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Term 1 has been a busy and rewarding start to the year for the Old Collegians Association, with reunions, regional gatherings, and milestone events reconnecting our community across the country. From Marlborough, North Canterbury, and Mid‑Canterbury to campus‑based celebrations, it has been wonderful to see Old Collegians of all ages coming together.
A central focus of the term was our 60 Years On celebrations for the Class of 1966–1970, highlighted by a memorable reunion weekend at the College.
The standout moment of the term was hosting The Honourable Feleti Teo OBE (OC 1982), Prime Minister of Tuvalu, during his official state visit to New Zealand. Having Prime Minister Teo back at St Andrew’s was a deeply meaningful occasion, a highlight of my five years at the College, and a powerful reminder of the global reach of a St Andrew’s education.
The term concluded with the return of the Janet Storry Tennis Tournament, played for the first time in ten years. First established in 1930, this year’s tournament was also the first to feature a mixed team, with St Andrew’s competing against Christ’s College, St Margaret’s College, and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, and emerging victorious.
We also held the annual OCA Golf Tournament at Waitikiri Golf Course in stunning conditions last week. Congratulations to John Holmes (OC 1977) who will represent St Andrew's, along with a team of Old Cols, at the Strowan Rose Bowl later in the year.
Our annual Anzac Day Service will be held on Saturday 25 April at 10.00am in the Centennial Chapel, and all Old Collegians are welcome to attend.
Looking ahead to Term 2, we have a full programme planned, including the 1st XV Rugby Reunion, 50 Years On, 30 Years On, and our Auckland Gathering at The Northern Club on Wednesday 18 June. Rector Mark Wilson, OCA President Zoe Merrick (OC 2014), and Tomo Yee (OC 2008) will be joining me, and we would love to see our upper North Island alumni there. Thank you to Michael Wood (OC 1966) for making the venue available.
In Term 3, Rector Mark Wilson will be visiting London in August, following his support of the St Andrew’s College Pipe Band at the World Championships in Glasgow. He looks forward to catching up with our UK‑based Old Collegians while he is there.
Tomo Yee (OC 2008, Head of Development and Community Relations) and I will be heading to Brisbane in August and would love to connect with any Old Collegians based there for a relaxed catch‑up. Please register to join us at these events.
Further details, photos, and reflections from this term's events can be found below.
Warm regards,
Lisa Clark
Alumni Manager
As we complete the first term of my second year as Rector, I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect on an outstanding start to the school year and to share with you some of the many moments that have filled the term with joy, optimism, and a strong sense of community. The vibrancy of St Andrew’s College continues to be shaped not only by our current students and staff, but also by the enduring commitment and achievements of you, our Old Collegians.
Term 1 has once again highlighted the remarkable depth of talent nurtured at St Andrew's. Our Pipe Band delivered exceptional results on the national stage, reclaiming the New Zealand Juvenile (Under 18) Championship title in Inglewood and were runners-up in Grade 2, an adult grade. This is an extraordinary accomplishment for a school ensemble, ranking fourth place overall across New Zealand (and competing Australian) adult grades, which speaks volumes about both our skill and discipline. The national impact of St Andrew’s was further underlined by the Canterbury Caledonian Pipe Band claiming the Grade One national title, with two-thirds of its members being Old Collegians. We are especially proud of the leadership shown by Pipe Major Piers Dover (OC 2013) and Drum Sergeant Michael Jenkins (OC 2013) as they guided this outstanding group to success.
Our summer sports programme has been equally impressive. The Boys’ 1st XI Cricket team enjoyed a stellar first half of the season, remaining undefeated and winning the Canterbury two-day competition for the first time since 2017, alongside the regional T20 title. It is particularly heartening to see the continued progression of our cricketers, with six Old Boys contributing to Canterbury’s recent Plunket Shield victory and Henry Nicholls (OC 2009) receiving national recognition. Our rowers also performed admirably, securing two gold and five silver medals at the South Island Championships and producing a range of strong top ten finishes at the national Maadi Regatta. Add to this our South Island Championship win in Mixed Touch and the Canterbury title claimed by our Golf team, and the breadth of achievement across codes is truly remarkable.
These outcomes reflect the dedication of our staff, coaches, and parents, whose support and guidance play an invaluable role in the development of our young people. Just as important, however, is the strength of the wider St Andrew’s community. This term it has been on full display through the colour and energy of Athletic Sports Day and the Highland Games, as well as our inaugural Community Fête on the evening of Founders' Day. Our Old Collegian reunions continue to be a highlight, offering wonderful opportunities to reconnect and rediscover the College.
Looking ahead to Term 2, the Senior College production of Anything Goes promises to be a must-see and will further enhance our strong reputation in the performing arts. Winter sports are already underway, with both hockey and rugby showing great potential during preseason tournaments.
My wife Judi and I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming Old Collegian events, so expertly coordinated by our Alumni Manager, Lisa Clark. I warmly encourage you to stay connected, remain involved, and continue sharing in the life of your College.
With best wishes,
Mark Wilson
Rector
Our regional gatherings held in Blenheim, Waipara, and Methven during February were a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with Old Collegians and their partners, alongside current and prospective College families. Each event was well attended, with strong representation across decades and year groups, creating lively conversations, shared memories, and new connections.
Set against beautiful local backdrops, these gatherings reinforced the strength of our regional alumni networks and the enduring sense of community that continues to define St Andrew’s College.
Thank you to all those Old Collegians who attended and we look forward to seeing you again next year.
Methven Gathering: Jeremy Simpson (OC 1989) and Brian Hunt (OC 1962)
Blenheim Gathering: Stuart McFarlane (OC 1980), Jacqui Taggart, Mark Taggart (OC 1989), Graham Sidey (OC 1979) and Lisa Clark (Alumni Manager)
Around 40 Old Collegians from the Class of 1966–1970, along with their partners, returned to the College on Friday 13 March for their 60 Years On reunion, enjoying a memorable weekend of connection and celebration. Highlights included the Founders’ Day Assembly, the colour and energy of the Highland Games, time to reconnect at the Friday evening cocktail party, and a formal dinner on Saturday night filled with tradition, laughter, and heartfelt toasts.
READ MORE AND VIEW PHOTOS>
On Wednesday 25 March, St Andrew’s College had the honour of welcoming back one of its most distinguished Old Collegians, The Honourable Feleti Teo OBE (OC 1982), Prime Minister of Tuvalu, as part of his official state visit to New Zealand. Accompanied by his wife, Madame Tausaga Teo, and members of his delegation, the Prime Minister was welcomed by College leadership, former classmates, past staff, and students for a morning rich in ceremony, reflection, and shared history.
The visit began with a formal arrival through the Papanui Road gates, led by Pipe Major Sam Foote (Year 13). For several members of the Tuvaluan delegation, it was the first time they had ever heard bagpipes. As the cars moved slowly up the driveway, windows were quietly lowered, the music clearly striking a chord.
Prime Minister Teo was welcomed at Strowan House to the stirring sounds of The St Andrew’s March performed by the Pipe Band. The Tuvaluan flag‑raising by the Heads of College followed, setting a tone that reflected both cultural pride and enduring College values. Prime Minister Teo was visibly moved as he greeted his classmates for the first time in many years and was brought to tears upon seeing his “New Zealand parents,” former Housemaster John Irving and his wife Jill.
Students played a central role throughout the morning. The Pasifika Group welcomed the delegation in song creating a moment of real stillness, followed by the Middle School’s haka as they approached the Centennial Chapel, grounding the welcome in strength, unity, and respect. The Preparatory School Kapa Haka performed as Prime Minister and Madame Teo took their seats on the stage inside the Centennial Chapel.
In his address, Prime Minister Teo reflected warmly on his years at St Andrew’s College. He spoke of the values instilled during his time at the College and how they shaped his life and leadership. He also addressed the realities of climate change and its profound impact on Tuvalu, engaging thoughtfully with Pasifika students during a question-and-answer session.
The service concluded with the presentation of gifts, including a painting of Strowan House by Old Collegian Kelvin McMillan (OC 1977). The visit ended with time for Prime Minister Teo to reconnect privately with members of the Class of 1982, past staff, and his former football coach Michael Glubb. Classmates, including Head Boy of 1982 Craig Dowling, had travelled from around the country to see him and spent time reminiscing. Known to many simply as “Fred,” the reunion was full of warmth and shared history, lingering longer than the schedule allowed.
Prime Minister Teo arrived at St Andrew’s from Tuvalu in 1981 to complete his final two years of schooling, graduating as Dux, a school prefect, and the top goal scorer for the 1st XI football team. He went on to the University of Canterbury, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws, and in 1986, became the first Tuvaluan to be admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. An illustrious career followed across Pacific‑wide organisations, including serving as Tuvalu’s first Attorney General and Head of Legal and Judicial Services from 1991 to 2000.
Feleti Teo became Prime Minister of Tuvalu in 2024 and follows in the footsteps of other notable Pacific leaders educated at St Andrew’s: Sir Toaripi Lauti (OC 1951), the first Prime Minister of Tuvalu, and Sir Ieremia Tabai (OC 1969), the first President of Kiribati.
This visit was a poignant reminder of the global impact of a St Andrew’s education and a proud homecoming for a College son whose leadership continues to resonate far beyond our grounds.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS> VIEW A SHORT VIDEO OF The Honourable Feleti Teo OBE (OC 1982) vISIT>
1 Prime Minister Feleti Teo and classmate Richard Ott 2. The entourage crossing the Turley Bridge 3. Feleti, classmates and staff from 1982 4. Reminiscing with Jill and John Irving
More than 90 Old Collegians and friends of the College teed off on Friday 17 April to take part in the 91st OCA Golf Tournament, enjoying superb autumn conditions throughout the day. Congratulations to John Holmes (OC 1977), who claimed the Old Boys’ Golf Cup and will go on to represent the College at the Strowan Rose Bowl later this year.
Many thanks to Michael Simcock (OC 2011) for his outstanding work in coordinating the tournament, Kevin Simcock for carefully overseeing the card marking, and Mike ‘Scrump’ Johnston (OC 1974) for sourcing the raffle prizes. Our thanks also extend to Waitikiri Golf Club, our generous sponsors, and everyone who supported the event. Funds raised from the tournament will go towards supporting cricket at St Andrew’s College.
Pictured: Tom Johnston (OC 2003), Bryan Stronach (OC 1998), Jamie Cowan (OC 1998) and Chris King (OC 1999)
We welcome all Old Collegians, their families, and friends of the College to join us for our annual Anzac Day Service.
Saturday 25 April, 10:00am
St Andrew's College Centennial Chapel
Morning tea to follow
No RSVP required
Lest we forget.
We look forward to seeing the Class of 1976–1980 at their 60 Years On Reunion, on the weekend of Friday 15 May – Saturday 16 May 2026.
REGISTER HERE >The Rector, Mark Wilson, and the President of the Old Collegians Association, Zoe Merrick (OC 2014), warmly invite you to the 2026 Auckland Old Collegians Gathering.
Wednesday 27 May 2025, 5.30pm–7.30pm
The Member's Dining Room, The Northern Club, 19 Princes St, Auckland
Partners very welcome
Tickets: $45.00 (includes complimentary drink and canapés)
Dress Code: Smart.
We look forward to seeing the Class of 1996–2000 at their 30 Years On Reunion, on Friday 19 June 2026.
REGISTER HERE >St Andrew’s College Rugby Club and the Old Collegians Association invite the 1st XV teams of 1956, 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2016 to return and celebrate milestone reunions from 10 to 70 years on since you proudly represented the St Andrew's College thistle.
Saturday 20 June 2026
St Andrew’s College 1st XV vs Shirley Boys' High School 1st XV
We look forward to seeing the Class of 1986–1990 at their 40 Years On Reunion, on Friday 24 July – Saturday 25 July 2026.
REGISTER HERE >The Rector, Mark Wilson, warmly invites you to a gathering for our UK Old Collegians.
Monday 24 August 2026, 5.30pm–8.00pm
Canalside Bar, The Lighterman, 3 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH
Food will be provided, and the first drink is on us.
Partners very welcome. We would love to see you there!
Please register below by Wednesday 19 August 2026.
REGISTER HERE >
Alumni Manager Lisa Clark and Head of Development and Community Relations, Tomo Yee (OC 2008), are visiting Brisbane in August, and we’re taking the opportunity to bring together our Old Collegians for a relaxed after‑work catch‑up.
Monday 31 August 2026, 5.00pm–7.30pm
The Plough Inn, 29 Stanley St Plaza, South Bank, Brisbane
Food will be provided, and the first drink is on us.
Partners very welcome. We would love to see you there!
Please register by Wednesday 26 August 2026.
REGISTER HERE >We look forward to seeing the Class of 2012–2016 at their 10 Years On Reunion, on Friday 6 November 2026.
REGISTER HERE >
To celebrate 20 years of StAC Attack, we look forward to hosting our past St Andrew's College Pipe Band members at a reunion on the weekend of Friday 17 July – Saturday 18 July 2026.
Order of Events are:
Friday 17 July
StAC Attack, Christchurch Town Hall
Saturday 18 July
5.00pm–7.00pm
Pipe Band Reunion.
Drinks and canapés in Strowan House
All past members and partners welcome.
7.00pm
St Andrew's College Ceilidh
Gym 1, St Andrew's College
More information will be emailed in the coming weeks...
Year Group Reunions:
10 Years On: Class of 2012–2016, Friday 6 November 2026
30 Years On: Class of 1996–2000, Friday 12 June 2026
40 Years On: Class of 1986–1990, Friday 24 July – Saturday 25 July 2026
50 Years On: Class of 1976–1980, Friday 15 May – Saturday 16 May 2026
1st XV Rugby Reunion, vs. Shirley Boys' High School: Teams of 1956, 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996, 2006, 2016 – Saturday 20 June 2026
Regional:
Auckland Gathering, The Northern Club): May 2026
London Gathering, The Lighterman: Monday 24 August 2026
Brisbane Gathering, The Plough Inn: May 2026
Other:
Pipe Band Reunion: Saturday 18 July 2026
OCA Annual Dinner: Friday 11 September 2026
Gentlemen's Lunch, incorporating 65 Years On (1961–1965), 70 Years On (Class of 1956–1960), 75 Years On (1951–1955) and 80 Years On (1946–1950): Friday 9 October 2026
These events and dates are subject to change.
The Old Collegians Association works closely with St Andrew’s College to facilitate an exciting programme of reunions and functions for Old Collegians.
The 10 Years On is taken from Year 13, and the others are from the year in which the Old Collegians started in third form (Year 9).
If you would like to assist in the organisation of your year group’s upcoming class reunion, please contact the Old Collegians Association by email at oldcols@stac.school.nz, or phone Lisa Clark on +64 3 940 2085.
Please visit our events page for all upcoming event dates and registrations.
REGISTER HERE >
Awarded late last year and received from Italy this month, the Dirac Medal now joins the many honours bestowed on Professor Roy Kerr. It is one of the highest international awards in theoretical physics, recognising work that has profoundly influenced our understanding of the universe.
Named after Paul Dirac, one of the great scientific minds of the 20th century, the Dirac Medal is awarded to scientists whose work has genuinely changed how we understand the universe. Roy received it for his groundbreaking discovery in 1963 of what is now known as the Kerr solution, a description of a rotating black hole. At the time, black holes were still largely theoretical. Roy’s work showed not only that they could exist, but that they could spin, an idea that has shaped decades of research ever since. More than 60 years on, his work remains central to modern astronomy, underpinning research into gravitational waves and even the first images of black holes.
The medal now sits alongside a remarkable collection of honours earned over a lifetime, including the Albert Einstein Medal, the Crafoord Prize (often described as a Nobel‑level award), and medals from the Royal Society and other leading scientific bodies around the world. Each recognises the same quiet, enduring contribution, work that changed an entire field.
That contribution has its roots much closer to home.
When Roy began at St Andrew’s College in 1947, both he and the College were navigating the realities of post‑war life. After returning from service in the Second World War, where he had served under then Rector Joseph Mawson, Roy’s father established a rubber band factory on the outskirts of Christchurch. Roy’s early affinity for numbers was sharpened there, counting rubber bands into bags after school.
“Our house was basically a shed, with all the factory machines inside,” Roy has recalled. “I slept in a lean‑to, and when it rained outside, it rained inside too. I didn’t take many friends home.”
At St Andrew’s, Roy remembers excellent teachers such as Mrs Pocock and the Dowling brothers, though science teaching was limited in those early years. When his young mathematics teacher left to study at Cambridge, Roy largely taught himself, later travelling weekly to the University of Canterbury to study calculus with tutor Jack Lester so he could sit a university scholarship exam.
That determination carried him from Canterbury to Cambridge University, where he completed his PhD, and eventually to the University of Texas. There, at a time when new data from radio telescopes was opening up fresh questions about black holes, quasars and singularities, Roy’s deep understanding of geometry and calculus enabled him to find a general solution to Einstein’s equations for rotating black holes, work now known as Kerr geometry.
Remarkably, Roy remains an active thinker. His 2023 paper, Do Black Holes Have Singularities?, became the most‑read scientific paper for several months, a testament to the continued relevance of his ideas.
Reflecting on his life, Roy has suggested his academic ability may trace back to his grandmother, who graduated from the University of Canterbury in the 1890s with a double first in English and French, before becoming a teacher and mathematics tutor.
Roy’s extraordinary career has also been recognised by St Andrew’s College itself. His image appears in a stained‑glass window in the Centennial Chapel, alongside figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Ernest Rutherford and Isaac Newton, a fitting acknowledgement of a life devoted to thought, curiosity and discovery.
The Dirac Medal is simply the latest addition to a lifetime of achievement. True to form, Roy, now 92, remains understated about it all, but for the College, it is another moment to pause and take pride in one of its most distinguished Old Collegians.
1. Professor Roy Kerr 2. The Dirac Medal 3. Roy at a recent visit to the College. 4. Roy beside the stained-glass window in the Centennial Chapel.
Last year, the Old Collegians Association very generously funded the digitisation of every issue of the Collegian magazines published from 1920 to 2025. This has been a gamechanger for my job as the College Archivist, making any information relevant to projects quickly accessible and easily integrated into my research. The Collegian yearbooks are the primary source for any research I do, as they are the most comprehensive and valued first-hand records St Andrew’s College has.
This year the Old Collegians Association has contributed substantial funds to the implementation of Recollect, a digital collection management system. Recollect will enable St Andrew’s College to safeguard our archives and enrich community engagement with our museum collections. A team of five staff are currently attending implementation workshops customising the system to reflect our values and history. It will take some time until it will be available to the community, but when it is live, you will be able to browse, search and engage with the system. I am very grateful to the OCA for supporting this project.
I have been researching our extensive heritage collection of pre-WWII photographs in preparation for uploading images to Recollect. This involves collecting and verifying any information relevant to the images, a fascinating task which then provides the meta data for every image. It is mostly a straightforward exercise, however sometimes, it takes considerable detective skills.
Last year I came across this photograph of the 1923 Fifth Cricket XI team.
As you can see, the boys range in age and stature, their bright expressions engaging with the camera as they pose for a typical team photo taken on the lawn to the west of Strowan House. Take note of the first cricket uniform and well-worn boots.
The 1923 Vol 5 no.1 Collegian magazine provides a report on their cricket season. They played five matches, won three.
We have several copies of this photograph. Each has a couple of names written on the reverse, apart from one copy which has a type-written note attached, with ten names. However, there are eleven boys in the photograph.
When I analysed the ten names provided, I was very moved to discover that four of these young players are memorialised on the PRO PATRIA boards in the Memorial Enclave of the Centennial Chapel. Suddenly, this ordinary image took on a whole new meaning and relevance within our collection.
In matching the names to the boys, I struggled to verify the accuracy of the type-written label. An extra problem is that the Collegian report mentions four other people as team members. However, I have managed to confirm most names by examining other photos from the early 1920's.
If you do recognise a family member, please email PDI@stac.school.nz
Names as typed on the attached paper:
Standing (Left to right with years of attendance, StAC affiliations and information on military service)
Waldemar Harry Andersen (1922–1923)
Richard Slater Royds (1920–1925)
Russell MacKay Sinclair (1922–1924)
Gerald Oliphant Morrison (1922–1925) Prefect, President OBA 1941–1942, StAC Board of Governors 1942, Lt 2nd N.Z.E.F.. Killed in action, Italy 1943
Raymond Douglas Andrew (1922–1924) 2nd N.Z.E.F.
Unknown student
Seated (Left to right with years of attendance, StAC affiliations and information on military service.)
Arthur Hallum Gresham (1918–Term 2, 1927) Prefect
George Buchanan MacGibbon (1918–1926) Wg.Cdr R.A.F. Medical,1936–1947
Henry Alan Moray-Smith (1918–1924) Lt. R.N.Z.N.V.R. Missing, officially presumed killed, Malaya,1942
Francis Stephen Baird (1922–1925) Plt.Off. R.N.Z.A.F. Lost on operations, Pacific Area,1943
George Edward Bullen Nixon (1919–1923) Flg. Off. R.A.F. Killed in flying accident, Middle East,1935.
When I hear their names read out at this year’s St Andrew’s College Anzac Service, I will appreciate the value of telling their unique school stories, and, as do we all, I will honour their sacrifice.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
Next Sunday 26 April, the first-ever album recorded by the National Youth Pipe Band will be released, titles Bound by Sound.
The album features many of our talented students and Old Collegians, showcasing brilliance across piobaireachd, traditional and modern piping, and pipe band music.
Those involved include:
Pipers: Emily Brook (Year 13), Tayla Eagle (OC 2025), Sam Foote (Year 13), Lucas Paterson (OC 2024) and Anthony Song (Year 11).
Drummers: Georgia Eagle (OC 2023), Ethan Higgs (OC 2025), Rachel Holyoake (OC 2022), Harry Justice (OC 2024), Daniel Liu (Year 13), Annie McAra Young (Year 13)
Head of Drumming for the Youth Band: Scott Birrell, St Andrew's College Head of Drumming
Hayden Lam (OC 2024) also features on drums, bass, keys and produced the tracks behind most of the tunes.
We were sad to hear of the recent passing of long‑serving staff member Mr Owen Foster.
Owen will be fondly remembered by many of our younger Old Collegians as a kind and generous man who gave a great deal of his time to the College. Over his 21 years on staff, Owen served as a groundsman, traffic warden, and Custodian of the College.
A master stonemason, Owen was also responsible for building the Memorial Cairn, erected outside the College’s Memorial Chapel to mark the College’s 90th Anniversary. The Cairn still stands proudly today as a lasting reminder of his craftsmanship and contribution.
Our thoughts are with Owen’s wife Jill, son Owen (OC 1991), and their family.
Photo: 2008 Cairn Unveiling with Rev. Hamish Galloway, Rector Christine Leighton, Owen Foster and Val Wells
Set to a sparkling Cole Porter score, Anything Goes is a fast-paced, fun romp aboard the S.S. American, where romance, mistaken identities and high-seas hilarity collide. This Golden Age classic follows the lovelorn Billy Crocker as he teams up with the charismatic Reno Sweeney, along with an incognito gangster, to win the heart of debutante Hope Harcourt. Featuring iconic tunes and full‑cast tap dancing, this 2022 revision brings fresh wit while honouring the show’s timeless charm. Filled with glamour and wonderful dance numbers, Anything Goes promises a joyful escape for audiences of all ages. This musical is delightful, delicious and truly de‑lovely.
Want to keep up with the latest information on reunions and your fellow Old Collegians' news and achievements? Please also keep us updated on all of your achievements and successes!
To join our Old Collegians Facebook page, please click here.
To join our new Old Collegians Instagram page, please click here.
To join our LinkedIn page, please click click here.
We look forward to connecting with you.
Have you recently had a baby or been married?
Send us a photo of your baby or your special wedding day for our November Regulus magazine. We will also send all new babies a St Andrew's Bonny Bear!
Please email details to oldcols@stac.school.nz
If your details have changed from what we have in our records, please fill out the form below, so we can update them.
