The past year has certainly been challenging for many, especially the Old Boys working and living outside New Zealand who are facing on-going difficulties.

This impinged on the Reunion Weekend, a fabulous event with over 200 Old Boys and partners joining us for the Cocktail Party and Lunch. It was great to meet and connect with them and wonderful to celebrate and reminisce about days gone by. This year we had Old Boys from 20, 30, 40, 41, 50, 60,70, and 80 Years On groups. We very much missed those Old Boys who were unable to attend because of Covid restrictions.

I'd like to make a special mention to Lizzie Dyer – thank you Lizzie for your endless energy and wonderful hospitality that ensured Reunion Weekend was a great success.

I’d like to thank the 2020 CCOBA committee of Angus Dysart-Paul, Mac Bolderston (Treasurer), Nick Harvey (Vice President), Will Vink, Michael Fisher, Jono Blyth, Geoffrey Sullivan. They have worked well together and I thank them for their support and for giving their time to the CCOBA.

Former President Geoffrey Sullivan and last year’s Vice President Nick Harvey have now both stepped down after a number of years of service. They have served the CCOBA well and Geoffrey has been a great support to me during my time as Vice President and President. Happily, Nick will still be working closely with us on several initiatives which we have underway. We welcome new members to the 2021 committee, Andrew (Blue) Henderson (9710) and Nigel Taylor (7235), who were appointed at the AGM to replace Nick and Geoffrey. Angus Dysart-Paul is now Vice President.

We are looking for a President for the Wellington Branch and other Old Boys to join this Branch Committee. If you would like to know more, please contact me or Lizzie Dyer.

Thanks also go to College Board members Catherine McMillan and Tim Kerr who keep us updated on Board matters.

If you would like to read my full report as presented to the AGM, please click here.

Back Row: George Bostock, William Vink, James Baddeley Middle Row: Lloyd Johnson, Blake Callesen, Rob Benton, Richard Baddock
Front Row: Michael Morgan, Guy Lemon, Gareth Reed, Edward Glubb, Henry Aitken

20 Years On

The young guns enjoyed their first official invite back into College grounds. On walkabout many a memory was retraced – my personal highlights: a MJRM chapel reading, losing my first game of chess against G Bostock in the Hare Memorial Library (the highlight was setting up the board): and lastly H Aitken unearthed the original driftwood staff from the ‘03 Lord of the Flies production – not to worry, it’s back where it belongs.

Special thanks to Lizzie and Shelley for the "one per person" drink vouchers – they were especially useful on Friday night. Few managed to make the official pre-lunch tour the following morning.

Dinner on Saturday night was a South American affair. Thanks to Gareth Reed for organising the venue and fare. It was a master stroke selecting “Entrée and Main” over “Main and Dessert” as Rollickin Gelato was across the lane. Special thanks to Casa Publica for keeping our beverage intake to a minimum.

Overall, a successful event and a good mix of familiar and foreign faces. Looking forward to seeing you all at the 175th in four years. Thanks for your hospitality, it was great to meet current CC staff and the wider group of CCOBs.

Many of you will fondly remember Harry de Latour who was tragically killed in a farming accident last September. A Give-a-little campaign has been launched to help support an initiative for Harry’s wife Kate and their two young boys, Archie and Patch.

Will Vink (12892)

Back Row: Ben Millton, Tom Hargreaves, George Ritchie, Duncan Patterson
Middle Row: Ben Acland, Hamish Fairbairn, James Collett, Ben Huston, Dan Bonifant
Front Row: Hayden Bishop, Simon Hay, Mike Sheppard, Charles Morkane, James Polson, Euan Johnston

30 Years On

With the 20 Years On reunion being cancelled because of the Canterbury earthquakes in 2011, it looked like the class of 1991 would again miss out due to Covid restrictions for large gatherings. Thankfully, the country moved down alert levels just in time to allow a good number of Old Boys to meet up – many for the first time since they last walked out the College gates in uniform.

On the Friday evening, we gathered in the Dining Hall for a Cocktail Party, with all the reunion year groups chatting about the old school days and catching up on what everyone had been up to since leaving College. After final drinks were called, we were kindly provided with vouchers for Fat Eddie’s on The Terrace, with many groups moving on and reminiscing until the early hours.

It was a slow start on Saturday morning, but we again gathered on the Quad, with many more joining for a tour of the Houses and school facilities. While all the Houses seemed relatively unchanged, everyone was impressed with the significant upgrades to ultra-modern learning spaces in the Miles Warren Building for the current generation. It was a far cry from what we were used to three decades ago.

At the end of the tour, we enjoyed drinks on the Quad, followed by our year group photos and a roast lunch in the Dining Hall. It was a fitting time to toast to “absent friends” – not only to acknowledge the Old Boys who were unable to travel to the reunion, but also to remember those who started with us at College and were no longer here and sadly missed.

In the evening, the group grew again to about 40, with some partners joining us for drinks and nibbles at the Permit Room in Victoria Square. The conversations again turned to laughter when we were reminded of class antics, rule breaking, mischief and the generally fun times of our College years.

Our 30 Years On reunion was fantastic. We are already looking forward to our 40 Years On event and aim to get an even greater number of Old Boys along in 2031.

A special thanks must go to Alumni Manager Lizzie Dyer, and CCOBA President Richard Polson for organising a memorable weekend, and to Executive Principal Garth Wynne for hosting us.

Ben Huston (11298) & Hamish Fairbairn (11273)

Back Row: James Wright, Rodney McVicar, Mike Sleigh, Hamish Murray, Guy Flynn, Stephen Bain
Middle Row: Mark Speight, Ali Grigg, Mike Chaffey, Richard Savill, David Tudehope, Justin Purser
Front Row: Chris Wood, Drew Murray, George Gerard, Sandy McLachlan, Richard Bullen, Alex Beijen

40 Years On

Our 40 Years On reunion was a wonderful celebration for our class of ‘81 to reflect on events gone by and revel in the opportunity to gather together. Both earthquakes and a global pandemic have conspired against us, so it was a relief to host this long-awaited event. Naturally, Covid-19 thinned the numbers considerably, preventing our classmates from Auckland and overseas from attending.

Thank you so much to all those who sent in apologies and updates of their whereabouts. These arrived from far-flung regions of the globe – Hong Kong to Sydney, London to New York, and Ponsonby to Petone. Please know that we drank a toast to you all and wholeheartedly sent our thoughts and best wishes to you and your families.

The weekend began on Friday evening with an enjoyable cocktail party in the Dining Hall. There were a few queries about the early closing. However, not to be deterred from enjoying a night out on the town, the gathering moved to the social centre of the city!

Saturday’s agenda included a tour of College, a luncheon and photographs. Later we gathered at Mona Vale for dinner and an evening of chat over drinks. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to catch up with the boys and also fantastic to have partners along to share in the reminiscing.

Can I please take this opportunity to thank Alumni Manager Lizzie Dyer for her tireless commitment to ensuring this event flowed smoothly.

Finally, I would like to note that the Executive Principal’s address on Friday evening included an unreserved apology from College to those who may have suffered from abuses in the past. These events have been brought to light by the current Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. He encouraged those who had suffered to come forward, noting that College would support past students in any way possible to air grievances and address past wrongs.

Andrew Withers (9911)

Back Row: Chris Oldham, Jonny Botherway, Jono Trolove, Tony Hazlett, Jeremy Rookes, Jonathan Dunlop, Simon Macfarlane, Mark Burdon, Tim Redfern, James Stevenson
Middle Row: Peter Schneideman, Nick Dunlop, Jonathan Meikle, Rob Clark, Andrew Brown, Matt Sheppard, Richard Findlay, Richard Lester, Chris Graham, Tom Gilroy
Front Row: Richard Grigg, Angus Macfarlane, Johnny Bell, David Menzies, Richard Kingsbury, Andrew (Blue) Henderson, Mike Okey, Chris Thomson, David Ryan, John McQuilkin, James Murdoch

41 Years On

The Covid situation has affected everyone, including our 40 Years On reunion planned for 2020. Our formal reunion was postponed so we had an informal practice run where 28 of our year group got together for the weekend and reminisced about our time at College.

This year, we combined with the other reunion groups as the 41 Years On reunion. Unfortunately, Covid again had an impact, preventing our Auckland-based members from attending, as well as those living overseas.

Our group attended all the formal College functions, including the not so formal Fat Eddie’s on The Terrace and we held our own private dinner at the Canterbury Club, with our wives and partners.

It was a true celebration of how – 41 years ago – we were put together as a group and how the bonds forged then have shaped us into who we are today.

Technology enabled us to hear from some of our overseas-based brothers. Rick Harris, who lives in Canada, sent a very good video, remembering our year group’s, and his, achievements when at College. In the US, Richard Pagey sent a short video from the US, while Nils Coberger – currently training New Zealand skiers in Europe – sent a video of deep powder snow and open roaring fireplaces.

Jeremy Rookes, as always, provided a very humorous speech, recalling – among other things – all the nicknames of the teachers in our day.

Later in the evening, we were joined by many lads from the 40 Years On group.

All in all, it was a fantastic weekend and I very much look forward to the next time we have the opportunity to get together as a group, which will be at the College 175th anniversary in 2025.

Blue Henderson (9710)

Back Row: Geoff Sharp, Phil Deans, Neil Allen, Ian Gordon, Michael Williams, Peter Webb
Middle Row: Mike Cottrell, William Taylor, Matthew Reid, Robert Sinclair Thompson, Guy Sargent, Chris Menzies, Alec Bruce
Front Row: Henry Bell, Tim Wilding, Michael Barker, Tim Ward, Douglas Anderson, Stephen Purchas

50 Years On

A very entertaining weekend eventuated after a shaky start when organising the 50 Years On reunion

Christmas holidays, the Waitangi long weekend and a pandemic made it problematic and challenging. We ended up with 33 participants for the weekend events, starting with the Cocktail Party and AGM on Friday night, followed by a rendezvous at the Carlton tavern, which brought back memories.

A lesser number attended the school tour, photo and lunch in the Dining Hall, hosted by the school, and enabling one to meet with the other reunion groups. Then followed an interesting walk around the “new” school with the resident architect, Alec Bruce, from our year, commenting on the new edifices arising after the 2010–11 earthquakes. A very different College from 50 years ago!

The Saturday night dinner was left to volunteers to organise. Doug Anderson and myself volunteered and met with Alumni Manager Lizzie Dyer to scrutinise the 1971 Old Boys’ list. Peter Davidson and Dermot Martin climbed on board to help and between us we were able to arrange a very amusing and enjoyable evening at the Airforce Museum Brevet Lounge in Wigram. Rick Hallifax was the entertaining MC for the night, starting off with a competition for the youngest-looking Old Boy among us. The winner won a free trip around the world, to be used within one month! Mike Broome won the day.

A very funny ode recalling the five years at College was given by David Peers, with contributions from John Saunders. Lots of laughs. Guy Sargent then gave his entertaining recollections as a boarder. Gavin White proposed a toast to those who had passed away during the 50 years. Very sad to hear the relatively high number for our year. We then had Mike Cordery beam in from London to give us a rendition of his 10 commandments for surviving a College career.

Sunday morning brunch was kindly held at Dermot and Debbie Martin’s lovely house in Clifton, overlooking Sumner and the estuary. A beautiful day to enjoy a sumptuous brunch and reflect on the weekend.

Thanks must go to Dermot, Doug and Pete for putting their hands up to organise a memorable weekend. Also Jeremy Smith for the very appropriate Party World decorations. Thanks to Lizzie for keeping in touch and leading from the front under difficult times. And finally, big thanks to colleagues who made the effort to attend and enjoy the reunion.

Already there are rumours of another reunion sooner rather than later, as we’re not dead yet!

Tim Ward (8559)

Back Row: Don Pickering, Anthony Plummer, Tim Williams, Derek Kirk, Nigel Taylor, David Murchison, Milne Cameron, Christopher Pennell, Derek Newman, David Hutton, Kit Sandall
Middle Row: Richard Sharpe, Tony Norbert-Munns, Michael Smail, Mike Underhill, Drummond Thompson, Blair McMaster, Chris Hartnell, Bill Rutherford, Gordon Fulton, David Strack, John Wall, Ed Shand, Jock Innes
Front Row: Sam Neill, Alistair Edmond, Ian Johns, Paddy Helmore, John Midgley, Martin Vincent, Kelvin Lynn, Charles Waldegrave, Jeremy Westenra, David Blair, Alister Deans, Nicholas Anderson, Tim Anderson, Arthur Blakely

60 Years On

What a brilliant weekend for the annual Christ's College reunions.

In our 60 Years On group, we started with 131 pupils in 1961 and 50 attended the weekend events, along with 21 apologies and nine overseas emails saying what had happened to them over the past 60 years. Several others also spoke about their College life.

A very interesting bunch indeed.

Friday night featured the enjoyable Cocktail Party in the Dining Hall. Along with all the refreshments, gin was provided in each House colour, a very popular gesture.

On Saturday, many came to the Quad for photographs, a College tour and lunch in the Dining Hall.

Our group of 82 (including partners) went to the Christchurch Club for dinner. Pip Hall was the MC for the night while Sam Neill spoke to us briefly and Charles Waldegrave was our keynote speaker.

Sunday brunch – for the brave – was attended by 30 at Aikmans. It was greatly enjoyed by all who could make it, offering another opportunity to reminisce, as well as make good intentions to stay in touch for a 65th!

Tony Norbett-Munns (7203)

Back Row: Bill Whitmore, Brian Stokes, Peter Macfarlane, Roger Turner, Rostyn Jones
Front Row: Jeremy Wood, Peter Scales, Andy Shand, Paul Pritchett, Warwick Moore, Neil Macfarlane

70 Years On

Our 70 Years On reunion was attended by 12 83-year-olds, plus partners, who all turned up for Saturday's photo, tour of College and luncheon in the Dining Hall.

We were all seated at the top table, and were joined by Roger Turner for these two events, plus one 93-year-old.

We, the “dignitaries” looking down (but only half of us, as the others had their backs to it), could see several hundred of our juniors hogging into the very fine ribeye and roast vegetables. (What? No BDSTS or EJ! Times have changed, and so has the food.)

All 12, plus wives (I say wives as the names of the previous intimated partners seemed to coincide with the old fellas) attended dinner at the Curator’s House, where, after another photo, another very fine meal was enjoyed, even though capacity was quickly reached.

On a lovely sunny Sunday, most of us turned up to Mona Vale for more food. We thought it was to be brunch, so some of us chose to forgo breakfast, expecting bacon and eggs or waffles and maple syrup – but no! It was a full, three-course luncheon. Some of the wiser ones omitted their fish chowder to make room for roast lamb rump, followed by dessert and coffee.

You may think the weekend was all about food. This may be true but we did have a great old chinwag between our small, hardy group, with a fair amount of reminiscing.

It was great to see Peter Collins for the first time at a reunion as he spent much of his life in Australia. Other regular attendees over the decades have been Jim Dawson, Rostyn Jones, Neil McFarlane, PK McFarlane, Warwick Moore, Peter Scales, Andy Shand, Brian Stokes, Bill Whitmore and Jeremy Wood.

Thanks to everyone for coming and making it so enjoyable.

Paul Pritchett (5963)