170 years on: Recognising Christchurch – New Zealand's first city

Tēnā koutou katoa.

Peace to you all in the name of God.

As we look ahead to Term 3, members of the Christ’s College community are warmly invited to a special evening marking the 170th anniversary of Christchurch becoming New Zealand's first city.

Hosted by the Christchurch City Council UK Sister Cities Committee in partnership with College, the event commemorates 31 July 1856, when Queen Victoria signed the Letters Patent granting Christchurch city status as the seat of the Bishop of Christchurch.

Together with the leadership of the first Bishop of Christchurch, Bishop Harper, this milestone helped shape the founders’ vision of a city grounded in faith, learning, and public life – an inheritance that continues with College today.

The evening will feature presentations from Dame Anna Crighton, the Right Reverend Dr Peter Carrell, the Right Reverend Dr David Coles, and Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Rice, followed by questions and conversation. Guests will be welcomed with refreshments in the College Dining Hall before moving to the College Chapel for the presentations.

The event will be held on Friday 31 July, the second Friday of Term 3, beginning at 7pm. A gold coin donation will be collected in support of the Christchurch City Mission.

I hope many members of the Christ's College community will join in this special evening as we celebrate the origins of our city and the enduring legacy of Bishop Harper and the early Canterbury settlers. 

Please register here.

God be with you over the coming break.

Cameron

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An open mind to opportunities

Spelling Bee New Zealand 
It is time for those Years 9–10 students who are interested to sign up for the popular New Zealand Spelling Bee competition. For the past three years, College students have qualified for a travel and accommodation package (including parents/caregivers) to compete at the Spelling Bee Final in Wellington for the chance to win $5000. Registrations are open on Schoolbox, so keep an eye out for the notice

Engineering and Science Competition
We have registered three teams for the New Zealand Engineering and Science Competition but still have spaces available for students. Teams of three to four Years 12–13 students work together to solve a question over the course of the day. Examples of previous challenges – as well as competition dates and requirements – can be found on the website. A school notice is available on Schoolbox, with details of how to register. 

Middle School Ethics Olympiad 
Students can sign up through Schoolbox notices in the coming week for the Middle School Ethics Olympiad. In the past, College students have excelled at middle-school level and continued competing in the Ethics Olympiad until Year 13. This is an excellent opportunity for students to develop an understanding of major ethical theories and apply these to answer questions around contemporary issues, such as relying on civilian intelligence in war and AI in the classroom.

Thriving Minds
I will soon take registrations for the Senior Philosophy Day. Boys who attended last year found the event inspiring and challenging. It is an opportunity to hear from world-class speakers on diverse topics. Unfortunately, this falls during our derived grade examinations so it will be most suited to Year 11 students. Junior Stretch offers a similar programme for Years 9–10 students. I encourage anyone interested and curious to attend. Please monitor student notices for further details.

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The Big Sing – big success

The Chapel Choir and Schola Cantorum have recently featured at the annual national Big Sing competition for secondary school choirs. More than 280 choirs take part each year, with each presenting a 10-minute recital of three songs in different styles.

This year, both our choirs committed to two extra 7.30am rehearsals and performed very well. Of particular note, Schola Cantorum won the Christchurch Liedertafel Male Voice Choir Award for an outstanding performance as a lower voice choir. The Years 12–13 singers were absolutely delighted with this award and showed their potential. Schola Cantorum was selected to attend Cadenza, a South Island ‘regional’ final in Timaru.

We are very proud of the success of both choirs and wish the senior boys good luck as they prepare for Cadenza in August.

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Bring books into focus and be bitten by the reading bug

In a world dominated by pinging notifications and constant multi-tasking, our boys’ attention is frequently fragmented. We live in an environment that constantly encourages jumping from task to task, often leaving young minds feeling ‘wiped’ rather than enriched.

Reading offers the ultimate antidote – a proven way to build sustained attention and cognitive endurance. When a student settles into a book, they practice the increasingly rare art of deep focus.

Cultivating this state does not happen by accident. It requires creating a quiet space away from phones and screens to protect their concentration. Allowing 20 minutes – the magic period – for daily reading can ground a busy mind and provide essential mental recovery after a hectic week.

As we approach the upcoming break, it is the perfect opportunity to hit reset. We highly encourage all our boys to dive into our Sora shared holiday read: The Ones That Bit Me! by Marcus Taylor. Written by a multi-talented local Christchurch vet, it is the perfect pick to help your son unplug, focus, and enjoy a great story. It’s light, funny, and uplifting – a great combination for those long winter nights.

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Wrap up in Dark Hampton College scarf

Add a luxurious Dark Hampton Christ’s College scarf to your wardrobe. The stunning scarf – a Cashmere-modal mix – has been designed exclusively for College. Lightweight and very soft, it complements any outfit while adding a stylish all-seasons layer. You can purchase a Dark Hampton College scarf from the Uniform Shop or order one at uniformshop@christscollege.com. You or your son can then pick up the scarf from reception, with the cost charged to your account. Size: 120x120cm. Cost: $119.

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CHRIST'S COLLEGE & CCOBA EVENTS

Friday 3 July, 6–9pm	Parents' Association Midwinter Drinks Book now
Monday 27 July, 6–8.30pm	NCEA Options Evening for parents and boys of Years 11–12
Thursday 6 August, 7–9.30pm	A screening of MAMIL (Middle Aged Man in Lycra), and Q&A with Mark Hadlow Book now
Friday 11 September, 7–9.30pm	A live show of GOMIL (Grump Old Man in Lycra), and Q&A with Mark Hadlow Book now

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Tee Off With Tamai Sports Charity Golf Day

A non-profit organisation co-founded by Old Boy Max Goodwin, Tamai Sports works alongside tamariki, whānau, and schools across East Christchurch to create fun, inclusive sporting opportunities by removing barriers to participation.

In his final year at Christ’s College in 2018, Max saw the need for a programme that enabled youngsters to become more confident and active through stronger community connections and cultural pride, leading to the creation of Taimai Sports. Today, thousands of youngsters benefit from multiple sports-related programmes. The Tee Off With Tamai Sports Charity Golf Day helps to fund those many opportunities for youngsters who may otherwise miss out.

If you want to play a part in supporting the Tamai Sports Charity Golf Day, you can find further details below, including sponsorship and team entry options.

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UPCOMING CAREERS DATES

TERM 2
June	University of Auckland, applications open University of Auckland, scholarship applications open Victoria University of Wellington, school leavers scholarships open University of Canterbury, scholarship applications open Lincoln University, scholarship applications open
1 July	University of Otago, scholarships open
2 July	University of Canterbury, scholarships presentation, 8.15am, FA201
16 July	Air NZ Engineering & Maintenance (see CareerWise below)
23 July	University of Otago, scholarship presentation, 8.15am, FA201
TERM 3
30 July	Queenstown Resort College, Information Evening, Commodore Hotel, Memorial Avenue, 6–8pm
1 August	Victoria University of Wellington, accommodation applications open
1 August	University of Auckland, accommodation applications open
1 August	University of Otago, residential college applications open
1 August	Lincoln University, accommodation open (MyLinc portal)
6 August	University of Canterbury, scholarship applications close
6 August	Career Convos – Defence Forces
12 August	University of Auckland, scholarship applications close
13 August	Lincoln University, course planning, 8.15am, FA201
15 August	University of Otago, scholarship applications close
15 August	Lincoln University, scholarships close
20 August	University of Canterbury, course planning, 8.15am, Fine Arts 201
21 August	Victoria University of Wellington Open Day
27 August	Career Convos (more information to come)
28 August	University of Otago, course planning, 8.15am (venue to be confirmed)
29 August	University of Auckland Open Day
29 August	Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Open Day
1 September	Victoria University of Wellington, scholarship applications due
1 September	University of Otago, Performance Music auditions application deadline
Mid-September	Victoria University of Wellington, course enrolment applications open
30 September	Lincoln University, accommodation applications close
30 September	University of Auckland, accommodation applications close
30 September	University of Otago, residential accommodation applications close
1 October	Victoria University of Wellington, deadline for first round of accommodation applications
TERM 4
10 December	University of Otago, application deadline for most degrees (enrolment, scholarship, and residential college applications via eVision online)

Christ’s College CareerWise

The Christ’s College careers website, CareerWise, is a rich source of careers information. Parents and students can subscribe to our careers platform to stay up to date with the options and opportunities open to the boys. These may cover career-related events, news, and jobs. For most events, there are links to register. Our Years 11–13 boys and their parents are encouraged to subscribe to CareerWise.

Upcoming study-related events
Common job interview questions
Navigating university open days
A career in farming
University of Otago – student for a day
University of Melbourne – course guides for 2027 
Otago Polytechnic 2027 programme guide
Environmental Management & Aquaculture – SIT
Air New Zealand Engineering & Maintenance
Victoria University Open Day
Scholarship Applications – Pitfalls to avoid
Queenstown Resort College - Information Evening
Difference between Architecture & Engineering

University scholarships for Year 13 students

MoneyHub has compiled a comprehensive guide to scholarships for students planning to start university in 2027. Available at MoneyHub Scholarship Guide, this resource lists scholarships from all universities, along with opportunities for Maori, Pacific, and international students. The guide, updated regularly, includes application tips and deadlines to help students navigate the scholarship process.

Victoria University of Wellington – Pūaha

An online portal for students, Pūaha is where boys can view and manage their admission, enrolment, accommodation, and scholarship applications. It also provides study-related tools and information.

Ara – NZ Broadcasting School

The New Zealand Broadcasting School will host a three-day workshop from 7 July–9 July for students interested in a media career. Students can access the journalism, radio, and screen production facilities at the Madras Street campus as they work together to create a radio broadcast and try out a range of roles, including camera, sound, and lighting operators. The workshop costs $575. Register here.

University of Melbourne

VTAC application support for students
Students considering undergraduate study at the University of Melbourne can learn about the application process during the Applying through VTAC webinar on Wednesday 5 August

Air New Zealand Engineering & Maintenance

Students interested in practical work, engines, and aviation may want to study for an Aeronautical Engineering Certificate at the Air New Zealand Academy of Learning or the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. Those wanting to gain a NZ Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Level 3) at the Air NZ Academy of Learning in 2027 can register their interest. 

Career Convos

Career Convos – a collaboration between the Christ’s College Old Boys’ Association and the Careers Department – helps our students learn more about post-school options and potential careers. It has been a great opportunity for the boys to ask questions and seek advice in an informal setting. 

Our next Career Convos speaker is electrician James Jerard. Career Convos welcomes boys who want to learn more about potential careers. 

If any Old Boys wish to share their own journeys with the boys, please contact Alumni Manager Lizzie Dyer at ldyer@christscollege.com.

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At home on the Quad – 70 years of Richards House 1956–2026

Today, Richards House sits behind the Old Boys’ Theatre, in the shadow of the Assembly Hall – making it easy to forget that it used to directly face the Quad.

In 1953, the decision to add a new boarding house to the school site was not taken lightly. The Fellows were wary of another economic depression that might impact on boarder numbers so Old Boy architect Heathcote Helmore (2261) was asked to prepare plans for both a two-storey and a three-storey building. The Fellows opted for the more modest approach.

Construction progressed in 1955, despite uncertainty over whether the House would be ready by the start of the following year. Completion was then delayed, but by June 1956, all but 19 members of the new House had moved in.

Richards House incorporated many ‘modern’ features, including an efficient central heating system and sound-absorbing flooring, while both the common room and library were positioned to catch the sun.

“In fact,” wrote the editor of the June 1956 Register, “Richards House must rate as one of the most sensible boarding houses in the Dominion.”

However, as College! records, some aspects proved less successful. The Housemaster’s quarters were too small for a growing family, and additional measures were later taken to address noise issues not resolved in the original design.

Originally built to accommodate 72 boys, Richards House underwent significant alterations over the years. A third floor, designed to the specifications of Sir Miles Warren, was added by 1999, providing additional accommodation and studies. Further alterations in 2000 accompanied the construction of the Old Boys’ Theatre – between the House and the Quadrangle – creating the setting familiar today.

The House was named in honour of Reginald James Richards (2282), the College’s 12th Headmaster and its first New Zealand-born leader. Richards entered Christ’s College in 1906 as an Entrance Scholar and a member of School House. He left in 1912 after serving two years as Head Prefect. His achievements were remarkable. In his final year, he won a University National Scholarship and the Ormsby Medal, while also captaining both the 1st XI and 1st XV in 1911 and 1912. He was the Senior Athletics Champion in both years and served as Captain of Cadets in 1912.

During World War I, Richards served as a lieutenant in the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. Wounded shortly before the capture of Le Quesnoy, he spent a considerable period in German hospitals as a prisoner of war.

The College Archives holds letters he wrote home to his mother describing his experiences. Following his repatriation to London, he became a house tutor at Clifton College. In 1932, he returned to Christchurch to become the Christ’s College Headmaster, serving until 1939.

His name lives on in the House that bears it – a fitting tribute to one of the College’s most distinguished sons.

	Richards House Housemasters	Richards House Matrons
	1956–1960 EJ Norman	1956 Miss Mortimer Jones
	1961–1970 NE Heath	1957–1958 Mrs Forbes
	1970–1980 JR Mills	1959–1962 Miss ED Hounseli
	1980–1990 TJ Brangwin	1963–1971 Mrs DE Brown
	1991–1996 JG Mills	1972–1984 Mrs L McEachen
	1996–1998 HP Spronken	1985–1998 Miss JF Matheson
	1998–2017 CP Sellars	1999–2004 Mrs J Gill
	2018–2026 KD Harris	2005–2013 Mrs M Brown
		2014–2021 Mrs J Kelleher
		2022–2024 Ms Stacey James
		2024–2026 Ms Giselle Pasten

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