Alumni Magazine 2019 - College House
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Alumni Magazine 2019 For Alumni, friends, parents and supporters of College House
Alumni Magazine 2019
Contents
House News Alumni News
Staff News................................................................................................................. 1 Alumni News...................................................................................................... 15
From the Board Chair.................................................................................... 2 Alumni Reunion 1966-69......................................................................... 26
From the Principal .......................................................................................... 3 A Visit to Westminster................................................................................. 28
CHSA President................................................................................................... 4 New Zealand House Event...................................................................... 29
Scholarship Winners....................................................................................... 4 Global Alumni................................................................................................... 30
In Remembrance: Maurice Mahoney........................................... 5 Milestones............................................................................................................. 32
Anthony Brough............................................... 5 My Room – Your Room............................................................................... 34
Students in the News...................................................................................... 6 Remembrances................................................................................................. 35
High Table Guests and Fireside Chats............................................. 8
Welcome to our New Warden............................................................... 10 Cover photo: Mackay Blaikie, George Cory-Wright and
Freddie Beaumont on their way to formal dining.
Development News
From the Development Director...................................................... 11
Celebrating Volunteering......................................................................... 12
From the Chair of the Chapel Campaign ................................. 13
Chapel Campaign Update...................................................................... 14
House News
Staff News
Welcome to Richard Taylor Our New Groundsman:
In September, we welcomed our Physical Education and has been the Daniel Dennehy
18th Principal of College House, Staff Trustee on the school’s Board Many of the Canterbury
Richard Taylor. of Trustees. gardening community will know
green-fingered Dan as he is a
At a special service on Sunday, Richard says the induction day was
member of both the Canterbury
15 September, Richard was formally very special for him and his family.
inducted as Principal in front of a large Horticultural Society and
group of family, friends and students “I have always admired the history and Christchurch Beautifying
by Archdeacon Nick Mountfort (1983), traditions of College House. The induction Association.
representing our Warden, Bishop service, followed by the wonderful lunch
‘To plant a garden is to believe
Peter Carrell. and a powerful haka from the students,
in tomorrow.’
will never be forgotten.”
Richard was formerly Senior Master
Richard and his wife, Toni, are thrilled Dan joined College House
of Adams House (the boarding hostel
at Christchurch Boys’ High School); to be a part of College House and we in July and brings a wealth
he was also Head of Department of welcome them to our community. of experience and nursery
knowledge to the House.
Trained at the Christchurch
Botanic Gardens, Dan enjoyed
five years working in English
gardens before returning to
Canterbury and taking up
roles at Lincoln University and
Rangi Ruru Girls’ School.
Dan loves the formality of the
College House gardens and the
friendliness of our community.
His outgoing personality has
made him a hit with the students.
He is not only one of ten siblings,
but also a third of triplets.
Left to right: Freddie Beaumont, Rex Dillon, Jono Brent and Richard Taylor, Principal.
College House Board of Governors
Warden Board
The Right Reverend Dr Peter Carrell Richard Adamson BCom
BSc (Hons), BD, PhD Natalie Baird BA, LLB (Hons), LLM (Columbia)
Bishop of Christchurch Hugh Lindo LLB
Chairman and Sub-Warden Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon KNZM,
BA (Hons), MA (Oxon), LTh
Jono Brent BCom, MEngSt, CA
John Rolleston LLB
College House Representatives Anna Wilkes BSc, MSc (Hons)
Richard Taylor BPhEd, AssocDegSocSc(ResCare),
Ashley Williams BE (Hons) (Civil), MIPENZ,
Dip Tchg, Principal
CPEng, IntPE
Rex Dillon BCom, ACIS, Bursar
1
House News
From the Board Chair
As I complete my second year as Board Chair of House Board in 2011 and provided strong leadership and
College House, I reflect on the level of change we have guidance throughout his service. Board governance is
experienced in the last 12 months. While change is one of the largest volunteer roles of all, and we appreciate
challenging at the time, it also means opportunity. all the hours of work that Hugh has committed to the
We are now extremely well-placed to deliver on a bright House. We wish him all the best for the future.
and prosperous future.
It is extremely pleasing to see the continued increase
In February this year, we said farewell to Alastair in the number of students enrolling at the University
Drayton who stepped down as Principal after three of Canterbury, and the strong interest from students
years. We were fortunate to have Gillian Smith who took applying to College House. Our vision is to provide an
on the Acting Principal role while the Board completed environment where students can excel to their very
the new Principal recruitment process. best, academically, personally and in their ability
to contribute to society. We are strong advocates for
It is very exciting to welcome Richard Taylor who is diversity and inclusion, and work hard to achieve this
the 18th Principal of College House. Richard comes throughout House life.
to us with a wealth of experience. We are looking
forward to the leadership and guidance he will bring Our fundraising campaign to strengthen and restore
to College House. the Chapel of the Upper Room is of fundamental
importance to College House. The Chapel, out of action
In addition to these changes, earlier this year since the 2011 earthquake, is a very much-missed
we welcomed the newly installed 9th Bishop of element in House life — as a place for worship, and for
Christchurch, the Right Reverend Dr Peter Carrell, as quiet reflection and thought. Research indicates the
Warden of College House. Since its establishment in ability to connect spiritually greatly enhances student
1850, College House has always had strong links to the experience and performance. We thank all those
Anglican Church and we look forward to Bishop Peter’s generous benefactors who have already contributed to
contribution to spiritual life of the House. the strengthening and restoration of the Chapel.
Throughout this period of change we have been blessed I also want to thank our students, staff and parents who
with a highly energetic Board, most of whom are College make College House what it is today. Our students are
House alumni. Being alumni, the Board understands shining lights and they are destined to do great things
the traditions, character and essence of what makes up in the future.
life in the House. I thank them for their tireless efforts in
making College House the place it is today.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank
outgoing Board Fellow, Hugh Lindo, for his significant
Jono Brent
contribution to College House. Hugh joined the College
Chairman and Sub-Warden
2
From the Principal
Since arriving at College House in September, I have renewal, resurrection and regrowth are all possible.
been delighted in the process of learning more about In the face of adversity it continues to grow.
the history, traditions and values of the House.
For those who have visited College House since 2011,
They say that ‘many roots make a strong tree’ and you would have noticed a brown fence surrounding
behind the current year group of students lies an the Chapel of the Upper Room. This fence serves to
incredibly warm and supportive community of alumni remind us daily that nine years of College House students
and friends willing to help inspire a new generation have not been able to access and enjoy this special
of House men and women. space. However, it is exciting to see the Board’s strong
commitment to strengthen and restore the lynchpin of
For many years the white walls of Waimairi have the House, with the launch of the Chapel of the Upper
produced alumni who have gone on to excel in their Room Capital Campaign. We are excited to follow its
chosen fields. The calibre of our undergraduates has progress and resurrect a place where our students can
never wavered and it is pleasing to see the quality and develop and grow through spiritual and personal growth.
capability of the applicants for 2020.
Looking forward, we are aware of the pace and
Given the sharing of food has been the cornerstone of scale of change that is generating and influencing
cementing great relationships since the beginning of residential facilities within the tertiary sector. We are
civilisation, we have been fortunate enough to host currently working on our strategic vision to ensure
many guests at formal dining in 2019. We are also College House is leading this change, and always
very grateful for those people who have shared their holding the interests and wellbeing of our students
professional and personal wisdom with our students at the core of our purpose.
through fireside chats.
It gives me great pleasure to read the stories in this
All these ‘traditions’ are undoubtedly creating memories magazine of the journeys of our alumni and friends and
that will stay with our students as they pass them down the common thread that is College House. Having taken
to the next generation. It is worth reminding each other the first steps in my journey here in the House, I look
that the past creates the present to inspire the future. forward to opportunities to meet and engage with you,
our community, in the near future.
Our splendid golden elm tree, planted in 1970 by
College House architect and benefactor, Sir Miles
Warren, stands tall and proud in its prime position
in the quadrangle. For many years it has faced tough
conditions through rain, snow, heat, wind and of
course, the earthquakes that devastated our city. Each Richard Taylor
spring the tree reminds us that rebirth, rejuvenation, Principal
3
House News
CHSA President
College House operates have been held frequently this year and provide our
on a tried and tested students with an opportunity to engage with a range
formula. Bring in great of professionals, politicians and alumni. The ability
people, put them in a to learn from these people, who have achieved highly
great place and combine in their chosen field, is very motivating, and critically
culture, tradition and provides insight into the world beyond university.
academic excellence. It is
no great surprise to any Although each year we have many different names
of us that the result is entered into ‘The Book’, there are common factors that
extremely positive, and I span across generations of House men and women.
am glad to say that 2019 Our students have always been all-rounders, committed
is no exception. to achieving in their chosen field, and doing it all with
pride and integrity. These values, among many others,
From the get-go the calibre of our students has come
set our students ahead of the crowd.
to the fore across a plethora of cultural and sporting
events. The range of musical performances this year
For many of us, our time at College House is ending,
has been staggering. We have been incredibly fortunate
but I am confident this is only the start of our
to enjoy the talent that has been brought to the stage.
connection with College House. These white walls
Our sports teams, resplendent in new playing strip,
and the memories they contain will remain in our
achieved a close victory in our annual sports exchange
hearts forever.
with Selwyn College. This exchange provided an
enlightening insight into Selwyn and Dunedin as a
whole, but endeared our own home at College House
even more so.
The learning experience at College House extends far Freddie Beaumont
beyond our core university studies. ‘Fireside chats’ President CHSA 2019
Scholarship Winners
College House Students’ Association (CHSA) First year Scholarships
Freddie Beaumont.................................................................................. President Isaac Munro, Emily Kneale and George Murray
Zach Preston............................................................... Vice President
Buller & Reay Scholarship
Callum Shrimpton............................................................. Treasurer Anna Bruce
Chris Nye.................................................................. Cultural Officer
Crowley Weston Scholarship
Asher Hermann.................................................................. Secretary
Rebecca Storer
Rebecca Adams............................................................. Sports Chair
Anna Bruce............................................................................. CCACC Fraser Flanagan Scholarship
Georgie Dibble.................................................................................... Social Chair For an outstanding student who otherwise might not remain
at College House.
Room 16’s
Rebecca Storer...................................................... Maidment House George T Weston Scholarship House contribution
Scott Kitto
Sarah Wigley............................................................ Stanford House
Brianna Hendrickson................................................ Hardie House Lyall Holmes Memorial Scholarship Engineering
Aki Shimahara............................................................. Beadel House Ben McKay
Emily Young................................................................. Rymer House McLaren East Scholarships House photographer,
Mackay Blaikie.................................................... Carrington House videographer, magazine editors and audio/visual
Daniel Brown................................................... Watts Russell House technician
Eva Hansen................................................................ Warren House William Morris, Yvie Finn-House, Benoit Wynn-Williams,
Georgia Reynolds.................................................... Chichele House Ella Thorpe and Charlotte Corkery
Emma Wotherspoon................................................ Wilford House Rowley Scholarship Science or commerce
Fletcher Walmsley.......................................................... Parr House Cameron Stevenson
4
In Remembrance
College House
Architect Vale BM
Maurice Edward Anthony (Tony)
Mahoney Masters Brough
ONZM MA
Died on 31 October Died 23 November
2018, aged 89 years. 2018, aged 89 years.
(Credit: Stephen Goodenough)
‘An outstanding architect’, ‘a details person’ and ‘a With his suit, tie, billowing academic gown, and
loving husband and family man’ are only some of the clipped English accent, Tony Brough (BM 1990-95)
phrases used to describe one of New Zealand’s most was the epitome of an educated and cultured man –
well-known architects – Maurice Mahoney. which indeed he was. This could be entirely undone,
however, by the twinkle in his eye, his cheeky sense
One half of the 50 year-plus, enormously successful of humour and the relish with which he would pour
architectural firm Warren and Mahoney with Sir Miles (and continue to pour) the sherry at pre-dinner drinks.
Warren, Maurice himself described their professional He is remembered fondly by 1990s alumni for his
association as an ‘extra-ordinary partnership’. wonderful mix of formality and charm.
The jewel in the firm’s crown was its design of College Yorkshire-born, Tony graduated from the University
House in the 1960s. The quad was described as ‘their of Cambridge with an MA in classics and a certificate
favourite space’ and the Chapel as ‘their best room’. in secondary teaching. He also rowed for Cambridge.
The firm won the New Zealand Institute of Architects’ Taking up teaching in ‘the colonies’, Tony spent two
(NZIA) Gold Medal in 1969 and the NZIA Enduring years at Ballarat Grammar School; in 1953 he moved to
Award in 1999 for its work on College House. Warren Sydney’s Cranbrook School to teach Latin and ancient
and Mahoney designed many of New Zealand’s most history, and to coach rowing. Tony was appointed
well-known buildings including the Christchurch Town Headmaster at Christ’s College in 1971. Fifteen years
Hall, Television New Zealand’s Auckland headquarters later, he joined the University of Canterbury to lecture
and Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre, as well as the on ancient history.
New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi
and the New Zealand Chancery in Washington DC. In 1990, Tony was appointed 13th Principal – our
first non-ordained BM. The early 1990s were pivotal
Hugely respected by his peers, in 2017 the NZIA years with the admission of women students and the
awarded Maurice its inaugural Distinguished establishment of Beadel and Hardie houses.
Fellowship.
Tony’s wife Barbara died in 2017. Tony left his two
Calm under pressure, Maurice had a steely sons David and Roger, four grandchildren and a
determination. He was a stickler for detail (including great-granddaughter.
grammar) and was, for many years, the nuts-and-bolts
man of the firm. We are privileged to now hold Tony’s Principals’ gown
which will be worn on special occasions by our CHSA
His family remember him as kind, generous, patient, President. Thank you David and Roger for your precious
and a wonderful husband and father. gift to us.
Maurice left his wife, Margaret, and his children Sarah,
Jane, Nigel and Emma, nine grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren.
5
House News
Students in the News Shnece said the classes were outstanding. “The
lecturers outlined, amongst other things, what we could
expect to experience in business technologies after we
graduate. Some of my main areas of interest are public
and development economics, so with a particular focus
on adapting technology into developing countries, the
course was a perfect match for me. It was also fantastic
to meet other international students – I’m sure we will
all keep in touch as our careers develop.”
What is next for Shnece? She plans to finish her Masters
of Commerce in 2020 and hopes to work in public policy
and health economics – perhaps with an NGO.
Documentary Winner
Honor Williams (2019) was celebrating in May when she
won the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Documentary
of the Year with her film ‘Children Raising Children’.
Honor made the eight-minute film as a component of
her NCEA/3 media studies paper in 2018.
Honor says she was keen to record the stigma
surrounding teenage pregnancy in New Zealand.
“I wanted to highlight the disapproval and/or
discrimination these young women experience during
their pregnancies and as they bring up their children.”
Does this mean that Honor is studying film at UC?
Honor says her parents have encouraged her to take Playing volleyball for New Zealand
on a broad range of study so she is enrolled as an
When we talked with Ella Ferguson (2019) in late
LLB/BA student with an arts major in media and
August, she had just returned from Thailand and
communications. “I’m keen, however, to continue
South Korea where she had played for the Volley Ferns,
making films and, ultimately, to make it my career!”
New Zealand’s women’s representative volleyball team.
“We spent five days training in Thailand, then flew to
Digital business Seoul for the tournament that was one of the Olympic
master class competitions. New Zealand came 11th, so we have only
in Finland just missed out as the top 10 teams to go forward to the
A Finnish experience was next round of Olympic qualifiers. However, if one team
on the cards for Shnece higher than us pulls out, we will have another chance to
Duncan (2016-17, Tutor get to Tokyo,” she says.
2019) during this year’s
Ella has been a keen volleyballer since she was at
mid-semester break.
primary school in Blenheim. She now plays for the
Shirley Club in Christchurch, as well as for the New
Selected with 24 other international masters students,
Zealand U23 squad and now the Volley Ferns. “I’ve had
Shnece spent two weeks at Helsinki’s Aalto University
an awesome volleyball year. I was named in the U23
attending its Digital Business Master Class. They team and we played in a tournament in Vietnam. Then
enjoyed lectures on digital business and trends, site the Volley Ferns coach saw me play and invited me into
visits to leading Finnish companies and completed the New Zealand squad. I’m very honoured to play for
projects with Helsinki’s UN Technology Innovation Lab. New Zealand.”
6
House rock band National U21
College House has, unwittingly, provided student rock
hockey rep
band Run77 with a most perfect practice space. “The rec Kendall Vaughan (2019)
room has excellent acoustics and we can have our gear was thrilled to be in the
permanently set up there. It will be interesting to see winning team at the
how we manage when we go flatting next year and we National U21 Hockey
may not have such nice neighbours!” Tournament in May.
Run77 musicians – Angus Mossman, Robert Rolleston Playing striker for the Canterbury U21 team, Kendall
and George Murray (all 2019) and George’s younger says there was a great deal of pressure as Canterbury
brother Angus – formed the band four years ago, and was defending its title. “We really rose to the occasion,
soon had their sights on the country’s premier rock and I’m so proud that our team is New Zealand’s U21
band contest. champion for a second year.”
Having played hockey since she was five years old
(she also represented New Zealand in the U18 team),
Kendall says she loves the team environment of the
game. “We’re all great friends on and off the pitch. I’ve
known some of the players almost all my life. It’s like
being part of a huge family.”
Kendall is studying for a BSc in biochemistry and is very
pleased that she moved from Auckland to UC. “I really
enjoy College House and the whole university. It’s been
the best move ever.”
Left to right: George Murray, Angus Mossman and Robbie Rolleston. U21 water polo
With Robbie on bass, Angus on vocals and guitar, rep competes
George on keys and his brother on drums, although in Portugal
substituted sometimes with Jackson Cleaver (2019), For Ella Harford (2019),
Angus says their key to success is sheer hard work. “We water polo has taken up
dedicate time each week for practice, song writing and much of her life. Growing
admin. With the digitisation of the music industry, the up in Auckland, she
admin sessions that are focused around building the started playing ‘flippa
brand are just as important as practice. Being an indie
band with no management or label help, it’s tough to get ball’ when she was seven, ‘graduated’ to water polo when
through to a wider audience, so this is what we spend she was 12 years old, and hasn’t stopped playing since.
our time trying to crack.”
In her first year at UC, Ella plays water polo for
Canterbury and is now a New Zealand U21 water polo
“We were really stoked when after representative. In September, the U21 squad competed
only a year together we won the in the world junior water polo championships that were
held in Funchal on the island of Madeira (off the coast
Canterbury regional final of the of Morocco). Ella says although their squad didn’t do as
Smokefreerockquest” well as they had hoped, the experience was invaluable.
– Angus Mossman (2019) “Competing in these championships has given us
all the impetus to train harder and achieve on the
Angus says one of their more unusual gigs was playing international stage.”
for the Christchurch Town Hall rebuild contractors;
a loud band was needed to help test the auditorium An environmental science and geology student, Ella
acoustics. “There were 60 in the audience of not only says she’s loved her first year away from home. “It’s so
acoustic specialists and various other professionals, but refreshing to move out of Auckland and to meet new
also the Mayor of Christchurch and various councillors people. I’m very much enjoying my science course and
– all in high vis, hard hats and work boots. It was an find my geology paper fascinating – it’s something that’s
experience we won’t forget. Plus we got the Mayor on not offered at high school level. I’m so pleased I made
our side for future events.” the move south.”
7
House News
High Table Guests and
Fireside Chats
College House has always enjoyed welcoming our Our guests this year include:
alumni, parents and special guests for formal dining.
High Table
In 2019 we were delighted to continue Fireside Chats
following formal dining where we were lucky enough to Sati Ravichandiran Christine Leighton
hear from various leaders in business, law, engineering, and Tini Greene (Rector, St Andrew’s
entrepreneurship and philanthropy to inspire our Anna Wilkes College)
students with their achievements and career experience. Cheryl de la Rey Braden Smitheran,
Thank you to all of our fireside ‘chatters’ this year. (UC Vice Chancellor) Hamish Smith, Alex
Scott, Ben Blyde, Will
If you would like to join us for formal dining, we would Paul Bingham
Doherty, Jack Deeley,
be delighted to host you. Please call Erin Reeve on Morris Williams, Daniel Proskitt, Simon
03 364 2001 or email development@collegehouse.org.nz Deborah Williams and Janssen, Ben Hawken and
for formal dining days and times. Paul Stewart, Rachel Sam Purdy
and Paul Williams and Naomi Wilde
Rex Gallagher
Karyn and Paul Davis
Professor David
Rev Joshua Moore
Maidment and Dr
Helen Maidment, John Georgie Blane and
and Karen Rolleston, Connor Reid
Archbishop Emeritus Lois Flanagan, Richard
Sir David Moxon and Toni Taylor
Natalie Baird and Mary and Phil Jones
Clare Murray and Dr Sandra Hastie
Alastair and Jennifer (Principal, Rangi Ruru
McKechnie Girl’s School)
David Seymour MP Theo Beaumont and
Guy Wigley
Grant Fletcher and
Hugh Lindo Kate Caro, Sarah and
Rob Wotherspoon
Bishop David Coles
Left to right: Principal, Dr Sandra Hastie with Rangi Ruru Girls’ Peter Smith and
School past students and staff. Hon Gerry Brownlee MP
Lucy Smith
Don Miskell and
Janet Murphy-Taylor,
Sally Langley
Eddie Murphy, Matt Parr,
Mayor Lianne Dalziel Nancy Vincent-Parr,
Bishop Peter Carrell and Louise Green, Richard
Teresa Kundycki-Carrell Smith and Trevor
McIntyre
Sam Brosnahan, Tori
McNoe and Millie Julie and Steve Glass
Morgan Graham and Meghan
Hannah Rhodes Duston and Neve Duston
Diana Patchett (Principal, Garth and Lisa Gallaway
St Margaret’s School) Justin Murray and
Angus Dysart-Paul, Richard Adamson
George Armstrong and Laraine and Dr Peter Sharr
Charlotte Hollywood Nick and Rosie Davidson
Alec Bruce and QC, Anthony and
Left to right: Shnece Duncan, Cameron Jones, Mary and Phil Jones
and Gillian Smith (AP). Deborah Watson Theresa Thomas
8Fireside Chats
Paul Bingham
Cheryl de la Rey
David Seymour MP
Alastair McKechnie
Grant Fletcher
Hon Gerry Brownlee MP
Don Miskell
Mayor Lianne Dalziel
Alec Bruce
Paul and Karyn Davis Left to right: Emma Wotherspoon, Rob and Sarah Wotherspoon. Left to right: George Stilwell,
Mayor Lianne Dalziel and
Garth Gallaway Shnece Duncan.
Justin Murray
Left to right: Paul, Cam and Left to right: George Murray, Justin Murray and Richard Taylor (BM). Left to right: Emma Wotherspoon,
Karyn Davis. Lois Flanagan and Callum
Shrimpton.
Left to right: Kate and Matt Caro. Left to right front: Rosie and Alastair McKechnie, Jono Brent. Left to right: Guy and Sarah Wigley.
Back: Ben McKay, William Jones-Allen, Ben Aitken and
Freddie Beaumont.
9House News
Welcome to our New Warden
The Right Reverend Dr Peter Carrell
In February we welcomed the newly installed 9th Bishop “In particular, I’m looking to further encourage the
of Christchurch, the Right Reverend Dr Peter Carrell, as spiritual character at College House and the appropriate
Warden of College House. It is tradition for the role of ways of incorporating this into the culture of the House.
Warden on our Board of Governors to be taken up by the With the Chapel of the Upper Room not being accessible
Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch. since 2011, the absence of a serene spiritual space is a
very much-missed part of House life. I’m taking a keen
Board Chair and Sub-Warden, Jono Brent, says the interest in the fundraising campaign to strengthen and
Board is very pleased to welcome Bishop Carrell. restore the Chapel to its former glory.”
“College House has, since its establishment in 1850,
always had strong links to the Anglican Church and we Welcome Bishop Peter, we look forward to your spiritual
look forward to Bishop Peter’s contribution to spiritual guidance in the years ahead.
life of the house.
“The Board would also like to acknowledge former
Warden and 8th Bishop of Christchurch, Victoria
Matthews, who returned to Canada last year. She was
a strong guiding hand for the Board over the last nine
years. We wish her a well-deserved retirement.”
Bishop Peter says he is delighted to be Warden of
College House. “It is a great privilege to be Warden
and I’m enjoying getting to know the Board, staff
and students. I’m very familiar with College House
as I used to attend post-ordination training in the
1980s at the House. As well, my father, now retired Left to right:
Bishop Brian Carrell
Bishop Brian Carrell (1951-56) and my godfather, (1951–56) and fellow
Murray Pickering QC (1954-57), are alumni. alumnus John Akiyama
(1950) in Christchurch
earlier this year during
a visit to New Zealand
from Japan.
10Development News
Our loyal benefactor, Professor David Maidment
(1968-70), spent many hours discovering couples who
met at College House and remain together to this
day. I was told the key to a long marriage is to marry
someone wonderful!
College House was also fortunate enough to launch the
Chapel of the Upper Room campaign at Westminster
Abbey thanks to our wonderful Chair of the Chapel
Fundraising Committee, Archbishop Emeritus Sir David
Moxon. I am confident our community will support
the Chapel campaign and see the restoration of this
incredible piece of architecture. I look forward to the
opening service and listening to Kim Ellis’ rendition of
Jerusalem over the Ginns organ!
From the Development Director Many alumni have visited College House throughout the
year and we have been so pleased to host them for formal
There is no doubt the lives of students at College House
dining. Your visits serve to remind us of the calibre of
are deeply enriched by the ongoing associations of our
students College House is proud to call family and we are
incredibly loyal alumni and community.
thrilled when you visit. Please keep us in mind if you are
The support shown to us, allows our students in the Christchurch region.
the opportunity to remain engaged and focussed
For me, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you
academically and comfortable in an environment rich
all for letting me be a part of your community for the
in heritage and steeped in tradition.
past 15 months. I have enjoyed meeting so many new
2019 was no different for the Development Office. We friends and will look back very fondly on my time at
were honoured to host a large group of ex-Housemen College House. It has been a pleasure to see what goes
and their guests in March for a wonderful weekend on behind the white walls of Waimairi and I wish you
of reminiscing and laughter. It was a pleasure to be all the best for the future.
a part of the hard working committee of Lindsay
Spilman (1968-69), Jon Lorentz (1967) and Kim Ellis
(1969) to ensure this weekend was a success for those
who attended. Testament to the hours of work they Erin Reeve
put in were the number of visitors who travelled from Development Director
their own corners of the world to attend. The feedback
received was very positive.
2019 Leaders Anonymous Steve Gentry Murray and Jeanette
in Giving John Y Akiyama Paul Hammonds Rowden
The Principal, College Suzanne and Patrick Karl Hudson Laraine and Dr Peter
House Board Fellows Andrew Sharr
Bruce Leadley
and the Development Grant and Donna Baker Ben Tothill
Hamish Leckie
Office would like to
Rev David and Anne Hugh Lindo Sir Miles Warren
thank all those who
Boyd Archdeacon
have contributed to Claire and John
our fundraising efforts Duncan Brand Mackintosh Malcolm Welch
in 2019. We value Richard and Judith Rose Mills Shailer Weston OBE
every gift and we are Bright Wilkie+Bruce Architects
Archbishop Emeritus
enormously grateful for
Colin Brown Sir David Moxon Antony Wood
the generosity of our
benefactors. John Croucher Murray A Pickering QC Noel Woods
Reverend Ted Dashfield Ted Raba Reverend Dean
Guy Donaldson Erin Reeve Gavin Yates
11Development
Celebrating Volunteering Helping restore the Chapel
Laraine herself has volunteered for the past two years as
a member of the Chapel Fundraising Group. “We are all
hugely motivated to help raise the funds to strengthen
and restore our much-loved, and much-missed,
Chapel of the Upper Room. In my latter years as BM,
we focused, of necessity, on the rebuild of Main Block.
When I retired in 2015, I knew there was unfinished
business and I wanted to help make College House
whole again.”
Saluting all College House volunteers
Laraine is quick to point out that she is only one of many
volunteers at College House. “So many willingly give
their time, energy and skills. I salute our current Board
Fellows – Jono Brent, Richard Adamson, Natalie Baird,
Hugh Lindo, Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon,
John Rolleston, Anna Wilkes and Ashley Wilson
and our Fundraising Ambassador, Claire Mackintosh.
“Of the many core values embraced by generations of
I also acknowledge our past Board Fellows, our alumni
College House students it has been service, leadership,
and current students who have all helped make our city,
community and respect that I found were intrinsic
our country and, indeed, our world a better place.”
to the culture of College House.” says Laraine Sharr,
former BM (2007-15).
Laraine recalls that in her term as BM, students and
staff volunteered with a number of Christchurch
organisations. “This included working with the
Salvation Army delivering hot food to the city’s street-
sleepers. Students also helped with sport and games at
the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre in Governors Bay,
and the children made return visits to College House.
I have abiding memories of vigorously-played football
behind the quad – and not one broken window!”
“We must also remember the extraordinary impact
of the Student Volunteer Army (SVA). Established by
Sam Johnson (2008-9) and other students (mostly
from College House) following the September 2010
earthquake, the SVA organised several thousand h Morete
h Wigley, Olivia Fox and Sara
student volunteers to shovel liquefaction, and help Left to right : Isabella Guer in, Sara
e volu nteers.
(all 2019 ) Rona ld McDonald Hous
Christchurch residents and businesses recover from
the 2011-2012 earthquakes.”
This year, students have volunteered at Ronald
McDonald House, delivering dinner for unwell children
and their families.
12From the Chair of the Chapel Over the last 50-plus years, our Chapel has afforded
significant benefits to our students. They have valued
Campaign their Chapel for quiet reflection and thought. They
have loved the music, with the choir crescendos almost
lifting the rafters, and it has been a perfect venue for
concerts and music rehearsals. Feedback from our
current students has confirmed their need for the return
of this peaceful – and multi-dimensional – space.
The Chapel of the Upper Room is the only sacred
site on the University campus. University Chaplain,
the Rev Joshua Moore, is eager to see our Chapel be
available for the University as a whole. “All the great
institutions of the world have a spiritual gathering
point; a space to lift our spirits and still our souls; a
space to celebrate our significant achievements and
The majestic Westminster Abbey is well-known to mourn our losses.” We have assured the University that
people from all around the world as the setting for students and staff will be very welcome to enjoy our
coronations and royal weddings, its choral music and cherished Chapel of the Upper Room.
the comforting day-to-day ritual of the Anglican liturgy.
The Board is gratified that new BM, Richard Taylor, has
It was at Westminster Abbey’s Choral Evensong already planned his approach to integrate the Chapel
on a June summer’s evening that College House into students’ daily lives and become part of a special
officially launched its campaign to raise funds for ‘wellness’ model that will benefit all at College House.
the strengthening and restoration of our Chapel of
Please help us by thinking how you may help to
the Upper Room. This special Choral Evensong was
strengthen and restore this remarkable treasure so
attended by a group of alumni, Board and friends of
it can be available for all university students and the
College House.
wider community for many generations to come.
The Abbey was the perfect location for the launch,
and it was fitting that it took place in a spiritual setting
with which so many alumni are familiar. The Dean
of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, and
members of Abbey’s Chapter, are enormously supportive Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon (1972-73)
of our goal of having the Chapel strengthened, restored, Chapel Fundraising Committee Chair
and reopened, not only for our College House students
to use, but also for all university students and the wider
community.
The Chapel is a very much-missed element in House
life – as a place for worship, for performances, and
for quiet reflection and thought. Following the terror
attack here in Christchurch on 15 March 2019, we know
our students and staff would have found comfort in
this quiet place – to reflect, to ponder, to weep and to
remember – alone, or with friends.
Seeing the Chapel fenced off and inaccessible haunts
me. Each time I visit College House, it’s a reminder of
how important our Chapel is to the day-to-day lives of
our students. It’s very sad to think that there are now
nine years of College House students who, since the
February 2011 earthquake, have been unable to access
this treasured building, nor to enjoy its calm serenity.
13Development
Chapel Campaign Update
We are pleased to announce we are making sound
progress towards our fundraising target to strengthen
and restore the Chapel of the Upper Room.
We feel very encouraged that we will reach our goal,
although there is still much hard work to be done.
Thank you to all our generous donors “A recent visit to College House for the 1966-69 alumni
reunion included a tour of the city to see the earthquake
We have been gratified that so many alumni, parents
damage and ongoing rebuild; it was an eye-opener for me
and friends of College House have helped us so far. With
after many decades of absence.
your support, our Chapel will be restored to its original
splendour and will be, once again, a focus for campus life. It brought home to me the considerable institutional
strength and traditions of the House, which is much
We give our very special thanks to Lotto New Zealand
beyond its peers elsewhere.
for its grant of $400,000.
Therefore I was delighted to make a gift to support the
In August, we were overwhelmed when the Chapter of
strengthening of the Chapel so it may continue to be a centre
Westminster Abbey wrote to us offering a gift of £20,000
for the House and university gatherings in the years to come.”
for a specific Chapel item or purpose. We are liaising
with the Chapter on how it would like its gift to be used. – Antony Wood (1968)
“We are so pleased to be able to help with the Chapel of
the Upper Room campaign. College House was a fantastic
environment for our son Toby, and although the Chapel
remained closed during his time in the House, we hope that
future generations of students can once again benefit from
its restoration and strengthening.”
– Grant and Donna Baker
Ginns organ.
Looking ahead
We continue our work to achieve our fundraising Ginns organ which is located above the entrance
goal so the next planning phase can start for the steps in the Chapel.
Chapel’s strengthening.
To find out more on how you may like to assist us,
With $2,300,000 still to be raised, we welcome all please contact Erin Reeve, Development Director on:
gifts, irrespective of size, pledges over three to five
T: +64 3 364 2001
years and bequests.
E: development@collegehouse.org.nz
Also available are naming associations for significant
gifts, for example, the restoration of the original We very much look forward to hearing from you.
14Alumni News
Our congratulations go to Annabella Thomas (2015-16, “Our research uses nanotechnology with an engineering
Academic Tutor 2017-18) who is the 2019 recipient of the focus. I’m privileged to be working with UC’s College of
prestigious MacDiarmid Institute Masters Scholarship. Engineering, as well as the Otago School of Medicine in
The award covers her university course fees for her MSc Christchurch on this project.”
and a living allowance for the year. Annabella’s thesis
focuses on the causation of colorectal (bowel) cancer by After handing in her thesis in early 2020, Annabella
a bacterial toxin. plans to head over the ditch to study for a PhD at
Australia’s oldest medical research institute, the
Annabella says she is driven to find out more about this Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
cancer. “My grandmother died from bowel cancer and in Melbourne, known as WEHI. “I’ll be applying for a
I’d like to help play a part in researching its potential scholarship to study at WEHI. Hopefully the cards are
causes. New Zealand has the highest incidence of in my favour and I’ll be able to further my education
colorectal cancer in the world, so it is hugely important there.” We hope so too, Annabella.
to find out as much as we can about it.”
Annabella is helping to create a miniature model of the
human colon which can be used to investigate how a
bacterial toxin can lead to bowel cancer formation.
15Alumni
After a short period working at a large commercial law
firm in 2013, Charlotte acknowledged that was not the
right fit, and her true interest was sport. A year’s study in
Leicester, Milan and Neuchâtel saw Charlotte graduate
with a Masters in Sports Management and take up a role
at the FIFA International Headquarters in Switzerland.
Based in Zurich, Charlotte spent four years working on
various FIFA World Cups, with tournaments in Colombia,
Japan, Korea Republic, the UAE and Canada.
Charlotte says the greatest buzz (and stress) came during
the delivery of a live televised prize giving for the FIFA
Club World Cup. “Learning first-hand about the level of
detail and planning required for international sporting
mega-events was awesome – but nothing ever goes
exactly to plan.”
Post-FIFA and a year of travel, including cycling-touring
through Iran, Charlotte returned home and stepped into
Sport – a passion and a career a commercial role with the New Zealand Rugby Players’
Association. She is enjoying working in a small team and
A love of sport has led Charlotte Kight (2007-8) to make
the ‘roll up your sleeves’ culture. “It’s great to be closer
her passion her career.
to the sport and the athletes, working with people again.
While completing her LLB, Charlotte spent five years And of course, I’m loving being home!”
playing first-class and international netball with the
Canterbury Tactix, the Northern Mystics and for New
Zealand. Whilst playing netball, Charlotte also spent
four years as a player representative on the New Zealand
Netball Players’ Association Board.
Rob has been Principal of ACS (International) in
Singapore for more than six years. A Christian school,
ACS has 1,000+ local and expat students, with a teaching
staff of 150. “This is an excellent environment to work
in as teachers are highly respected and valued by Asian
families. This makes our jobs much easier,” he says.
Looking back on his career, Rob comments it’s not
been his off-shore teaching posts that have given
him his best sense of achievement, although he has
very much enjoyed them all. Rather, it was his role as
Principal from 2000-10 in east Christchurch’s Linwood
High School when it changed to Linwood College that
Teaching is special he looks back on as being, professionally speaking, a
“I just love teaching, I feel it’s very much a vocation” particularly special time.
says Rob Burrough (1975-76) when he speaks about “When I started as Principal, Linwood wasn’t regarded
his career in New Zealand, Kenya and, currently, in well in the community. Over the decade I was at
Singapore. “It’s not only the interaction with the staff Linwood, we really cranked it up. The uniform was
and students and the variety of work that I enjoy, smartened up, we changed the name of the school, we
but also the huge satisfaction of seeing the students’ introduced a number of changes to improve teaching
progress academically and holistically. It’s never boring and learning, sport blossomed, we were praised by ERO
and every day is different.” and the roll boomed.”
16severe gales, thunderstorms and heavy coastal swells
constitute ‘severe weather’.
Working at Hokitika airport as a high school student
sharpened Chris’s interest in weather. “We did
everything including baggage handling, fuelling planes
and sending weather reports. I also trained to become a
pilot — weather is a big deal when you’re flying.”
Armed with an MSc in atmospheric physics, in 1998
Chris joined MetService and completed his World
Meteorological Organization (WMO) certified training
course. He worked 16 years as an operational forecaster,
specialising in severe weather systems, before moving
into his management role.
In addition to his New Zealand-based work, Chris
was recently appointed Chair of the WMO’s Tropical
Whether the weather be fine – or severe Cyclone Committee for the South Pacific and South-
East Indian Ocean; a vast region comprising 21 nations.
The reverse of his business card gives a clue to
“Tropical cyclones are amongst the world’s most
Chris Noble’s (1993-94) career – it reads ‘Tie down
devastating natural hazards. It’s vital that loss of life
the trampoline!’
and property damage caused by cyclones is minimised
Chris is the Manager of the Severe Weather Services as much as possible. Although climate change may not
Division and the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at increase the number of tropical cyclones each year,
MetService. His team produces warnings of severe they are expected to become more severe, producing
weather (that could be dangerous or disruptive) to stronger winds and more intense rain. It’s essential
Civil Defence and local authorities, and of course to to have effective warning systems, and international
the general public. Heavy rain and snow, widespread coordination and cooperation.”
services work perfectly. It very much harks back to my
engineering days of, literally, nuts and bolts work.”
Katie’s engineering career began with five years in
Beca’s port and coastal engineering team. Feeling the
need to have a more commercial background and,
supported by Beca, Katie attended Stanford’s Summer
Institute for General Management. On her return to
Beca, Katie realised that she needed an MBA to achieve
her career goals.
Winning the prestigious Cranfield New Zealand
Alumni Scholarship to the UK’s Cranfield School of
From engineering to banking Management, Katie graduated with an MBA in 2013
It may seem a strange career path from civil and was immediately snapped up by BP as a project
engineering to an investment bank in London, but it manager. Two years later, Katie moved to Goldman
is a perfectly natural fit for Katie Sherning (2004-5). Sachs as an associate, now she is an executive director.
“BP was an excellent start for my UK career. I could
An executive director for Goldman Sachs, Katie is part never have worked there without my engineering
of the team to build and transition the bank into its new experience and, in turn, as a large multinational it was
European headquarters in the City of London. Built to an excellent stepping stone to Goldman.”
accommodate Goldman’s 6,000+ staff, previously spread
over three sites, Katie says it is a massive development. Katie is currently on maternity leave after the birth of
“I’ve loved the tangibility of this project – it’s involved her son; we have a photo of them on page 32.
everything from hospitality contracts to ensuring all the
17Alumni
Research into reducing environmental
impacts from buses and trucks
Seeking equity The research that Napameth Phantawesak (2011-12)
for Māori health is undertaking focuses on retrofit systems to reduce
fuel consumptions and emissions from buses and
A senior leader at the
trucks. Meth is in his first year of doctoral study at
Royal New Zealand
Imperial College London. He has received funding
College of General
from the Royal Thai Government for his Masters
Practitioners (RNZCGP),
and PhD studies.
Richard Tankersley
(1981-82) (Kai Tahu, “The World Bank has predicted that, by 2030, global
Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha) is passenger traffic and freight volumes will grow by 50%
the College’s Principal and 70% respectively. Electrification is gaining traction
Advisor Māori. for passenger and light-duty vehicles. My interest,
Richard is member of the RNZCGP’s Māori Health however, is with heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and
Equity team; he is responsible for leading key projects buses that are much harder to decarbonise due to their
and providing advice to support the implementation size and the distances they must travel,” explains Meth.
of its Māori Health Action Plan. It has three objectives –
“For buses, I’m working with Transport for London
to increase the number of Māori general practitioners,
to reduce NOx emissions from London buses
to determine and enable a culturally and clinically-
using selective catalytic reduction after treatment
competent GP workforce, and to provide leadership
technology. This technology basically converts the
and advocacy across the primary health sector to achieve
harmful pollutants from the exhaust into the natural
equitable health outcomes for Māori. components of air that we breathe, before expelling
through the tailpipe of the bus.
“In order to achieve the first goal, we must increase
the number of Māori entering GP training. Currently, “On the truck front, I’m collaborating with companies
Māori make up only 10% of the GP training intake. in the UK to implement a kinetic energy recovery
We need proportional representation so our goal is to system for trucks. This system regenerates energy as a
get this to 22% of the intake by 2021. We have seen an truck brakes and uses it during acceleration. By doing
increase in Māori undertaking this training, but we’d so, it not only reduces emissions, but it also saves a
like it to be faster,” says Richard. significant amount of fuel cost for the operator.”
“It’s vitally important that Māori can lead He attributes his drive and motivation to his years at
their own people in healthcare. Māori GPs Nelson College, UC and College House. “I wouldn’t
change those experiences for the world” he says. In
can be very strong advocates for increased the meantime, Meth is enjoying studying and living in
health outcomes for us and to help achieve London. “Best of all, I love having my CH friends visit.”
equity in the health system. This country
needs a co-designed process of delivering
equitable health services – it’s not just an
add-on.”
Richard’s background has a strong community focus.
He spent eight years as a Human Rights Commissioner
and has worked for many years in his whānau-based
cultural consultancy, Matariki Services, as a diversity
and inclusion consultant, facilitator, cultural coach,
supervisor and educator, and celebrant.
“I’m passionate about equity for everyone starting with
Māori. It’s gratifying that my role at the RNZCGP mirrors Meth with his family at his Masters capping at London’s Royal Albert
my personal goal of making a difference to our people.” Hall. Left to right: Premika, Pramin, Meth and Renuka Phantawesak.
18Technology leadership roles technology consultancy, Theta, as its head of cyber
for two alumni security. In his role Jeremy works with Theta customers
to help them understand, and to mitigate against,
For many people, finding the right career can be
cyber risk in all its forms. “My RAF experience has been
relatively straightforward. For others, however, there’s
hugely useful in thinking differently and collaboratively
a healthy dose of serendipity. For commerce and
to achieve an excellent result. What I’m now doing
engineering graduate, Jeremy Jones (1994-95),
career-wise is a perfect moulding of my interests
this is certainly true.
and experience.”
“I was working in finance in the City of London; I hated While we were talking with Jeremy, he mentioned that
the job. Trudging to work each day down The Strand, alumna Phoebe Dobson (1994-95) also works at Theta.
I kept noticing a recruitment office for the Armed Phoebe says it was ironic as she and Jeremy started
Services. After a particularly torrid day at work, on working at Theta within a week of each other. For a few
impulse, I walked into the office. Within an hour, days she couldn’t work out why he looked so familiar!
I was all signed up as an officer with the Royal Air Force.
It was the best decision ever,” he says. As Theta’s head of project delivery, Phoebe provides
governance across her team of 30 people who work on
After his engineer officer training at RAF Cranwell, multiple client projects at any one time. “Our goal is
Jeremy first joined a specialised unit responsible to provide quality delivery for our clients to time and
for operating a fleet of spacecraft that delivered to cost. We are responsible for high level planning,
satellite communications for British Armed Forces design and testing of all solutions for our clients in order
worldwide. “In my RAF career, I moved between space, for them to achieve their strategic goals. I also have
cyberwarfare and air command & control roles all over ownership of, and a special interest in, Theta’s internal
the world including the US, Ethiopia and other African projects. We’re growing very fast so it’s important that
nations, and the Middle East. Particularly memorable all our in-house processes grow in parallel so we can
assignments include building a fully-operational air continue to deliver quality to our clients.”
field in the Afghanistan desert, but disrupting terrorist
activity in cyberspace was also intensely satisfying.” Phoebe says her greatest challenge is coping with the
sheer volume of work, continuing to guide and energise
With 17 years of RAF excitement under his belt, Jeremy her team to deliver quality. “I love it here. It’s busy and
retired in order to launch a second career. Returning intellectually challenging, and it’s great to be part of an
to New Zealand almost three years ago, he joined organisation as it continues to grow and develop.”
19You can also read
