What do a top international architect, a diplomat, the owner of a school, a designer of men’s activewear, the owner of a weed shop, and the owner of the largest brewery in Thailand have in common? Together with our first international student at Christs College, they’re all Old Boys who came to our recent catch up in Bangkok.
Suffice to say, they were a wonderful mix.
It was truly special watching our Old Boys renewing friendships at the Community Visits in Thailand, Singapore, Tokyo, and the myraid of event in New Zealand and Australia. Thank you to everyone who attended for your enthusiasm and support. Plenty of photos to see in the Out and About section.
Closer to home, there’s still more action to come. There are still some tickets available for one of our favourite annual events – the CCOBA Long Lunch this Friday 21 November at midday. Click here for more details. This year’s guest speaker is the highly entertaining Mark Hadlow ONZM (8490) – one of New Zealand's most celebrated actors and comedians. Meanwhile, the Christchurch YOBs are catching up on Wednesday 26 November – click here
On the other side of the Tasman, we have the Melbourne Branch Dinner tomorrow, 20 November. Click here to register.
Looking ahead to next year, we’re already well underway with registrations for our 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 year Reunions, scheduled for 13–15 February 2026. Book your place now.
It’s been such a pleasure meeting with so many of you this year and witnessing the deep connections you continue to share. Thank you for your emails, your phone calls and all your support.
Much of the success and energy of the CCOBA over the past two years is a reflection of our President, Andrew Henderson. ‘Blue’, as he is better known, has been a delight to work with throughout his tenure, which culminates next February. I appreciate all of his support and effort on my behalf – especially with making the 175th the success it was.
On behalf of all the CCOBA board, Blue and I wish you all the very best for a safe and happy festive season and holidays.
Jason Shin was working his Sunday afternoon shift at Noel Leeming, his part-time job while at university, when a female customer walked in and asked for help to set up her new house with some appliances.
He flew around the world as a cabin crew with Thai Airways for more than a decade, operated a pub and restaurant in Bangkok and is just launching a new activewear business.
A noted historian, a long-serving District Court judge, a philanthropist, a community stalwart, a conservationist, and members of several well-known College business and farming families recently returned to celebrate their 65 and 75 Years On Reunion.
English lord celebrates long family ties with College
An English lord, whose late brother attended Christ’s College from 1957–60, visited us as part of his week-long stay in Christchurch to mark Canterbury’s 175th anniversary.
Old Boy Reuben Bijl and his wife, Rebecca, have turned their talents to building a wellbeing app dubbed Jasmine. In a new Stuff series highlighting small businesses, Reuben explains what inspired Jasmine and how it works.
It’s been an action-packed few months as you’ll see by this photographic coverage of recent events.
Singapore
Tokyo
Bangkok
65 & 75 Years On Reunion
Blenheim
Nelson
Timaru
Wānaka
Sydney
Sydney Long Lunch at the Orient Hotel, Circular Quay
A good turnout with Old Boys coming from as far afield as Tasmania and Queensland, in addition to the regular Sydney turnout.
Lunch was followed by the President’s address and leading the obligatory Haka and the School Song, performed with much gusto and daring-do, all the delight of fellow diners .
It certainly lived up to its name with the convivial atmosphere lasting until late into the night.
Fred Bertram passed away peacefully at his home in Sydneyon 28 August 2025. Beloved husband of Pamela, father of Emily and Abby, grandfather of Annie and Fin. Beloved son of Manfred and Jennifer. Much loved brother of Nicholas, Corinna and Joff. Fred was loved and admired by so many people that he met and was a mentor, advisor and friend to many. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to such a wonderful person. We are all so happy and enriched that he was part of our lives.
We are deeply grateful to our Old Boys who leave a lasting legacy through making a bequest, helping to shape the future of our students.
Many of you may already know or have met Laura Forbes, our Future Gifts Manager.
Laura has lived in Canterbury for more than 20 years. Her husband, brothers-in-law and father-in-law all attended College and she is excited to have her son starting in 2027. At the heart of Laura’s work is a genuine commitment to preserving the traditions and values of Christ’s College, while enabling future generations of young men to thrive. She is here to listen to your story, understand your wishes, and help ensure your gift reflects the legacy you want to leave behind.
Whether you are only beginning to think about the possibility of a bequest, or are ready to formalise your plans, please feel free to have a confidential conversation with Laura. She can offer you practical guidance, and introductions to trusted advisers.
Laura has enjoyed getting to know the current members of the Sewell Society, a group of significant supporters who contribute through gifts, including bequests, to College. She was pleased to host their first official gathering, along with the Christ’s College Tour Guides, in Term 3.
A refreshed bequest booklet is now available online here providing more information about leaving a bequest, and the Sewell Society.
The Archives receive an array of donations and each item is integral to the larger story of College life – a subject, a passion, a talent, and, most importantly, the people. Many students have trodden the path of their forebears, and often imagine their sons doing the same.
The Belcher whānau from Waimarama, Hawke’s Bay, has been intertwined with College for many years. Three generations – Seymour Theobald Belcher (3149) 1919–1922, David Seymour Belcher (6991) 1960–1963, and Philip John Seymour Belcher (10962) 1989–1993 – have strong ties to College.
A box packed with records and taonga formerly belonging to Seymour Belcher reveals his connections right from his first-year timetables in 1919. It also contains a Human History exercise book, a reference from EC Crosse in 1922, endowment fundraising booklets, and CCOBA Hawke’s Bay branch service sheets from David’s time in the 1960s and 1970s.
Seymour Theobald Belcher (3149)
Meanwhile, our North Island-based Old Boys often reminisce about the long journeys to Christchurch on the train. David has provided an interesting account of his travels in the 1960s, including the delight of seeing the Nga Tawa schoolgirls join the railcar in Gisborne and then, sadly, leave in Palmerston North.
The Wairarapa boys would join the group before the overnight trip on the inter-island ferry to Lyttelton, when David recalled that the students practically ran this service.
“Once in Lyttelton, there would be a hasty rush in groups of four to bag a taxi to return to College in time for Chapel of the first class.”
David Belcher in Richards House, early 1960s.
David also remembers the suit button rules. First years had to have three buttons fastened and no hands in pockets while second years could leave one button unfastened. Any failure to adhere to these rules would result in 100 lines by the evening’s prep time.
He also notes the ‘fag’ system – one fag for a House, or a first-year ‘fag’ for Prefects. The duties for those boys included bed-making, shoe cleaning, and caring for clothes.
In David’s time, there were eight Houses – four for dayboys and four for boarders. The House spirit was very competitive, whether in the classroom, during sport or while undertaking outside activities.
Among the more recent donations from David is the alternative to the College Register – The Christ’s College Rejecter. It features the usual sports reports and Old Boys’ notes, with a satirical spin and will be found on the upcoming online platform of historical Registers.
The Christ’s College Rejecter. This Trad. Man-it’s a gas! Pg.1
David maintains a long-standing affection for College, evidenced by his role as CCOBA Hawke’s Bay branch secretary for 20 years.
He firmly believes that “College life and traditions certainly built the true value of camaraderie into my life”.
“To meet any College Old Boy is likened to speaking to a close friend, whether they be a business professional or a man of the land, as the subject of life at College always springs to the horizon.”
Like his father, Seymour, and his uncles, who attended College in the 1910s and 1920s, David, his brothers, and cousins were all students. In turn, they ensured that their sons had the privilege of a College education.
David reiterates the College motto, ‘Bene Tradita, Bene Servanda – Good Traditions, Well Maintained’, adding that “it’s up to us present Old Boys and parents to build on College in preparation for future generations”.
David’s son, Philip, attended College from 1989–1993. An acclaimed artist, Philip’s remarkable carving can be seen in the library stairwell. Initially a 4th Form (Year 10) carving project, the intricate whakairo was completed in 1992. Phil went on to make his mark through his exceptional works of art in Hawke’s Bay. He became widely known for his dedication to Māori art and culture, with special licence to obtain greenstone and other stone from throughout New Zealand for his artworks. Sadly, Phil passed away on 16 February 2024.
“Phil was one of Hawke’s Bay’s most respected artists and carvers and was known for his passion in serving the local community,” his father says. “He was involved in the Pou at Waimārama, the Ātea a Rangi star compass at Waitangi Park, and the restoration of the Wharerangi Marae.”
You can see much of Phil’s legacy in Hawke’s Bay.
Phil Belcher in his early years at College.Phil Belcher. Photo: Annette Dew. The carving: Nga Putea Wananga. A whakanoa ceremony was held at its installation on 20 April 1993. Phil said it was “pleasing to leave his personal mark on the school”. – Christchurch Press, 21 April 1993
On behalf of Christ’s College, I want to thank David for his generosity and for maintaining the unbreakable bond with College.
