Welcome from the Housemaster
On behalf of the Rolleston House community, nau mai, haere mai – a warm welcome to you and your family.
After completing a BSc in Geography and Geology and an MSc in Geology at the University of Auckland, I undertook a PhD at the University of Canterbury, researching the water chemistry of Antarctic meltwater ponds. During this time, I discovered my passion for teaching and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching through Victoria University. I began teaching Chemistry at Christ’s College in 2014.
I served as Deputy Housemaster of Corfe House before becoming Housemaster of Rolleston House in 2020 – a role I love. I teach Years 9–13 Chemistry and I am also involved in managing the College Athletics team. Supporting students, building relationships, and guiding boys through secondary school have been the most rewarding parts of my journey.
Outside school, I am married with three children and enjoy camping, mountain biking, and boating.
The heart of Rolleston House lies in its students, families, and staff. Our boys embrace challenges, show care for one another, and contribute to a positive, inclusive, and fun community. I am proud of their commitment and spirit, and I look forward to 2026, continuing to support each student to grow, thrive, and enjoy their time in Rolleston House.
Briar Wait
Housemaster
Welcome from Head of Rolleston House
Home of the ‘Mighty Maroons’.
Support, respect, and connection are the foundations on which Rolleston House is built. Through the leadership of the senior boys, the guidance of the Housemaster, and the commitment of all, Rolleston offers a place for boys across the year levels to build connections with others as they journey through College life together. This builds a bond and trust between all the boys, which becomes evident in academic, sporting, and cultural successes.
Charlie de Costobadie
Head of House 2026
House staff
House booklet
History of Rolleston House
An increase in the College roll resulted in the addition of another House. Purchased in 1975 from the University of Canterbury, it was initially converted into classrooms and the Clothing Pool and then in 1983, with some more renovations, it began a new life as a dayboy House.
The name Rolleston House was originally given to the building when it was the Number 4 Hostel for Canterbury College (the predecessor of the University of Canterbury). It was most appropriate that this name should remain when acquired by Christ’s College. Not only is the House on the Rolleston Avenue corner but also William Rolleston, sometime Superintendent of Canterbury and Member of the House of Representatives, was an examiner of the sixth form in Latin and Greek, and a Fellow of Christ’s College from 1860–1903.
Rolleston House adopted the crest of the Rolleston Family Coat of Arms as its symbol.