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From the Headmaster

Staff Joe Eccleton SQ

Joe Eccleton
Headmaster

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Keeping music at the heart of College

One of the pleasures of walking from the Headmaster’s residence to Christ's College each day is hearing music coming from our Music School. On any given day, boys are rehearsing in bands, singing in choirs, playing in ensembles or discovering an instrument for the first time.

Music is an important part of what makes Christ’s College the school it is. Every student experiences music in his first year, and, for some, that begins a journey into Chapel Choir, jazz, rock bands, orchestras or productions. For others, it may simply be the shared experience of House Music or congregational singing. What matters is the opportunity to participate.

The wonderful challenge is that music at College is thriving. Our facilities are regularly full of boys rehearsing, practising, and performing, placing increasing pressure on our spaces, instruments, and technology. While we have already invested in refurbished spaces, new instruments and upgraded sound and recording equipment, there is more to do.

That is why music is the focus of our 2026 Annual Appeal. Funds raised will help provide new instruments and technology, complete the Band Room as a professionally equipped rehearsal and recording space, and create a dedicated Jazz Room. For us, this is not simply an investment in equipment or facilities. It is an investment in opportunity.

Great schools give young people different places in which to discover what they are capable of. For one boy, that might be on the sports field; for another, in a science laboratory; or on a stage, in the Chapel or behind a musical instrument. Our responsibility is to create those opportunities.

Music has always held a special place at Christ’s College. It enriches our traditions, brings our community together, and creates memories and friendships that endure long after boys leave school. Through this year's Annual Appeal, we have an opportunity to build on that tradition and ensure our boys continue to experience all that music can offer. When the appeal launches on Wednesday 14 October, I invite you to join me in giving and helping us to take the next step for music at Christ’s College. Together, let's keep music at the heart of College.

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Feedback

Staff Logan Ball 6537 SQ

Logan Ball
HoD Commerce and University of Canterbury MBA candidate

Have your say on vital education choices affecting your son…

We need you! We invite you to share your views through an important survey of Christ’s College parents.

In a collaborative approach with myself, as a University of Canterbury MBA candidate, Christ’s College seeks your feedback as part of a consultation project exploring perceptions of the school’s fee structure, the value of a Christ’s College education, and the overall financial sustainability of independent schools in New Zealand.

Your vital responses will help inform future discussion about how fees are structured and communicated. The survey will take no more than 12 minutes and all responses will be confidential, with no identifying features. 

To have your say on these significant matters for all parents, please click here to complete the survey. 

At the end of the survey, we invite you to take part in a focus group relating to the survey. Please email Logan Ball at logan.ball@pg.canterbury.ac.nz if you wish to be involved. We would appreciate your participation.

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Music

Staff Hugo Zanker 3547

Hugo Zanker
Director of Music

Sedley Wells Music Competition – excellence at all year levels

Much of the learning our students experience happens through listening to peers making music. This can be as simple as hearing somebody practising in another room.

Even for music staff, the sounds coming out of the practice rooms and rehearsal spaces have the power to surprise. You might hear a sudden burst of virtuosic guitar playing, an incredibly clean run on a cello, or a muscular tenor sax lick wafting from practice rooms. This all bodes well for the musical skill development of our boys.

Our boys’ practice skills will be put to the test in the Sedley Wells Music Competition over two free and unforgettable evenings early in Term 4. On Monday 19 October at 7pm, the vocal categories (junior and senior) take centre stage, followed by the instrumental categories on Tuesday 20 October at 5pm. Each event promises artistry, passion, and the thrill of live competition.

The Sedley Wells Music Competition offers inspiration and excellence in equal measure. We would love to see you there.

Please encourage your son to sign up (student email required) for one of the four categories (junior vocal, senior vocal, junior instrumental, and senior instrumental), and read the competition rules.

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Sponsorship

Staff Shelley Keach 6322 edited

Shelley Keach
Senior Development Manager

Step into Narnia for special sponsorship opportunities

One of the most treasured children’s books is coming to the Christ’s College stage – and you can play a major role.

We are looking for sponsors to support The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – this year’s joint Christ’s College and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School Junior Production.

Become a sponsor and enjoy outstanding exposure for your business across both school communities, while supporting our young actors and the performing arts.

Programme advertising is also available, with a half-page colour advertisement costing only $500, plus GST.

For sponsorship opportunities or further information, please contact Christ’s College Senior Development Manager Shelley Keach at shelley.keach@christscollege.com.

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Uniform Shop

Staff Craig Moffat SQ

Craig Moffatt
Uniform Shop

Specially tailored Year 12 blazers

Your Year 11 son may need a specially made blazer for next year to cater for extra long arms or a longer body that does not fit the standard-size blazers we have in stock. If so, we need to order these tailored blazers by November. Please contact the Uniform Shop at uniformshop@christscollege.com so we can organise the best fit for your son.

And just a reminder, trousers can still be worn in Term 4, in case you have not had the chance to pick up some shorts before the shop reopens for the term.


Uniform Shop hours for Term 4

School holidays

Closed from 21 September–11 October

Term 4  |  Monday 12–Friday 30 October

Monday 10am–4pm
Tuesday 10.30am–4pm
Wednesday 10am–4pm

(In the first week of every term, the Uniform Shop will be open for two extra days)
Thursday 10am–4pm
Friday 10am–4pm

Monday 2 November–Friday 11 December

Monday–Friday 10am–4pm (Year 9 fittings for 2027)


Wrap up in a Dark Hampton Christ’s College silk scarf

Add a luxurious Dark Hampton Christ’s College silk scarf to your wardrobe. We now have two stunning scarves – a silk one ($169) or a Cashmere-modal mix ($119) – designed exclusively for Christ's College. Lightweight and soft, both complement any outfit while adding a stylish all-seasons layer. You can purchase either of the Dark Hampton College scarves 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.

2026 uniform ladies scarf 02 small
2026 uniform ladies scarf 01 small
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Latest News & Events

2026 08 winter tournament

Winter Tournament Week – it’s a wrap

What a week! Well done to all the players, coaches, managers, and sideline supporters who lined up for Winter Tournament Week across New Zealand.

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2026 01 southern tour deforce

Southern Tour de force by Christ’s College cyclists

Southern Tour winners Will Crawford (U20) and Harrison Tapper (U17) – along with 3rd placegetter Hudson Carter (U15) – have delivered outstanding rides in Marlborough.

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2026 01 good oil

Business Banter with The Good Oil’s Nick Murney

Pure Oil New Zealand Managing Director Nick Murney has shared his story at a recent Business Banter at Christ’s College.

Read full article

Upcoming events

CHRIST'S COLLEGE & CCOBA EVENTS
Wednesday 9 September, 7–8.30pmIndependent Schools Encore Choral Festival, Assembly Hall
Friday 11 September, 10.15am–12pmGrandparents’ Day
Friday 11 September, 7–9.30pmA live show of GOMIL (Grumpy Old Man in Lycra), and Q&A with Mark Hadlow
Book now
Saturday 12 September, 7.30–11pmCollege Senior Ball, Te Pae
Monday 14 September, 5–6.30pmSumner & Surrounding Areas Enrolment Event
Register now
Tuesday 29 & Wednesday 30 September, 9am–3pmVolleyball Sport Clinic, Christ's College Upper West
Book now
Monday 5 & Tuesday 6 October, 9am–1pmTennis Sport Clinic, Te Kura Hagley
Book now
Tuesday 6 & Thursday 8 October, 10.30am–3pmCricket Sport Clinic, Christ's College Cricket Grounds
Book now
Monday 19–Tuesday 20 OctoberSedley Wells Music Competition, Assembly Hall
Friday 23 October, 12pmChrists's College Parents' Association Pink Lunch
Book now
Tuesday 3–Saturday 7 NovemberJunior production – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Book now
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Careers

Staff Chris Sellars

Chris Sellars
Careers Advisor

UPCOMING CAREERS DATES
TERM 3 
Mid-SeptemberVictoria University of Wellington, course enrolment applications open
15 SeptemberUniversity accommodation applications to be submitted
30 SeptemberLincoln University, accommodation applications close
30 SeptemberUniversity of Auckland, accommodation applications close
30 SeptemberUniversity of Otago, accommodation applications close
1 OctoberVictoria University of Wellington, deadline for first round of accommodation applications
TERM 4 
10 DecemberUniversity 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. 

Yoobee 5 Day Film Workshop – school holiday programme
Ethos Sports & Education – global universities
Study & Play USA –United States university scholarships Information 
Telford Open Day – learn about rural study
University of Otago residential colleges – applications are now open
Whitecliffe Holiday Programmes – Christchurch – IT/PC building/hardware 
Massey University Explorer – Term 3 newsletter
Air Traffic Control – training for New Zealand students
Planning to study Medicine?
Lincoln University – accepting your study offer

Bond University, Gold Coast

Register for an upcoming webinar that will focus on Bond University's new Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, starting in January 2027. The webinar will cover the course structure, entry requirements, career opportunities, and more.

Tuesday 29 September at 5.30pm AEST (Brisbane time) (8.30pm NZT) online

School subject selection – Term 3 

Boys choosing their subjects for 2027 this term can check out these preparation links to aid their decisions regarding university and polytechnic study.

Lincoln University – Best Prep
Victoria University of Wellington – Best Prep
University of Otago – Best Prep
Ara – Best Prep
University of Auckland – Subject Guide                                                  
University of Canterbury – Best Prep
Massey University – Best Prep

University accommodation – CCRF (Term 3)

An online university accommodation reference form, the Common Confidential Reference Form is only required by boys applying for accommodation at the University of Otago, Lincoln University, and the University of Canterbury, plus Ara and Otago Polytechnic. 

Money Matters

MoneyHub has created a comprehensive guide for students, designed to provide essential tools and knowledge for building a healthy relationship with money.

University scholarships for Year 13 students

MoneyHub has compiled a comprehensive guide to scholarships for students planning to start university in 2027.

School Leavers’ Toolkit

Learn about practical skills, and find advice and resources for post-College life in the New School Leavers’ Toolkit.

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