CHRIST’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE
ISSUE 43 2023
A rtist and photographer Henry Hargreaves often weaves food into his storytelling, creating a remarkable career from his New York base. A Condell’s House Old Boy, Henry has brought his innovative skills to the front cover of College cover art by Henry Hargreaves College magazine, capturing the school crest in a burst of bright red tomato sauce with an all-important Kiwi favourite, a sausage roll, on the side. Discover more about Henry’s journey from Christ’s College to modelling on the high-fashion catwalks of Europe to becoming a leading creative renown for redefining food in a disruptive, artistic environment. See page 92.
4 A view from 2025 Board Chair Hugh Lindo 10 James Griffin Maximising a competitive advantage 12 Oscar Gosling A man of many academic and musical talents 14 Hunter Adam Shoots for the stars 16 Ihaka Cate Courts international career 18 Eyes on the prize Snapshots from prize-giving 20 Bruce Chen Winning a place at Cambridge 24 A growing sense of leadership Oli Aikawa shares some stirring words 26 Pitch perfect 1st XI tops the Gillette Cup scoresheet 30 National title Hoop dreams now a reality 32 AJ Madondo Keeping the faith to win the sprint race
36 Coast to Coast Blood sweat but no fears for George, Guy, and Beau 40 Oscar Harcourt Building a career on and off the sprint car track 42 On song – 5 On Air Meet the boys in the band 44 Golden age of an Adventurous Journey Brothers Kynan and Rheon Salt share their experiences 52 Top-flight career by royal appointment Group Captain Philip Pinney 56 Ross Shillito Taking a quantum jump into technology 58 Reuben Bijl and Toby Vincent Making their mark with Smudge 62 Tim Sellars Beating the drum for Cirque du Soleil 64 Angus Dysart-Paul The enduring connection of Old Boys 66 Poster Boys Meet our outstanding Old Boys 68 Peter Pan Wondrous adventure in Neverland 70
32
36
52
Shipshape for stagecraft Setting sail on the Jolly Roger 72
Rainbow's Ending A fable for our times 74 Best of House Music Hitting all the high notes 78 House Plays Take a bow boys
82 Perfect Pitch A resounding chorus at Carols on the Quad 86 Sir Miles Warren A blueprint for generosity 90 By Bequest Future Gifts Manager Charlotte Ensor 92 Henry Hargreaves Biting into Big Apple creative
95 The power of the waiata Capturing the essence of spiritual life 96 Being of service From sleeping on the Quad to filling a helpful handbag 98 Finding Your Pathway Every step of the way 100 A student's perspective The passing of Queen Elizabeth II 102 Ground rules The restoration of Upper 108 Sponsorship An educated approach 112 Alan Viles Reaching for the dark sky 116 Sustainable Future Harry Carr on possum pest hunt 118 Jack Mckenzie Te reo – the language of ārahitanga 120 Archivist Jane Teal Would UC exist without College and the Canterbury Collegiate Union? 128 Farewell to staff
86
98
100
112
Welcome to College magazine In our latest issue of College magazine, the words and pictures capture the ‘magic sauce’ – a little like the cover – of Christ’s College in a very special way. Our writer has created wonderful stories about our boys, alumni, and staff that reflect our aspirations and celebrate our success while our graphic designer has beautifully brought those stories to life on the page. While it is a challenge to reduce so much activity, energy, and enthusiasm from our community into just one magazine, College endeavours to encapsulate some of what makes our school so special. Schools are about the atmosphere they create and the shared
alignment between staff, parents, and boys who breathe that air. I have often prompted the boys to think about how they contribute to the ‘atmosphere of excellence’ we expect and how they benefit from participating in that world. I think a few answers can be found in the pages of this beautiful production, filled with the life and joy of our great school. Enjoy the atmosphere.
Garth Wynne Christ’s College Executive Principal
Christ’s College Magazine Issue 43, 2023
DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
GRAPHIC DESIGN
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Claire Sparks +64 3 364 6803 csparks@christscollege.com COMMUNICATION ADVISORS Jocelyn Johnstone Martine Cusack martine.cusack@christscollege.com
Melissa Hogan PRINTING
Admissions Registrar Sarah Fechney +64 3 364 6836 registrar@christscollege.com
Caxton
A view from 2025 – Board Chair Hugh Lindo
C hrist’s College’s current strategic plan, Change and Continuity, is now firmly focused on the 175th anniversary of College’s founding. The anniversary celebration will be held from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 September 2025. In last year’s magazine, I wrote about the steps we were taking as the College continues its progression to a sustainable future. As this article accompanies a summary of the College’s financial performance for the year ending 31 January 2023, it is appropriate, with that context, to expand on the Board’s strategy for financial freedom. By 2025, the Board has an expectation that College will have implemented a number of material changes to its financial model. The financial outcome for 2023 was an operating deficit of $200,000. Whilst this result reflects a continued improvement in the normalised financial performance of the College in recent years (i.e. taking out the impact of a one- off property transaction such as the sale of the Cranmer Square site in 2022 that skewed last year’s financial result), it is not, despite the best efforts of College management, delivering the
financial outcomes that we need to achieve. We need the financial freedom to continue to invest in the programmes that we offer our students, to attract the best staff, and to maintain and enhance our iconic heritage campus. Our objective for 2025 is to have delivered a $2 million improvement in the College’s overall financial performance. If we achieve that outcome or better, the Board is confident that we will achieve the financial freedom that we need. The Board initiated two key projects to help research and plan for this outcome. Towards the end of last year we asked advisory firm Jarden to model the longer-term sustainability of the College Foundation based on the current distribution policy. The current policy results in an annual distribution from the Foundation to the College of $3m. You can see this amount being received by College in the financial summary. The funds received from the Foundation pay for all the scholarships offered by College, among other specified purposes aligned with the wishes of those who originally endowed the funds on the Foundation.
The question for Jarden to answer was the impact that this level of distribution was having on the real value of the Foundation capital, allowing for inflation and administrative costs. The answer was that if the Foundation continued to distribute $3m each year to the College, then, assuming there are no material additions to the capital of the Foundation, the real value of the Foundation would erode. The advice from Jarden was that the annual distribution should be reduced over time from $3m to $2m. At this lower level of distribution, the amount is still enough to cover the cost of our scholarships. The Board has established a Foundation sub-committee comprised of two Board members and two external experts, that is solely focused on the performance of the Foundation with a mandate to review the Foundation’s investment strategy as the distribution to College is reduced from $3m to $2m. If the real value of the Foundation capital can be increased over time, then this will create greater financial leverage for the future. The capital of the Foundation is represented by an investment
4
portfolio managed by ANZ, residential development land on Worsleys Spur that is being sold in stages, and Kimihia, a seed research centre that is leased to PGG Wrightson Seeds. The outcome of the Jarden work then informed the second project that the Board initiated this year. We engaged Grant Lander to complete an independent financial review of College’s operational model with an objective of identifying opportunities to improve College’s financial performance to meet the Board’s financial freedom objectives. Grant has an extensive background in the governance and executive leadership of independent schools and with economic and accounting expertise had the requisite skill- set to undertake the review. The brief we gave Grant included a number of provocations about various aspects of our current operational model. In asking Grant to complete the review, the Board was well aware of the need to find the right balance in implementing any outcomes of the review and to be circumspect in the steps that need to be taken to move the College to a sustainable operating model and, at the same time,
continue to enhance the value proposition that resonates with our community. Grant delivered his report to the Board at the end of June and it includes an informed and validated ‘road-map’ to achieving the financial sustainability that we desire whilst retaining the unique experience of a College education for our students and their families. The Board and Executive Leadership are now engaged in a thorough analysis of Grant’s recommendations and observations on all aspects of the College’s operations with a view to staging the implementation of the changes that need to be made to our operational model over the short to medium term focused on 2025 and beyond. An outcome of Grant’s report is that there will be a review of the all-inclusive nature of College’s tuition fees, our heritage levy, and the cost of our Immerse & Inspire programme, among other things. The reality is that since the all-inclusive fee was introduced, there has been a significant increase in the costs of delivering our co-curricular programmes that College is subsidising to a greater and greater extent. The Board will be considering if co-
curricular costs should be on- charged and if this would be more equitable than the status quo. We continue to look at other sources of revenue through the use of our facilities for hire outside term times. Grant has provided some further insights and suggestions around maximising the use of some of our existing facilities with a view to increasing the capacity of the campus to deliver a financial benefit to us when not in use by the boys. This will be a particular focus next year when the Upper West multi-functional
sports centre is operational. In the meantime, the Board
and Executive Leadership must continue to prudently operate College within the current environment of high interest rates and high inflation and face the ongoing challenges of operating an independent school in an ever disruptive and competitive world, all within a campus that includes buildings that date back to 1850. Having set out on a path to 2025, the Board is determined to find the right balance of measures that, once implemented, will ensure the continued success of College and maintain and continuously improve the outcomes for our boys.
COLLEGE 2023
5
Financial update for the year ending 31 January 2023
School Operations $m
Consolidated Entity $m
Financial Performance 2023
Foundation $m
Revenue
21.8
1.9
23.7
Expenditure
(25.0)
(3.2)
(28.2)
Trading result pre Foundation allocation
(3.2)
(1.3)
(4.5)
Foundation allocation
3.0
(3.0) (4.3)
0.0
Trading Result
(0.2)
(4.5)
Other One-off gain on property revaluation/sale
0.0
1.3
1.3
Surplus for the year
(0.2)
(3.0)
(3.2)
School Operations $m
Consolidated Entity $m
Financial Performance 2022
Foundation $m
Revenue
19.7
4.2
23.9
Expenditure
(23.6)
(1.3)
(24.9)
Trading result pre Foundation allocation
(3.9)
2.9
(1.0)
Foundation allocation
3.0
(3.0) (0.1)
0.0
Trading Result
(0.9)
(1.0)
Other One-off gain on property revaluation/sale
7.4
4.7 4.6
12.1 11.1
Surplus for the year
6.5
6
2023 Consolidated Entity $m
2022 Consolidated Entity $m
Financial Position
Current Assets
Sundry current assets Assets held for resale
2.8
2.4
12.0 14.8
10.8 13.2
Non-current Assets Managed Funds
46.1
48.4
Investment Property
8.4
8.4
College Property, Plant & Equipment
76.5 131.0 145.8
70.2 127.0 140.2
Total Assets
Current Liabilities Loans
2.5 3.9 6.4
1.9 3.3 5.2
Other Current Liabilities
Non-current Liabilities Loans
13.5
5.9
Total Liabilities
19.9
11.1
Equity/Net Assets
125.9
129.1
Further details are available on the Charities Services website Annual Return Summary at: www.register.charities.govt.nz Charity reference CC21589, Annual Returns.
COLLEGE 2023
7
8
MOTIVATION
Motivation Manawa hihiko
Personal and collective wellbeing relies on an understanding of character strengths and an informed appreciation of how we can bring ourselves and the groups of which we are a part to their best. As a small, faith-based Anglican boys’ school, College will formulate an approach to motivation informed by the latest research and ongoing self-assessment and reflection. The focus to 2025 will be to develop understandings and actions for the benefit of all, but especially the three key stakeholders in the College experience: students, staff, and parents. Our aim will be to create an atmosphere of excellence, where all are motivated to contribute to the collective good, as well as being personally motivated to aspire to be at their best.
COLLEGE 2023
9
James Griffin – maximising a competitive advantage
I n his first three years at Christ’s College, the winner of the 2022 Wacher Prize for Academic Head of School, James Griffin, worked hard. However, in his final two years, he committed himself fully to academic life. This meant forgoing hockey, where he played for the 1st XI, and being highly disciplined about studying at night after busy and lengthy days packed with school and co-curricular activities. Despite Covid-19 and all its disruptions to classroom learning, he found the two-year- plus experience advantageous in helping to structure his studies, gain self-knowledge, and achieve his goals. “The Covid-19 pandemic and the level of independence that came with online learning helped me understand how I operated as a student,” he says. “It gave me a taste of university life and I had to develop a different academic mindset to being in regular school.”
He describes being named 2022 Dux as a thrill and an honour. Science-oriented, but also Head of the Chapel Choir and a keen musician, James is excited but not overawed about his 2023 Health Sciences studies at the University of Otago. “I feel I’m going to have more scope to do my own thing, and I know that the habits and structures I’ve made for myself at College work and will be very transferable in the future.” Competitive from birth, James has always found himself “making competitions out of nothing”. “I’ve found that competition, as well as intrinsic self-motivation, work very well together.” And he has thrived in the atmosphere of excellence found within College. A pupil at Sumner School and then Medbury School, James says the initial step up to College is a big one.
“I found the people who were the smartest at my old schools weren’t necessarily so at College,” he says “The quality and the standard here was that much higher, and, for me, it involved developing a sudden mindset of putting more effort in.” The regime James followed during the holidays or weekends was to structure his study as a normal school day, which allowed him to apply himself in a working, structured manner. At Arana College in Dunedin – where his grandfather stayed before him – there will be many other College boys, but James has no problem making new friends. “I’ve found that competition, as well as intrinsic self- motivation, work very well together.”
10
MOTIVATION
Academic achievers Oscar Gosling (left) and James Griffin.
COLLEGE 2023
11
“That’s another thing about College – it definitely has helped me socially and shown me how to improve relationships.” His commitment to music – playing the piano, being a member of chamber groups and involved in Corfe House music, teaching, arranging, and accompanying – and his interest in hockey (a 1st XI player from Year 11) and tennis,
mean that James aims for a balanced life. In 2021, he was also one of two Christ's College students on the Youth Advisory Council Te Whatu Ora, representing the youth voice within the health system at monthly meetings. James was also a member of the College team in the national finals of the Ethics Olympiad and
took part in the annual Biology Olympiad. He is planning on a career in medicine but is undecided on a specialty. “I know it will become apparent with time and that, with a lot of hard work and commitment, it will all happen.”
Oscar Gosling – a man of many academic and musical talents
O scar Gosling is a scholar, a thespian, a chorister, and a character, and he has been named runner-up to the Wacher Prize for Academic Head of School. In 2018, Oscar entered Christ’s College on a Somes Scholarship. In December 2022, he left College, having truly made his mark. His highly accomplished passage through the school resulted in his talents shining in musicals and plays, the Chapel Choir, instrumental music, debating,
student committees, community service, swimming, sailing, hockey, and Theatresports. In the classroom, the Humanities and the Arts were his original passions. However, he switched codes in his senior years, setting his sights on a career in business and economics. In May this year, Oscar was awarded a significant scholarship to attend a prestigious liberal arts college, Amherst College, in Massachusetts in the United
States. He will pursue a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. A fervent believer in “doing the best I can do, and always striving to gain the best results for myself”, Oscar recalls the move to College for Year 9 as being “a big step up” from his intermediate years at Darfield High School. The small class sizes, academic focus, and intelligent peer discussions have all vindicated his choice to opt for College
12
MOTIVATION
“I feel a responsibility to give back as a direct result of the special values that College identifies, and the Chapel upholds.”
rather than follow his rugby- mad brothers to St Thomas of Canterbury College, he says. His favourite subject at College – apart from Economics – has been Art History. Initially sceptical, he believes it will be “a lifelong passion”. This, Oscar says, is testament to trying something new, and one of the abundant opportunities College offers. Covid-19, lockdowns, and disruptions have not troubled Oscar, who describes himself as an independent learner, preferring to do his thinking and writing in concentrated fashion, usually with a coffee nearby. With three university STAR course papers – two in Economics and
one in Accounting – already attained with outstanding results, Oscar knows the drill of tertiary studies and is looking forward to eventually entering the world of finance, specifically investment banking. “It drives the world and is the way to truly change politics,” he says. Already politically astute, Oscar undertook a Parliamentary internship in 2022 in the office of the MP for Selwyn, Nicola Grigg, where he learnt first-hand about the role of a Member of Parliament and wrote letters to thousands of households and helped develop policy solutions to current issues. Oscar says that College has given him the confidence and sense
of adventure to believe he can achieve at a high level and take on anything. “I’ll either succeed or fail, and both are positive outcomes.” After five years in the Chapel Choir, he misses the challenge and joy of singing spiritual music as part of a team. He has been focusing on attaining his Associate of Trinity College of London (ATCL) Diploma in vocal performance. Through Chapel, College instils a stewardship and sense of service, he believes. “I feel a responsibility to give back as a direct result of the special values that College identifies, and the Chapel upholds.”
COLLEGE 2023
13
Senior Sportsman of the Year Hunter Adam shoots for the stars
14
MOTIVATION
T all from the outset, 2022 Senior Sportsman of the Year Hunter Adam has always set himself high aspirations. A pivotal member of College’s 2022 national champion Senior A basketball team and the tournament MVP at the New Zealand Secondary Schools National AA Championships, Hunter was also a member of the national title-winning Canterbury U19 team, the New Zealand
a professional basketball career. At Davidson College in North Carolina, Hunter is studying Mathematics and Physics, along with a range of other subjects. He is also expected to play plenty of basketball while gaining his bachelor’s degree. He hopes that the full scholarship will help launch his career as a professional player. “That is the dream. Right now, I’m looking forward to stepping out of College life, heading to a new country, and chasing some dreams,” he says in an interview prior to his departure. “As well as being really excited, I’m nervous as well.” However, he concedes that parting from his Christ’s College basketball teammates, many of whom have been together for the past three years, is difficult. “Leaving these friendships is hard. These are the people who have had the same drive and desire and it has been huge to be part of something like that. And we’ve been very fortunate to have a
coach like Ben Sheat. He’s been the enabler – always in my corner and giving good advice. He has been terrifically helpful.” As well as mastering the physical demands of his chosen sport, Hunter has found the constant scrutiny of his form and the need to manage others’ expectations among his biggest personal growth areas. “Just coping with that scrutiny has been quite hard at times,” he says. Educated at Dunsandel School, Hunter came to Christ’s College from St Thomas of Canterbury College in Year 11 on a basketball scholarship. In Year 12, he won prizes for History and Physical Education, but switched to the Sciences, Physics, and Calculus in Year 13, which he handled equally well. Hunter has never regretted his move to a new school. “College offers an environment where everyone is trying to do their best, and so that makes you want to do your best, too, in every respect.”
Junior Tall Blacks, and a Canterbury Rams NBL squad member. He has also taken part in two NBA Global Academy events in Canberra and the United States. It is hardly surprising then that Hunter
has followed in the footsteps of his predecessor,
College 2021 Senior Sportsman of Year Josh Book, and has headed to the United States on a four-year scholarship, intent on
“College offers an environment where everyone is trying to do their best, and so that makes you want to do your best, too, in every respect.”
COLLEGE 2023
15
Junior Sportsman of the Year Ihaka Cate courts international career
A n integral member of the national champion Senior A basketball team, the Senior A volleyball side and captain of the U14A rugby team, Ihaka Cate – College’s 2022 Junior Sportsman of the Year – has reached extraordinary heights in Year 10. The youngest member of College’s premier basketball and volleyball teams, Ihaka continues to defy the age-group odds, having already represented New Zealand in basketball and rugby tournaments overseas. “I have been involved in a variety of sports since I was young, often jumping around codes at primary- school level, and in interhouse competitions at College,” Ihaka explains. “However, I have been really majoring in basketball and rugby in Year 10.” Being the youngest to make the top grade in multiple sports is nothing new for the Somes House student.
“Being so young has taught me to be resilient and strong and also quickly recognise that I still bring something valuable to every game,” he says. Having parents who have represented New Zealand in rugby league and softball, Ihaka has equally strived to make the most of his strengths and leadership skills. “Dad suggested that I switch from league to rugby to give me greater opportunities in New Zealand. My parents had already planted the seeds to achieve and pursue sport at the highest level. They are my idols and inspirations and I aspire to make them proud.” Ihaka first stepped into the international arena as an U12 rugby player for New Zealand, contesting a tournament in Japan. His most recent national appearance was for the New Zealand U15 basketball team at the Oceania Championships in
Guam, with his side finishing 2nd to Australia and earning a spot at the Asia Championships in Japan in 2023. Ihaka only started playing volleyball in Year 9 but soon found himself drafted into the premier team. However, basketball has truly captured his passion for aiming high. “When I started in my first A game as a small forward in Year 10, the team dynamic powered me to a new level,” he says. “Because I was part of such a high- performing team – with players like United States-bound Hunter Adam and Tom Harrison – it made me realise how much better I could be. “I found myself developing quickly, becoming stronger and faster. With coach Ben Sheat leading the way, he provided the mental and physical belief that you could achieve anything. Our first goal was to win the Thomson Trophy
16
MOTIVATION
for the third time in a row, and then take the South Island title. However, our true goal was the national secondary school title. “I grew as a player and teammate throughout 2022. That team bonding and the high-level consistency of the training and working to put my mind to each game made me so much better – and that culminated in the national title. Now, basketball is my ‘big sport’ focus.” His opportunities at College align with his long-term aspirations. “I just want to succeed and, hopefully, this is setting me up
to go to university in the United States and play basketball,” Ihaka says. “The support of Ben Sheat and the Mainland Eagles Academy – along with College providing all the resources I need – has put me in a position to achieve my long-term goal.” Off the court, Ihaka is focusing on Science and Mathematics, with a post-sport career in engineering in academic play. “I want to win another national title with College, strive to continue to achieve highly academically, and enjoy my kapa haka,” he says.
Fluent in Māori, Ihaka is committed to “keeping my culture alive and striving to have a bigger impact on the school in 2023” by introducing new Māori culture as a member of the College Bicultural Committee. “I want to weave that culture into school life,” Ihaka explains. “College offers so many amazing opportunities and that, in turn, offers a path to the variety of options beyond the school gates that can lead to me achieving my goals,” he says.
COLLEGE 2023
17
In recognising and celebrating the many achievements of students across College, it is equally important to capture the character and attitude that have driven the boys to reach the highest levels in academic, cultural, service, and sporting accomplishment. Here we share some snapshots from the Senior Prize-giving and Years 9–11 Prize-giving ceremonies. Eyes on the prize
18
MOTIVATION
COLLEGE 2023
19
20
MOTIVATION
Bruce Chen – winning a place at Cambridge
O ne of the “most impressive young musicians” to have attended Christ’s College in recent times – in tandem with being named an Outstanding Scholar in Year 13 – has won a place at the prestigious King’s College at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Bruce Chen – the 2022 College Head of Academic – has long held a dream to experience full-time study at King’s College. Founded in 1441, the much-admired institution is esteemed for its advanced academic achievement, along with its internationally acclaimed choir, and instrumental music programme. Complementing his passion for music and his international achievements in informatics, King’s College at Cambridge sets the scene for Bruce’s near future – studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from October. Ranked No.2 in the QS World University Rankings for 2024, the University of Cambridge is
an international leader in future technology. “As well as the opportunity to meet some amazing people, I will be able to enjoy the challenge of Cambridge’s Computer Science course, which is one of the most comprehensive in the world,” Bruce points out. "Unlike in New Zealand, my degree will solely consist of computer science-related content. Some of the most influential scientists in the world have been educated at Cambridge, including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, and Alan Turing – also known as the father of computing. “The collegiate system and the tutorial system are also unparalleled,” he adds. “There are very few institutions in the world which can offer regular one-on-one tutorials to all undergraduate students.” Bruce describes the application process as “definitely time- consuming”.
“I had to submit grades, prepare a personal statement, sit a maths and logic admissions test, and attend two late-night interviews with Cambridge professors,” he says. “However, getting in was a culmination of years of personal interest in computer science, mathematics, and academics in general. Taking Advanced Placement exams at Christ’s College and courses at the University of Canterbury, along with my involvement with Informatics Olympiads, also helped. Special thanks to College for hosting the admissions test on-site and to all my teachers for their steadfast support of me throughout the whole process.” Bruce also highlights that his decision to apply to King’s College at Cambridge has been driven by his time in the music programme – overseen by Robert Aburn – at Christ’s College. “Motivated by my positive experiences with music at Christ’s
COLLEGE 2023
21
Bruce was also awarded NZQA Scholarship in Technology and Scholarship in Calculus in Year 12. For the past two years, the former Condell’s House student was selected for New Zealand’s International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) team, competing against the most talented “Bruce is perceptive and talented while remaining humble and displaying that humility throughout his time at College.”
College, I selected a college that is renowned for its choral and instrumental music programmes,” Bruce explains. “It’s also picturesque and, being more than 580 years old, filled with history.” Director of Music Robert Aburn describes Bruce as one of “the most impressive young musicians” that he has worked with during his lengthy College tenure. “Bruce is perceptive and talented while remaining humble and displaying that humility throughout his time at College,” he says. Bruce’s remarkable musical range is evidenced by his piano and violin performance work, along with his chamber music, orchestra, Schola Cantorum, and Chapel Choir achievements.
Bruce already holds the Licentiate of Trinity College London (LTCL) qualification in piano, gained at age 16. As a member of the Fiddlesticks Quartet, he also secured a spot in the South Island finals of the 2022 Chamber Music NZ Schools’ Competition. On the academic front, the breadth and depth of his achievements during his time at College were exceptional. In 2022, Bruce was recognised as an NZQA Outstanding Scholar after achieving Scholarship in Calculus, Chemistry, Economics, and Statistics (Outstanding). Remarkably, he was ranked 2nd in the country for Scholarship Statistics despite never taking the subject at school. In Year 11,
22
MOTIVATION
international programmers in the most prestigious computer science competition for secondary school students around the world. Bruce prepared for the international contest for several years from Year 9, attending training camps and being guided by University of Canterbury professors and past competitors. In 2020, he entered the Immerse Education Essay Competition. His essay titled ‘Is the UN an effective body?’ secured a full scholarship to attend the Immerse Cambridge Summer School at the University of Cambridge. However, the pandemic intervened, prompting the cancellation of the summer school.
Bruce accomplished several other remarkable feats during his secondary school years, including being a finalist in the 2019 Bright Sparks competition for his College Clock timekeeping project, and a member of the winning team at the 2020 Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Programming competition. However, one of his most treasured achievements during his College years is a very special tutoring initiative, Academe. “A major initiative that I took on while at College was directing Academe, a community-service tutoring programme supporting the children of the victims of the 2019 mosque attacks,” Bruce says. “Every weekend,
volunteers from College and St Margaret’s College run one-on- one tutoring, which has been much appreciated by the Muslim community and the local council. This project received a $10,000 grant from the Government and is still continuing, with leadership passed down to younger students from both schools.”
Long-term, the passionate developer is weighing up his career options.
“I’m not sure of my plans, as computer science plays an important part in so many fields. Currently, I’m interested in research around the safe usage of Artificial Intelligence.”
COLLEGE 2023
23
A growing sense of leadership
24
MOTIVATION
C hrist’s College 2022 Head of Character & Leadership Oli Aikawa has shared some stirring words with the whole school at assembly prior to leaving College. In a meaningful address, Oli has spoken to the boys about taking the lead.
Tuturu whakamaua kia tina Haumi e Hui e, Taiki e. Morena ki a koutou katoa
One thousand, 400 and 40 days ago, I was a Year 9 sitting back there in the front row of Corfe. At that time, I had had a few hard experiences and I was subconsciously questioning whether Christ’s College was the school for me. Today, I stand here knowing that there is no place I would rather be. This is because, over the years, College is a place – Where I have felt respected Where I have seen sportsmanship comes first Where I have seen a shift towards courtesy and fellowship And a school where everyone knows our haka. Kia ora to Julius House, which won the recent haka contest, and Somes House for ki-o-rahi. It has been incredible to see these changes through my time at College. However, this didn’t just happen. It took people like you. Leaders. Whilst things have improved, there is still more to do. Can you further accept others? Can you be more equal, and fair? Can you respect everyone for who they are? Can you stand up to the bully? Can you try to tell your mate that you are worried about him, and that you care about him, and that you are here for him? All of this is hard. Dealing with how others think of you will always be hard. But I challenge you to show leadership by not letting the way things have been, or how others think of you, define how you know things are supposed to be. Whāia te iti Kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei Dream bigger than you can imagine and even if you don’t exactly get what you want, you’ll still do very well. Kia ora.
COLLEGE 2023
25
Pitch perfect 1st XI tops the Gillette Cup scoresheet
26
MOTIVATION
A n attacking line-up that features New Zealand and Canterbury representatives, the Gillette Cup Young Player of the Year, and a prestigious scholarship holder has spun out all rivals to lift the premier secondary schools cricket trophy for the first time in Christ’s College history. Self-belief, stylish innings, and brilliant displays of line and length have all played integral roles in the 1st XI carrying the bat to deliver an unbeaten series and win the Gillette Cup at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln.
at the event. Opener Matt Lewis contributed valuable runs at the top throughout the week – striking at 136.7, as well as grabbing a handful of wickets. Fast bowler Ben Breitmeyer led the way – finishing with eight wickets – while spin bowlers Matthew Hocquard and Hamish Falls-Anderson proved miserly, with six wickets apiece. Matthew also claimed the best economy rate for all bowlers at the tournament while George Ryan finished with the most wicketkeeper dismissals (10). Tim was named the Gillette Cup Young Player of the Year, dominating the scoresheet to finish as the top scorer with 311 runs at an average of 155.5, including two centuries and a half-century in four games, while Nick was recognised as the College MVP. College also successfully defended the local Ara Shield 12 times and the Heathcote Williams Shield (a Ranfurly Shield-style contest but for schoolboy cricket) nine times in 2022. In all, College won every trophy and competition that the team was eligible to enter, sending the opposition quickly back to the pavilion. In Term 4 alone, the 1st XI won by more 100 runs on nine occasions. During the season, eight different players scored 50s or 100s and seven players took more than 20 wickets. Among the impressive feats of 1st XI players, Ben has been selected to represent New Zealand at the 2023 U19 ICC World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Darwin, Australia.
For more than 30 years, the premier national secondary
schools cricket trophy stayed out of reach, an elusive prize coveted by schools across New Zealand. However, the dream became a reality for Christ’s College last summer, with five years of strategic planning resulting in the 2022 title triumph under the guidance of coaches Keryn Ambler and Ryan McCone. At the national tournament in December, College was also awarded the Spirit of Cricket Award, recognising the players’ character and sportsmanship. A strong team culture evolved in recent seasons, ensuring that the talent within the group was always on show because all the players felt supported to excel in each game. Top-order batsman Tim Seeto (160 runs) and 1st XI captain Nick Gibb (125 runs) set a record 276-run partnership in their first tournament match – the highest partnership ever scored
COLLEGE 2023
27
He is also a member of the Canterbury A team and – along with Matt Lewis and Tim – has been named in the Canterbury U19 side. A young man with many skills, Ben has been awarded a Lincoln University cricket scholarship for 2023. An all-rounder – equally renowned for his ability to bowl right-arm spin – Nick has capped his outstanding season by winning the 2023 Dormer Melluish Aldridge Cricket Scholarship to further his skills in England. Another integral member of the side, Jordan Braithwaite, is off to London to play cricket for the Brondesbury Cricket Club, near
28
MOTIVATION
the Lord’s Cricket Ground. Jordan will also work at the Lord’s ground while in England. Another player, Hamish, has taken up an opportunity as a gap tutor and cricket coach at St George’s Weybridge in Surrey, England. During his time at the school, Hamish is coaching cricket, tennis, and golf. When not working, he is playing for three cricket clubs, including Weybridge CC, Windsor CC, and London New Zealand CC. Meanwhile, Ben, Jordan, Nick, Matthew, Ciaran Huntley, Matt, Rob McClean, Tim, and Ollie Shore have all featured in the Christchurch Metro Years 11–12 team. College Colours have been awarded to Matt, Rob, Harry
Sharr, George, and Matthew, and re-awarded to Tim, Nick, Ollie, Ben, Ciaran, and Jordan. Several players have taken up university sports scholarships in 2023 following a remarkable team innings and bowling spell over the past five years and many now feature in senior club cricket, reflecting the ongoing impact of the flourishing Christ’s College cricket programme. Master-in-Charge of Cricket Stephen Dods describes the Gillette Cup-winning team as “first-class”, acknowledging that “each player has contributed to the total throughout the season and over the years”. “The potential of this group of boys was soon identified when we realised we had a very talented
bunch of youngsters with the right mix of skills to complement individual achievements and aspirations,” he explains. “With coaches Keryn Ambler and Ryan McCone calling the shots and setting the game plan, we believed we had a winning combination and soon set our sights on the Gillette Cup. Last summer, all the boys well and truly stepped up to the crease.” The Christ’s College 1st XI team: Nick Gibb (captain), Ben Breitmeyer (vice-captain), Jordan Braithwaite, Ed Cochran, Hamish Falls-Anderson, Tom Harrison, Matt Hocquard, Ciaran Huntley, Matt Lewis, Rob McClean, George Ryan, Harry Sharr, Tim Seeto, and Ollie Shore.
COLLEGE 2023
29
National title hoop dreams now a reality
T he Senior A basketball team has sealed its place in school history, becoming the first Christ’s College team to win the New Zealand Secondary Schools National AA Championships while also lifting the regional Thomson Trophy for the third year in a row. Steered by 2022 Basketball New Zealand Coach of the Year Ben Sheat, College has been crowned national champion following a remarkable, all-round display in the final in Palmerston North, delivering an emphatic 87–52 win over Rosmini College. In enthralling play, Tom Harrison has claimed a game-high 38 points, followed by Most Valuable
Player Hunter Adam with 24, and 2022 College Head of Sport Jordan Braithwaite with 17 points. Liam Jack has also snared a team-high 14 rebounds in the final game. A first-time finalist, College quickly took the early lead to be 22–12 at quarter-time, before racing to 40–20 at half-time. In a brilliant performance, Hunter and Tom combined for College’s first 11 points in the third-quarter before Jordan made a pair of baskets.
College dominated the court, pulling away to claim the Doug Harford Memorial Trophy after an unbeaten run at the tournament. To top off a remarkable effort, Hunter, Tom, and Jordan were all named in the AA Boys Tournament Team. It is the first time that the trophy has returned to the South Island since 2014, and to a Christchurch school since 1998.
“Throughout the season, all the boys have shown great resilience, powering up for each game and never backing away from the challenge.”
30
MOTIVATION
Hunter has won a full-fees sports scholarship to Davidson College in North Carolina while Tom is also heading overseas following a stint with the Canterbury Rams. Tom will move to the United States to study business and psychology at Connecticut College, along with playing basketball for the New England college. In 2022, Hunter and Tom have been members of the Canterbury U19 team while fellow A side player Truman Heath has played for the Canterbury U17 side, and Ihaka Cate has stepped up for the Canterbury U15 team and the New Zealand U15 team at the Oceania
Championships in Guam. In 2023, Ihaka has been selected for the Basketball New Zealand U16 training camp. Earlier in the 2022 season, the College Senior A Basketball team won the Thomson Trophy for the third year in a row, becoming the first side to achieve the remarkable Canterbury Division One title three-peat since 2006. Ben Sheat, who has steered the side for five years, has lauded the commitment and achievements of the whole squad. “Throughout the season, all the boys have shown great resilience, powering up for each game and
never backing away from the challenge,” he says. For the Year 13 players, the premier titles have been “a great way to end a massive season”. The Senior A national title- winning basketball team: Tom Harrison, Hunter Adam, Jordan Braithwaite, Jacob Clements, Ihaka Cate, Bruno Vaughan, Truman Heath, Matthew Lewis, Aston Nijjar, Robert McClean, Ed Davidson, and Liam Jack.
COLLEGE 2023
31
AJ Madondo – keeping the faith to win the sprint race
32
MOTIVATION
A leap of faith has put Christ’s College track and field champion AJ Madondo on a very fast track to outsprinting and outjumping his rivals. In October 2022, AJ decided it was time to step up his passion for athletics. In April 2023, he won the U19 triple jump (13.57m) and U19 200m (21.93) at the South Island Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships. That same month, he helped to power the national U18 4x100m relay team to 2nd place – and a New Zealand-record 41.46 seconds – at the Australian Junior Track & Field Championships in Brisbane. At the South Island event, AJ also finished 2nd in the U19 100m (11.19) while in Australia, he recorded a personal-best time to finish 5th in the 200m. In May 2023, his commitment to athletics was further endorsed with the awarding of the Junior Athlete of the Year title at the Athletics Canterbury Awards. At that point, he had been training in earnest for only seven months. His short-term goal is to qualify for the 200m at the U20 World Championships next year. At present, he is only 0.4 short of the required 21.40. AJ initially pondered a move to athletics after realising during his 1st XI football matches that “I had a huge advantage with speed and physicality”, comfortably outpacing other players. With three College coaches eager for AJ to make the jump into track and field, there was no shortage of supporters for his switch from football to athletics.
“I did play football for quite a long time and then found I was good at both,” AJ explains. “Then I stopped playing football following the national tournament for schools to instead focus on athletics. It is most definitely my passion. Football did seem like a bit of a chore sometimes. With track and field, you do it for that love of the sport. You just continue loving that training, despite the hours. Now, 100 per cent, I enjoy what I do. “I run the 100m and 200m and do triple jump and long jump, but, primarily, the 200m and triple jump. Those two are my favourite and strongest events. “You don’t really find anyone who does both track and field, and not all four. I think it is just having that athletic ability.” While AJ easily won all his school races from about Years 2–3, “I never really thought about athletics – it was just a fun school activity”. “The big change was the potential I had to make it in football, in comparison with the potential to make it in athletics. My coaches, along with my parents, truly believe that there is a lot more in track and field for me.” Both his jumps coach, Matt Thatcher, and Athletics Master- in-Charge Graeme Christey have backed AJ to reach high levels while his well-known sprint coach, former New Zealand representative Bev Peterson, has been “a big advocate” for the young runner. Matt describes AJ as “a naturally gifted and talented young man”
who works hard and is very determined to succeed.
“However, what makes AJ stand out is his drive and dedication,” the coach says. “He wants to get better and believes he can, so he works hard and searches for any drill or skill or aspect that can help his performance. He is focused and wants to perform well. His positive mindset puts AJ in a good place to improve and reflect on his performances.” Having already represented New Zealand, Matt believes that “there is no reason AJ cannot continue to do so” and that gaining a scholarship to study and train overseas “is certainly achievable as well”. “It has been my pleasure to work with, support, and see AJ develop his ability and have the success he has had,” Matt says. “I look forward to seeing what he goes on to achieve.” AJ adds that “all three coaches have guided me to this point”. “I did go to nationals in December last year after only a very short period of preparation. It was a big step up as I was in the U20 events but just 16,” he says. “There were lots of older boys, but I managed to finish 3rd in the 100m and 2nd in the triple jump, which was pretty good. Going into the nationals, I was thinking it would be tough to make the finals, but – after the results – I realised that I could really do this. “Following the nationals, I was selected for the national secondary schools team but was waiting on my New Zealand passport. I moved to New Zealand
COLLEGE 2023
33
seen or heard about,” he says. “It keeps you in a sort of family environment in the House and our Housemaster, Mr (Mike) Field, has been great about keeping me in check throughout my time at College. “I came to Christ’s College from Medbury School. My parents thought College would be the best place to be and I have been happy here. I have a good school crowd and enjoy being part of the club, as a school. I feel connected with my coaches and teammates.” AJ adds that fellow athlete Joseph Nash has also helped his journey as “we push each other” to succeed and the pair “tend to dominate school competitions”. On the academic side, AJ enjoys Mathematics and appreciates the guidance of Matt Cortesi through Physical Education and football while Teacher-in-Charge – Accounting Jennifer Thomas “has been very supportive with reference letters and everything else” and Executive Principal Garth Wynne “has been one of my big supporters along this whole journey”. Aside from school and sport, he plays the keyboard at church. For his post-College life, AJ is “weighing up a few pathways, including the United States option – a sports scholarship – and Australia as well”. “There are many good universities and great competition overseas. I want to reach that top level, representing my country.” Reflecting on his first year at Christ’s College, AJ says that “I would tell myself to devote my
from Zimbabwe when I was aged four. My parents wanted to study here. Dad is a chemical engineer and Mum works with New Zealand Police on the Integrated Safety Response to Family Harm and is also a guest lecturer at the University of Canterbury. I have a younger sister and an older brother, who has been a big part
of getting me places. My mother tells me she was a national runner in Zimbabwe and that I get my athletics ability from her.” A member of Julius House, AJ also appreciates the “amazing” school environment for underpinning his success. “The House system is different from any other school I have
34
MOTIVATION
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Page 119 Page 120 Page 121 Page 122 Page 123 Page 124 Page 125 Page 126 Page 127 Page 128 Page 129 Page 130 Page 131 Page 132 Page 133 Page 134 Page 135 Page 136 Page 137 Page 138 Page 139 Page 140 Page 141 Page 142 Page 143 Page 144 Page 145 Page 146 Page 147 Page 148Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online