Mr.Grant Lander joined Lindisfarne College in 2000 from Mahurangi College, arriving at a pivotal moment as the school embraced integration and prepared for a new era. His leadership over the next nine years saw the College achieve significant milestones across academic, cultural, and infrastructural domains.

Mr. Lander introduced several enduring traditions, including Grandparents’ Day, annual Performing Arts Concerts, and the Kapa Haka group. He was also instrumental in reinstating the Te-Whāiti-Nui-Ā-Toi Scholarship which had lapsed in the 1990s. He instigated Highways magazine, the Good Man Award, the U15 rugby tournament, and international exchanges with American schools and New Caledonia.

Educational innovation was a hallmark of Mr Lander’s tenure. He introduced strategies such as Habits of Mind and Thinking Maps, and took Lindisfarne into the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC), enabling staff to attend global conferences. His commitment to professional development and global engagement helped position Lindisfarne as a forward-thinking institution.

The most visible transformation during Mr. Lander’s time was the extensive development of the College’s physical environment. All boarding houses except Mitchell were refurbished, and new facilities were added, including a technology block, an Ag/Hort building, a reading room in the library, a PE classroom, and a fitness centre. The dining room was renovated, and two new art rooms were constructed. The Storkey Chapel Sanctuary was developed, and most notably, the Performing Arts Centre and drama complex were completed in time to host the 2009 IBSC Conference, “Windows into Manhood”. Lindisfarne was proud to  be the first New Zealand school to host this prestigious  annual conference.

Mr. Lander was known for his hands-on leadership style and  was deeply involved in daily school life. His “Rector’s Runs,” in which misbehaving boys joined him on fitness circuits through the school and Frimley Park, became legendary. His approachability and energy made him a well-loved figure among staff and students alike. He had a remarkable ability to remember students’ names and took a genuine interest in their wellbeing. His presence was felt across all aspects of College life from the classroom to the sports field where he was a constant source of support and encouragement.

Thomas Yule, Head Boy in 2009, captured the essence of Mr. Lander’s impact in his Chronicle report: “We would like to thank Mr. Lander for his total dedication and commitment to ourselves and our education. In his time at Lindisfarne, Mr. Lander has never failed to be a wonderful role model for all boys who have passed through these gates. From the boys’ perspective, he has been a great mentor and shown a keen interest in all our activities, making himself available at all hours of the day and night. He never fails to be on the sideline, guiding and supporting student activities. There are times when even the boys cannot keep up with the boundless energy of our Rector.”

Mr. Lander’s legacy is one of transformation, connection, and unwavering commitment to the development of young men of character.