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ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2020
For Alumni, friends,
parents and supporters
of College House
CONTENTS
House News Alumni News
From the Board Chair..................................................................................2 A fond farewell to Anna Wilkes........................................................16
From the Principal ........................................................................................3 Airport runways a specialty for Engineering Alumnus.......18
CHSA President...............................................................................................4 College House UK......................................................................................19
Staff News............................................................................................................4 Boy meets world..........................................................................................20
Scholarship Winners.....................................................................................6 From house to mouse..............................................................................24
House Council..................................................................................................7 The road less travelled............................................................................26
Room 16s..............................................................................................................8 Across the generations...........................................................................28
Introduction 2021 CHSA President...................................................8 Life as an educator.....................................................................................30
COVID-19 Lockdown...................................................................................9 Updates from around the globe......................................................32
Playing Touch for New Zealand...........................................................9 Aspiring Black Fern sets sights on Olympic Games.............34
Selwyn Exchange.........................................................................................10 Marriages..........................................................................................................35
College Day.....................................................................................................12 Obituaries........................................................................................................ 36
High Table and Fireside Chats..........................................................13
Cover photo: Sir Miles Warren, Architect who designed
Development News College House, celebrating his 92nd Birthday with a cake
From the Chair of The Chapel Campaign.................................14 made in the shape of the Chapel of the Upper Room.
College House Board of Governors
Warden Board
The Right Reverend Dr Peter Carrell BSc (Hons), BD, PhD Richard Adamson BCom
Bishop of Christchurch Absent Natalie Baird BA, LLB (Hons), LLM (Columbia)
Chairman and Sub-Warden Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon KNZM, BA (Hons), MA (Oxon), LTh
Jono Brent BCom, MEngSt, CA John Rolleston LLB
Anna Wilkes BSc, MSc (Hons)
College House Representatives
Ashley Williams BE (Hons) (Civil), MIPENZ, CPEng, IntPE
Richard Taylor BPhEd, AssocDegSocSc(ResCare), Dip Tchg, Principal
Rex Dillon BCom, ACIS, Bursar
1
House News
FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
The end of 2020 is in sight. I am sure you will all join me The Chapel of the Upper Room earthquake strengthening
in appreciating the difficult circumstances COVID-19 has and restoration project continues, as does our fundraising
presented. While College House has remained in good campaign. Thank you to every benefactor who has made
stead, it has been far from a typical year for students and a contribution so far, we really appreciate your support.
staff. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the We expect the project to be completed mid-2021 and
Principal, Richard Taylor for leading and guiding College are excited at the prospect of next year’s students
House diligently throughout these challenging times. enjoying this special space that supports personal and
spiritual growth. Special recognition is due to Laraine
Richard Taylor has settled in well to College House
Sharr (CH Principal 2007 –15) who continues to devote
over the past 12 months. Coming into an environment
a tremendous amount of time and effort in her role as
enriched with culture and traditions can take time and
Deputy Chair of the Chapel Fundraising Committee.
patience to understand, however Richard has taken
all this in his stride. There has been a strong focus on As we look ahead to next year, there is strong demand
developing a strategic direction for College House, for students enrolling to study at University of
implementing a robust set of values and an emphasis on Canterbury and applying for College House. While we
continual improvement across all areas of the College. are still in unprecedented times, we continually strive to
deliver a great experience every College House student.
In December this year, we will farewell outgoing Board
Fellow, Anna Wilkes (CH 1994). Anna was a student and Thank you to our students, staff and parents for
tutor before joining the Board in 2005. Anna has also your support and understanding as we have
been an integral member of the Chapel Fundraising navigated this difficult year and those who continue
Committee. Thank you Anna for your contributions to to support College House and its unique offering
College House over the past 26 years. We wish you for generations yet to come.
every success for the future.
It is important to also recognise and thank the Board
for their ongoing governance of College House. With
the Board largely consisting of College House Alumni, Jono Brent (CH 1996)
volunteering their own time, they bring a wealth of Chairman and Sub-Warden
knowledge and a sound understanding of history and
traditions, which is truly valued when resolving decisions
about a prosperous future for College House.
2
There has been a significant amount of work undertaken
by the Management Team to ensure College House is
not only compliant but continues to lead the way for
pastoral care in halls of residence in New Zealand.
A highlight of the year was Sir Miles Warren’s 92nd
birthday. As a tribute to Sir Miles, the world renowned
architect of College House and exceptionally generous
donor, our gift was a beautifully made cake in the
shape of The Chapel of the Upper Room. Initiation
Week was another highlight, with such a high level of
inclusiveness for our Freshers, it really does help to
‘break the ice’ and settle the students into their new
home and family.
Throughout the year, we have been faced with
uncertain times and an ever changing environment
regarding COVID-19. College House was home to four
students and four tutors during the March lockdown
and created its own “bubble”. Everyone was grateful
to return to College House in Level 1, and we were
FROM THE PRINCIPAL fortunate to be able to host the Robbie Burns Feast
Dinner and Selwyn Exchanges, which were thoroughly
As I reflect on the past twelve months since arriving enjoyed by all. Later in the year, when Auckland
at College House, it has been a year consisting of went back into Level 3, just prior to the September
continual learning, understanding, developing, term break, it was an easy decision to keep College
implementation, fostering existing and new House open for approximately 70 Auckland students
relationships and of course, leading our students throughout the holiday period, while continuing to
and staff through a global pandemic. operate the kitchen and housekeeping teams. Life is
Developing and implementing a strategic plan for College still not as we typically know it at College House but we
House has been a strong focus and I’d like to take an have adapted to the guidelines and rules to ensure that
opportunity to thank the Board for their support with we all keep safe and look after each other.
this. The plan has been curated to provide College House With an emphasis on fostering new and existing
with a clear direction for the future and to map out how relationships, College House has developed very close
we can collectively achieve our goals. As part of the plan, ties with the other Independent Halls – Bishop Julius and
College House has a vision “To be the outstanding Hall Rochester & Rutherford. This relationship brings a unified
of Residence in New Zealand” and we have collectively view and approach to the relationship held with the
agreed on a set of values which determine the way University of Canterbury and enables us to support each
in which we behave and make decisions: Excellence, other through industry opportunities and challenges.
Accountability, Integrity and Collaboration. The
implementation of this work is proving to have a very As I look out to College House quad, the building fence
positive impact on staff morale and culture, which ensures that surrounds the Chapel project inhibits the outstanding
College House continues to hold the best interests and view that will return in 2021. With the project on track
wellbeing of our students at the core of our mission. to be completed next year, I truly cannot wait to have
this significant space returned to us all.
Since the tragic death of a student at another University
of Canterbury hall of residence in 2019, there has Thank you all for your ongoing support of College House.
been a spotlight from the Government on all halls of Pro Ecclesia Dei
residence. Initially, with an Interim Code of Pastoral Care
introduced soon after the tragedy. This was followed by
a select committee inquiry into student accommodation,
launched in July 2020. College House took the
opportunity to submit a response to the inquiry and
Richard Taylor
prepare all supporting evidence for the Interim Code.
Principal
3
House News
CHSA PRESIDENT STAFF NEWS
The year 2020 has
brought world-changing
and paradigm-shifting
developments leaving
uncertainty in its wake.
Despite this, College
House has adapted and
thrived unlike any other
hall. The responsiveness
proves that attending
College House extends
beyond a place to stay
to a presence in a community prided by compassion,
excellence and integrity.
Although we had only experienced a few weeks
Welcome – Jessica Blackie
together, the combination of passionate and
enthusiastic returners with eager and sociable freshers The most recent addition to the College House
meant we went into lockdown as a family. Physical Management Team is Jessica Blackie, Executive
distance was overcome by weekly house zoom calls, Assistant to the Principal. Since joining in June
online sports competitions and zoom tutoring, keeping 2020, she has quickly figured out the newly created
the culture and consistent strive for excellence alive. role and is seeking out a lot of opportunities to add
value in many aspects around College House.
College House attracts students looking to excel in
a world far beyond university studies. This year has The new role entails support to the Principal,
been no exception, with the calibre of our cohort communication, events support, conferences,
on display during the annual Selwyn Sporting and philanthropy and Alumni. Having held Executive
Cultural Exchanges. After being so warmly welcomed Assistant roles in the past, she brings a wealth of
in Dunedin, we keenly anticipated the Selwyn arrival knowledge from a range of disciplines and industries
and the weekend was mimicked in warm, friendly with her to College House. Driven in her career,
competition and exceptional talent. With the feelings she is also studying part-time towards a Diploma
between our colleges based on a strong fraternity, in Business (Leadership and Management) at Ara.
the rivalry and spirit of comradery shone throughout Jessica describes her time at College House so
the weekend - like the two trophies which now find far as being very rewarding and notes that there
themselves home with us. is a special uniqueness about the place. Being
For many of us our time in these white walls is coming interviewed during lockdown over video conference,
to an end, but we will never leave College House. It is a it wasn’t until Jessica got the opportunity for a final
community existing beyond just the physical structure. interview in person at College House that she was
As we move to embark on our own unique journeys, truly breath taken by the incredible community that
we join the wealth of Alumni as the next generation of existed behind the white walls of Waimairi Road.
leaders, innovators and creators. With the skills and Soon after joining, Jessica is really developing a
connections formed over our time here, we do so more genuine appreciation and understanding of the
than prepared. rich culture, traditions and people that make
College House what it is today.
Despite this being among one of the strangest years in
College House history, there’s no time to be exhausted. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys being around her own
There’s still a lot of history to be made in this 170th home, spending time with her dog, George, exploring
year! We continue to take every opportunity to revel the outdoors, enjoying the summers surfing in Sumner
in the traditions gifted to us by you all and ready and winters up Mt Hutt. Of course, when the borders
ourselves to pass them on with the same responsibility are open again, is keen to continue travelling to new
and honour that came before us. and exciting places around the world.
Jennifer Berry Jessica looks forward to connecting with you in the
President CHSA 2020 future and having a positive impact at College House.
4
Farewell – Lisa Clark
Lisa Clark joined College House since 2014 as a
Kitchen Assistant. She retired in October this year.
During her time, Lisa has seen many changes at
College House. From working for a few years in the
tent where she enjoyed the long hot summers and
the cold winters (not) and then finally moving into our
beautiful new kitchen – appreciating having walls and
a solid roof!
Lisa has loved the interaction of being the person our
students saw every morning at breakfast. Lisa always Lisa's retirement means she will have plenty of time
made new students feel warmly welcomed and at to do all the things she loves, like spending time with
home. Her infectious laugh could always be heard her furry companion, Nicky, and her husband, Ian.
throughout the main block. We wish you the very best Lisa!
Farewell – Erin Reeve
Many College House Alumni and community members A second and unique highlight for
will have met former Development Director, Erin Reeve, Erin in the 2019 calendar was the
in her capacity as the Director of Development at launch in June of the Fundraising
College House between September 2018 and late March Campaign for the Chapel. With the
2020 – the expiry date of her extended contract. assistance of Archbishop Emeritus,
Sir David Moxon (CH 1972 – 73),
Following Erin’s commencement in her new role, she
himself an alumnus, Erin led a
identified quickly the critical tasks and priorities that
College House community group
would require much of her attention for the immediate
to Choral Evensong at London’s
future - administrative support for Reunion Committee
magnificent Westminster Abbey.
organisers of the ‘Fifty-Years-On’ Reunion for the
This very special event included the
’67 – ’69 Alumni cohort; arranging the launch of the
Launch of the Chapel Fundraising
Fundraising Campaign for the Chapel’s restoration and
Campaign, a guided tour of the Abbey
strengthening and planning the range of fundraising
and a fine dining occasion at nearby House of Lords.
initiatives and publications required for the support of
The week concluded, memorably, with a London Alumni
this transformational rebuild. Additionally included in her
Reunion at New Zealand House where College House
new role were the myriad tasks associated with day to day
members of all ages reminisced, and not surprisingly,
Development Office management. This new assignment
exchanged stories across the decades that bore
was, doubtless, a challenging prospect, but was one that
remarkable resemblance. The more things change…
Erin embraced with enthusiasm – her efficient management
style and ‘can-do’ approach evident from the outset. Following her relatively brief time in the Development
role, Erin acknowledged our Alumni, commending
Administrators know well that little in event-
members’ clear, strong passion for both College
management life runs completely smoothly, and so it
and Chapel. ‘Their interest and support are totally
was in mid-March 2019 when the tragic news unfolded
inspirational,’ she observed. In particular, Erin
of the mosque attack, just days ahead of the opening
referenced the dedicated support of alumnus,
of the Alumni Reunion. Erin recalls how Reunion
Professor David Maidment (CH 1968 – 70) and Doctor
Committee members, Kim Ellis (CH 1969), Lindsay
Helen Maidment, who together, epitomise the enduring
Spilman (CH 1968 – 69) and Jon Lorentz (CH 1967)
College House values of great goodwill and dedicated
weighed the situation with due care and respect,
commitment towards others.
eventually electing to proceed with Reunion plans. Erin
reported, ‘the Committee members were an absolute Recently, Erin took up her new role as the Campaign
delight to work with, and a large number of Alumni, Manager for the Christchurch Cathedral Reinstatement
spouses and partners enjoyed a hugely successful event Trust. We extend Erin our warmest congratulations and
that was fun for all who attended.’ wish her every success in her new appointment.
5
House News
Left to right: Will Scharpf, Rupert Gates, Anna Brajkovich, Claudia Long, Kate Lightowlers
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
First Year Scholarships
Jack Carden, Isabel Mallett, Benjamin Shepherd College House Students’
Lyall Holmes Memorial Scholarship
Association (CHSA)
Engineering Jennifer Berry President
Will Scharpf Andrew Franklet Vice President
Rupert Gates Treasurer
Buller & Reay Scholarship
Anna Brajkovich Secretary
Claudia Long
Harry Stone Sports Chair
Fraser Flanagan Scholarship
Sophie Katavich Social Chair
For an outstanding student who otherwise might
Will Scharpf Cultural Officer
not be able to remain at College House.
Charlotte Bush CCACC
Rowley Scholarship
James Reilly Service & Wellbeing Officer
Science or Commerce
Anna Brajkovich
George T Weston Scholarship Room 16’s
House Contribution Charlotte Bell Stanford House
Will Scharpf Sam Bell Warren House
Crowley Weston Scholarship Bella Crisci-Farnell Beadel House
Rupert Gates Florence Ferguson Parr House
Mary Oliff Davy Scholarship Eloise Jones Wilford House
Kate Lightowlers Will Jones-Allen Carrington House
McLaren East Scholarships Claudia Long Maidment House
House photographer, videographer, magazine Ben Manning Watts Russell House
editors and audio visual technician Kaleb Small Chichele House
Alex Hynds, Hamish Thornton, Piata Inch, Chelsea Sole Hardie House
Alexandra Cater, George Walton Ted Somers-Walters Rymer House
6
HOUSE COUNCIL
House Council this year was made up of nine strapping
individuals: Jennifer Berry at the helm; Andy Franklet
second in command; Anna Brajkovich secretary
extraordinaire; Diabolical Charlotte Bush commanding
C.C.A.C.C; Rupert Gates a.k.a “the money man”; Will
Scharpf, king of all things cultural; Gregarious Sophie
Katavich simply made for her social position; Sports man
Harry, his wit almost as quick as his reflexes; and finally
our newest addition, James Reilly, a man with a heart so
large you wonder how it could fit in his chest. cancellations would somewhat fortuitously occur at the
business ends of both semesters. In any case, the weeks
The year was of course marred with COVID difficulties,
of July yielded some memorable occasions.
but the House Council circumnavigating those as best we
could to provide a fulfilling College House experience. Although it is a lot of games and fun, it isn’t all fun
In the midst of lockdown James Reilly applied his and games. One of the things House Council is most
wily charms and slipped into the shoes of a younger proud of accomplishing this year is the construction of
Alex Trebek to MC an online quiz night. This was an a stronger relationship with the Board. We’ve pushed
occasion that saw great attendance from CH families for more student representation in this area, and this
across the country. Beyond this Minecraft servers, and year we’ve achieved some success which has facilitated
“Houseparty” (a video chatting app) calls were frequent a greater contribution from the student body in long-
platforms used to maintain the hall’s social presence. term decision-making processes. Further, James Reilly’s
position, “service and wellbeing” is a new introduction
Outside the weeks of lockdown things remained as
to the Council as of this year. This is to support a
normal as possible. The first term progressed following
greater community and volunteering programmes from
usual events and traditions which allowed us to set the
the hall, which has amounted to greater involvement
tone for the upcoming year, even though that year would
with the Student Volunteer Army, and general push to
be so jumbled. Some of you may remember events like
participate in community actions.
“marriage night” or initiation feast dinners, which you’ll
be glad to know went ahead before things ground to The year as a whole has posed many difficulties. The
a halt. The first weeks of the year provided the same House Council has enjoyed great fun and progression as
experience that has occurred for years. Additionally, a body despite this. We are incredibly proud of the work
we were provided a second window of opportunity we’ve done throughout the year, both in maintaining old
at the beginning of the third term. It seems that the traditions and promoting new found growth.
Back row left to right: Will Scharpf, Sophie Katavich, Rupert Gates, Harry Stone, Anna Brajkovich.
Front row left to right: Charlotte Bush, Jennifer Berry, Richard Taylor, Andrew Franklet, James Reilly.
7
House News
ROOM 16s
2020 has been a year of ups and downs, trials and
tribulations, and most importantly, a year of growth. As
College House Room 16s we didn’t envision a year cut
short four weeks into the term, but we adapted quickly.
House Drinks became via Zoom attendance, most likely
a first in the entirety of College House’s history, as
House members all over the country came together on
screen. One Room 16 in particular, Florence Ferguson,
sought to dive a little further with her House, Parr, and
created a Minecraft Server to further facilitate bonding
and friendship between the first-years. It was a success
and eventually opened to all. Back row left to right: Eloise Jones, Ben Manning, William Jones-Allen,
Sam Bell, Kaleb Small, Claudia Long.
Lockdowns and restrictions aside, the rest of the year Front row left to right: Chelsea Sole, Bella Crisci-Farnell, BM,
Charlotte Bell, Ted Somers-Walters
proved a success. Most of the House returned safely when
the country moved to Alert Level 2 with a slight difference
in the way things were. The new rules and social distancing hard, but everyone managed to keep going with a
measures were taken to without hesitation, as everyone smile on their face. A definite highlight was the Ball, on
worked towards the shared end goal. its third backup date. Everyone was in attendance and
a great night was had for all.
Semester Two came in with a bang. Everyone was back
and the House once again heaved with a liveliness and Pandemic aside, it has been a good year for the Room
grandeur. All the first-years seemed to be settle back 16s. We hope the first-years enjoyed the year as much
in well. It almost seemed like no one had ever left! The as we did. Moving forward, there shall always be open
jam-packed semester seemed to be hit students pretty ears (and inboxes!) for 2021’s amazing Room 16s.
INTRODUCTION 2021 CHSA PRESIDENT
Hello, my name is Ollie a leadership position as Freshers learn so much
Dunshea and I am the from, and look up to all of the Returns. However I
President of College also enjoy talking and listening to a wide range of
House in 2021. people and I enjoy working with others to create
try and find solutions to problems. I decided that
Very early on in the year,
my passion and skills best suited me to running for
I realized that I wanted
President and so I gave it a shot.
to return in 2021. The
amount of fun I have had When I was first announced as the President for 2021,
with everyone on my floor the overwhelming emotion I experienced was relief.
and in my House- Hardie- It was an immensely tough competition between
alone warrants coming back for a second year, but Henry, Maddy, Ben and myself and I am excited to
there are so many more things that I have enjoyed work with all of three of them along with the rest
this year. All of the events, from the first night to of the Returners, Room 16s and House Council as
the Ball have been almost too much fun, the pie for I believe we have a strong Returner group.
dinner ranks highly as well. I can’t say I have enjoyed
In terms of what myself and the House Council look
the water blaster on the building site particularly,
to achieve next year, the main thing is that everyone
but the riverings are always so much fun, as long
in the community has fun and feels a part of these
as you aren’t the one being rivered. I have met
white walls no matter their personality, world views
a plethora of new people as well; and even with
or favorite way to procrastinate. We also want to
the reduced amount of time we’ve had in College
further College House’s excellence by helping to
House this year, I feel like I am part of a community.
improve sustainability and diversity.
Returning for a second year meant I would be in
8COVID-19 LOCKDOWN
When the country entered lockdown, I was fortunate
to offered accommodation by College House, but
possibly more fortunate to be locked down with
Jennifer, Charlotte, Tim, George, Aya and Shnece.
As a team we found inventive ways to spend the time,
and with the freedom of the College’s campus we were
never short of space. Tennis was played most days and
we cooked and ate our meals together in the common
room. During the afternoons we usually worked
together in the library and in the evenings organised
small events in the rec-centre.
Initially everyone had high hopes to learn new skills –
Back row left to right: George Stilwell (Tutor), Tim Gulland (CH 2016
for some it was the piano, others tennis or just learning & Tutor), Ted Somers-Walters, Jennifer Berry, Charlotte Bell, Shnece
to crack an egg. Jennifer, our serving President, even Duncan (CH 2016 & Tutor), Aya Honzawa
volunteered to help direct traffic late one night. Having
such an energetic group helped incalculable amounts international student, College really proved to be a
and throughout the lockdown periods the team was home away from home.
kept in high spirits.
As the house has returned to some form of normality
Towards the end of lockdown we settled more into our friends have returned from across the country. I’ve
routines and as university work began to start up again reflected on our time in lockdown as one of learning
life seemed to return to a strange normal. Despite and enjoyment. In a world where Covid-19 was snuffing
this, we were able to maintain the close friendships we out as much light as possible, College House remained
formed over the weeks. a home to joy, laughter and friendship. Wherever you
may be reading this, the lockdown team and I wish you
Access to College House’s amenities and facilitates
good health and happiness.
during lockdown was a tremendous comfort and one
my comrades and I are extremely grateful for. As an Ted Somers-Walters
PLAYING TOUCH FOR NEW ZEALAND
When we talked with Charlotte Bush (CH 2020) in
early June, she had competed in the Trans-Tasman
Touch Tournament in New South Wales, Australia
earlier this year, where she had played for the New
Zealand Under 20 Mixed Touch Team. “We spent
3 days training in New South Wales before playing
Australia in 3 games, over 3 days. Although the
games were close, we lost 3-0, playing each game
in 40-degree heat. However, it was an amazing
experience being able to represent my country,
playing the sport I love.” Charlotte first started
playing touch at St Margaret’s College in 2014 and
has represented Canterbury on many occasions. She
has now been selected into the New Zealand wider
training squad for the 2021 Youth World Cup in
Manchester, England. “I am very honored to play for
New Zealand and will continue training in hope to
make the touch world cup team.”
9House News
Left to right: Maisie Gallagher, Scott Kitto, Will Scharpf, Charlotte Bush, Richard Taylor
SELWYN CULTURAL EXCHANGE
After being comfortably defeated in last year’s Selwyn council seemed all but certain that the trophy
exchange, two busloads of College Students arrived would be theirs for another year. The College band
in Dunedin with one thing on their minds – winning. came through strongly however and we were awarded
Debating was the first event to be held with the moot the win for the exchange. Later the next day a happy
stating that cannabis usage should be legalized. We management remarked that it was our first victory in
argued as the negating team with speakers Ben, Ollie several years.
and Aimee all performing extremely well. Strong points
and brutal shut-downs from each side were greeted All who participated put forward amazing efforts and
with furious golf clapping from the audience with acquitted themselves well. Freya Searle and Cam Davis
College clutching up to take the lead heading into each dedicated many hours to the theatre-sports and
Saturdays events. choir groups respectively. Finally, the massive group of
supporters played a huge part by carrying morale and
Having three of its five members fail to turn up on time, maintaining a constant stream of sub-par chat.
and facing opponents in suits with designated coaches,
the chess team was doomed from the start. A convincing We were lucky to be able to hold the cultural exchange
5-0 win to Selwyn inevitably followed. Theatre-Sports this year and this opportunity was seized by everyone.
was closely fought and despite the occasional pearl of Friendships between our two halls have continued
wisdom from Ram, was awarded to Selwyn. to build with traditions from past years maintained.
The longstanding relationship of Selwyn and College
All-saints church was to be the venue for the House has extended another year. While we have the
instrumentalists as well as big and small choirs. At 2-1 Principal’s Cup on the display for now, it is sure to be
down, now was the time to bring in the big-guns. Small hotly contested for many years to come.
choir began with a beautiful performance from Zach and
Cam however was awarded to the classy Selwyn group.
Alexis Migounoff
A polished violin performance and an electric guitar jam and Ed Bayliss
carried a ‘somewhat repetitive’ College House pianist to during theatre
sports.
victory in the instrumental section. Finally, with Selwyn
said to be singing ‘into their folders’ by the judges, big
choir was awarded to College despite several close-calls
page turning in the accompaniment.
With the exchange now tied at 3-3, the battle of the
bands would become the deciding factor. Formal
dinner in the hall diminished inhibitions and the trash-
talking began in style. A somewhat overconfident
10SELWYN SPORTING EXCHANGE
With the Selwyn Sport Exchange commencing on the the tennis was being played the Netball began, which
Friday 7th of August, there was a lot of pressure on the ended up being a beating on the Selwyn end, with
sporting men and woman of college to live up to the College House claiming another win. The basketball
glory of their cultural companions. tipped off straight after and ended up being another
The exchange was opened with a physical match dominant performance from the College House. The
between the female rugby teams of both Selwyn and mixed hockey got the ball rolling after a quick bite of
College House, with the girls not holding back from lunch back, with the final result being a tie between
putting their bodies on the line. The boys’ rugby both teams. Straight after the hockey was football with
game followed and oh boy was there a crowd to Selwyn being the better side on the day and claiming
support them. With both sidelines being covered from a 3-1 win over College House. The boys Football was
end to end with fans, it lead to a thriller of a match. straight after and College finished the final sports
College House came through with the win tying up the match between the two halls in a convincing fashion
exchange with a convincing win from the boys. claiming a 7-1 win over Selwyn.
The Saturday rolled around and the busiest day With College House putting on a valiant effort through
commenced with the singles tennis matches and mixed the whole exchange, we were awarded the Warden’s
doubles. College House won overall by winning the Cup for a consecutive year as well as finally having both
girls singles match and the mixed doubles match. While trophies at College House since 2009.
11House News
COLLEGE DAY
Sunday 4 October was our annual birthday celebration, After lunch, we had the absolute pleasure of Mr Alec
a special day referred to as ‘College Day’. Bruce from Wilkie + Bruce Architects talk to the
students about the history and significance of The
It was a fantastic day starting with a Chapel Service
Chapel of the Upper Room, which is currently being
held in the study centre, led by the marvellous
strengthened and restored. This was a very fitting
Reverend Spanky Moore - University of Canterbury
occasion to talk about the Chapel as we had just had
Senior Ecumenical Chaplain. A special thank you to
our College Day Chapel Service. There’s every hope
Reverend Spanky Moore for his support with College
that next year’s College Day can be held in the Chapel.
House Chapel Services this year.
There is no such thing as a birthday without cake!
Soon after the service, we gathered in the dining hall
Our House President, Jennifer Berry and Vice
for a beautiful formal lunch. We were grateful to have
President, Andrew Franklet truly made for a
the company of Mr Hugh Lindo (ex CH Board Member)
special moment as they cut the cake together.
and his partner Rebecca Stewart, Mr David Strack (ex
CH Board Member), Mrs Claire Mackintosh (ex CH
Development Director and Supporter), Mr Alec Bruce
(Architect Wilkie + Bruce) and wife Deborah Watson,
and their daughter Anna Bruce (CH 2018 – 19).
12HIGH TABLE AND FIRESIDE CHATS
It has been a difficult year to host special guests and While Fireside chats were also heavily impacted, we did
Fireside Chats. The focus for this year has been to achieve one with Andrew Gray, Development Manager
ensure that every first year student experienced High from the Child Cancer Foundation.
Table before they left College House and ventured out
It was a touching chat and an absolute pleasure to host
into the big wide world.
Andrew. He shared how the Child Cancer Foundation
Fortunately, we managed this feat, even if it was right up supports children and their families through great
until the last night of formal dining for the year! times of need, tailoring the support for each family
and individual to ensure they are supported in the best
To the small group of parents, board members and
way possible. Andrew also spoke about The Beads of
Alumni that did manage to join us for dinner, thank you
Courage programme that provides a visual story of
for coming. A special thanks also to the following guests:
a child’s journey and recognising their strength and
• C
heryl de la Rey – Vice Chancellor, University courage. A set were handed around for everyone to
of Canterbury have a look at. It was with great honour the students
• C
hristine O’Neil – Principal, Christchurch Girls’ of College House presented a cheque for $700 to
High School donate towards the amazing work this charity does
(pictured above).
• F
ergus Ritchie – Former Lindisfarne Student
(won scholarship to Harvard)
• A
ndrew Gray – Development Manager,
Child Cancer Foundation
• G
raham Mitchell (and wife – Ruth) – Chief Executive
Officer, Crown Infrastructure Partners
13House News
FROM THE CHAIR OF THE CHAPEL CAMPAIGN
It has been a challenging year for our national and
global communities. Like those in so many other
workplaces, our Chapel Fundraising Committee
members have worked with dedication and
commitment to raise much-needed funds that will help
restore our Chapel of the Upper Room.
Recently I had the good fortune to be able to visit the
building site and was encouraged by the progress
made to date by the construction and project
management teams currently engaged with this
lynchpin project. While much has been accomplished
to date, there is still much to be done before we
can re-open our Chapel doors in mid-2021. I have
every confidence our focused, on-site team will
meet its objectives and deliver the project on time. I
acknowledge the significant efforts of every member
of the Higgs Construction team and extend my thanks,
also, to members of the architectural firm, Wilkie
+ Bruce for their strong leadership and guidance
throughout a difficult time.
Mr Alec Bruce of Wilkie + Bruce Architects is the
principal architect for this lynchpin restoration project.
Alec has been associated professionally with College
House since 1992, having worked closely with Sir Next year will mark the ten year anniversary of the
Miles Warren, of the well-respected architectural firm, Christchurch and Canterbury earthquakes that
Warren and Mahoney. Many Alumni members will be devastated our city and region. Almost a full decade
aware that Sir Miles was responsible for designing our on, the quakes remain etched in our individual and
magnificent College House campus over five decades collective memory. Since then, students have reminded
ago, an achievement for which Sir Miles has been us regularly of their wish to re-gain entry to this much-
recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Architects loved, sacred Chapel space. For many of our Alumni,
as well as by Heritage New Zealand. Although modest having access to such a unique gathering place was
and unassuming about his life’s work, Sir Miles cites a key contributor to building a bank of fond College
the College House Chapel as his firm’s finest room. House memories.
We are sincerely grateful to Sir Miles for his leadership
Staff and Alumni understand well the Chapel’s special
and support over many decades. Mr Bruce’s strong
spiritual value to our young people, for it was here
professional ties and his close friendship with Sir Miles
within the Chapel’s tall walls that, whether religious
endure today, with Alec providing to Sir Miles regular
or not, students were able to scope their personal
project updates.
pathways, absorb values and give meaning to their
The Bruce family’s association with College House has lives. The re-opening of our Chapel doors next year
been enhanced further through Alec and Deborah’s will, indeed, be a long-awaited milestone, worthy of
daughters, Juliet Bruce (CH 2014-15) and Anna Bruce celebration. We look forward to re-connecting our
(CH 2018-19). As recent College House residents, both future students with the heritage and tradition that
Juliet and Anna studied at the University of Canterbury so many of you know and appreciate.
within the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Fine Arts,
respectively. Younger daughter, Anna, is currently
developing a design concept for a special art work
which she intends gifting to the Chapel at the time of
the Chapel re-opening. We look forward to sharing
news of Anna’s work with you in the near future.
Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon (1972-73)
Chapel Fundraising Committee Chair
14Chapel Campaign Update
There has been real progress towards our fundraising
$3.028m raised by the
target to strengthen and restore The Chapel of the Target
end of September 2020
Upper Room. $3.808m
$780,000 yet to be raised
Notwithstanding the hard work involved left to reach
the target, we are hopeful that, with the assistance of
our strong community of College House Alumni, friends
and supporters, we will be successful.
Show your support
Thank you to our generous donors College House welcomes all gifts, irrespective of size,
People give to people, and it is the future students of along with pledges over three to five years and all
College House and the University who will appreciate future bequests.
your kindness and truly benefit. To find out more about how you may like to support
Words cannot even begin to express the heartfelt the students of College House, please contact Jessica
gratitude for all of the generous contributions Blackie, Executive Assistant on:
that Alumni, parents and friends of College House T: +64 3 364 2245 E: ea@collegehouse.org.nz
have made to date. We give a special thanks to the
Lochmaben Charitable Trust its recent second gift.
2020 LEADERS IN GIVING
The Principal, College House Board Fellows
and the Chapel Fundraising Committee would
like to thank all those who have contributed to
our fundraising efforts in 2020. We value every
gift and we are enormously grateful for the
generosity of our benefactors.
ed Schroder
T
Shailer & Jane Weston OBE
Thomas & Margaret Weston
Gavin Murray ichard & Judith Bright
R
Karl & Rose Hudson Lochmaben Charitable Trust
Paul Hammonds John Thomson
Noel & Judy Woods Sabiston Family
Amelia Matthews Andrew Fenemor
Tiit Raba Francis Young
Steven Gentry Philip & Pamela Butler
Brent & Judith Bruce Stephen Jenkins
Alec Bruce, Deborah Watson, Juliet Bruce & Anna Bruce Alistair Cran & Adrienne Calder
Earle Williams Geoffrey d'Auvergne
Alistair Cran & Adrienne Calder Shane Cave
Wilkie + Bruce Architects Malcolm Jacobson
Philip & Adrienne Robinson Hamish Leckie
Benjamin Tothill Anatoly Chernysheva
Graeme & Jenny Robinson Andrew Mason
Claire & John Mackintosh Mary-Jane & Maurice Caro
Lindsay & Janet Spilman Hall Family
Peter & Noelene Bean Nicholas Pagonis
Peter & Shama Hogg Hawley Family
David Strack Dr Suzanne Peddie
15A fond farewell…
BOARD MEMBER ANNA WILKES
Anna Wilkes (CH 1994) has been a student, tutor, She manages a team of 20 in-house environmental
board member, Board Chair and member of the consultants who help farmers meet their regulatory
Chapel Fundraising Committee. On the eve of her obligations.
retirement from the Board, she reflects on her long
“I lead Ravensdown’s participation in national and
involvement with College House.
regional resource management planning, where rules
“When I joined the Board in 2005, I took the place of and regulations are proposed that impact both farmers’
Geoffrey Beadel who had served for around 40 years. It and Ravensdown’s operations. We’re all about ‘smarter
was made very clear to me that a substantial length of farming for a better New Zealand’ so our position aims
tenure was anticipated,” she says. to balance the need for caring for the environment while
allowing farmers to run sustainable businesses. For us,
The role provides Anna with a different dimension to
it’s particularly important that rules for farmers can be
the routine of work and home life and introduced her to
practically implemented.”
the importance of sound governance.
With farming, freshwater and the environment in
the news on an almost daily basis, it’s a very topical,
“The Board has always been made up of people challenging and interesting area to work in. “Farming
with a diverse range of professional interests, is a tough game to be in at the moment, and yet many
New Zealanders seem to have lost touch with where
bound by the same thread that weaves through
their food comes from and the important role consumer
all who study or work at College House.” behaviour plays.”
With such a busy career, College House is fortunate to
Being challenged and stimulated by the highly-skilled have had Anna on its board for the last 15 years.
professionals who guide the future path for College
“I benefitted so much from my time as a student and
House is her favourite aspect of serving on the Board.
tutor at College House. Being on the Board has enabled
She often also learns things she can relate to her day-to-
me to feel I’ve contributed in some small way to the
day work.
experience other students have had over that time. I’ve
Anna’s ‘day-to-day’ is environmental science. She’s loved seeing College House, an institution founded on
the Environmental and Policy Manager at Ravensdown traditional values, maintain its place as a hall of residence
– a farmer-owned cooperative manufacturing and of choice for today’s students who have only known life
distributing fertiliser and advising on its use. The company in the 21st century.”
also assists farmers with rafts of new regulations relating
to farming, fertiliser and freshwater.
2020 & 2021 CHSA with Anna Wilkes (middle)
16Today her closest friends are mostly people
she met at College House. Although they’re
scattered across the globe, technology
enables them to stay connected, and when
they do see each other, they simply pick
up where they left off. “I feel incredibly
fortunate to have those people in my life.”
“I have so many fond memories. The
fondest would have to be the car rally.
As a tutor I remember returning a
number of golf flags to the Hagley Park
golf course after they’d been one of a
long list of items to be collected along
the way. I also recall the Concierge
at the Park Royal Hotel becoming
exasperated with the hoards of students
needing to get to the top floor in
search of a serial number from a piece
of equipment. He eventually wrote it
down to give to the cars as they arrived.”
As to her time on the board, Anna’s really looking
Reindeer sleigh ride near Rovaniemi, Finland.
forward to feeling proud of the reinstatement of the Anna with her travelling companion Kaye.
Chapel - the final piece of significant earthquake
damaged property
So what’s next for Anna?
to be reinstated, yet one integral to the College.
You’ll find her renovating her old house and enjoying
her garden. “Old houses are a continuous renovation!
“The Chapel is integral as a place of worship. I grew up in an old house, so I’ve always appreciated
A spiritual, peaceful place for students to they are a labour of love. And having an inside job
means I really look forward to spending time outside
retreat from their busy lives. It’s also integral
when I can. The scientist in me loves seeing things
as part of the fabric of the built environment grow and the seasons change. I don’t think I could live
of College House.” anywhere that didn’t have the four distinct seasons
Christchurch has.”
As a former student resident of Hardie and a tutor in Anna also loves to travel. In February this year, she
Rymer, Anna can’t count the number of times she’s was fortunate to fulfil a long-held dream to visit
walked under the Chapel to or from the dining hall, Scandinavia in the winter to see the northern lights.
foyer and study centre buildings. Yet so many students “We travelled from Copenhagen to Stockholm by train,
who have lived at College House in recent years have then overnight ferry to Helsinki before flying north to
never walked that path. “I really look forward to the Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. After the obligatory
day we can welcome those students back to see the visit to the Santa Claus Village and a magical reindeer
Chapel reinstated.” sleigh ride, we drove north to the Kakslauttanen Arctic
Resort and stayed in individual glass igloos. I’m still
As Board Chair in 2016 and 2017, Anna visited Sir Miles sorting through hundreds of photos, but I’m taking my
Warren at his home, Ohinetahi. As always, he gently time as I know this trip will need to sustain my travel
enquired about the Chapel reinstatement. At that bug for a good while longer.”
stage, the Board’s priority was completing the rebuild
of the dining hall and kitchen, so fundraising for the
Chapel hadn’t begun. “I looked him in the eye and
promised him we would complete the Chapel. We’re
almost there, Sir Miles.”
17Tom Dodd
AIRPORT RUNWAYS A SPECIALTY FOR ENGINEERING ALUMNUS
Working in Wellington for the Ministry of Works in the
early 1950s was a pivotal period for civil engineer Tom
Dodd (CH 1945-48). His project was to ascertain the
likely effects of the currents, tides and waves on the
Lyall Bay surf beach from constructing the proposed
runway for Wellington’s ‘new’ airport at Rongotai.
To help out the team, Tom was assigned a staff
member who worked in the Oceanography Section of
the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
Not only did the engineering team design and build a
massive model of Lyall Bay using a plunger to simulate
wave action, but also the oceanographer — Miss Jessie
Watters — became Mrs Dodd in 1953.
The study found Lyall Bay would not be affected by
the building of the runway and that there would be no
deleterious effect from wave/tidal/current action on the
south end of Wellington Airport’s runway.
Tom enjoyed four years at College House. His first
memory is of arriving very late one early March
evening after a calamitous trip from Dunedin. He was
introduced to Canon Parr (BM 1933-49), resplendent
in his pyjamas, who had been roused from his bed to
show Tom to his room in Chichele.
Tom & Jessie Dodd
The Dodd family’s history at College House is
longstanding. Tom’s grandfather, clergyman Thomas “The Engineering School was the first faculty to move
Francis Dodd, took his grades in the 1880s. to Ilam from the university’s overcrowded town site. I
Tom’s career has taken him all over the world, including enjoyed it as the buildings were brand new and there
a stint in Fiji in 1950 where he worked on rebuilding was heaps of space – it was great.”
the Nadi Airport runway that had been constructed A highlight of Tom’s university career was a year’s
by the Americans during WW2 and “needed sorting refresher leave taken at the University of Manchester in
out.” The mid-1950s were spent in Roxburgh for the 1970. “We packed up the family and sailed to the UK.
construction of the dam, then New Zealand’s biggest It was fascinating for an engineer to travel through the
hydroelectric power scheme. Whilst Tom was checking Panama Canal and see all its moving parts – literally!
the temperatures on the concrete used in the dam, We put the children into school — who all, temporarily,
his wife Jessie was coping with a new baby and the gained Mancunian accents — and we all enjoyed
washing freezing on the line during the bitter Central exploring the UK. From an engineering viewpoint, it was
Otago winters. fascinating seeing Victorian engineering structures. The
Returning to Wellington, Tom worked for an 1864 Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol that is based
engineering firm and found himself back at the airport – on Brunel’s amazing design really stood out for me.”
this time testing the gravelly material that was supplied After almost 30 years’ retirement in Christchurch, a
to form the runway. Finding the particle size grading couple of years ago Tom and Jessie moved to Nelson
had not been supplied according to the specifications, to be closer to their two daughters and son who all
the Ministry disputed their findings, the firm was live in the Nelson-Marlborough area. “We love it here,
‘unemployed’ and Tom was out of a job. although we miss our friends and our large garden.
Academia beckoned, and in 1960 Tom and Jessie Being closer to our family in our twilight years is a great
returned to the South Island where Tom joined UC’s privilege and we’re very lucky.”
Engineering Faculty as a lecturer in civil engineering.
18College House UK
COLLEGE HOUSE UK
It's great to introduce you to the College House NZ Trust, based in the UK, and its Trustees
(CH Alumni ranging from 1954 to 2011).
The Trust
The Trust is a UK registered Charitable Company for Get in touch
the advancement of education primarily at College If you want to contact us or learn more about the
House. To achieve its purposes, the Trust seeks to Trust, we would love to hear from you.
provide funds for grants, endowments and building
projects and to reinforce relationships amongst CH Facebook ‘College House UK’ where you can
Alumni living in the UK. find information on upcoming events, see past
events, and connect with other members of
Our primary activities include two annual events,
the Facebook group (all CH Alumni residing
typically based in London; one formal event and one
in the UK). Alternatively, you can directly
social gathering. Events like these offer fantastic
message any of the Trustees listed in the
opportunities to connect with fellow Alumni as well as
'about' section of the group.
learn about the current activities at College House.
You can also contact us via telephone at
The Trustees +44 7957 690105, or email our Chair, Andrew
The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees, all of whom Baines, at andrewfhbaines@btopenworld.com
are Alumni of College House. The current Trustees are:
Finally, all this information can also be found on
• Andrew Baines (Chair) – (CH 1965 – 68) our website www.collegehouse.org.nz/uktrust,
• Murray Pickering QC – (CH 1954 – 57)
where you can also learn more about making
• John Stephens – (CH 1969 – 72)
a donation to CH via the Trust.
• Andrew Ramsay – (CH 2009 – 10)
• Lucy Player-Bishop – (CH 2010 – 11 and Tutor 2014)
View of Central London from NZ House
19Boy meets world
Traffic jam in the Kabul Pass on the main road from Kabul to the border with Pakistan where
a British army was massacred in the 1st Afghan war. (Background: the Kyber Pass is in
modern Pakistan and the army was destroyed mainly in this part of Afghanistan)
FROM COLLEGE HOUSE TO GLOBAL GOVERNMENT ADVISOR,
INTEGRATOR AND INTERNATIONAL CHANGE MAKER.
Alastair McKechnie (CH 1967-1968)
Alastair’s story is a classic ‘Boy Meets World’ tale. The Essentially, Alastair’s role was as an advisor to
young man from Invercargill could never have dreamed governments seeking World Bank finance, a facilitator
the “big city” of Christchurch, in which he found himself of change in countries often affected by conflict and
in 1967, was just the first stop in what would become a desperate for help to establish infrastructure along
lifetime of globetrotting. with economic and social institutions. He was also an
integrator, someone who looked at the big picture and
When Alastair graduated from Canterbury University
saw how all the parts connected together.
with electrical engineering and economics degrees,
he’d never set foot in a foreign country, and he was “The picture is much bigger and broader than just the
ready to see the world. financial analysis or cranking out rates of return. I had
to be able to communicate with other groups of people
“I left Christchurch in the morning and arrived in Bali in
covering overall country strategy, to humanitarian,
the afternoon. Then basically backpacked with friends
diplomatic, security and military policy communities.
across Asia going from Myanmar (Burma as it was then)
All these things have to fit together. Importantly, I
to Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey and
also really needed to understand the context, which is
through Europe. I arrived in London at the time of the
everything in fragility-affected countries.”
three day week, when oil prices had gone through the
ceiling, and there was a demand for energy economists.
I repackaged my CV as exactly that, and the rest, one “One thing I’ve learned is that change in countries
might say, is history,” says Alastair.
has to come from within. You can’t impose it. Each
Alastair’s first roles were in engineering consulting,
country has to come up with its own institutional
undertaking power system planning and electricity
pricing studies in lower-income countries, mainly in arrangements that fit its circumstances.”
Africa and Latin America. He then joined Coopers and
Lybrand – now Price Waterhouse Coopers – in its new
While all of Alastair’s career has been incredibly
energy practice. From there he was headhunted to
interesting, a few key deployments stand out.
the World Bank where he spent his career undertaking
global infrastructure financing, disaster relief, The Palestinian programme linked to the Madrid
reconstruction and recovery, often at the coal face of Agreement and the Oslo Accords in the early 90s
world events. is one. “We spent about seven weeks in Jerusalem,
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