approval of next year’s budget. Another coincidence of the change in the timing of this event, is that the new fees for next year have only recently been published and will be fresh in your minds unless, perhaps, you are a Year 13 parent. The Board is deeply conscious, not least because the majority of Board members are current parents, of the impact of another large increase in our fees. You would rightly expect the Board to challenge, debate and support Garth in finding a balance that takes into account the reality of the cost of delivering our value proposition and the cost of enhancing, renewing and rebuilding our heritage campus and infrastructure. I do not want to repeat what I wrote in the last College magazine, but will say that the Board has a determined focus on achieving a truly sustainable financial model to provide the capacity to continue the investment we need to make in the years ahead. That said, we sincerely appreciate the ongoing support of our current parents. I have mentioned Upper West in my last two speeches and it is with relief that we are finally under way. The building is coming out of the ground with expected completion due this time next year assuming good weather, a following wind and no more discovery of any buried artefacts of archaeological significance. I think the boys who buried their empty beer bottles up there in the 1920s have a bit to answer for …
Our Giving Day next month will support the refurbishment and enhancement of Upper as one of the iconic sports’ fields in New Zealand. It will be the last component in the completion of the Upper West project. Philanthropy from our community is a strategic enabler towards our goal of financial freedom. We have already received material commitments to the Upper refurbishment project ahead of the Giving Day from our community, including from within our Board. Any support that is provided is, and will be, hugely appreciated. I want to thank those who have already committed to this project. The College community is far- reaching. It is not just current boys and their parents and guardians but extends to all those who feel a connection with College irrespective of how and when those connections were formed. We have seen the engagement of that community and the affirmation of those connections in the myriad functions and events that are run by, and through, College but, more poignantly, in the recent memorial services and funerals that have been held in the College Chapel
to focus and reflect on what is truly important, the support we can give others in their time of greatest need. I want to thank Garth and all staff at College for their contribution and efforts over the past year. I know Garth will say more, but I particularly want to acknowledge Lesley Anderson-McKenna’s contribution to College. Thank you for everything you have done Lesley, to help so many boys over your time with us. I also want to welcome our Chaplain, Cameron Pickering, to his first prize-giving and today he is also representing Bishop Peter Carrell. Garth, your leadership over your time with us has seen the greatest evolution in the diversity of our offering and the programmes that you have implemented to support and enhance the health, safety and wellbeing of our students. That our roll is full for next year is a testament to your efforts, supported by Annie, and all of those on and off the stage today. Thank you. Finally, and back in the day as they say, I was always taken by a TV police drama called Hill Street Blues . At the end of each morning’s team meeting, Sergeant Phil Esterhaus had some words of advice that stuck in my head. As we move towards the summer break, on behalf of the Board I wish you well for a peaceful and relaxing holiday and just as Phil said, “Let’s be careful out there.” Nga¯ mihi. Hugh Lindo Chair
over the past few months. These have been contrasting
experiences given their very different circumstances, for those who attended or watched online. Each occasion demonstrated our community coming together to support those who had suffered loss and were experiencing grief. Death is a part of life, and so this place is special at those times when our day-to-day lives are put on hold
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Register 2022 Leadership
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