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The Otago Boys' High School Foundation
PO Box 11,
Dunedin, New Zealand
Tel +64 3 477 2546
Fax +64 3 477 5468
Otago Boys’ High School Foundation
May 2011 - Newsletter
Kia ora,
I must say in the past 17 months since taking over this position I’ve never seen a newsletter so full with interesting articles about our Old Boys’. Many thanks to those of you who have sent stories and in particular Lizzie, who has contributed greatly to this month’s newsletter.
Dunedin like most of the country has felt the wrath of the gusty high winds that hit the mainland early May and from this onslaught one of our large trees fell over the driveway by the rector’s residence. Driving past this on my way home from work I stopped to chat with Deputy Rector Dougal McGowan who was inspecting the damage. We got talking about how we could replace the tree – one that had clearly been there for a very long time. One that had a story to tell and one that would be hard to replace.
I spoke of an initiative that we could adopt that had been floated at Foundation Board level but had never eventuated. It focused on the Year 13 Boys’ leaving their legacy at the school. Gifting something back in appreciation for their time at the school and for what it had given them.
So the ‘Year 13 Leavers Legacy’ was drafted and presented to our current Head and Deputy Head Prefects who liked what they saw immediately. From here they spoke to the full Year 13 group about the importance of leaving a legacy and by doing so helping the Foundation to build a culture of giving within the school. They spoke of assisting a community group in return for a donation which they would use to buy a tree complete with plaque to replace the one that had fallen.
From here this new planting will forever have a story to tell – the story of a group of kind students who acknowledged the value of their time at OB’s and decided to forever leave their legacy in the form of a gift to the school.
I commend Chanuka De Silva and Sam Blakely for spearheading this initiative and I look forward to seeing what the school will receive through the Foundations efforts at Senior Prize Giving on 8 November 2011.
I will be sure to give updates over the coming months but in the interim, happy reading…
Regards,
Douglas Kamo
CEO – OBHS Foundation
International businessman Dr Geoffrey Davies OBE (1960-63) has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Geoff, MD of UK-based Alamo Group Europe and Vice-President of New York Stock Exchange-listed Alamo Inc., is one of just 10 individuals to receive the award. It is given to people for promoting enterprise skills and encouraging entrepreneurial attitudes in others.
Geoff was named the UK Entrepreneur of the Year for 2007-08 by the British Chambers of Commerce and he has a formidable track record of encouraging others to have a go in business – at the same time as building the giant Alamo Group Europe (AGE) from one near-bankrupt UK vegetation control machinery company, McConnel. AGE is now a 10-strong group of European companies specialising in designing, manufacturing and selling vegetation control and highway maintenance machinery.
He said: “I’m delighted to have been nominated for the award and honoured to accept it. The UK government has challenged the private sector to generate activity and employment to help clear the national debt and make Britain successful again. We can only do this through encouraging entrepreneurs to have a go.
“It’s so important that we as a country start to make things again. Manufacturing has been allowed to wither in Britain as more fashionable service activities like accountancy, design and so on have developed. But these sectors can’t survive if there’s nothing to service. It’s only through manufacturing that you create good numbers of sustainable jobs for people and so restore communities. I have always worked to encourage people with good ideas to have a go and I intend to keep doing that.”
Geoff is Chairman of the recently-created Marches Local Enterprise Partnership for Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin. This is a body charged with leading a private-sector-led economic recovery and generating new jobs. Until appointed to that post, he was also Chair of the Shropshire Business Board, which has benefited hundreds of businesses through grants and advice. The Business Enterprise Grant Scheme, which he was instrumental in devising, has so far benefited 138 Shropshire companies in a little over 12 months. He continues to sit on the Shropshire Business Board and is also a past director of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce. His companies also belong to Chambers in other areas of the country. Geoff is also a business ambassador for Shropshire, promoting the county internationally to businesses.
As part of his commitment to encouraging others to start companies, he has been deeply involved in higher education for decades. He is a governor of Walford and North Shropshire College and he guest lectures at Harper Adams University College on business issues. Through McConnel he sponsors awards for Harper Adams students with bright business ideas, and provides scholarships to Harper Adams for students from less affluent backgrounds. He was instrumental in setting up a scheme whereby experienced business people provide advice and guidance to young entrepreneurs at Harper. He is a board trustee of the Otago Boys’ High School Foundation and is a valued Trustee Foundation Member.
Geoff also holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Wolverhampton Business School for services to agricultural industries and rural regeneration and his OBE was awarded for similar reasons.
“I really hope that other successful business people will make the time to get away from their own companies and help others who are starting up. If this spirit of help and cooperation becomes more widespread, it all contributes to a vibrant economy,” said Geoff.
He was president of the influential trade body, the Agricultural Engineers’ Association in 2009 and 2010, when he oversaw a comprehensive modernisation
programme.
He is no stranger to the Queen’s Awards. Under his management McConnel has won two for export and innovation in the past 10 years and Bomford Turner, an Alamo company in Worcestershire, has also been honoured. Geoff is due to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion at Buckingham Palace in the summer.
Justice of the Peace
Kevin Geddes (1952-55) has been elected president of the Royal Federation of Justices Associations, the executive for the 29 associations representing 7600 Justices of the Peace in New Zealand. He was vice-president.
Mr Geddes, who works for Federated Farmers, said he was “humbled by the job I've been chosen to do”.
One other Royal Federation president has been from Ashburton, George Ward in 1985.
Mr Geddes said the role of JPs had a long history, with the office originating in English law.
Government made the law, the police brought people to justice, and the judiciary executed it. But running through that was the citizenry, and Justices of the Peace were elected from the citizenry to ensure law was appropriately managed.
Mr Geddes said the role of the president was the keep the 29 member associations together, and ensuring that each did its primary function – training.
There were three areas of training (supported by Government funding) – the ministerial (oaths, declarations), the issuing of warrants for police and other government agencies, and judicial training whereby JPs looked after minor, traffic and local body matters in the District Court.
Any JP considering judicial work had to pass a certificate of judicial studies, be trained to the satisfaction of the chief District Court judge, and have regular upskilling.
There was also training for justices to adjudicate on alleged offences in prisons, a separate area of training.
Mr Geddes said some of the member associations were large – Auckland had 1700 members, with just a few members in Gore and South Otago. Ashburton had 61 active members.
Mr Geddes, semi-retired, is also vice-president of the Australasian Council of Justices Associations, part of whose work was to harmonise documents within Australian states, and between Australia and New Zealand.
Well Deserved Scholarship
Duncan Croudis (2005-2009) will take up a four-year golf scholarship at Iowa State University in the United States in August. Nineteen year old Duncan will follow in the footsteps of fellow OB Thomas Campbell (1999-2003), who finished his degree at Minnesota in 2009 and has since joined the professional ranks.
Duncan has the credentials to perform well at Iowa. He won the New Zealand under-10 title at North Shore in 2009 and then represented New Zealand in China, finishing second in his age group. He was selected in a senior national squad earlier this year and competed in two prestigious tournaments in Melbourne. He competed in three national interprovincial tournaments from 2008 to 2010 and is unbeaten in 14 games.
“I am really looking forward to going and I owe a lot for the support of my mother, Linda and father, Kallum, as well as Golf Otago and New Zealand Golf,” Duncan said. “They have all helped me a lot with my golf and getting this scholarship.”
Rower of the Year
Hamish Bond (1999-2003 world champion rower has been named Otago rower of the year. Hamish and his partner Eric Murray have been unbeaten internationally in the coxless pair for the last two years. In the last 12 months they won world events at Bled, Munich and Lucerne and the Royal Henley Regatta. Hamish’s international season culminated with a world championship title at Lake Karapiro in November.
The North End club rower capped an unbeaten year by being named the New Zealand rower of the year after the national championships at Lake Ruataniwha. Both Hamish and Eric Murray were finalists for the team of the year at the. Halberg Awards.
Hamish won red coats in the pair, coxless four and eight at the New Zealand championships when he stroked the Southern RPC to wins in the three events. He has now 14 premier titles.
He has inspired Otago rowers, many of whom produced fine results at the New Zealand championships at Lake Ruataniwha and at the Maadi Cup a Lake Karapiro
Free Dentistry Proposed for High Needs People
The Ministry of Health has commended Southern Primary Health Organisation on its plan to pump $250,000 into adult dentistry for high needs people.
The PHO, which formed in October to merge nine Otago and Southland PHOs, is led by chairman Dr Conway Powell (1965-1966). It is the first PHO to propose such an initiative and the Ministry of Health hopes it will be replicated in other parts of the country.
.Of its 281,000 enrolled patients, 46,000 are considered high needs
. Dr Powell said the PHO unashamedly made the proposal for those eligible because “some unfortunate people right now have very poor teeth.” He said some people had queried if more money would be better spent on health promotion rather than fixing mouths that were in a rotten state. But he pointed out that this initiative could prevent people developing more serious conditions and could therefore take some pressure off the district health board.
The PHO proposes spending $1 million on chronic conditions, child and youth $400,000, mental health $300,000, elder care $750,000, cancer $650,000 and health promotion activities $600,000. The PHO also wants to establish a contestable health innovation fund, worth $150,000, to support pilot programmes that could be rolled out across the region if successful.
Thank You Barrie Foote
Mr Barrie Foote retired from the teaching staff at OB’s after educating at the school for 34 years.
An Ex Kings HS boy - he trained as a primary teacher, and taught primary for 1 year before being employed as a maths and PE teacher back at Kings for 3 years. He then took up a position at OBHS in 1977 teaching Maths and PE.
During his early years here he studied part time in his own time to gain his BCom degree, and now with his new qualification had a teaching timetable which had him teaching in 1 year, 4 different subjects: Maths, Acc, Eco, PE – this demonstrates Barrie’s versatility.
Barrie, of course, has been involved in many extra curricula areas over the years. He took Y9 and y10 basketball for several years, has been on many school tramping trips, and ski trips almost every year and has been on many work parties to the Lodge. More recently he has taken the school Orienteering group and lately when his legs were not up to the running took up mountain biking, taking the school team here.
We wish Barrie all the very best for his retirement with Lynne in Wanaka and know there will be many mountain bike tracks in the area that will be explored by him in the years ahead.
OBHS at the World Secondary Schools Golf Championships
Kayne Wardell is calling it the greatest experience of his life. In his own words, the Otago Boys' High School pupil recounts his team's recent visit to South Africa for the world schools golf challenge.
Playing in the world schools golf challenge in Stellenbosch, and finishing second in the field of 187, was the highlight of my golfing career.
I scored a total of 293, which is the first time I have broken the magical 300 in a four-round tournament.
Good course management was the key to my success as the event was played on four different courses which, apart from Erindale, we had not seen before.
I began with a two-over-par 74 at Devonvale and played my best golf at Erindale, with a three-under-69.
I followed this with a 74 on the Stellenbosch course, which was most frustrating as the putts did not drop and I left at least five shots on the course.
Wet, cold and tough conditions greeted us at the De Zalze course where I finished with a four-over 76.
The winning golfer, Jamie Clare, from English school Millfield in Somerset, finished with a five-under 67, and I don't know how he managed this in the conditions.
For my efforts, I won two gold medals - for the best gross in division B, and the top net prize in that section with 277.
Our other golfer to feature at the prizegiving was Sam Ellis, who was third in the division C gross and first in the net with a 15-under-par 273.
Our No 1, Thomas Facer, began well with a 71 but finished fifth in the top section as his putter let him down in the other rounds.
The teams event was a runaway for Millfield School, which had 16 golfers playing in the event.
Our top team was in second place at the halfway stage but we let ourselves down in the last two rounds, finishing in a tie for fourth. I suppose that was not too bad, with 46 teams competing, but we all knew we should have been better.
The junior boys posted some good rounds and made a lot of progress with their course management skills. They are already talking about the next world schools event which is likely to be in Dubai in 2013.
Thanks to tour leader and teacher Peter Odgers and Queenstown entrepreneur Barry Ellis, we had some memorable experiences off the course in Africa.
We arrived in Johannesburg and drove for a couple of hours to a private game park called Thaba Lodge.
It was fun to be around zebras, springboks, rhinoceroses and a large number of other animals wandering around the lodge.
Mr Odgers, an expat South African, was keen that we all tried traditional African food which included biltong (dried meat) and meilie pap, a staple diet made from maize.
We flew to Cape Town and stayed in the Protea Hotel, which was formerly a prison.
We went up Table Mountain - sensational - and then had a sobering experience going to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.
Our guide on the island was a former inmate who had spent eight years imprisoned on Robben Island.
Nelson Mandela's cell was a concrete bunker six feet (1.82m) by three feet (91cm) with blankets on the floor and a bucket as a latrine. I found it chilling to think that he lived in this small space for 18 years.
A tour of the cape was disappointing, as it was very wet and foggy and so we missed all of the fantastic views.
I will never forget the experience of swimming with the white pointer sharks, when we put on wetsuits and stood in a cage which was attached to the boat.
They attracted sharks by throwing out bloody bait and pulled it in so we could dive under water and see the sharks.
When eight of our boys were in the cage, a 12-foot shark attacked the bait and got wedged in the cage, which was the most frightening time of my life.
It was a great trip and we owe thanks to the two teachers and six parents who assisted us during our 16 days away from home.
How things have changed from when I was at school… I was lucky to get a field trip to the Milton Sawmill let alone overseas (Ed)
Chile Anyone?
OBHS pupil, Kyrin Gourley (17) is one of four Otago secondary school pupils to win a scholarship in the 2011 Rotary Youth Exchange programme. Kyrin will spend 12 months in Chile while living with one or more host families. He will leave in time to start school in Chile next year.
Otago Boys Start Interschool’s Strongly
Interschool results against Southland Boys High Schoolwhich was played in Invercargillon 11 May are as follows:
OBHS |
SBHS |
||
SMALLBORE |
549 |
555 |
|
BADMINTON |
6 |
0 |
|
FOOTBALL |
8 |
0 |
|
BASKETBALL |
98 |
64 |
|
HOCKEY |
5 |
1 |
|
U15 RUGBY |
24 |
24 |
|
2NDXV RUGBY |
15 |
16 |
|
1STXV RUGBY |
19 |
3 |
|
OVERALL RESULT |
OBHS 5 |
SBHS 2 |
1 DRAW |
Interschool results against Christchurch Boy’son 24 May are as follows:
OBHS |
CBHS |
|
GOLF |
5 ½ |
½ |
BADMINTON |
8 |
1 |
BASKETBALL JUNIORS |
90 |
63 |
1ST BASKETBALL |
68 |
77 |
HOCKEY - Game 1 |
2 |
1 |
Game 2 |
3 |
1 |
CROSS COUNTRY SNR |
33 |
22 WIN TO CBHS |
CROSS COUNTRY JNR |
43 |
63 WIN TO OBHS |
FOOTBALL |
4 |
1 |
2NDXV RUGBY |
0 |
44 |
1STXV RUGBY |
18 |
21 |
OVERALL RESULT |
7 |
4 |
OBHS PTA Car Boot Sale
Sports Clothing, Footwear and Recreational Equipment for sale, BBQ & Free Bouncy Castle
Saturday 11th June 2011
11.00 am – 2.00 pm
(set up from 10.00 am)
Otago Boys’ High School
Arthur Street, Dunedin
Register your interest and reserve a site (cost $10) at heather.rei@vodafone.co.nz
If you have goods that you would like to donate for sale please deliver to the school office or contact as above to arrange pick up.
Cash Only - Everyone welcome
$20 million Injection for Speights to Get Ahead
Speights Brewery in Dunedin is getting a surprise $20 million redevelopment boost, to increase production by 250%. Its owner, Lion (formerly known as Lion Nathan) is taking the initiative to replace lost brewing capacity following the Christchurch earthquake which caused irreparable damage. Lion has announced a $43 million reinvestment package across three sites.
Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie (1982-1987) welcomed the boost albeit coming “out of the tragic events Christchurch has had to endure. It’s a return to the good old days of quality beers being produced in Dunedin, alongside our successful boutique breweries, ”Mr Christie said
Dunedin will have its keg-producing capacity and home brew numbers increased and will also be the site for the sideline business of malt extraction ,for home brew kits and as a baking ingredient. .Dunedin’s Speights Brewery, which is a top tourist attraction, will be upgraded with the building of a new brewhouse and the improving of cellars and kegging facilities.
The company’s plant in East Tamaki, Auckland will take over brewing specialty beers such as Guiness and Stella Artois and continue to bottle and can Speights. A further $15 million will be spent at the existing Canterbury brewing site to redevelop it as the main South Island distribution centre.
Otago Top of the Class
Otago has achieved the top annual average rate of economic growth nationwide for the year ending March. Economic growth in the region, along with the West Coast, increased 2-8% from the previous year the National Bank regional trends survey has found. Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie (1982-1987) said the survey’s findings backed up what he was hearing anecdotally from many business people, and he believed there would be strong growth over the next quarter.
Otago recorded a large rise in employment in March, pulling the unemployment rate back from 5.7% in the preceding quarter to 4.6%. The number of rurual real estate sales increased, underpinned by a rise in farm sales, which hit a two-year high. The indicators ,Mr Christie said, were a good sign the economy was poised for further growth.
Skeggs Family Stake in Queenstown Tourism
Southern Discoveries Ltd, a tourism operator owned by Dunedin’s Skeggs family, has acquired a 50% stake in Queenstown’s Kawerau Jet. Skegg’s Group managing director, David Skeggs (1976-1980) said the partnership with Kawerau Jets was “in line with a big picture programme of investment, development and growth.:Kawerau Jets operates eight jet boats, employes 15 staff and offers jet boat rides on Queenstown’s Kawarau and Shotover Rivers.
Cancer Fundraising Success
Mike Kernaghan (1969-1973) is celebrating the success of February’s Relay for Life event in Dunedin. The Cancer Society Otago and Southland Division’s chief executive says the event raised a total of more than $237,000. He said as the final donations roll in he was delighted with the total in view of the current economic situation. The funds will be used to support Cancer Society Services including research, working with patients, health promotion and the new survivorship programme.
April Shares Lures Investors
Peter Young (1984-1989) Forsyth Barr broker says there seemed to be more confidence in the sharemarket, which investors were liking. “It is creating a bit of momentum,” he said. “The New Zealand stock exchange tracks the offshore markets, especially the United States. So with the Dow Jones being up 4% for the month. We have followed suit with a fairly good positive gain.”
Of note was the performance of retail stocks like The Warehouse, Hallensteins, Glasson and Restaurant Brands, he said.
Biodiversityy Policy Wrong
“Ill conceived and wrong” is how deputy mayor of the Central Otago District Council, Neil Gillespie (1974-1977) sees the proposed national policy statement on indigenous biodiversity. He agreed with the concept of protecting biodiversity but objected to the process being adopted to achieve it. The aim of the policy was to give a clear direction to local authorities for managing native biodiversity under the Resource Management Act . A list of criteria was included for identifying areas of native vegetation and habitats of native fauna that were classified as being rare or threatened.. The District Council was concerned that extensive areas of farmland would be arbitrarily included in the district plan and as a result agreed to oppose the entire document.
High Hopes For Winter games
Winter Games NZ organisers say the event in August will become self-sustaining this year, with long-term economic impacts far exceeding those expected from the Rugby World Cup. While the Rugby World Cup is predicted to add about $700 million to the national economy, the Winter Games NZ will bring in $50 million. But according to event organiser Arthur Klap (1965-1968) within 10 years the games would be financially self-sustaining.
“A J . Hackett started with $5000 about 22 years ago….. With the Winter Games, we have the opportunity to do the same thing.
Lake Wanaka Tourism general manager James Helmore said he shared Mr Klap’s confidence the seed had been sown for “an enormous” economic footprint in the long term. He said he felt Mr Klap was being very realistic and con servative in his forecast.
Ryman’s Market Position Rising
Ryman healthcare is again proving itself to be a market leader. It has announced an improved profit and an increased dividend. The Christchurch-based aged care and retirement village operator reported a profit before tax of $102.7 million for the year ended March .That is a 23% improvement on the $83.8 million reported in the previous corresponding period. Craig’s Investment Partners broker Chris Timms (1977-1981) said it was a “good result, above expectations and slightly ahead of our forecasts.” He said Rymans ticked all the boxes with a good growth forecast and an expansion plan.
Forsyth Barr broker Tony Conroy (1976-1880) says Ryman continues to deliver a high-quality product enjoying increased demand despite working through a tough period for the property market. It was one stock he had in all of his portfolios, he said, as it always delivered. Ryman was increasing its annual build rate from 450 units/beds to at least 550 units/beds – about 350 townhouses and apartments and 200 rest-homes beds. “With the sharply ageing population, there is increasing demand for not only retirement village accommodation but also resthome beds,” he said.
Work has begun on new villages in both Gisborne and Tauranga, has recently bought land in Waikanae and was seeking a site for its first village in Australia. Mr Timms said Ryman was fortunate always to have had a large nland bank to call on and its explansion plans indicated a demand for its services.
KiwiRail Targets Domestic Freight Market
KiwiRail wants inland freight ports back on the Otago regional transport agenda as it pushes for a larger share of New Zealand’s domestic freight market. The state-owned enterprise has asked council planners throughout Otago to consider compatible rail options as the idea of inland freight ports becomes more attractive to logistics service providers. Inland ports are facilities where goods are moved between road and rail.
KiwiRail network general manager Rick van Barneveld (1967-1971 has backed several proposals in the Otago Regional Council’s transport strategy providing for greater use of rail transport freight around the region. KiwiRail recently formulated a “turnaround plan”, reviewing its predominantly freight-oriented operations, as it bids to enlarge its slice of the domestic market. Rail has endured a lean period recently and the plan was a “last drop of the dice for rail in New Zealand, Mr van Barneveld said.” Rail freight provided the most efficient way of servicing large container ships visiting New Zealand.
Sir John Hansen (1957), "Joh" to some, thought he had retired from the Bench to chase horses at his Cust holding, only to find himself on the Board of NZ Cricket, Patron of the Willows' Cricket Club, occasional arbiter in international cricket disputes and latterly Chairman, Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal.
Vaughn Utteridge (1981-85) formerly CEO of Canterbury squash and often seen performing, is currently the entrepreneur behind the recently conducted Mud Sweat and Tears at Motukara Race Course
Greg Henderson (1990) circa 1995 and surely one of our alma mater's sporting greats, recently managed to dodge the "carnage" of the Tour of California and wear the yellow jersey leading into the third stage.
Associate Professor (Lt Colonel) Darryl Tong RNZAMC spoke at the school ANZAC Service on 14 April and it stopped the boys in their tracks… I felt this was such a poignant and interesting speech that I wanted to share it with all our Old Boys’.
Deputy Rector, Brigadier McMahon, Fellow Guests, Teachers, Men of Otago Boys’ High School
It is a privilege to be given this opportunity to address you all at this ANZAC Day assembly commemorating the 96th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli by men of the Australian and New Zealand Expeditionary Forces on the 25th of April 1915.
It was on the beaches, rocky hills and murderous terrain that a bond between two Nations was forged, the men of Australia and New Zealand forever united under the name of ANZAC which not only stood for the Army Corps formation but a name given to the cove where they landed and to the men themselves who fought and died there 96 years ago.
It is a name held sacred through two world wars and dozens of other conflicts including East Timor and Afghanistan and most recently evident in the mutual support our two countries have given each other over the bush fires and floods in Australia and the earthquake in Christchurch.
While in Christchurch I met with urban search and rescue workers from Queensland and thanked them for coming over to help out. Their reply was both spontaneous and heartfelt: you guys helped us out now we are here for you. Despite our sporting rivalries, the perceived jealousies and continual sledging between us, no two nations share this bond of mateship and mutual recognition like NZ and Australia.
The 25th of April commemorates the sacrifice of young men like you at Gallipoli where the taste of adventure and the exuberance of youth was rudely replaced by the harsh reality of the dead and dying. Of the almost eight and a half thousand New Zealanders who served in the Gallipoli campaign almost 90% became casualties either wounded or killed. If diseases such as dysentery and fever are also included our casualty figures almost reach 150%.
It never fails to amaze me travelling through rural centres in the South Island to find war memorials still taking pride of place in the townships, listing those who paid the ultimate price in serving King and Country. Young men with hopes and dreams, with sweethearts, with so much to live for, cruelly taken in the prime of their lives. Theirs is a sacrifice that no family should have to endure and it is this word sacrifice that I want you all to remember as you wear that red poppy and hear the last post being played on ANZAC Day.
The Nation mourned for our young men killed at Gallipoli but who mourned for those left behind– the mothers and fathers, the brothers and sisters, the wives and their children? Their sacrifice would continue each ANZAC day year after year until they too grew old and memories dimmed before passing away themselves.
New Zealand men and women continue to serve overseas in our armed forces as well as the police, customs service and non-government agencies such as the NZ Red Cross. We are fortunate that no New Zealand woman has had her name inscribed on a war memorial as yet and one wonders what the political and social impact that would create. I recall my time in Kandahar, Southern Afghanistan watching the coffin of a Canadian soldier being borne onto an awaiting plane to take them home. She had been in Afghanistan less than a week and was killed on her first combat patrol. She had just turned 21.
Her death and others, including Australians and New Zealanders, remind us of the risks service personnel face when deployed to combat zones around the world. And with risk comes sacrifice – again that word resurfaces.
On ANZAC day when you observe the old veterans, take the time to imagine what it was like for them to be away, not knowing if they would ever return, not knowing if they would see their families again. Take the time to thank them for their service and listen to their stories if you are fortunate enough to hear them speak about their experiences. We should be proud of them and proud of New Zealand’s role in creating the ANZAC legend.
When you look at their frail bodies, their bent backs and faces lined with aged – ask yourself what sacrifices are you prepared to make for your country, your community, your whanau and it doesn’t need to be in uniform. Your sacrifice may be in the form of years of continued study or years of hard training to become a top level athlete or contributions to music and the fine arts. You should sacrifice your time and efforts not only for yourself but for the betterment of humanity. What binds us all on ANZAC day are not heroic deeds, not distant battles in foreign lands but the spirit of mateship and what it means to give your whole being because it is the right thing to do.
In 1879 General William T Sherman, the most successful Union General during the American Civil War is said to have stunned the graduating class of the Michigan Military Academy with these words:
I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine. It is only those [who] have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for more blood, more vengeance, more desolation. War is hell.
Indeed there is no glory in war but each ANZAC day we glorify those who gave their today for our tomorrow. We glorify their sacrifice for us and for future generations and we will remember them. We will remember them.
We are rallying all Old Boys’ to get along to Carisbrook on 14 July for the clash of all clashes.
Otago Boy’s will take on King’s on the rugby field whilst Old Boys’ from both school’s will take on each other in a battle of cheap jibes and one-up-man-ship!
For the first time ever Old Boys’ from both Otago Boys and Kings will come together to share an evening of laughs, great food, outstanding prizes and good rugby – alright a few cold ones will be thrown in the mix…
The OBHS Foundation has secured the Otago Lounge at Carisbrook exclusively for the Kings vs OB’s inter-school clash (which is being televised by Sky) and we want to make sure we have more OB’s Old Boys’ there than Kings.
Grab some mates and contact the Foundation to secure your tickets now.
STRICTLY LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE
Cost: $55.00 incl – 3 course meal, ticket to both games, prizes, guest speaker and the chance to see OB’s show Kings how to play rugby!
Contact Julie at the Foundation to book your tickets now – admin@obhsfoundation.co.nz or 03 477 2546
Earlier in the month the Foundation office sent an email to those Old Boys’ we know are residing in the UK. The purpose was to gauge interest as to whether they would attend an Old Boys gathering in July which coincides with Rector Clive Rennie’s visit to London.
The response has been positive with approx 30 Old Boys confirming support for such an event. To this end plans are now underway to find a suitable venue.
Dates, venue and costs are being finalised now so if you did not receive this email and are living in the United Kingdom please make contact with the Foundation Office on admin@obhsfoundation.co.nz stating your full name, years of attendance at Otago Boys’ and whether you would attend such an event.
We will ensure you are placed in the system and receive future updates.
60th, 50th and 40th Class Year Reunions will be held later in the year for the Class Years of 1951, 1961 & 1971 (respectively) which will see many Old Boys to return to the school to reconnect with their alma mater.
Reunions have been very successful at the school since 2005 with decade reunions having now been held for the 1920’s, 1930’s, 1940’s. Class Year Reunions have been held for 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960 with the 1962 boys getting together in 2007 along with 1964-67 year groups.
However, the 1951 and 1961 Class years are yet to meet so the Foundation is excited about bringing these groups back together. Equally so, we are looking forward to establishing our ‘40 Years On’ reunions starting with the 1971 Old Boys.
If you started Otago Boys’ High School in the 3rd form during these years make contact with the Foundation office to register your interest to attend.
Class of 1951 – 60th Reunion
Calling all Old Boys’ from the Class Year of 1951 to join us for two exciting days catching up with old school friends and reconnecting with your school. Programme will be launched shortly but do register early for this event.
Old Boys’ from 1951 who have registered thus far are:
Alex BOAG |
Ian MARTIN |
Ronald PARRY |
Alister MCLENNAN |
Dave HENRY |
Fraser BODDY |
Keith ROBINSON |
Bruce HAY |
Roly JOHNSON |
Dates have been set for 15 & 16 August 2011. Please register your interest by clicking here
Class of 1961 – 50th Reunion
The year which saw the baby boom peak with 65,000 babies being born in New Zealand. It was the end of capital punishment in New Zealand although the cane was still being flung by Rector Edward (Teddy) Aim, and the first Golden Kiwi Ticket was sold. But it was the year those in the Class Year of 1961 started at OB’s and it is time to bring you all back.
Old Boys’ from 1961 who have registered thus far are:
Gavin CRAW |
Graeme BOND |
Steve PILE |
Roger STEPHENSON |
Kevin HUNT |
John PASCOE |
John CROCKER |
Murray MCKNIGHT |
Bryan WRIGHT |
Bruce BEATH |
Errol MACDONALD |
Peter SMITH |
Dates have been set for 30 Sept & 1 Oct 2011. Please register your interest by clicking here
Class of 1971 – 40th Reunion
John Lennon, James Taylor and Michael Jackson are all at the top of their game musically, Apollo 14 landed on the moon and an anti Vietnam War protest saw 35,000 take to the New Zealand Streets. Some of you may even have wagged school to attend the march but we hope you won’t wag this event.
Old Boys’ from 1971 who have registered thus far are:
Geoff STEVENS |
Hunter STEVENSON |
John MARSH |
Geoff MORGAN |
Andy SOMERVILLE |
Dates have been set for 9 & 10 Sept 2011. Please register your interest by clicking here
IN ALL CASES WE ARE LOOKING FOR TWO OLD BOYS’ FROM EACH CLASS YEAR TO ASSIST WITH FINDING FELLOW CLASS MATES OF WHOM WE HAVE NO CONTACT DETAILS FOR.
IF YOU CAN ASSIT PLEASE CONTACT THE FOUNDATION OFFICE AT admin@obhsfoundation.co.nz
TOTAL REGISTRATIONS TO DATE 463
MAKE SURE YOU ARE PART OF THIS
HISTORICAL EVENT BY REGISTERING NOW!
Contact the Foundation admin@obhsfoundation.co.nz with ‘Register 150th’ in the subject line or a call +64 3 477 2546, and leave a message. Include your full name and years of attendance.
As Fuel Prices Continue To Soar Out Of Control The OBHS Foundation Has An
Exclusive Fuel Card Offer Available To All Old Boys, Past Staff And Their ImmediateFamily Members.
All Foundation card holders receive 5 cents per litre discount to the national pump price for petrol and diesel. Discounted petrol and diesel can be purchased at all BP, RD Petroleum and most Gasoline Alley retail sites along with Truck Stops.
HOW IT WORKS:
If today the national price for a litre of 91 octane is $2.159 cents, the cost to you would be $2.109 cents. If on the West Coast 91 is priced at $2.389 cents per litre - those with Foundation fuel cards will still pay only$2.109 cents per litre. That’s a 28 cpl saving!
This offer is open to all Otago Boys' High School - Old Boys', staff, parents of a student and their immediate family members so please pass this on to a New Zealand based family member you think may well benefit from joining the program.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE AND START SAVING ON ALL YOUR FUEL PURCHASES!
Individual Application – Click here
Limited Companies Application – Click here
Robin Bruce (1963-67) who passed away aged 61 at Ross Home.
Dr George Barton QC (1941) passed away at Wellington Hospital on 17 May after short illness. Mr Barton was a valued Foundation Member.
Garth John Ryder (1974-76) died unexpectedly in his home aged 51 on 26 May 2011.
John Oskam (1974-76) whose wife Michelle passed away suddenly on April 26 at Timaru Hospital.
Richard Whinam (1965-69) whose mother, Helen died peacefully at Ross Home on April 28.
John Sanders (1968-72) and Neil Sanders (1972-76) whose mother died on May 18. John is a Foundation Member
Newsletter researched and compiled by Liz Love and Douglas Kamo
The OBHS Foundation greatly acknowledges the support of the Otago Daily Times
from which many of the photos in this publication are sourced.
The Otago Boys’ High School Foundation acknowledges the assistance it receives from Konica Minolta with all of its office printing requirements
