CCOBA latest news

A few weeks ago, the College community gathered to dedicate the Wilson Murray Memorial Window in our Chapel.

Congratulations to Peter Couchman (9016) who has been awarded Master Electrician of the Year, recognising his outstanding contribution to the industry.

Stone sculptor, hill country farmer, and College Old Boy Marcus Helmore (6899) continues to carve out a three-dimensional career.

They say the average person will change their career up to seven times during their working life.

Nick Harvey (11731) knows better than anyone else the importance of brand.

Mark Cochrane, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, took to the stage at Business Banter to share the remarkable story behind the iconic advertising agency.

During his fledgling career as a sharebroker, Jeremy Nurse (6664) looked out the window and wished he was in the great outdoors.

Nick Hodgson (12352) was always keen to experience professional life in a region very different from New Zealand, with a longer term focus on Asia.

As a young teenager, Michael Lawry (12971) was already eyeing a career in the military, attracted by the exciting mix of study, travel and unique experiences.

A masterful class from opera star – and Old Boy – Teddy Tahu Rhodes (9756) set the stage for a rare opportunity for a trio of Christ’s College singers to learn from the best.

Old Boys always eagerly await the Annual Rugby Reunion. This year was no exception.

Having led the school as Head Prefect, helped to steer College to a Maadi Cup win, and set up Tamai Sports to support children from the city’s east to get into sport, Old Boy Max Goodwin (14691) has embarked on the next stage of his journey – industrial engineering.

For former Deputy Head Prefect and quick-fire 1st XV halfback Louis Gunn (14959), his “passion for sport” has always empowered his career plans.

We recently held a special Evensong Chapel Service to unveil a plaque for Nicholas Speight (9768).

Sixty-five years after leaving Christ’s College, Don Mackenzie (6419) is still regularly back on campus in his role as one of our Guides who show visitors our stunning buildings and grounds.

Sam Bosworth (13830) might have retired from rowing, but the former New Zealand coxswain is keeping busy.

They say birds of a feather flock together.

Angus Mossman (14724) and music are never far apart, even though he’s now embarking on a career in law at Mortlock McCormack Law in Christchurch.

Architecture is undergoing a digital revolution that is changing the way spaces are designed, delivered, and operated.

It’s a busy year for Kiwi actor Nic Kyle (12658).

For chef James Rutherford (11798), cooking is all about the act of giving.

One of Christ’s College most remarkable Old Boys has shared his journey – spanning his time as King Charles’ flying instructor, Aide-de-Camp to Queen Elizabeth II, the Service Adviser at Downing Street, and a RAF Station Commander – at a recent Assembly.

From Flower’s House to Ritsumeikan University, Dr Jeremy White (11663) has undertaken an unusual journey from Christ’s College boarder to English Professor in the College of Information Science and Engineering in Japan.

Beijing Capital International Airport isn’t a bad way to launch your architectural career.

In 1855 – the year of the Deed of Foundation of Christ’s College – John James Thomson (43) first walked onto the school site opposite St Michael’s Church in Oxford Street, Christchurch. On 18 October 2023, John’s great-nephew, Rob (Robin) Paul Acland Thomson (5806), wandered into the Dining Hall to celebrate his 75 Years On Reunion at Christ’s College.

The New Zealand agricultural sector is not without its challenges but its future is vital for us all, according to Old Boy George Glubb (12204).

Flying Officer FJ Adam (14526) recently graduated as a pilot with the Royal New Zealand Air Force after more than two years training.

At aged 76, John Wall (7242) is still working on the farm five days a week, fulfilling his Justice of the Peace duties, and helping as a dressage steward at local equestrian events in Manawatu.

The advent of AI is freeing up more time for people to focus on creativity, strategy, and marketing, according to John Gordon (13711).

Japan is a land of contrasts that Hamish Pidgeon (10013) has called home for more than two decades.

Toshi Westbury (13797) has just clocked up a decade as part of the prestigious Royal Marines in the UK.

Kakahu Angus – advanced by Old Boy Gerald Hargreaves (6761) and now led by his son, Tom (11286) – is responsible for breeding some of the best bulls in the beef business.

Old Boy Hamish Cooper (8729), New Zealand’s Ambassador to Japan, is hosting our upcoming visit to Tokyo in early October, to catch up with our community living and working there.

The Grigg name is synonymous with the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association (CAPA).

Old Boy – and Central Washington University (CWU) graduate – Albert O’Shannessey (14915) has been drafted into the 2023 American Major League Rugby Collegiate Draft.

The lure of London is never far from the minds of our young Old Boys.

Clearing out barns before bidding a final farewell to the family farm – ‘Brooksdale Station’ in Springfield – St Andrew’s College Old Boy Maurice Milliken stumbled across a school cap. However, it was not his own but rather featured the familiar ‘CC’ of Christ’s College.

Old Boy Jack Caunter (14671) believes that having “good friends in good places” helps to build a good career.

Author, investment manager, and Old Boy Alex McKinnon (11465) has opened a new page in his career, visiting Christ’s College to share his thoughts on writing and the importance of solid English skills in all facets of life.

Character counts when it comes to graduate recruitment at PwC.