Giving back a special moment
16 Jul 2025
Mark Warren (8838) didn’t always appreciate his family’s choice to send him to Christ’s College.
But 15 years after leaving, the Hawkes Bay farmer told his father it was the right choice, and in turn sent his three sons to College.
As the son and grandson of a Vicar, Mark benefitted from a specific scholarship for family of clergy at that time.
A dyslexic student, he was put into the bottom stream, but says dyslexia proved his super power, enabling him to eventually buy the 1300ha Waipari Station, on the coast between Pourerere Beach and Mangakuri Beach.
“Like many I suspect, College was a drag and inconvenience at the time, but 50 years later, we realise what a significant benefit it has been to our lives.
“College has provided a huge network which has been very beneficial in both business and personal relationships. When I moved to Hawkes Bay, at age 23, I had a number of Old Boy mentors who helped guide me in farming and business,” Mark recalls.
“I’m still very much involved with Old Boys both from my year and probably 15 years each side.”
Mark’s three sons have all attended College, with William (14226), now aged 29 years, receiving the Stringer scholarship during his tenure.
“It was extremely gratefully received and came at a time when things were very tight on the farm, and I was working off farm as well, to keep the books in the black,” Mark says.
“I’d invested heavily in forestry, and I had a determined belief that one day, I would be in a position to repay the scholarship, which was why the recent Giving Day fitted nicely with a forest harvest.
“I feel it’s important for Old Boys to consider the benefits they received from College , and perhaps reflect on how they could show their appreciation in some support, if they have been successful in later years.”
“Contributions to topping up an existing scholarship, particularly if an Old Boy has benefitted from one, is an excellent way to pay forward the goodwill.”
Mark’s book, Many a Muddy Morning, not only talks about his off-roading adventures but also touches on life at College.
