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Alumni Manager

Lizzie Dyer The Quad

Lizzie Dyer
Alumni Manager

2025 01 Rugby Reunion

From the Alumni Office  

What a whirlwind few months it’s been — and hard to believe we have already landed in the depths of winter. While Europe swelters, we’re lighting fires here at home. We are also thinking of those in our community who have been suffering with the recent floods at the top of the South Island. 

Wherever you are in the world, I hope this newsletter finds you well. 

A personal highlight for me in recent months was the annual clash between College and Christchurch Boys’ High School and the Rugby Reunion. At the 70 Years On gathering, we had a wonderful turnout — with seven members of the 1955 team joining us. Although we didn’t come away with a win, it was a very exciting match, and we were very happy to have such a well-behaved and supportive crowd. After the game, we enjoyed a lively post-match function, with Old Boys of all ages coming together for a memorable evening. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who travelled to be part of such a special day. See Rugby Reunion story and photos below.

We’ve just wrapped up a successful trip through the North Island, visiting some of our regional centres and I’m pleased to report that the strength of our Old Boy community is alive and well. Looking ahead, we’re hoping to reconnect with more of our Asian-based community in late September, with events planned for Singapore, Bangkok, and Tokyo. You can book here.

One unexpected but heartening highlight has been the response to the change in title for Joe Eccleton, from Executive Principal to Headmaster. I’ve received hundreds of messages; it’s clear how much this role and its history mean to many of you.

 As always, don’t forget to check the upcoming events page on our website. If your reunion is coming up next year, be sure to save the date: 13–15 February 2026. We have planned an action-packed weekend and would love to see you there. Please book here.

This edition of The Quadrangle includes some wonderful reads, including several Old Boys talking about the importance of giving back. On that note, Giving Day was a huge success, raising a phenomenal $384,000 for scholarships. We simply couldn’t have done it without your unwavering support. 

Whether you’re enjoying a chilled drink under a ceiling fan or curled up by the fire, I hope you enjoy this newsletter. 

Warm regards, 

Lizzie Dyer 
Alumni Manager

Read on

Old Boys’ Stories

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Caring teachers provide the building blocks for success

Marty Murchison (13303) has always been a man in a hurry. When he left Christ’s College at the end of 2008, he wasn’t interested in a tertiary education. He wanted to get earning.

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The benefit of a scholarship system

Consultant anaesthetist Chris Munns (11018) has recently returned to Christchurch after 18 years living in Australia and England.

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Brothers make it a hat trick

The Tipping brothers – Andrew, Paul and Simon – are memorable in their own right and as three high achieving siblings.

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Giving back a special moment

Mark Warren (8838) didn’t always appreciate his family’s choice to send him to Christ’s College.

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Harry Black – building a career in project management

Christ’s College Old Boy Harry Black has delivered an insightful Career Convos session, detailing his role with leading project management and strategic advisory business RCP.

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2025 09 Rugby Reunion

Glory days of 1985 1st XV

Hamish Murray, Dan Parker, David Tudehope, Tim Stace, Ali Grigg, Jim Hazlett, Damon Jones, Tim Cameron, Guy Flynn, Ben Greenslade, Simon Batchelor, Nick Reekie, Hamish Redfern, Stephen Cottrell, and Andrew Crossland returned to College to celebrate their standout season, and watch the next generation of College players.

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In the News

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Sank MacFarlane (10893)

Puro has made history by signing the largest organic medical cannabis export agreement ever.

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Harrison Reid (13918)

After more than a decade living in Sydney, Kiwi Bondi Rescue star Harrison Reid has come home to Christchurch.

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David Nixon (11479)

Developer David Nixon is embarking on a $40 million residential development in New Brighton.

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Guy Hughes (9454)

While he admits he comes close, Guy Hughes insists he’s not “a serial entrepreneur”.

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Louis Beckert (14535)

Louis Beckert was part of the Vantage Black Sticks Men’s squad selected to compete at the 2025 FIH Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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Hamish Cooper (8729)

Former New Zealand Ambassador to Japan, Russia, and Turkey, Hamish Cooper has been appointed the new High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

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Sam Martin (9995)

Sam Martin was honoured with the Lincoln University Alumni International Medal for his work as co-owner of London-based company Exterior Architecture.

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Andrew Bell (12448)

Bell, Lamb and Trotter managing director Andrew Bell is opening a water cremation as its new funeral home.

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Upcoming Events

CHRIST'S COLLEGE & CCOBA EVENTS
Wednesday 23 JulyDunedin Young Old Boys (YOBs) Event
Register now
Friday 25 JulyCCOBA Wellington Long Lunch
Register now
Saturday 26 JulyChrist’s College Old Boys vs 2025 Senior A Team
Tuesday 5 August, 6pmHawke’s Bay Community Visit
Register now
Monday 11 AugustAkaroa Community Visit
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Friday 15 AugustCCOBA Auckland Region Winter Waiheke Long Lunch
Register now
Friday 5 September Christ's College Grandparents' Day
Register now
Tuesday 23 SeptemberSingapore Community Visit - Asia Tour
Register now
Thursday 25 SeptemberBangkok Community Visit - Asia Tour
Register now
Friday 26 SeptemberCCOBA Golf Tournament
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Thursday 2 OctoberTokyo Community Visit - Asia Tour
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14–15 OctoberCCOBA 65 Years On Reunion (1960–1964)
Register now
Wednesday 15 OctoberCCOBA 75 Years On Reunion (1950–1954)
Register now
Wednesday 22 OctoberSouth Canterbury Community Visit
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Wednesday 29 OctoberAshburton Community Visit
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Wednesday 5 NovemberNelson Community Visit
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Thursday 6 NovemberBlenheim Community Visit
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Tuesday 18 NovemberWānaka Community Visit
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13–15 FebruaryCCOBA 80 Years On Reunion (1946–1950)
Register now
13–15 FebruaryCCOBA 70 Years On Reunion (1956–1960)
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13–15 FebruaryCCOBA 60 Years On Reunion (1966–1970)
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13–15 FebruaryCCOBA 50 Years On Reunion (1976–1980)
Register now
13–15 FebruaryCCOBA 40 Years On Reunion (1986–1990)
Register now
13–15 FebruaryCCOBA 30 Years On Reunion (1996–2000)
Register now
13–15 FebruaryCCOBA 20 Years On Reunion (2006–2010)
Register now
Read on

Rugby Reunion

We welcomed hundreds of Old Boys to the annual Christ’s College vs Christchurch Boys’ High School 1st XV match on the restored Upper, including our Rugby Reunion attendees from 70, 65, 60, 50, 40, and 25 Years On. Following the match, we enjoyed sharing our rugby stories and memories at The Bog.

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Out & About

Great to catch up with so many people at our recent Community Visits to the North Island – see all our photos below

Auckland Community Visit

We had a fantastic community visit to Auckland last month — a huge thank you to Saatchi & Saatchi for being such a wonderful host, and to everyone who joined us the next day at Alice’s for a great turnout of Young Old Boys.

It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with our loyal Auckland community — we’re grateful for your continued support!

Would love to see you at our next Auckland event – The Auckland Late Lunch on Friday 15 August – Book here.

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North Island road trip

What a wonderful week on the road with community visits in Tauranga, Taupō, and Gisborne — plus a couple of great coffee catch-ups in Rotorua and Hamilton.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along. It’s always uplifting to see our Old Boys community in such good heart!

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Wellington

We were thrilled to welcome one of our largest turnouts yet at our fantastic Wellington event. It was a real pleasure to see so many of our Young Old Boys and hear about all the exciting things you’ve been up to.

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The Chronicle

Deaths

April 2025–July 2025

We have learnt of the following deaths in our community. Our sympathy is extended to their family and friends.

Michael Sherwood GOWING (6752)
Auckland, 6 April 2025

Christopher Charles SANDSTRUM (6822)
Christchurch, 9 April 2025

Roger Wayth GUDGEON (5992)
Auckland, 25 April 2025

Walcot (Jeremy) WOOD (5679)
Christchurch, 27 April 2025

Gary Robert FAIL (7027)
Christchurch, 28 April 2025

Timothy George Burry ARMITAGE (6591)
Christchurch, 3 May 2025

Timothy John TROLOVE (5536)
Marlborough, 7 May 2025

David Greville RAWSON (7481)
Marlborough, 10 May 2025

Michael George GOULD (7038)
Canterbury, 14 May 2025

Max ROSSER
15 May 2025

John Colelough ELLY (5401)
Christchurch, 17 May 2025

Arnaud Campbell MCKELLAR (7325)
Canterbury, 17 May 2025

Alastair William MENZIES (6057)
Christchurch, 5 June 2025

Timothy George Burry SULLIVAN (5802)
Christchurch, 8 June 2025

Arthur Fleetwood Gale BLAKELY (7135)
Christchurch, 13 June 2025

Daniel George PINCKNEY (6445)
Otago, 19 June 2025

Robert Teeling O'HAGAN (6061)
Wellington, 23 June 2025

Michael Clifton OBIDWELL (7133)
Christchurch, 29 June 2025

Samuel Geoffrey BOTHERWAY (13673)
Christchurch, 3 July 2025

William Hamilton WALKER (6094)
Hawkes Bay, 8 July 2025

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Contributions welcome

If you would like to contribute an obituary to The Chronicle, please email Lizzie Dyer at ccoba@ccoba.com.

As a guideline, we suggest a 500-word submission. However, we are happy to accept longer or shorter options.

*Please note that this office may edit obituaries.

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From the Archives

Staff Anne Gabrielson SQ

Anne Gabrielsson
Archivist

It was great to be able to find some old 1st XV family members for some, in the archives database recently, during the museum's rugby exhibition. 
Please email me on archives@christscollege.com if you're still on the hunt. 

Unfortunately the College doesn't hold many original 1st XV TEAM photos between  1941 - 1944 and 1963 - 2002, so if your dad, uncle or grandad has one of these at home, please consider sending a copy to that same email address, or bring in and have scanned. 

Museum open hours: Mon & Tues lunchtimes, or on request.

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