Assembly Notes

College Assembly – 16^th October 2026 

Kia ora e te whanau, e noho please be seated. 

We start our Assembly with a reading from the Bible that will be read by our Head Boy Frank Gilligan. 

Galatians 6:9 

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." 

This is the word of the Lord (thanks be to God) 

Thank you, Frank, todays reading from Galatians contains a message that is both simple and challenging: 

"At the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." 

The key phrase isn't actually "reap a harvest". Most people like that part. 

The key phrase is "if we do not give up." 

The verse reminds us that worthwhile things often take time. We plant seeds long before we see any fruit. Whether it's in the classroom, on the sports field, on the stage, or in our relationships, effort comes first and results come later. 

That's not always easy to hear because, if we're honest, we'd much rather have the harvest by Friday without having to do the planting on Monday. 

Yet the Bible recognises a truth that experience teaches us over and over again: persistence matters. 

Gilbert Enoka, the long-time mental skills coach for the All Blacks, understood this well. 

When we watch the All Blacks, we see the haka, the wins and the trophies. What we don’t see are the thousands of hours of preparation behind those moments. 

Enoka’s message was simple: high performance isn’t built on talent alone. It’s built on habits, discipline and the willingness to keep going when things get hard. 

Excellence is often just doing the basics, consistently, for longer than everyone else. 

Unfortunately, there’s no app for that. You can’t download resilience or subscribe to discipline. And despite what some students might hope, AI still can’t sit your maths exam for you. 

Psychologist Carol Dweck captured this in the idea of a growth mindset. Instead of saying, “I’m not good at this,” we say, “I’m not good at this yet.” 

That little word, yet, turns failure from an ending into part of the process. 

Everyone experiences setbacks, whether it’s a disappointing mark, a missed selection, or a performance that doesn’t go to plan. The important thing is what you do next. 

As Galatians reminds us, don’t grow weary and give up. 

You don’t have to be the best today. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Just keep turning up. Keep practising. Keep learning. Keep improving. 

Because the harvest belongs to those who stay in the field. 

Today we will be presenting our Cultural and Sporting Colours. These awards recognise outstanding achievements, but they also recognise something deeper. Behind every student receiving a Colour today are hours of unseen effort. Hours of training. Hours of rehearsing. Hours of preparation when nobody was watching. 

The students we honour today didn't simply wake up one morning and find success waiting for them. They earned it through commitment, perseverance and hard work. 

They are a reminder to all of us of what can happen when talent is matched with effort and when setbacks are met with determination rather than excuses. 

As we celebrate their achievements, let's also celebrate the values that made those achievements possible.  

I’d now like to invite Director of Performing Arts Dr Kristensen up to announce the recipients of Cultural Colours. 

 Dr Kristensen. 

Cultural Colours 2026 

Criteria 

• The student displays Excellence [defined below] of performance, skill and technique that often, but doesn’t have to, lead to recognition at provincial or national level. 

• The student shows a consistent level of performance. 

• The student shows unselfish dedication and commitment as well as a sincere and positive contribution. 

• As a member of the College, the student acts as a role model to all others. 

Double Colours  

Liam King  

MUSIC  

Liam is highly passionate and dedicated to his musical pursuits. Liam is  a key drummer in the pipe band, lead guitarist in jazz band, and a lead singer and guitarist of rock band Miscellania. Liam is also dedicated to the choir and is proactive in helping the younger members of this group. Liam is 100% reliable and is a great role model in the arts.  

PUBLIC SPEAKING  

Liam is a strong speaker as shown in chapels and speech competitions. This year Liam gained 2^nd place in the Senior Churchill Oratory speech competition. He is currently completing his Speech NZ Public Speaking Diploma and studying  for Scholarship Drama.  

Dominic Goodenough  

PUBLIC SPEAKING  

Dominic is a thoughtful speaker who gets his message across clearly and persuasively. This year Dominic gained 1^st place in the  Senior Impromptu Speech Competition and he was a strong contender in the Senior Churchill Oratory Competition and the Lions Club speech competition 2026. He is currently completing his Public Speaking Diploma. 

MUSIC 

Dominic performs at a very high level on the bagpipes and is a key piper in the pipe band. He always strives to develop his skills through consistent practice and dedication. Dominic also plays with the HB Caledonian pipe band as a tenor drum player. Dominic is vocalist and guitarist in rock band Miscellania, a lead singer in the College choir, and a key member of the Chapel band.   

Orlando Norman – year 13 

PUBLIC SPEAKING  

Orlando is a highly effective speaker who is passionate about the performing arts. In 2026 Orlando gained first place in the Churchill Oratory speech competition. Orlando’s performance of his own poetry at this year’s performing arts concert was eloquent and highly engaging.  

DRAMA  

Orlando was outstanding in the lead role of Action this year’s production of West Side Story. Orland brings fantastic energy and unique character to the stage and is a reliable and dedicated performer within a larger cast. He is currently working towards Scholarship Drama in 2026. 

Single Colours 

Kapa Haka  

Kiato Buxton – year 11 

Kiato has performed consistently for Motutapu Kapa Haka at a high standard and approaches every training and performance with enthusiasm and discipline. He contributes positively to the culture of the rōpū and regularly shows initiative, often stepping forward before being asked by the kaiako. His commitment and work ethic make him a deserving recipient of Cultural Colours. 

Davey Simutoga – Year 11 

Davey has demonstrated excellence not only through his commanding stage presence but also through his commitment to Motutapu Kapa Haka behind the scenes. He contributes positively to training and performances while consistently displaying respect, teamwork, and reliability. His dedication has made a significant contribution to the success and culture of the group. 

Leedti John-Heta – Year 11 

Leedti has consistently performed at a high standard and has made a valuable contribution to Motutapu Kapa Haka. He willingly gives his time and embraces any challenge set before him, from delivering vocal leadership to helping create actions and movement. His versatility, commitment, and positive influence on other members make him a worthy recipient of Cultural Colours. 

Mikaere Ngahuka – year 12  

Mikaere is a naturally gifted performer and musician whose leadership has been instrumental to the growth and success of Motutapu Kapa Haka. He consistently supports and encourages others while helping maintain high standards across all aspects of performance. His influence extends beyond the stage, making him a respected leader and role model within the rōpū. 

Te Awarangi Puketapu-Pene 

Te Awarangi has demonstrated excellence in kapa haka through his commitment, consistency, and pride in representing Motutapu Kapa Haka. He has spent years contributing to Motutapu Kapa Haka, even through various changes in tutors and leadership. He approaches rehearsals and performances with a positive attitude and a willingness to contribute to the success of the rōpū. His dedication to the kaupapa and the support he shows his fellow performers make him a deserving recipient of Cultural Colours. 

Music 

Oliver Watson – year 13  

Oliver is a drummer of high standard. This year he was the kit drummer in the band for West Side Story, a drummer and percussionist in the jazz band and the Pocket Trio. Oliver is hugely passionate about his music and is reliable and supportive of his fellow band members. He has composed excellent compositions this year and has released his first EP of hard rock music.  

Fergus Denton - year 13 

Fergus led the pipe band excellently this year, showing a high level of skill and musicianship, while also always being eager to learn and do his best. Fergus has regularly performed solo and piped at important College events independently. He supports younger members of the band very well. 

Tait Humphreys year 12 

Tait has a diverse range of excellent skills as a percussionist and drummer. As Drum Major, he leads the drum corp of the pipe band, and this year he taught and mentored new drummers, making it possible for them to join the pipe band, showing his outstanding independence and reliability. Tait leads by example as a timpanist in the symphonic band and in rock band Miscellania. Tait is an excellent role model within music at the College.  

Ethan Lys - year 12 

Ethan has reached a high level of proficiency and musicianship on the saxophone as seen in his solos with the jazz band and with the 2026 jazz ensemble Pocket Trio. Ethan is a member of the HB Jazz Band and the HB Youth Jazz Band; a key member of the symphonic band and the Lindisfarne College jazz band. Ethan has arranged excellent arrangements for the jazz band this year.  

Harry McNamara - year 12 

Harry is a highly proficient saxophonist who is a key player in the jazz band, symphonic band, Pocket Trio, HB Youth Jazz Band, and the HB Big Band. Harry is committed and dedicated to music and the bands at the College. Harry is also a proficient jazz pianist, shown in his performances with the Pocket Trio. Harry has also shown excellence in composition and arranging this year.  

Drama  

Josh Vossen-Chong - year 13 

Josh was outstanding in this year’s production of West Side Story, holding the lead role of Riff. He is highly committed and dedicated to Drama and has a positive impact on everyone around him while on stage during rehearsals and performances. He is currently studying towards Scholarship Drama and is completing his Speech NZ diploma.  

Thomas King year 13  

Thomas performed excellently while holding the challenging lead role of Tony in this year’s production of West Side Story. Thomas worked incredibly hard on this, developing his vocal range within a short space of time. Thomas has shown great leadership, and he always follows through strongly while supporting other students in the performing arts. He is working towards Scholarship Drama 2026 and is close to completing his Speech NZ diploma.  

Beck Allen – year 13 

Beck was a stand-out actor this year in the musical production of West Side Story, performing the lead role of Bernado.  Beck is highly engaging on stage, and he is dedicated to achieving an excellent result. Beck leads well and always helps with bringing the cast together.  

Frank Gilligan - year 13  

Frank is currently completing his Speech NZ Diploma and has already gained Distinction for two modules. Furthermore, he was the only Year 12 student in 2025 to achieve Scholarship Drama. This year he held a minor lead role in this year’s production of West Side Story. Frank is a strong, physical, comic actor who brings a special dynamic to every performance. Frank is a great role model in drama and works excellently with other students.  

Technical 

Taine Hemmingsen – Year 11  

Taine is a student-expert in the area of sound at the College shown through his work for events such as House Music and the Performing Arts Concert in Napier. He works excellently within the tech team, is pro-active in seeking guidance, and leads well despite only being in year 11. He works incredibly hard, is passionate, and has invested hours of his time into school events.  

Ashton Scott – year 13 

Ashton has a high level of understanding of lighting shown through his independent work of setting up lights for the performing arts concert, this year’s production, school socials, and for events in the auditorium. Ashton is dedicated and committed to always creating an excellent result while working diligently in a team situation.   

Debating  

Ted Oliver -  

Ted is always a positive force in debating. Able to formulate a case and argue it successfully, Ted speaks with a fluency and style that has developed over the five years that he has been involved in debating at Lindisfarne. This has made him a capable and confident debater who has shown himself to be a fine role model. Congratulations, Ted. 

Noah Hemmingson 

Noah is a capable and confident debater who has made a positive contribution to debating over 2026. His willingness to be involved with juniors and his steady commitment to debating as well as his utter reliability have made him a valued member of senior debating. Congratulations, Noah. 

Jasper Jamieson 

Jasper has made a significant and positive contribution to debating, this year. He has been unfailingly reliable and prepared. His exemplary approach and wide-ranging thinking skills, together with extensive  knowledge, have helped him to formulate developed and thoughtful arguments. Jasper’s assistance with younger students has been valued. Congratulations, Jasper. 

Rupert Fuge 

Since Year 9 Rupert has shown a full commitment to debating. He has given many hours to preparation, training and competitions. He has always represented the school with pride and a willingness to contribute to his team. His reliability, preparation, and genuine enthusiasm for debating have helped build a positive team culture, and set a strong example for younger students coming through the programme. Congratulations, Rupert. 

Thank you, Dr Kristensen and congratulations to all of our Cultural Colours recipients. Today’s recognition is a fitting reward for the hard work, persistence and commitment you have shown. You have earned this achievement, and we congratulate you on it. Well done. 

Please now join me in singing the hymn: God Defend New Zealand 

HYMN: God Defend New Zealand 

Thank you, boys please be seated. I will now hand over to Mr Gaffney our Director of Sport, who will read the names and citations of those boys receiving their Sporting Colours today. 

Winter Sports Colours 

Good afternoon, school! I’m pleased to present the Winter Sport Colours for 2026. 

Winter Sports Colours recognise the achievements of our senior students, Year 11 to Year 13, who have excelled in their chosen sports. To be considered, recipients must exemplify outstanding sportsmanship and serve as role models both on and off the field. Qualifying for this prestigious award demands unwavering dedication and a commitment to excellence. Recipients truly embody the values of our college—demonstrating leadership, commitment, strong character, and outstanding ability. 

Students must showcase a high level of performance and consistently perform at the highest level, setting themselves apart from their teammates or, in individual sports, maintaining a top-tier standard. 

In combination this may include holding representative or national honours and if not, tangible evidence of their exceptional performance must be provided. This may take into consideration an individual athletes’ performance at regional, North Island or New Zealand Schools level. 

For individual non-school sports, the athlete must have competed at a national-level competition and achieved a top 10 finish to be considered. Within a team sport context, you must gain representative honours or have clear evidence of high-level performance. 

I'll be announcing the recipients in seven groups and ask that you please reserve our applause until the end of each group. 

Group 4: Oscar Hunter, Duncan Logan, Josh Snijders, Jacob Mathers, Charlie Bothamley, Gus Denton 

Group 5: Andrew Wakefield, Freddy Absolom, Oliver Cranswick, Ardie J Smith, Riley Burley 

Group 6: Monte Douglas, Oisin Rabbitte, Finlay Day 

Rector Comments: 

Thank you, Mr Gaffney and congratulations to all of our Sporting Colours recipients. Gilbert Enoka’s work with the All Blacks reminds us that high performance is not simply about talent. It is about standards, mindset and consistently putting in the work, particularly when no one is watching. 

Your Colours recognise not just what you have achieved, but the training, sacrifice, resilience and perseverance that got you there. You have earned this recognition, and we are very proud of you. Congratulations, gentlemen. 

Before we finish today, I have one final announcement. 

Congratulations to Liam McEntee, who has been elected as the Student Representative on our Board of Trustees. Liam, this is both an honour and an important responsibility. We congratulate you and wish you well as you represent the student voice around the Board table. Let’s congratulate Liam. 

Gentlemen, as we leave today, I want to bring us back to where we started. 

Gilbert Enoka’s work in high-performance environments emphasises excellence, consistency and sustained performance over time. Carol Dweck’s work reminds us that our abilities can be developed through effort, learning, responding to feedback and persisting when things get difficult.  

Both point us towards something important: don't become so focused on the finish line that you forget about the work required today. 

The goal might be getting Excellence in your exams, making the First XV, earning your Colours, performing on stage, or simply becoming better at something that matters to you. 

But you don't achieve the goal today. What you can do today though, is the work that gets you closer to it. 

Focus on the next training. The next rehearsal. The next class. The next assignment. The next decision. 

As the reading from Galatians reminds us, do not grow weary and do not give up. 

There is still a finishing line ahead of you, gentlemen, and there is still work to be done. 

Focus on the now. Trust the process. Do the work. And keep moving towards that finish line 

Reverend Dunnett will now close our assembly in prayer.