As I write this from our flooded home in Tai Tapu, I’m full of empathy for all our Old Boys impacted by the wild weather of the past day or so. Like many of you, the rain has caused havoc both inside and out. Hugo the dog has been looking forlornly at his erstwhile playground while our son, Charlie, also an Old Boy, ferried him to higher ground to answer the call of nature. Please do take care of yourselves.
We’re fortunate to have the expertise and enthusiasm of three new CCOBA committee members Hamish Matheson, Jeremy Evans and Jack Lindo. I’m always so appreciative of our Old Boys who want to give back by offering their time on the committee. You can read more about Hamish, Jeremy and Jack in the Old Boys profiles.
At a recent meeting, we were also delighted to welcome former Christ’s College Board Chair Hugh Lindo and former Executive Principal Garth Wynne as honorary life members. Thank you for your immense contributions to College during your respective tenures.
It seems a distant memory now but we’re still receiving wonderful feedback about the 175th festivities. It was fantastic to catch up with so many Old Boys. Click here to view some additional photos. See you for the double centenary in 2050.
One of the many special moments during the celebrations was the opening of our new Museum in the Hare Memorial Library, overlooking the Quad. The Museum is a treasure trove of stories, images and memories spanning the history of College.
Our community visits are in full swing. We have a full calendar in the North Island, kicking off with Auckland on Tuesday 27 May, followed by the Auckland YOBS the next day, Tauranga on 23 June, Hamilton and Rotorua 24 June, Taupo 25 June, and Gisborne on 26 June. On Wednesday 9 July we’re heading to Wellington. For more details.
Always drawing a vocal crowd, the annual Christ’s College 1st XV vs Christchurch Boys’ High School is one of the highlights on the calendar. This year, the match will be played on the newly restored Upper. I hope you can join us Tuesday 3 June 1pm, followed with a drink at The Bog from 3pm.
We’ve received so much wonderful feedback from Old Boys who attended the 175th festivities. Thank you.
Here’s a sample of what they had to say.
“What an absolute triumph.“
“Now that I’m back in the French time zone and the harsh reality of working again, I just wanted to express my huge gratitude … The whole weekend was a spectacular success from start to finish and will remain in my memory for a very long time. Having the opportunity to see so many older yet familiar faces, many of whom I’d not seen for 45 years since leaving, and also the incredible changes that have been made to College, made ours an extremely rewarding trip.”
“What a great weekend that was.”
“My parents and four younger brother loved it. In fact, one of my younger brothers loved it so much he woke up on my parent's couch.”
“Congratulations on a marvellous weekend of celebration … there were many fantastic inputs, not least the Head Boy’s mihi at Chapel.”
“We have just had the most wonderful weekend.”
“We’re so pleased we made the effort.”
“… it was great to catch up with a number of friends who I have not seen for 10+ years. In particular, your oldest Old Boy John Rutherford who I first met in 1981 when visiting his property.”
“Love it all. Amazing and fun catchups.”
“Everyone felt really looked after, it really was an exceptional occasion.”
“Not just 100 per cent but a 200 per cent effort from the College team.”
“I was so sad to have missed the celebrations. Everyone says they were great.”
“Best three days of my life. A unique experience.”
Jeremy Evans (11713) is a dentist, working at Bradley Wood in Merivale for more than two decades. He describes his career choice as a combination of science and art.
Old Boy James Hay (12494) has brewed up a winning recipe at Business Banter at Christ’s College, sharing his journey to creating a community-focused craft beer brewery.
Auckland YOBs – Inviting all Old Boys who were at College from 2014–2024. Register now
Tuesday 3 June, 1–3pm
Christ’s College 1st XV vs Christchurch Boys’ High School 1st XV rugby game. CCOBA Rugby Reunion 2025: 25 Years On (2000) 40 Years On (1985) 50 Years On (1975) 60 Years On (1965) 65 Years On (1960) 70 Years On (1955) Register now
CCOBA Reunion 2026: 20 Years On (2006) 30 Years On (1996) 40 Years On (1986) 50 Years On (1976) 60 Years On (1966) 70 Years On (1956) 80 Years On (1946)
A hand-carved poppy bowl featuring a stunning piece of pounamu has been gifted to Christ’s College during a special Anzac service, marking both the sacrifices of Old Boys and the 175th anniversary of the school.
Old Boy – Major Duncan Sandeman (10354) spoke and told the boys that “service is not just about war or history – it is about the choices you make every day”.
“True service begins with the individual. It is about striving to be the best version of yourself, stepping up when your community needs you, and playing your part in shaping the future of Aotearoa,” he says. “The men we remember today did not wait to be asked; they saw a need and answered the call. That same spirit lives in each of you."
Barry Millage, FNZIA, FRAIA, was a distinguished architect whose work significantly influenced the architectural landscape in New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. His career spanned decades, showcasing creativity, dedication, and a commitment to community-focused design.
Christ’s College has a long history of giving. In 1851, Maria Somes gave College its first gift, endowing land and the Somes Scholarships in memory of her husband, Joseph Somes.
New Zealand's first Premier, Henry Sewell, was one of the most important figures in the history of Christ’s College. He arrived in Christchurch in February 1853 to play his part in the Canterbury Association. He also ensured that Christ’s College was well established and financially viable.
The tradition of the school’s founders lives on today, recognised through the Christ’s College Sewell Society, established in 2013. The society provides an enduring relationship and connection with those who have committed to supporting Christ’s College, specifically leaving a legacy gift in a bequest. A lasting legacy.
Going into bat for Christ’s College’s Cricket Ground 140 years ago
FA Hare and wickets, CS Thomas (2226) Album, 1908
Sometimes, it takes a passionate individual to get things moving, and in the case of Christ's College, it was cricket enthusiast Master/Chaplain Francis Augustus Hare, who got the ball rolling (or bowled) for the school’s own home cricket ground.
Looking through the Board minutes, we can trace the different hurdles faced, followed by continuous submissions and planning, until 6 October 1885. On this day, Hare’s plan to take a portion of Hagley Park, adjacent to the Hagley Park Cricket Ground, was approved.
It was resolved: “That the Governing Body guarantee to advance the sum of £100 during the ensuing year towards the expenses of preparing a cricket ground for the boys, as outlined by Mr Hare, and also an annual grant of £50 for the upkeep of the ground in the following year.”i
The ground and pavilion, circa 1912
Thus, Christ’s College secured the lease of a cricket ground at South Hagley Park – an arrangement that has endured for 140 years.
The first mention of the need for a cricket ground appears in the Board minutes from 24 June 1859. The Sub Warden proposed a partial rearrangement of the College grounds, with part of the land, currently occupied by the Sub Warden, being set aside as a playground. The boundaries of this area would be decided by the Building Committee. An application would be made to the government to use a section of Hagley Park, across the river, as a cricket ground.ii
This allowed College to use the grounds freely, with the caveat that the government could reclaim the land for public purposes in the future. In response, founding Fellow Reverend G Cotterill went into bat for College with a letter reminding the Government Office of the previous agreement for free use, but arguing that College should not have to pay for improvements unless it had a secure lease.
On the reverse of the letter from Cotterill was the following note: “Action: State that at present, the Government is unwilling to give a lease to any portion of Hagley Park, as they may need to submit some portion for improvement. Until then, they do not wish to disturb the existing state of the property.” iii
About 25 years later, enter Hare, whose love for cricket was well-known. “Season after season found him daily at the nets.”
His dedication to the sport and the school’s cricket team helped drive the eventual success in securing a dedicated cricket ground. “The XI played in the southwest corner of the Hagley Park Ground until, largely due to Mr Hare, they obtained their own ground.” iv
FA Hare and his 1885 cricket team
The ground initially covered eight acres (now nearly 10). By November 1887, the Bursar confirmed that, with the consent of several Fellows, a grant of £50 would be made towards the construction of a pavilion.v This pavilion would be the property of College, though it could be removed if requested.
The pavilion, circa 1912
In June 1887, one of the Old Boys expressed optimism about the new ground: “Mr Hare tells me, with the air of a man oppressed with the embarras de richesse, that the only thing the ground now suffers from is ‘too much grass’. All I would wish is that the boys will value their new possession at its proper worth.”vi
By 1888, a pavilion had been built, followed shortly by a groundsman’s cottage, which became the home of William Vagg. Before these developments, in 1882, WJ Pocock was employed as the first professional coach for the school, working two afternoons a week for £1 per week. “The main force was M Hare, and the boys were in no doubt as to the debt College cricket owed him.”vii
In February 1888, the Register reported that the 1887–1888 season was the first to be played under the new auspices of the school’s own cricket ground: “We have at last a ground of our own…”viii
The first mention of the ‘College Ground’ in relation to a cricket match was the reporting of a game between Christ’s College and the United Cricket Club on 22 and 29 October 1887.ix Additionally, the Star newspaper in 1888 reported: “La Crosse – There will be a match tomorrow afternoon on the College cricket ground.”x
Through perseverance, passion, and the unwavering dedication of individuals like Hare, Christ’s College now boasts a cricket ground that has stood the test of time, serving as the backdrop to many seasons of cricket over the past 140 years.
i Minutes of the Quarterly Meeting of the Governing Body of Christ’s College 1885 ii Minutes of the Quarterly Meeting of the Governing Body of Christ’s College 24 June 1859 iiiTeal, F J, 2019. Archives New Zealand, Christchurch Office. CAAR 19936 CH287 Item ID R22194094 iv Hamilton, D College! 1996, pg. 110 v Minutes of the Quarterly Meeting of the Governing Body of Christ’s College 1887, p. 307 viChrist’s College Register, 1887 pg. 9-10 vii Hamilton, D College! 1996, pg. 111 viiiChrist’s College Register, 1887 pg. 26-27 ixChrist’s College Register, 1887 pg. 27 x The Star Newspaper, 29 August 1888 pg. 3
