Warden & Fellows
Christ’s College has a legal structure unlike any other school in New Zealand, dating back to the founding of the Canterbury settlement and Christchurch. It was established in 1850 and incorporated by Ordinance of the Provincial Council of Canterbury in 1855. Under that Ordinance and the Deed of Foundation that followed, the Warden and Fellows were constituted as the body politic of Christ’s College — and so they remain.
The Warden is the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch, who serves as an ex officio member. The Fellows, including the Chair and Deputy Chair, are appointed by the Christ’s College Old Boys’ Association, the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch, and the Warden and Fellows themselves.
Together, they bear collective responsibility for the strategic direction, financial stewardship, and long-term flourishing of Christ’s College. The Warden and Fellows set the strategic direction of the school, oversee its financial health, act as trustees of the College Foundation, and appoint and hold the Headmaster to account. The day-to-day management and administration of Christ’s College is the responsibility of the Headmaster.
The school’s governance is set out in its Statutes and By-Laws.
The role of a Fellow
Appointment as a Fellow of Christ’s College is a call to service. Fellows are not representatives of any particular constituency. They are appointed to exercise wise judgement for the good of the school as a whole, having regard to its Anglican foundation, its distinctive ethos and traditions, and its future as New Zealand’s leading independent school for boys.
In considering appointments, the Warden and Fellows give particular weight to:
a genuine commitment to the education and formation of boys and young men
respect for the Anglican character, traditions, and culture of Christ’s College
integrity, discretion, and sound judgement
the ability to support the school’s reputation and advancement
the contribution each appointment makes to the strength and balance of the governing body as a whole.
Not fewer than two Fellows, must at all times, be communicant members of the Anglican Church. All appointing bodies are required to have regard to the desirability of maintaining the Anglican character of Christ’s College.
Fellows are expected to undertake continuing professional development appropriate to educational governance, including structured induction on appointment.
The College Foundation
The College Foundation is the endowment fund of Christ’s College, representing the gifts the school has received over the years.
The Warden and Fellows are trustees of the College Foundation and are responsible for its prudent management in the long-term interests of Christ’s College.
To assist in discharging that responsibility, the Warden and Fellows have appointed a Foundation Committee comprising two independent members and two Fellows. One of the independent members chairs the committee.
The Foundation Committee advises the Warden and Fellows on the investment strategy, financial performance, and annual distribution of the College Foundation. It has delegated authority to set the annual distribution to the school, to determine asset allocation, and appoint and review the performance of investment managers — in each case, within the terms of a Statement of Investment Principles and Objectives approved by the Warden and Fellows.
The Foundation Committee reports to the Warden and Fellows regularly during the year and provides a formal annual report.
For further information about the Warden & Fellows, please contact:
Mel Murrell
Executive Assistant to the Executive Principal