College Assembly – 15th October 2025 

Kia ora school, e noho please be seated. 

I’d like to invite Cuthbert House Prefect, Austin McDougall, forward to deliver today’s reading. 

Today’s reading comes from 2 Corinthians Chapter 9, Verses 6-7 

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful servant. 

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

Rector Comments: 

This afternoon we’ve changed things around to allow us to complete the final awarding of colours in the cultural and sporting cornerstones and to award two more honours awards to staff for 20 years long service.  

We’ve got a lot to get through and I’ll start by handing over to Mrs Duncan to announce the winners of the Hawke’s Bay Schools Climate Change Challenge.  

Mrs Duncan 

A group of Lindisfarne students were recently announced as the winners of the Hawke’s Bay Schools Climate Change Challenge, co-ordinated by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. Year 13 Wellbeing Prefect Niko Sawyers led an outstanding team including Josh Arnold, Angus Gardiner, Liam Pentreath, Thanom Wacharaput, Arush Rathour and Max Riley-Harper on the task of introducing food waste bins to the College. They were supported by Science Teacher Mrs Caldwell and Intermediate teacher Mrs Lawrence. It is my pleasure to welcome Hawkes Bay Regional Council Environmental Education Community Facilitator, Ms Hinerangi Price and Jordi Wiggins forwards to say a few words and to present the boys with their trophy and certificates. 

• Niko Sawyers  

• Josh Arnold 

• Angus Gardiner 

• Liam Pentreath 

• Thanom Wacharaput,  

• Arush Rathour  

• Max Riley-Harper 

Congratulations boys and thank you Ms Price and Ms Wiggins. 

Rector speaks 

Thank you Mrs Duncan 

I will now invite Dr Flemming Kristensen, forward to present the last of the Cultural Colours for 2025: 

 . 

• 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. 

Cultural Colours 2025
(Second Assembly presentation for boys who were absent at the first assembly for colours) 

• 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. 

Music  

Gus Denton Y12 

As Pipe Major of the pipe band, Gus has shown excellent leadership this year in supporting and leading the members of the College pipe band. Gus always performs to a high level as both soloist and band member. Gus is reliable and dedicated to the group.  Congratulations Fergus.  

Daniel Lie  - Y13 

Daniel has excelled this year in jazz band, presenting his own compositions to the band that have been warmly received. As a keyboardist, Daniel is a key part of the jazz band’s rhythm section, showing strong and reliable keyboard skills. He is also the keyboardist in the Jazzstronomers. Daniel takes his music seriously and is a dedicated musician of the College. Congratulations Daniel.  

Tait Humphreys  

Tait is the lead side drummer in the pipe band. His playing is always accurate and reliable. Tait also plays timpani in the symphonic band, displaying musicianship and feel for the music. Tait is also at home performing rock music on the drum kit with the band Miscellanea. Tait was part of the Big Sing Choir 2025. He is a mature and thoroughly reliable musician of the College.     

Drama  

Noah Rogers  

Noah held a lead role in this year’s musical production of Mamma Mia, playing the character of Harry. He performed this role with great conviction, and throughout the production he was a great role model and support person to the production team. This year Noah received his diploma in speech and drama with the grade of distinction, and currently he is working towards scholarship drama. Congratulations Noah. 

Double Colours  

Te Awarangi Puketapu-Pene 

Kapa Haka  

Te Awarangi is an outstanding performer who is naturally talented in kapa haka. He is passionate about kapa haka, and this year, as a year 12 student, he embraced the role of leader in various settings including kapa haka, 1st XV rugby, and house haka. Furthermore, he is an excellent leader and is well-respected by his peers.  

Drama  

This year Te Awarangi held the lead role of Sam in the musical production of Mamma Mia. He excelled in this role and delivered consistently great performances throughout the production week. Furthermore, Te Awarangi was a great role model during the production, always looking to support the Director and cast members. He is currently working towards scholarship drama.  

Congratulations Te Awarangi on Double Colours 

Josef Oosthuizen  

Music  

This year Josef has been busy in a huge variety of ensembles and performances, performing at a very high level on both the saxophone and violin. Josef has committed to Chamber Music, Choir, solo performances, jazz band, symphonic band, chapel band, and initiated the Jazzstronomers. In all of these, he leads in a quiet and direct way, having a clear vision, and the determination to achieve goal. He is reliable and a great role model for others.  

Debating 

Josef is a clever and thoughtful debater who has performed excellently this year within the senior debating team. He works well in a team of debaters and strives to achieve great coherency and logical thoughts.  

Congratulations Josef on Double Colours 

Senior Churchill Oratory Speech Competition  

I would also like to present certificates to place getters in this year’s senior section of the Churchill Oratory Competition. These could not be awarded last term. In first place was Liam King, second place Niko Sawyers, and third place went to Matthew McPhail. Could those three boys please come forward. Congratulations to these boys on their high level of speeches that they delivered for this competition. Their speeches were both informative and entertaining.  

Rector Comments: 

Thank you, Dr Kristensen.  

Please join me in singing the hymn: I Vow to Thee 

HYMN: I Vow to Thee 

Rector Comments:  

E noho, please be seated.  

I will now invite Sports Prefect, Riley Lennox, forward to update us on the latest Sports news. 

Sports Report  

In MTB 

Our Mountain Biking team travelled to the Manawatu Schools Championships held during the holiday period. Despite challenging, muddy conditions, the boys delivered some outstanding performances and achieved fantastic results. Loch McKay was placed 1st in the under 15 Enduro event with Thomas Birkett – 2nd and Nathan Smith – 3rd. Hunter Malone also placed 2nd in the under 16 Enduro whilst Max Tubby won the under 16 Enduro event. 

Noah Hemmingsen competed in the North Island MTB Championships and achieved a 3rd place in the X-Country category and 4th overall across X-Country, Downhill and Enduro. This is an Incredible result, and Noah is to be commended on his performance. 

Can Loch McKay, Max Tubby, Noah Hemmingson, Thomas Birkett, Nathan Smith, Hunter Malone come forward to receive their medals and certificates 

In Cricket 

The 1st XI competed in the Quadrangular Tournament during the last week of the holidays against Saint Kentigern, Scots College and Whanganui Collegiate School securing good wins over Whanganui Collegiate and losing narrowly to Scots College and Saint Kentigern. Riley Lennox 3/20, Leo Dixon 3/16, James Boyes 80* produced some good individual performances against Whanganui Collegiate with Presly Kupa scoring 35* against Saint Kentigern. In the semi-final against Scots College, Thomas Raggett 3/13 and Oliver Cranswick 4/29 were the top performers. In the last game against Whanganui Collegiate, Charlie Wenley scored 32, Leo Dixon 36* whilst Archie Absolom took 4/24. 

In the 2-day game against Hastings Boys’ 1st XI enjoyed a comfortable victory by 111 runs. Standout performers included Jacob Holder (47 & 64), Andrew Wakefield 39 & 3/21, James Browne 3/15, Leo Dixon 3/13. 

In the first round of Hawke’s Bay fixtures the Colts Red and White teams enjoyed good wins against St John’s College and HNHS respectively. Standout performers included Cooper Witheford who scored 94* for the Red team and George Pogson who scored 47 for the White team. 

Rector Comments: Thank you Riley I will now invite Mr Gaffney, forward to present the Winter Sports Colours 2025 for boys who were absent at the first colours assembly: 

Winter Sport Colours – 2025   

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

Basketball 

NAME:           Ardie J Smith  YEAR:             11 

CITATION:   Ardie represented the Hawke’s Bay U 18 Development team in early June in the Basketball New Zealand Zone 3 National qualifiers against all Central Region teams and the team was unbeaten. 

Canoe Polo 

NAME:           Thomas Griffiths   

YEAR:             12 

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

Hockey

NAME:           Jacob Holder  

YEAR:             13  

CITATION: Jacob has represented the 1st XI Hockey team for 4 years and has amassed 104 caps in the process. He was also selected to represent the Hawkes Bay Under 18 team this year and in addition to this selection was named in the Hawkes Bay Men’s team to compete at the national tournament this month. The 1st XI finished third at the India Shield confirming their status as a top 20 nationally ranked team. 

Rugby

NAME:           Charlie East  

YEAR:             12  

CITATION: Charlie represented the 1st XV this year and his ability was recognised in his selection to the Hawke’s Bay Under 18 team and his attendance at the Hurricanes Under 18 training camp. He has enjoyed an outstanding season and has played a significant role in the team’s success. The 1st XV finished third in the CNI competition and performances against some high profile Super 8 teams has raised their national profile significantly. 

NAME:           Reid Palmer  
YEAR:             12  

CITATION: Reid represented the 1st XV this year and his ability was recognised in his selection to the Hawke’s Bay Under 18 team and his attendance at the Hurricanes Under 18 training camp. He has enjoyed an outstanding season and has played a significant role in the team’s success. The 1st XV finished third in the CNI competition and performances against some high profile Super 8 teams has raised their national profile significantly. 

NAME:           Louie Uregei
YEAR:             13  

CITATION: Louie represented the 1st XV this year and his ability was recognised in his selection to the Hawke’s Bay Under 18 team and his attendance at the Hurricanes Under 18 training camp. He has enjoyed an outstanding season and has played a significant role in the team’s success. The 1st XV finished third in the CNI competition and performances against some high profile Super 8 teams has raised their national profile significantly. 

Group #3: Manuel Vaoheilala, Angus Scott, Noah Rogers 

NAME:           Manuel Vaoheilala  

YEAR:             13  

CITATION: Manuel represented the 1st XV this year and his ability was recognised in his selection to the Hawke’s Bay Under 18 team and his attendance at the Hurricanes Under 18 training camp. He has enjoyed an outstanding season and has played a significant role in the team’s success. The 1st XV finished third in the CNI competition and performances against some high profile Super 8 teams has raised their national profile significantly. 

NAME:           Angus Scott  

YEAR:             13  

CITATION: Angus represented the 1st XV this year and his ability was recognised in his selection to the Hawke’s Bay Under 18 team and his attendance at the Hurricanes Under 18 training camp. He has enjoyed an outstanding season and has played a significant role in the team’s success. The 1st XV finished third in the CNI competition and performances against some high profile Super 8 teams has raised their national profile significantly. 

NAME:           Noah Rogers  

YEAR:             13  

CITATION: Noah represented the 1st XV this year and his ability was recognised in his selection to the Hawke’s Bay Under 18 team and his attendance at the Hurricanes Under 18 training camp. He has enjoyed an outstanding season and has played a significant role in the team’s success. This culminated in his selection to the New Zealand Secondary Schools Under 18 team, an excellent reward for his consistent high-level performances throughout the season. The 1st XV finished third in the CNI competition and performances against some high profile Super 8 teams has raised their national profile significantly. 

Golf 

NAME:           Cordell Henare  

YEAR:             12  

CITATION:   Cordell competed in the South Island under 19 boys golf tournament and came third shooting 1 over through the three rounds. He came 4th at NZ Māori Golf Championship where he was also the winner of Flight Division Match Play. He has competed at various elite national and international events this year including the New Zealand Strokeplay, Auckland Strokeplay, and the Australian Junior Amateur Championship 

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.  

Surfing 

NAME:           Beck Allen  

YEAR:             12  

CITATION:   Beck is ranked number one competitive surfer in the open Men's Hawkes Bay division and the Under 18 division, being unbeaten this season in competition. He competed in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships earning a place in the quarter-final.  

Shooting 

NAME: Joshua Snijders  

YEAR: 12 

CITATION: 

At the Regional Fish & Game, North Island and National Skeet championships, Joshua Snijders was a member of the A-Squad that finished 2nd in the Points Score team’s event. He has enjoyed considerable success across the entire season, contributing significantly at various events. 

NAME: Duncan Logan  

YEAR: 11 

CITATION: 

At the Regional Fish and Game, North Island and National Skeet championships in the Single Rise event finished 3rd in the Open category and 3rd in the Fish and Game Single Rise Trophy match. Duncan was selected to the North Island boys’ team. 

Rector Comments: 

Thank you, Riley.  

Congratulations to everyone whose been recognised today. 

Honours Awards 

It’s now time to announce our two long-serving staff members who are receiving their honours ties and scarf today. Last week we announced John and Michelle O’Sullivan and Mr Howlett for their exceptional service, and today we present two staff members who have given over 20 years service to the College.  

The first recipient is Mr Darren Brown from the Technology Faculty 

• In terms of the classroom, Mr Brown works tirelessly for the boys to ensure they have the opportunity to complete innovative and interesting projects in Technology. He puts in many hours of work outside of the regular school day to ensure the boys finished their products on time had earn the necessary credits. 

• He has given incredible service to the Lindisfarne, including in the following sporting areas: he has coached and or managed teams in Touch; Surf Life Saving; Kayaking; Hockey and Basketball 

• Former Head of Junior House Mr Richardson said that Mr Brown was a fantastic Boarding Master for many years and was genuinely caring. He said Mr Brown was always prepared to go the extra mile for anyone who needed assistance.  He was a wonderful House Master, available whether he was on duty or not and he took his role highly seriously, following up on issues until they were resolved.  

• Mr Brown speaks his mind on a variety of topics and has a great sense of humour- which is certainly a prerequisite for working with young men. 

• He is always first to put his hand up for student camps and other events when we need staff to put school before family. 

• Mr Brown has taken at least two trips to Nepal 

• What I treasure about Mr Brown is that he simply loves the College and is proud to be associated with it in the all the cornerstones. He is proud of our traditions and heritage and all that we have achieved in the past, but he is always looking to help us improve and grow.  

• It’s my pleasure to invite another Honours Tie recipient Mr Richardson, to present Mr Brown with his honours tie. 

Mrs Leanne Wereta from our Catering Department 

• Mrs Wereta started with us 20 years ago in the catering department and had fulfilled many roles due to her flexibility and hard work, eventually progressing to an important role preparing delicious morning teas and suppers 

• Mrs Wereta is always at the servery ready to greet you boys at lunch with big spoonfuls of food and a cheery smile.  

• She has a genuine passion for her work and loves to do a great job 

• Catering Manager Mrs Mathers describes Mrs Wereta as totally committed to the boys and staff. She epitomises the values of the college in terms of being caring and connected, honest and respectful and of course Leanne symbolises our character flags of integrity, service and kindness. 

• She makes a genuine effort to get to know the boys and goes the extra mile to connect.  

• Leanne as we all know her, loves Lindisfarne. She’s incredibly loyal to us, as proven with over 20 years’ service.  

• Average length of time someone remains with a company in NZ is 4 years. In the public service it’s 8 years. Leanne has literally been serving the boys and staff of this College for two decades and I know that you don’t take her for granted and that she is a highly valued member of this wonderful Lindisfarne whanau. 

• It’s my pleasure to present Leanne Wereta with her Honours scarf for her wonderful service to Lindisfarne College. 

HAKA 

Reverend Dunnett will now close our assembly in prayer. 

Article added: Thursday 16 October 2025