Kia ora boys, please be seated. 

We begin our assembly with a reading from the Bible. I’ve asked our Head Boy, Chris Proctor, to share today’s reading. 

Bible Reading 

 Philippians 2:3–4 (NIV) 

 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." 

Thank you, Chris. 

Deputy Rector 

This reading speaks to the heart of leadership and life. True greatness isn’t found in self-promotion, but in humility—valuing others and working for the good of the team. Whether in sport, study, or life, this attitude builds strong, and valued connections. 

As this is our final assembly of the term, it’s a time to reflect, celebrate, and look ahead. Term Three has been full and demanding, and I want to acknowledge the effort, resilience, and character you’ve all shown throughout. 

To our senior students, you’ve also completed your benchmark exams—important steps in preparing for final exams later in the year. Like a team reviewing its performance before a big game, use this feedback to sharpen your focus. Listen to your teachers, act on their advice, so that you can finish strong with results that you are proud of. 

The theme of today’s assembly is excellence through humility. Our winter sports programme reminds us that success is never achieved alone. Behind every goal or win is a team, players, coaches, and families—working together. The same applies to our cultural programme: every performance, debate, or musical piece is the result of teamwork and shared purpose. 

Mathletics Competition 

Before we hear about the Cultural Report, I would like to recognise 3 Year 7 Students. On Tuesday night, two Lindisfarne Intermediate School teams competed in the annual Mathletics competition held at Havelock North Intermediate. It was a successful evening for both teams, with the Year 8 team finishing a respectable 9th place in the Year 8 division and the Year 7 team securing 1st place and winning the Thompson Shield. This is a fantastic result, as they were against much larger intermediate schools in Hawkes Bay. This is only the 2nd time a Year 7 Lindisfarne team has won it, and the first since 2016.  

I would now like to invite Cultural Prefect, Jiten Ravla, forward to update us on the latest Arts and Cultural news.  

Cultural Report  

HB Young Musician of the Year  

Congratulations to Josef Oosthuizen who recently competed in the HB Registered Music Teachers Young Musician of the Year Competition. Josef performed a 20-minute programme of violin music. Although Josef didn’t make it through to the final, it was a fantastic achievement to enter such a prestigious competition, and the competition this year was of a very high standard.   

Performing Arts Concert   

Congratulations to everyone that was involved in Monday night’s 2025 Performing Arts Concert at Toitoi. This was a massive event for all performers, tech persons, and stage hands who all had the opportunity to rehearse at Toitoi Hastings Opera House for the whole day. The performances were fantastic. Thank you also to you, the boys, for being a great audience and for showing great respect to our performers. 

Mr Howlett Comments:  

Thank you, Jiten. I will now invite Sports Prefect, Matt McKendry, forward to update on the latest Sports news. 

Sports Report  

In Skiing 

Tom Morris competed in North Island Intermediate School Ski Champs, lining up in the Giant Slalom race for Year 8s. Tom is to be congratulated on finishing third in this category. 

In Water polo 

Our Senior A team competed in the local Throw Down tournament held at the Sports Park on the weekend. They beat HNHS Juniors 16-5, HNHS Seniors 11-8 and St John’s College 11-8 before losing to Hutt U16 Boys 7-10. In the semi-final, the boys turned the result against Hutt U16 Boys around winning 19-12 to secure a place in the final against HNHS Seniors, a match that they lost 7-14. A great early season effort from our boys! 

In Cross Country 

The Hawkes Bay Primary and Intermediate School Championships took place earlier this week and it was a busy day with close to 700 runners from both town and small country schools taking part. It was another great opportunity for our boys to test themselves against strong competition. Congratulations to Magnus Jones who finished 6th out of a field of 70 competitors in the Year 7 event. 

In Football 

Following a successful football season for our 1st XI and 2nd XI, we acknowledge this afternoon their efforts in winning their respective leagues. 

Can the 1st XI please come forward to receive their certificates: Aydan Belcher, Archie Absolom, George Clarke, Titus Dunnett, Cameron Evans, Hugo Lodewyk, Austin McDougal, Alberico Miranda, James Ogborn, August Popadich, Nicholas Robertson, Charlie Wenley, Josh Vossen-Chong, Andrew Wakefield, Ziggy West-Hill, Sid Yank, Hugo Mossman, Tom Gray. 

Can the 2nd XI please come forward to receive their certificates: Braith Carew, Hunter Carew, Jay Carey-Smith, Isaac Dann, Niko Drayton, Titus Dunnett, Otis Hoggard, Xavier Labat, Manahi Maddock, Leo Marcroft, Joe Morison, Hugo Mossman, Thomas Raggett, Simranjit Singh, Will Telford. 

Hockey 

During Winter Tournament week, our 1st XI Hockey students were in Auckland competing in the Rankin Cup / India Shield tournaments. After seven intense games against some of the country’s top hockey schools, our boys claimed the bronze medal in the India Shield against St Pauls Collegiate, this places them 19th in New Zealand which is an outstanding achievement. 

Can the 1st XI Hockey boys who played in that tournament please come forward to receive their medals. Selby Jowsey, Ben Boere, Corby Allison, Theo King, Patrick Hoyt-Swinburn, Sam Williams, Hamish Butler, George Kenny, Riley Burley, Jacob Holder, Max Allan, Cooper Witheford, Matthew Ford, Sam Pearse, Riley Lennox, Liam Monteith, Wilbur Coates, Ollie Telford. 

In DOE 

We proudly recognize Chris Proctor and Theo King for the outstanding achievement of earning the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, a distinction that reflects exceptional commitment, resilience, and personal growth. This prestigious award is the highest level of the internationally renowned Duke of Edinburgh programme, requiring sustained effort across multiple domains: service, physical recreation, skills development and adventurous journey. 

In attaining the Gold Award, Chris and Theo have demonstrated leadership, perseverance, and a spirit of adventure—qualities that will serve as a foundation for lifelong success. This accomplishment not only honours individual excellence but also a meaningfully contribution to the community and hopefully inspires others to pursue their own potential. 

Note 

We would like to wish our Shooting team well for the national tournament. They departed for Hamilton this morning and will compete throughout the weekend in pursuit of national honours. We would like to wish the 1st XI cricket team all the best for their Quadrangular during the second week of the holiday when they take on Saint Kentigern, Scots College and Whanganui Collegiate School here at school. 

Thank you, Matt.  

Today, we celebrate the achievements in two key areas of College life: our Winter Sports Program and our Cultural Program, through the awarding of Colours. These honours recognise excellence not only on the sports field, but also in Music, Drama, Public Speaking, and Debating—each reflecting dedication, teamwork, leadership, and humility. 

Across a huge variety of sports, you’ve trained hard, competed fiercely, and represented our College with pride. In cultural pursuits, you’ve shown creativity, courage, and discipline, inspiring others and enriching our College life. 

Today, we honour those who’ve gone above and beyond. It’s my privilege to present Colours to students who have not only performed at a high level, but who have consistently shown leadership, integrity, and commitment. These awards recognise not just talent, but character and resilience. 

Dr Kristensen will now come forward to read the names and citations of those boys receiving their Cultural Colours today. Dr Kristensen. 

Cultural Colours Presentation. 

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. 

TRIPLE COLOURS 

Chris Proctor  

Debating  

Chris debates at level of excellence, displaying clear and well thought through arguments and facts. He is a key member of the senior debating team and has performed at a high level throughout 2025. Chris always offers a positive contribution in debating. 

Public Speaking  

In 2025 Chris gained first place in the Impromptu speech competition, showing the high level of skill he has a speaker who can think on his feet. Chris has addressed the College this with eloquence and clarity, and has excellently hosted many events around the College. He uses his public speaking skills as member of youth parliament. 

Drama 

Chris has excelled on stage for many years in our school musical productions. This year Chris expertly carried out the role of Bill in our joint musical production of Mamma Mia. Chris is a fantastic role model for the performing arts  He leads by example and is always ready to support and help students that are younger than him.  

Congratulations Chris Proctor on Triple Colours. 

SINGLE COLOURS 

Oliver Watson, Music 

Olive is a passionate and highly skilled drummer who has excelled this year within the symphonic, jazz, and Chapel bands, as the drummer of rock band Kind Regards, and leader in the ensemble the Jazzstronomers. He is also a member of the 2025 Big Sing choir. Oliver is also reliable and dedicated to what he does and is a great help to the junior percussionists in our band.  Congratulations Oliver. 

Liam King, Music

Liam is highly passionate about performing and creating music, and he does this in a wide variety of groups. Liam is a key side drummer in the pipe band, a singer and guitarist in the rock band Miscelania, and a lead tenor in the Big Sing choir. Liam is always enthusiastic about wanting to help in any musical occasion. He is reliable and a great example of dedication to music.  Congratulations Liam. 

Dominic Goodenough, Music

Dominic has developed excellent skills this year on bagpipes, and performs confidently as both a soloist and band member. Dominic is a key guitarist and vocalist of the rock band Miscellania that has this year recorded a number of original songs. Dominic has contributed hugely towards the year 7/8 chanter group that introduces our Intermediate school students to the bagpipes. He is always reliable and enthusiastic about what he does.  Congratulations Dominic. 

Ethan Lys, Music 

Ethan is a highly motivated saxophonist who is always looking to improve his level of playing. He is an essential member of the symphonic and jazz bands, always reliable and dedicated to these ensembles. Ethan is comfortable performing solo as well as in a band. Ethan is also a member of Bay Cities’ Symphonic and the Hawke’s Bay Big Band. Congratulations Ethan Lys.  Congratulations Ethan. 

Harry McNamara, Music  

Harry has shown great development this year in the area of jazz and improvisation. At Nationals this year he was awarded “Best Student Soloist”, impressing the adjudicator with the jazz standard Autumn Leaves. Harry is a key saxophonist in all Lindisfarne bands, as well as the Jazzstronomers. Harry is also a member of the HB Big Band and the Big Sing 2025 joint choir. He shows excellent commitment to everything he does in music.  Congratulations Harry.   

Jiten Ravla, Debating 

Jiten is one of the top senior debaters who works hard at preparing his part of a debate. He creates succinct and clear ideas that have been essential in this year’s senior debating team. It’s been fantastic to see how Jiten has worked with the younger debaters from our College, showing leadership and help for these boys. Congratulations Jiten. 

Matt McKendry, Debating  

In 2025 Matt has displayed a high level of debating skill that has been essential in senior debating competitions. He is hard working and dedicated, formulating clear arguments that are effective and logical. Matt is a great role model for our younger debaters. Congratulations Matt McKendry. 

Jasper Jamieson, Debating 

Jasper Jamieson has shown some outstanding debating skills this year. Within the team he has managed to synthesize key ideas of the team to make clear and convincing statements and conclusions that have often led to very good results. Jasper is reliable and has shown effective leadership within the team.  Congratulations Jasper Jamieson. 

Niko Sawyers, Public Speaking  

This year Niko gained 2nd place in both the Impromptu Speech competition and 2nd place in the Churchill Oratory speech competition. Niko is highly creative and expressive in his speaking. Recently, Niko represented Lindisfarne College at a professional development day for teachers, presenting his speech on neuro diversity. Niko is always supportive of all students at the College and is humble and thoroughly reliable. Congratulations Niko. 

Matthew McPhail, Public Speaking

Matthew has completed three modules for his Public Speaking diploma and has received the grade of distinction for all of these. Recently, he gained third place in this year’s Churchill Oratory speech competition. He is an intelligent and creative speaker who prepares excellently for his work. Matthew has been a great role model this year. Congratulations Matthew McPhail.   

Thank you, Dr Kristensen. Please join me in singing todays hymn, Highways in the Heart.  

HYMN: Highways in the Heart.  

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. 

Sporting Colours Presentation. 

Good afternoon, school! It's my honour to present the Winter Sport Colours for 2025.  

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 in their chosen sport.  

In combination, the individual students must showcase a high level of performance and this may include:   

Holding representative honours 

Holding national honours 

If not, tangible evidence of their exceptional performance must be provided 

Consistently perform at the highest level, setting themselves apart from their teammates or, in individual sports, maintaining a top-tier standard. 

Winning a regional title as an individual athlete 

Placing in the top five in a North Island event 

Achieving a top ten finish in a New Zealand Schools Championships or equivalent 

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 nine groups. Let's please reserve our applause until the end of each group. 

Cross-Country

NAME: Noah Hemmingsen YEAR: 12 

CITATION: Represented Lindisfarne at the East Coast North Island Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships winning a silver medal.  

Canoe Polo 

NAME: Ollie Fritchley YEAR: 11 

CITATION: Represented Hawke’s Bay in the National Canoe Polo League over the past five months culminating in the grand finals held in Wellington. 

Group #2: Hugo Lodewyk, Ziggy West-Hill, Sid Yank 

Football 

NAME: Hugo Lodewyk              YEAR: 13  

CITATION: An outstanding member of the 1st XI team that secured the Hawkes Bay Secondary Schools Division 1 Championship going unbeaten in the league and national qualifiers. Hugo has been selected to participate in the Premier Under 19 tournament later this month. 

NAME: Ziggy West-Hill              YEAR: 12  

CITATION:   An outstanding member of the 1st XI team that secured the Hawkes Bay Secondary Schools Division 1 Championship going unbeaten in the league and national qualifiers. Ziggy has been selected to participate in the Premier Under 19 tournament later this month. 

NAME: Sid Yank              YEAR: 13  

CITATION:   An outstanding member of the 1st XI team that secured the Hawkes Bay Secondary Schools Division 1 Championship going unbeaten in the league and national qualifiers. 

NAME: Archie Absolom              YEAR: 13  

CITATION: An outstanding member of the 1st XI team that secured the Hawkes Bay Secondary Schools Division 1 Championship going unbeaten in the league and national qualifiers.  

NAME: Aydan Belcher              YEAR: 13  

CITATION: An outstanding member of the 1st XI team whose leadership was instrumental in helping the team secure the Hawkes Bay Secondary Schools Division 1 Championship going unbeaten in the league and national qualifiers.  

NAME: Charlie Wenley              YEAR: 13  

CITATION: An outstanding member of the 1st XI team that secured the Hawkes Bay Secondary Schools Division 1 Championship going unbeaten in the league and national qualifiers. Charlie finished his time with the 1st XI having amassed 78 caps over a three-year period. 

HOCKEY 

NAME: George Kenny YEAR: 13  

CITATION: George has represented the 1st XI Hockey team for 3 years and has amassed 86 caps in the process. He was also selected to represent the Hawkes Bay Under 18 Barbarians this year. The 1st XI finished third at the India Shield confirming their status as a top 20 nationally ranked team. 

NAME: Selby Jowsey YEAR: 13  

CITATION: Selby has represented the 1st XI Hockey team for 3 years and has amassed 92 caps in the process. He has enjoyed an outstanding season in goal and has played a significant role in the team’s success. The 1st XI finished third at the India Shield confirming their status as a top 20 nationally ranked team. 

NAME: Ben Boere YEAR: 13  

CITATION: Ben has represented the 1st XI Hockey team for 3 years and has amassed 80 caps in the process. He was also selected to represent the Hawkes Bay Under 18 team this year. The 1st XI finished third at the India Shield confirming their status as a top 20 nationally ranked team. 

NAME: Corby Allison YEAR: 12  

CITATION: Corby has represented the 1st XI Hockey team this year on 27 occasions. He was also selected to represent the Hawkes Bay Under 18 team this year. The 1st XI finished third at the India Shield confirming their status as a top 20 nationally ranked team. 

NAME: Hamish Butler YEAR: 12  

CITATION: Hamish has represented the 1st XI Hockey team for 2 years and has amassed 69 caps in the process. He was also selected to represent the Hawkes Bay Under 18 team this year. The 1st XI finished third at the India Shield confirming their status as a top 20 nationally ranked team. 

NAME: Riley Lennox YEAR: 13  

CITATION: Riley has represented the 1st XI Hockey team for 2 years and has amassed 50 caps in the process. He was also selected to represent the Hawkes Bay Under 18 team this year. The 1st XI finished third at the India Shield confirming their status as a top 20 nationally ranked team. 

NAME: Liam Monteith YEAR: 13  

CITATION: Liam has represented the 1st XI Hockey team for 3 years and has amassed 79 caps in the process. He has enjoyed an outstanding season upfront and has played a significant role in the team’s success. The 1st XI finished third at the India Shield confirming their status as a top 20 nationally ranked team. 

Jiu jitsu 

NAME: Remy Taong YEAR: 11  

CITATION: Remy competed in the New Zealand Brazilian Jujitsu Regional Series. He came 2nd in the under 65kg adult Gi division and 1st in the under 65kg juvenile No Gi division. 

NAME: Max Russell YEAR: 13  

CITATION: Remy competed in the New Zealand Jiu Jitsu national tournament producing a fine effort in finishing 6th in the Adult Under 74kg division. He also competed at the North Island Jiu Jitsu Championships achieving a first place in the Men’s Under 76kg Gi division. 

Canoe Slalom 

NAME: Ollie Fritchley YEAR: 11  

CITATION: Ollie competed in canoe slalom at the New Zealand Secondary Schools and National championships finishing 2nd in the C1 and 3rd in the K1 category respectively. 

Indoor Cricket 

NAME: Andrew Wakefield YEAR: 12  

CITATION: Andrew represented Central Districts U17 at the Junior Provincial tournament. The team topped the group in the round robin stage before beating Wellington in the final to take the U17 trophy. Andrew also represented the Central Districts U22 team, and they beat Auckland in the final as well. 

NAME: Thomas Raggett YEAR: 12  

CITATION: Thomas represented Central Districts U17 at the Junior Provincial tournament. The team topped the group in the round robin stage before beating Wellington in the final to take the U17 trophy.  

Cyclo Cross 

NAME: Noah Hemmingson YEAR: 12  

CITATION: Noah raced in the New Zealand Secondary Schools North Island Cyclo Cross Championships winning the under 20 race category. 

Thank you, Mr Gaffney. 

Deputy Rector

To those who have received Colours today: this is recognition of your dedication, your discipline, and your example. You’ve shown us what it means to give your best—not just for yourself, but for your team, your cast, your ensemble, and your College. We thank you for that. 

To all who participated, coached, managed, directed, or supported from the sidelines or from the audience, your contribution matters. You are part of what makes our sporting and cultural programmes so strong, and we are grateful because that support creates meaning and purpose. 

Today we say farewell to Matua Sidney, who has given 12 years of outstanding service to Motutapu Kareti. Wiremu Rogers-Hall would like to mihi on behalf of the students. 

Matua Sidney you have always put the college, and the boys, first. Whether teaching Te Reo to Year 7s or Scholarship students, or supporting us in kapa haka, rugby, touch, Manu Kōrero, or the boarding house, you have always been there, calm, patient, and encouraging. 

Matua you have written haka, coached teams, mentored so many boys, and created a real whānau feeling wherever you have been. Your leadership in Te Ao Māori has shaped our kura, and you have always done this with humility and mana. 

Like Tāne bringing down the baskets of knowledge, Matua Sidney has gifted us taonga,  te reo, tikanga, and mātauranga. We will honour him by continuing to grow those baskets and by living the values he’s shown us. 

Matua, we don’t want you to go, but we know it’s your time. Go well, reconnect with your people, and enjoy more time with your whānau. Thank you for everything you’ve given us. 

Haere rā, e hoa. Haere ki te ao hou, me te aroha nui o tō whānau o Motutapu Kareti. 

Full College Haka. 

Thank you boys. 

As we head into the break, I encourage each of you to take time to rest and reflect. Think about what you’ve achieved this term and what you want to build on in Term Four. Whether your strengths lie in sport, the arts, academics, or service, there is always a way to grow and always a way to give. 

As we look ahead to Term Four, I challenge you to carry this mindset of humility and excellence into everything you do, whether on the sports field, the stage, the debating floor, or in the classroom. Ask yourself: 

How can I add value to others? 

How can I help my team, my class, my College succeed? 

How can I finish this year strong, not just for me but for those around me? 

Remember: Do nothing out of selfish ambition. Value others above yourselves. When we live by this principle, we not only achieve great things, we build a culture of respect, service, and unity. 

Thank you, and congratulations to all of you for an outstanding winter season and for your contributions to the cultural life of our College. 

Our Chaplain will now close our Assembly in prayer. 

Article added: Monday 22 September 2025