilton 2013-2017), and Daniel Johnson (Williams 20142018).
In the Waikato, Collegians Tepaea Cook-Savage (Sargood 2017-2019), George Dyer (Sargood 2013-2017), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Sargood 2013-2015), and Gideon Wrampling (Clark 2017-2018, Hall 2018-2019) were selected to play in the 2021 Waikato Rugby NPC squad. Sam Cooper (School 2013-2017) has also placed in the Waikato NPC. Samisoni was selected this year for the All Blacks.
Sargood House
Housemaster Guy Johnstone (Sargood 1990-1994) and deputy housemaster Michael Rameka (Williams 1997-1999) along with Residential Assistant Glenn Eyers (School 2007 -2010), are the three Collegians currently leading Sargood.
Guy has been the housemaster of Sargood since 2019, when he took over from fellow Collegian, Ryan McCarthy (1993-1997). Guy has also spent time teaching at Tihoi from 2000-2002 and is a maths teacher at St Paul’s.
Michael and his wife Kylie, (Harington 1999-2000) moved on site in 2015 and Michael started in his role at Sargood at the beginning of 2016. He is currently the assistant Head of Department, Physical Education.
Glenn joined the Collegian team leading Sargood this year and is currently studying to be a teacher. Both Guy and Mike know what it’s like to be boarding as they were boarders at St Paul’s in the 1990s. Collectively, the three Collegians have about 22 years of experience at St Paul’s. These three were joined by Collegian, Bevan Muirhead (Fitchett 2014-2018) this term, helping out in Sargood and Clark in the place of our overseas gappies, who are unable to come to St Paul’s from overseas due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Rod Carr (Williams 1972-1976)
Gideon Wrampling, Te Paea Cook-Savage, George Dyer and Sam Cooper
Liam Allen, Luke Donaldson and Fergus Burke
Glenn Eyers, Guy Johnstone and Mike Rameka
Families with three generations in Williams House
Williams House has seen a fair few generations come through the doors, and currently we have three families in Williams House who are seeing the third generation coming to St Paul’s.
WALTERS FAMILY
St Paul’s Fellow Robert Walters (Williams 1968-1970) was the first of three generations in the Walters family who came to St Paul’s and three of his four children also attended. Peter Walters (Williams 1990-1994) followed his father’s footsteps into Williams House and then brother Chris Walters (Williams 1994-1998) was head of Williams House in 1998.
Their sister Michelle Walters (Harington 1999-2000) also attended St Paul’s.
Peter’s children are currently at St Paul’s, with Nick Walters in Williams House as a Year 9, and Caitlin Walters in Year 11.
It doesn’t stop there! Cousin Jack Walters (Williams 2014-2018) is currently a Residential Assistant in Clark House but was also in Williams House in 2017.
And we’re told there are more coming! In 2022, there will be a Walters student in every year level in St Paul’s.
WATSON FAMILY
St Paul’s Fellow Tim Watson, (Williams 1964-1968) who was a past Board member and deputy Chair, was also the first of three generations to walk through the Williams House doors. Tim and Wendy Watson have four children who attended St Paul’s.
Pearce Watson (Williams 19972001), Bennet Watson (Williams 1991-1995), Rebecca Sharman nee Watson (Harington 1993) and Amy Whetu, nee Watson (Harington 1997-1998).
Bennet Watson was also deputy head of Williams House and his son, Charlie Watson is currently in Year 11 in Williams House.
SEFTON FAMILY
Fletcher Sefton started at St Paul’s this year, joining his father David Sefton (Williams 1993-1996) and grandfather John Sefton (School/ Williams 1961-1964) as a third generation student from the Sefton family to attend the school.
Chileshe brothers
COLLEGIAN BROTHERS LWAMBA (HAMILTON 2015-2017) AND TEMWA (HAMILTON 2015-2018) CHILESHE HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO REPRESENT NEW ZEALAND AT THE WORLD TEAM SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIPS IN KUALA LUMPUR LATER THIS YEAR.
Temwa said it felt great to have been selected in the team. “It’s my first time selected for a senior New Zealand team and to be accompanied by my brother, Lwamba makes it even more special,” he says. We look forward to seeing the brothers perform on the squash court in December!
Temwa Chileshe (Hamilton 2015-2018) and Lwamba Chileshe (Hamilton 2015-2017)
Collegians Pearce Watson (Williams 1997-2001), St Paul’s Fellow Tim Watson (Williams 1964-1968), current student Charlie Watson and Bennet Watson (Williams 1991-1995)
Nick Walters (Year 9), Robert Walters (WIlliams 1968-1970), Caitlin Walters (Year 11) and Peter Walters (Williams 1990-1994)
John Sefton (Williams 1961-1964) grandson Fletcher Sefton (Year 9) and dad, David Sefton (Williams 1993-1996)
by Ginny Semmens COLLEGIAN RUGBY
Snack ‘n’ Yak for rugby Collegians
PLAYERS WERE ON THE SIDELINE TO SUPPORT ST PAUL’S FIRST XV RUGBY TEAM ON SATURDAY 31 JULY AS THEY TOOK ON ST JOHN’S IN A HOME GAME.
We had a great turn out, with many of our rugby Collegians from the 1980s and 1990s. Some were visiting St Paul’s for the first time since they had left school, around 30 years ago!
Headmaster Ben Skeen attended the function to meet our rugby Collegians and the group were treated to a haka from St Paul’s First XV at the end of the game. The score added to the vibe on the day as St Paul’s won 26-19. We look forward to welcoming back many more rugby Collegians at future Snack ‘n’ Yaks.
First XV Haka for Collegians
Collegian rugby players from the 1990s
Back row: Brad Coleman (Williams 1986-1990), Callum Donaldson (Hall 1988-1991), Giles Bayley (Clark 1987-1991), Tim Mackintosh (Clark 19861990), Hamish Nelson (Clark 1986-1990), Sam Coleman (Williams 1990-1994), Peter Walters (Williams 19901994), Brendon Jones (Sargood 1989-1993), Michael Lumsden (Sargood 1989-1993), Daniel Steel (Sargood 1989-1991), Brendon White (Williams 1989-1992).
Front row: Ollie Carruthers (Williams 1987-1991), Mark Hopwood (Sargood 1986-1990), Dougal Scott (Williams/ Hamilton 1991-1993), Guy Coleman (Williams 1988-1992), Richard Hull (Sargood 1987-1991), Nick Monk (Sargood 1990-1994), Bruce Tyler (Sargood 1961-1965).
Headmaster Ben Skeen addresses the Collegians
First XV greet Collegians
Collegian rugby players from the 1980s
From left: Garrick Laing (Clark 1983-1987), Campbell Parker (Williams 1983-1987), Matthew Summerell (Clark 1983-1987), Peter Simmons (Clark 1983-1987), Preston Clark (Hamilton 19821985), Brent Mexted (Sargood 1982-1986), John Robinson (School 1980-1983).
Fourth consecutive win
After a successful win in the semi-final against St John’s, St Paul’s boys had successfully booked themselves a ticket to the final of the Central North Island rugby competition. The 2.15pm kick-off at Owen Delany Park saw the boys up against Whanganui Collegiate in an ‘all or nothing scenario’ final.
St Paul’s were able to string a great first attacking phase which saw Toby Robb scoring just nine minutes in. Whanganui struck back making the most of a lacking defence, taking the score to 7-3. Two tries were scored in quick succession by Anaru PaengaMorgan and Jae Broomfield which gave St Paul’s a nice lead of 21-3 at half time.
In the second half, St Paul’s had to work hard against a strong Whanganui defence
Swim team medal haul
by Morgan Mackenzie
St Paul’s Swim Team placed fifth from 68 schools in the co-ed section of the New Zealand Secondary School Swim Championships held at the National Aquatic Centre in Auckland from 22-25 July.
– often causing our boys to make silly errors and give away unnecessary penalties. An excellent try to Malachi Wrampling-Alec from an outstanding 50 metre carry meant St Paul’s was able to stretch the lead out to 26-3. Whanganui were able to sneak a try in, however it was too little too late. Jae added his magic, scoring a try under the sticks in the last play to seal the deal at 33-10.
This is an amazing result for St Paul’s first XV rugby team who have created history as the first team ever to win the competition four times in a row. It is a fitting testament to the hard work that has been put in. Big ups to all the boys involved in the game, even those who didn’t take the field in the final.
A championship like this cannot be won without the support of amazing coaching and management, thank you to all staff for help making this opportunity possible. Thanks to those who came to support the game, especially the Tihoi boys.
by Matthew Waddell
Return of Distance Learning Delivery
and classmates ensured high engagement and focus throughout the new style of school day.
Luca Zabel won bronze in the senior boys 100m butterfly and Ben Haskell won bronze in the senior boys’ 200m backstroke to gain his first individual medal at a national meet. In the 16-year-old boys, Boston Tordoff won two golds in the 100m and 200m breaststroke and silver in the 50m breaststroke.
Sam Peoples had nine top ten finishes, with two fourth
Since the country’s snap Covid-19 Delta lockdown was declared for three weeks from Wednesday 18 August, St Paul’s Collegiate School quickly actioned the Distance Learning Delivery model.
Students followed a regular school timetable, attending lessons from Monday to Friday, with a ‘rest day’ on Wednesdays, while teachers delivered a combination of live streamed lessons, video sessions and online assignments. Regular contact between students, teachers
place finishes in the 100m and 200m freestyle for 16-year-old boys. Charlize Tordoff had two top ten finishes in the senior girls’ 50m butterfly and 50m backstroke.
In the relays, Luca and Laura Littlejohn took the national title in the senior mixed 2 x 50m freestyle. Charlize and Laura took silver in the senior girls 2 x 50m freestyle, and Charlize, Boston, Luca and Laura took silver in the senior mixed 4 x 50m medley. Charlize, Sam Peoples, Luca and Laura took silver in the senior mixed 4 x 50m freestyle. Lastly in the 8 x 50m freestyle mixed relay, Adrian Wong,
Working hard behind the scenes were the support staff, including IT specialists who were continually monitoring and reviewing the systems to ensure adequate functionality and stability of the programmes, both technically and academically.
While the whole school typically came together every day whether at a Headmaster’s assembly or Chapel service, during lockdown, our students joined Revd Peter Rickman for ‘Soul Food’ every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. Soul Food was live streamed and provided an opportunity for our students and families to be together as a community, albeit a virtual one, to think, pray, reflect and sing.
Our teachers and staff worked throughout the lockdown to successfully deliver lessons and teach as normal from within a virtual environment. When Auckland remained at Alert Level 4 and the rest of the country at Alert Level 2, dual delivery (online and in class) lessons continued.
by Michelle Smith
Alina Zabel, Nikita Coleman and Sam White joined in to finish a very creditable fourth in New Zealand.
The team of Charlize Tordoff, Laura Littlejohn, Alina Zabel, Nikita Coleman, Sam White, Luca Zabel, Sam Peoples, Ben Haskell, Adrian Wong, Matthew Chanwai, Boston Tordoff, Sam Schulze, Neo Urlich and Will Peoples was coached by Graham Smith.
Ollie Mouat makes a splash
St Paul’s Swim Team
Four-peat for the First XV
Mrs Hastie teaching maths online
Third place for FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year
Tayla Hansen (Year 13) along with Tim Lumsden from Hamilton Boys’ High School represented the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region and were placed third in this year’s FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year competition.
They were one of 14 teams from across New Zealand to compete in a series of modules including practical activities, exams and speeches all designed to test their teamwork, practical and theoretical knowledge and skills. The event held in Christchurch, is a key part of the work being done by NZ Young Farmers to attract secondary school students into the agri-food sector.
by Morgan Mackenzie
Pandemic putting wedge between family
For international student Poramin (Pun) Paramaputi, making the most of his overseas schooling life has been his key to happiness over the last two years.
Pun is from Thailand and arrived in New Zealand just before the country went into Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020. He knew it might be a while before he could return home so was determined to immerse himself into the Kiwi culture. Pun’s host family run a day care facility for dogs, so when he’s not helping out at doggy day care, he is out bike riding in the neighbourhood.
During the school term, Pun lives in Clark Boarding House and has enjoyed his newfound brothers within the community.
Reflecting on his time at Tihoi, Pun says, “I really loved the Tihoi programme, it taught me a lot about getting on with other people. I have a lot of Kiwi friends now and living onsite means I know more about the school and the people in the school environment.”
Pun hasn’t seen his family since January 2020.
“The situation in Thailand is always a concern. Fortunately, none of my family have been ill but I still worry about them,” says Pun.
When Pun is feeling home sick, he contacts his local support person who is also from Thailand. He enjoys sharing the familiarity of their culture together.
Pun has taken advantage of some activities New Zealand has to offer. These have included skiing, sky diving and canyon swings.
Lisa Hansen Physiotherapy
He will remain at St Paul’s until the end of 2022 and will return to Thailand to study science at one of his local universities.
Appointments are available and prioritised for St. Paul’s students, staff and families.
Alison Street HAMILTON NORTH St Paul’s Collegiate 77 Hukanui Road
HAMILTON LAKE Alison Surgical Centre
HAMILTON
Tayla and Tim receiving award
Pun Paramaputi
Rafting in Rotorua
Pun group kayaking
Pun at Outward Bound
New Lander Centre opens for business
ST PAUL’S COLLEGIATE SCHOOL HAS REACHED ANOTHER MILESTONE IN ITS AMBITIOUS CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME - WHILE GIVING A NOD TO ITS HISTORY AT THE SAME TIME.
by Geoff Lewis
The latest addition to its family of new builds is the recently completed Lander Centre which is the last major build in the School’s capital campaign and was officially opened on 2 August.
The Lander Centre replaces the School’s previous library, the 56-year-old Hornsby Library which was named after Reg Hornsby, one of St Paul’s early headmasters.
Project co-manager
Peter Welham said initial design thinking envisaged incorporating the existing Hornsby Library into a new facility.
Grant and Judith Lander unveiling the Lander Centre
Lander Centre
Originally, we were going to extend the existing library but came to the conclusion, we couldn’t fit what we wanted into the space we had. So, we made the decision to demolish the old building. We went to our community and Collegians for their views and they were all very supportive.
‘’We made the decision to demolish the old structures and start afresh. Construction began in November 2019 with an original completion date a year later in 2020.’’
The old school hall was also removed to make space. However, the Covid-19 emergency and the uncertainty it created, fell in the way and required a rescheduling of the project and a resulting five-to-six-month extension to completion in May this year.
“We took some time to see what was happening. When we felt confident enough about the situation we decided to go ahead.”
Headmaster Ben Skeen addressing the public outside the Lander Centre
Tekoteko from Collegian David Hill’s personal art collection
Grant Lander enters the Lander Centre
Grant Lander and John Oliver cut the ribbon
Despite this work, the twostory 1000m2 project seems to take up about the same space in the heart of the school. Its design makes the most of space, light, colour and is specially sound-proofed.
But the big difference is the space once taken up by books in the old library is now a minority as the new building is plumbed for the latest technology and features design innovations including a multi-purpose space, breakout rooms, meeting areas, a set of bleachers and retractable screen design for lectures and movies.
We tried to create space and multifunctional area along with quiet places and areas where people can work together.’’ Welham said.
One of the Centre’s features is the absence of screens and keyboards which have become the familiar clutter of new technology in recent decades - these days students simply bring their own portable devices.
An area of white wall space is suitable for exhibitions of artwork. Collegian David Hill (Hamilton 1964-1968) has offered samples from his private collection which make up an initial exhibition along with work by student artists.
The $6 million Lander Centre is the last project in the School’s recent five-year capital development campaign. It was built by Livingstone Builders and designed by Hamiltonbased architect Tim Horne of Moaa Architects and drew on his experience in the design of the Wintec library and similar buildings.
The new facility was dedicated as the Lander Centre and is named in recognition of the school’s 2010-2021 headmaster Grant and his wife Judith Lander.
Grant Lander address
Headmaster Ben Skeen
Front row: Grant, Judith and Anthony Lander, John Oliver
University Graduates
CONGRATULATIONS TO ST PAUL’S COLLEGIANS WHO HAVE RECENTLY HAD A TERTIARY QUALIFICATION CONFERRED.
UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO
Daniel Rewai Teka
Graduate Diploma of Teaching
Christopher John Higgens Certificate in Management
Tara Valya Kells
Bachelor of Business
Ethan John Griswold Kimpton
Bachelor of Business
Libby Irena Sutcliffe
Bachelor of Communication Studies
Michael McKinnon Torrance
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours
Taylor James Wilton Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours, Bachelor of Laws
Helen Wing Yi Zhou
Bachelor of Business
Daniel John Bull
Postgraduate Certificate in Computer Science
Chanelle Jennifer Harrison
Bachelor of Social Sciences
Callum James McNaughton
Bachelor of Business
Jackson Julian Morgan Bachelor of Business
Oliver Louis Soar
Bachelor of Business
Katherine Trigg
Bachelor of Music
VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON
Abigail Helm
Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Tourism Management
Alicia Stace
Bachelor of Arts
Andre Kleuskens
Bachelor of Arts
Brittany Griffin
Bachelor of Commerce
Christopher Holden
Bachelor of Laws
James Watson-Holmes
Bachelor of Commerce
Jessica Peart
Bachelor of Science
Michael Weir
Bachelor of Arch Studies
Peter Grierson
Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws
UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
Helena Light
Bachelor of Nursing
Victoria Chanwai
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Tara Vishanath
Bachelor of Pharmacy with First Class Honours
MASSEY UNIVERSITY
Nicole Fawcett
Postgraduate Diploma in Education, with Distinction in Literacy Education
Andrew Grey
Bachelor of Business in Accountancy
Bryony Wilson
Graduate Diploma in Arts in Psychology
Thomas Harsant
Bachelor of Veterinary Science
Wei Hsi Hsiao
Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
Joshua Moss
Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science
Benjamin McColgan
Bachelor of AgriCommerce in International Agribusiness
Sajin Singh Hoondle
Bachelor of AgriCommerce in International Agribusiness
John (Hugh) Jackson
Bachelor of AgriCommerce in Farm Management
Samuel Lockwood-Geck
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, First Class Honours in Engineering and Innovation Management, with a minor in Mechatronics
Liam Tyndall
Bachelor of Aviation Management
Maggie Powell
Bachelor of AgriCommerce in International Agribusiness
Kelsi Ball
Postgraduate Diploma in Education in Literacy Education
Anjena Singh
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice
OTAGO UNIVERSITY
Emma Belcher
Postgraduate Diploma in Theology
Callum Brown
Bachelor of Commerce, Diploma for Graduates
Blaire Fullerton-Smith
Bachelor of Science
Ciara Gyde
Bachelor of Applied Science, Master of Marketing
Kane Hemi
Bachelor of Commerce
Andrew Mills
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts with Honours, Doctor of Philosophy
Ella Petursson
Bachelor of Science
Conor Shalloe
Bachelor of Commerce
Rose Spence
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, Postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics and Medical Gynaecology
Nicholas Winkelmann
Bachelor of Arts
AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Jaz Williams
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science
Tessa Whale
Bachelor of Communication Studies, Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Jonathan Van Nes
Bachelor of Design
Jade Henley-Smith
Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
Kaitlyn Varga
Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing)
Tony Peacham
Bachelor of Design
Jennifer Currie
Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies
Elizabeth Hewes
Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching
At Bayleys we understand the value of an “altogether better” approach to everything we do. That’s why supporting young people to excel in a team sport they love sits so well with us and our values as a business. Nicki & Wayne, Rachel & Stephen are proud sponsors and supporters of the St Pauls rugby programme from Year 9 right up to the First XV. As parents of past, present and future players they are delighted to get behind a programme that fosters excellence, learning and a desire to be the best.
For an altogether better result for you and your property contact us today.
Stephen Shale 021 607 756
Rachel Waldegrave 021 748 001
Nicki Robb 021 343 170
Wayne Robb 021 712 511