DEVELOPMENT 100 years at Harper House
Chris Graham, his brother, father and grandfather are all Harper House alumni. His son and nephew are both current students and, to celebrate this 100-year generational legacy, the Graham family are making a generous donation to support boys who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend College.
Chris’s grandfather Alan attended College from 1919–1925, his father Bruce from 1955–1958. Chris was at College from 1980–84, his brother John from 1982–85. Chris’s son Connor is a Year 12 student and his nephew Jack is in Year 13. Naturally, both are Harper boys. “College has given the family a lot over the past 100 years, and it’s helped all of us in our chosen fields. It certainly set us all up nicely on our paths,” says Chris. “We’ve all been proud of having gone to College. It gives you the confidence to go out in the world and do your own thing.”
He lives at Kirwee, where he keeps race horses, and is also well known in the trotting industry. Chris’s association with College has increased in recent years, as he has helped re-establish clay target shooting at College. He currently manages the College team and actively participates with them in competitions. “It’s an extra sport for the boys, outside the usual being offered, so those that take it up are always really keen.” Chris says building relationships as a result of such activities is yet another sign of the value of the contacts made through College. “As life goes on, you never know when you’re going to run into another Old Boy. It’s happened to me in some really interesting situations and has opened the way for some great opportunities.”
For Chris, that was being selected for officer training in the New Zealand Army, starting with studying at Massey University and then serving for nine years, during which he was involved in peacekeeping duties in Angola. Since then Chris has established a software development company based in Christchurch, which supplies specialised software to retirement homes. His younger brother John ran an electrical contracting business and is now a business development manager. Their father Bruce was a founder and is currently a director of veterinary pharmaceutical company, Pacificvet.
Alan Graham, father of Bruce. Harper House 1919–1925.
The Graham family from left: John, Jack, Bruce, Connor and Chris
Christ’s College Canterbury
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