Palmerstonian 2017

THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

Annual Magazine of Palmerston North Boys’ High School

Volume 25 Number 3

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 1

MAGAZINE PRODUCTION

Editor: Miss Ella Mitchell Team Photos: PhotoLife Studios Ltd, Auckland
Designed by Liz MacNeill, TypeMatters, Palmerston North
Montage Photo Pages: Mr Dominic King, Mr Chris Burton, Other Photos: Miss Ella Mitchell, Mr Dominic King, Mr Gary
Mrs Kelly Pfeffer-Marshall Rodgers (Magnum Images), Bank Jonglertjanya, Aman Iqbal
Art Pages: supplied by Mrs Kelly Pfeffer-Marshall
School Roll and Examination Results: Mrs Jackie Tomlinson Printed by FisherPrint, Cuba Street, Palmerston North
Advertising: Ms Deb Burgess
THE COVER
Designed by Daniel Hobbs, Year 12

2 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Chair: Mr Michael Lawrence – Old Mr Alan Kirk – Student Representative Mr Craig Purdy
Boys’ Association representative 2017 Mr Jack Siebert – Staff Representative
Mr John Stewart
Mr David Bovey – Rector Mr Simon O’Connor Mr Grant Watts
Mrs Tania Harris Mr Junius Ong – Student

Representative 2018

STAFF

Rector Docherty W T; BA (Hons), PGCE Kendal S (Mrs); BEd – Dean (Year 12),
D. M. Bovey; BA (Distinction) – Visual Arts (HOD), English
C/H Housemaster
Deputy Rector Kensington B; BBS, DipPolicing –
G. M. Atkin; BA, MEdAdmin Doolan J; BEd, DipBus – Dean (Year Dean (Year 13), Mathematics, Sport
9) – Social Studies, Business Studies Development
Senior Masters
P. J. Truter; BSc, HDE Doyle R J; DipPE – Physical Education, Kenzie S; BComm, DipSportsMgmt –
G. Y. Sinclair; BBS (Hons) C/H Housemaster Economics, Business Studies
H. Pinder; BTech, DipBusAdmin
Drake H F; BA, BSc – Social Science King P; Lt.Col (Rtd), Grad.Dip.Defence
Director of Teaching and Learning (HOD), Geography (HOD), Social Studies – Leadership Director
P. B. Gibbs; BEd Studies
Lambert S; BA, BPhEd – Science,
Teaching Staff Dredge P; BA – Music Biology, Sport Development
Adams J G; BEd, MBA – Careers Advisor Ducre A; BBS – Mathematics, Assistant
Baines A (Mrs); BA – English (T/C Lane B; Adv.TCert/Automotive
Timetabler Engineering – Technology (Metal/
Year 10), Drama, Co-Director of E Durie D P; BEd – Physical Education Wood)
Learning
Barwick D; BEd – Dean (Year 8), Sports (HOD), Health Leighton M; BBS, DipProfAcctg –
Dean, Physical Education Eastmure S (Miss); BMVA – English, Accounting, Business Studies
Belcher S (Miss); BA – Drama, English
Belton C (Ms); BA – English, French Visual Arts Liddicoat M; BSc – Science, Biology
Benn K; MEd, BEd, BSc – Academic Ellery S, (Miss); BC – Business Studies, Liengme D; MSc, MEMgmt – Physics,
Dean, Mathematics, Classical
Studies Economics Science, Electronics
Bester F C; BA, HDE – Geography, Social Finch P; BSc (Hons), DipPE – Director of Lowe M; BSc – Science
Studies Lowry J (Mrs); BA – English, Drama
Blanks J; BSc Science, C/H Housemaster Sport, Sport Science, PE Studies Macdonald H; BA – Dean (Year 10),
Braddock D; BPhEd; MTchgLn – English Fletcher A (Mrs); BSc – Science,
Bradley, C (Mrs); BEd (Hons) – Science English
Briggs W; Adv.TCert – Technology Chemistry Mann J (Ms); BEd, BSc, BA – Science
(Wood) Fogarty J (Mrs); BFA – Visual Arts, Marks P (Mrs); BA (English) – English
Brockelbank K; Grad Dip Engg – McFarlane S; B.SpEx – Physical
Technology (Wood) Photography
Burgess R (Mrs); BA – English (T/C Fogarty R; Adv.TCert, DipSpecSubj – Education, Business Studies,
Year 9) Accounting, C/H Master
Burton C J; BA, DipHum,TrdCertFarming Technology (HOD), Assistant C/H McQueen-Davies G; BSc – Mathematics
– Drama (HOD), English Manager McTamney T, BSc – Mathematics
Cameron E, (Ms); BEd – Maths, Physical Forbes H; BA – Mathematics, Timetabler Meehan J; BInfoSc – Mathematics, C/H
Education, Health (HOD) Grayson C N; BA (Distinction) – Housemaster
Campbell A; BA – Dean (Year 11), Mathematics Meldrum T D; BSc – Biology
History (HOD) – Social Studies Greer B; BEd (Hons) – Dean (Year 12) – Miller G; BA – Social Studies (HOD),
Close S (Ms); BA; MTchgLn – History, English, Drama, Media Studies Geography, Outdoor Education
Social Studies GunningT; BA, DipBusStud – Geography, Mills P; BSc, PGCE – Science, Physics
Crosswell J (Mr); BEd(Sec) – English, Social Studies Moore J; BEd – Dean (Year 9), Physical
Commerce Hadley-Jones A (Mrs); BSc – Science, Ed, Sport Sci, Sport & Exercise
Crosswell J (Mrs); BEd – Social Studies Biology (Maternity Leave) Studies
Currie C; BSc (Mth Inf ) – Physics (HOD), Halford C; Adv.TCert, DipSpecSubj – Neale J (Ms); BSc – Science, Horticulture
Science, Bus Controller Graphics (HOD) Nixon A (Mrs); BA – English
Davidson M; BSc – Mathematics, Hann P V; MEd (Hons) – RTLB, Special O’Connor G P (Dr); MA, PhD – English
Manager College House Education, Social Studies (HOD)(T/CYear12&13),ClassicalStds
Davidson S; BEd (Sec) – Physical Ed, PE Henderson S; BEd – Physical Education, (HOD), Debating
Studies, Sport & Exercise Studies, Health Ong V; MSc, BSc – Mathematics
C/H Master Higgie C; BA – English, Media Studies Papworth M (Mrs); MA – English
Dawson S; BA (Hons), PGCE – English (HOD), Drama Parrott D; BBS – Mathematics
(T/C Year 11), Classical Studies Hodge W; BA – History, Social Studies Pegler D; MHortSc – Science, Biology
Dickinson A G (Mrs); BA (Hons), Cert Hop Wo D; BSc., BEd – Physics, Science Pfeffer-Marshall K (Mrs); BFA, BEd – Art
TEAL – Languages (HOD), French, James C; BA, PGCE – History, Social History, Painting, Visual Arts
German Studies Pottinger P; Dip.PE, Post Grad.
Jochem R; BHort – Horticulture (HOD), DipGuid&Couns. – Guidance
Science Counsellor
Johanson R; BEd – English, Social Studies Rankin K M (Mrs); BSc (Hons), DipEd,
Johnson P; MA, BSc (Hons) – Academic Cert.TEAL – English (Asst HOD),
Support Programme, Gateway ESOL, Literacy, Learning Support
Kaandorp K (Ms); BAVI – Graphics, Digital (HOD)
Design Rehutai A; BA, PG Business Cert –
Kendal J; Dip.Ed – Te Reo Maori, Maori Mathematics
Achievement

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 3

Reid G (Mrs); MPhil, BSc (Hons) – Tutavaha K (Miss); BA, GDipArts – Dean Etchells A (Mrs) – Academic
Science (HOD), Chemistry (Year 11), English Administrator

Retemeyer L D; BEd – International Tutty N; BComm – Dean (Year 10), Giles D (Mrs) – Receptionist
Director, English Accounting Groube K (Mrs) – Uniform Shop

Richards J; BA (Hons) – French, German, Van Stipriaan B J; BPhty – International Manager
History Dean, Sport Science, Sport & Hemara B – Coaching Position
Exercise Studies Hennessy K (Mrs) – Accounts Assistant
Ross J; BBS – Mathematics (Asst HOD) Hoppe M (Miss) – Accounts Assistant
Scott J (Ms); BA (Hons) – English Vindriis S; BTech – Mathematics Kennedy D (Mrs) – Librarian Assistant
Siebert J; BA, HDE – Dean (Year 13), Waters D; BSc (Hons) – Biology (HOD), King J D – Archives, Newsletter
Langley V (Mrs) – Library Manager
English (T/C Year 10), T/C Alternate Digital Technology Leighton S – Archives, Old Boys’ Assn
English Welch C; NZCE, DipTrng&Mgmt, Adv. McAnulty K – Maintenance Officer
Shankaran D; BEd – English Mitchell E (Miss) – International
Smith M (Dr); MSc (Hons), PhD – TCert – Technology/Metal (HOD)
Mathematics (HOD) Whibley A (Miss); BEd, PG DipLit – Marketing
Stagg D; BA Chinese & Japanese – Phillips H (Mrs) – Absence Administrator
Japanese English, ESOL, Learning Support Pinkney T (Mrs) – Science Technician
Stephenson A; BSpEx – Physical Ed, Wong A (Ms); BSc, BEd – Mathematics, Rennie S (Mrs) – Admin Secretary/
Social Studies, Technology (Wood,)
C/H Master Calculus Receptionist
Stern A; BSc – Digital Technology Young G; BEd, PG DipEd – Music (HOD) Roydhouse R (Mrs) – Copy Centre
Strickland J; BEd – Te Reo Maori (HOD) Shorter B (Mrs) – Receptionist/Student
Syme K; Adv.TCert, – Technology/Metal Administration & Support
Taylor S (Mrs); BSc – Chemistry (HOD), Abbott T – Property Manager Support Centre
Science Alderdice J (Mrs) – Uniform Shop Sinclair K (Mrs) – Student Administration
Tomlinson D; BPhyEd – Physical Thorner T – Grounds/Maintenance
Education, Health Manager (from October) Tinetti J (Mrs) – Rector’s Sec/Office
Toomer D; BAdmin Leadership – ICT Beck T (Mrs) – Human Resources
(HOD), Mathematics Burgess D (Ms) – Finance Manager Manager
Trembath S; Adv Dip Tchng – Business Burt T (Mrs) – Librarian Tomlinson J (Mrs) – Computer
Studies, English ChristophersW (Mrs) – Accommodation
Turnock D; BA, BSc (Hons) – Commerce Administration (part time)
(HOD), Business Studies Manager Wenham R (Mrs) – Public Relations
Calton L – Sports Co-ordinator
Calton R (Mrs) – Science Technician Officer
Dearlove H (Ms) – Arts Co-ordinator
Edwards D – Truancy

NEW AND RETURNING STAFF 2017
(Back) L to R: Mr K. Brockelbank, Mr S. Trembath, Mr A. Stephenson, Mr T. McTamney, Mr W. Hodge
(Front) L to R: Mrs K. Kaandorp, Miss S. Belcher, Miss S. Close, Mr S. Davidson, Mr D. Braddock

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2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 5 STAFF 2017
Back Row: W. Briggs, A. Bailey, A. Stephenson, S. McFarlane, C. Grayson, S. Lambert, R. Fogarty, D. Waters, A. Ducre, D. Parrott, A. Rehutai, M. Leighton
6th Row: M. Liddicoat, M. Lowe, T. Thorner, C. Higgie, S. Close, J. Lowry, S. Belcher, V. Langley, L. Calton, V. Ong, T. Gunning, S. Taylor, A. Fletcher, T. Pinkney
5th Row: T. Meldrum, K. Groube, B. Lane, J. Mann, K. Kaandorp, C. Currie, J. Adams, P. Finch, J. Meehan, D. Braddock, D. Shankaran, J. Richards, G. McQueen-Davies, D. King, L. Cameron
4th Row: D. Toomer, S. Davidson, R. Jochem, P. Mills, S. Kenzie, D. Liengme, C. Bester, K. Brockelbank, S. Vindriis, K. Hennessy, S. Trembath, R. Calton, H. Phillips, D. Hop Wo, D. Stagg,
C. Halford, K. Syme
3rd Row: S. Henderson, R. Doyle, J. Ross, S. Dawson, J. Blanks, J. Doolan, B. Kensington, N. Tutty, B. Greer, K. Tutavaha, H. Macdonald, J. Kendal, B. van Stipriaan, A. Campbell, J. Siebert,
W. Hodge
2nd Row: J. Tinetti, P. Marks, R. Burgess, P. Pottinger, S. Kendal, C. Bradley, K. Sinclair, R. Roydhouse, D. Kennedy, A. Baines, A. Nixon, T. Burt, B. Shorter, S. Ellery, C. Belton, E. Mitchell,
K. Pfeffer-Marshall, S. Rennie
Front Row: C. Burton, A. Dickinson, D. Turnock, D. Durrie, G. Reid, P. Gibbs, H. Pinder, G Atkin, D. Bovey, P. Truter, G. Sinclair, G. O’Connor, W. Docherty, H. Drake, M. Smith, M. Davidson,
L. Retemeyer

LONG SERVING STAFF

MR ROB FERREIRA – DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND “Mr Ferreira was first employed on a fixed term six-month
LEARNING - 1993-1994, 1995-2017 contract in May 1993. In November of that year, his position
as a Chemistry and Physics teacher was made permanent.
At the end of Term 1 2017, we said farewell to Mr Rob Ferreira, That role did not remain long, as in April 1994 he resigned to
the Director of Teaching and Learning, who had given more take up a position on a dairy farm. The call of the classroom
than twenty years of service to Palmerston North Boys’High though was too much for Mr Ferreira to resist, and he
School and the young men who attend here. Below are the returned to a long term relief Science teaching position
comments made by the Rector, Mr Bovey, at Mr Ferreira’s at PNBHS in February 1995. In January 1996, Mr Ferreira’s
final assembly. position as a Chemistry and Physics teacher was made
permanent.

Mr Ferreira was first appointed to a position with leadership
responsibility in January 2002, when he was made Teacher
in Charge of General Studies – a programme similar to
Recreation for Year 12 students. In January 2003, Mr
Ferreira was appointed to the position of Year 13 Dean, a
key leadership role which includes the organisation of the
annual Mountain Trip. In 2004, he was awarded a year’s
leave to undertake university study to upgrade his teaching
qualification.

Upon returning from this study leave in January 2005,
Mr Ferreira was appointed to the position of Head of the
Science Department. This position entails the leadership
of more than twenty staff members and overseeing four
curriculum areas in one of the largest subject departments
in the school. Mr Ferreira continued in this role until Term
4 2012, when he was appointed to the position of Acting
Senior Master. In January 2013, Mr Ferreira was the first
appointment of Director of Teaching and Learning, a new
senior management position at Palmy Boys’.

Mr Ferreira is highly regarded amongst the staff, who
recognise his expertise as a classroom teacher. He has
played a significant role in helping to place greater emphasis
on teaching and learning within our school and in the
introduction of a range of new teaching and learning
initiatives. Mr Ferreira has a genuine empathy for young
men and works hard to help provide them with the tools
they need in order to achieve, something which has often
necessitated him giving up his time to run lunchtime and
after-school tutorials.

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Mr Ferreira has had an essential role in assisting with
staff development, creating opportunities and providing
the expertise to assist our teaching staff to develop their
knowledge and skills. Again, the emphasis in this role is on
helping to ensure the best outcomes for the young men
who attend our school.
In recent years, we have developed a close relationship with
Massey University in terms of the delivery of the new Masters
of Teaching and Learning degree, and Mr Ferreira has played
an instrumental role in this.
Mr Ferreira has been fully committed to the PNBHS co-
curricular programme. He has been involved in coaching
and managing a range of sports teams, including rugby,
basketball, mountain biking and squash. Mr Ferreira has
also been fully involved in providing outdoor education
opportunities through his involvement with the Year 10
and Year 13 Camp weeks. He has enjoyed opportunities to
support school cultural activities, with an annual highlight
for him being the Senior Production.
Mr Ferreira leaves us to take up the position of Deputy
Principal at St. John’s College in Hastings and we wish him
all the best for the next stage in his career.”
Mr Ferreira was farewelled with a rousing school haka,
testament to the respect in which he was held by the
student body.

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 7

RETIRING STAFF

MR TERRY MELDRUM - 1985-2017 will have surprised themselves with the level of achievement
they were able to reach through his teaching.

At the conclusion of the 2013 school year, Mr Meldrum
relinquished the position of Head of Biology, and since
February 2013 has worked a reduced teaching allocation.
His passion and enthusiasm for his teaching remained
undiminished throughout this time.

Mr Meldrum is equally committed to and enthusiastic about
his co-curricular involvement. Earlier in the year, it was
fitting that he presented basketball medals and trophies in
recognition of 25 years of dedicated service to that sport.
Mr Meldrum was notable for his organisation – a distinctive
clipboard for his administration and a bag of lollies for
sustenance at half-time. Such a lengthy involvement means
that there are literally hundreds of young men whose ability
to be involved in basketball as a co-curricular activity can be
attributed to Mr Meldrum.

The conclusion of the 2017 school year marks the end of a Outside of his classroom teaching, it is perhaps the
long association with Palmerston North Boys’High School for Astronomy Club and the Beekeeping Club that Mr Meldrum
Mr Terry Meldrum. Mr Meldrum joined our teaching staff in will be most vividly remembered for. That he was able to
March 1985, when he was appointed as the Head of Biology, encourage young men to crowd around telescopes late at
a position he held until December 2013. night, in their own time, is further testament to the impact
that his passion and enthusiasm had. That the activities
Mr Meldrum will be fondly remembered by both young of the Astronomy Club coincided with prep at College
men and staff as an incredibly passionate teacher who was House may have been a motivating factor for some! The
totally committed to ensuring the students in his classes, award-winning honey produced by the Beekeeping Club
and in classes across his Department, achieved to the very was incredibly popular, with the containers for sale in the
highest level they could. He had high expectations in staffroom selling out instantly. Very popular in recent years
terms of work ethic, student presentation and manners. has been the honey ice cream produced and sold during
Mr Meldrum expected that young men would rise to meet the Summer term.
these standards, and frequently they did. Many young men
In honour of his status as an expert classroom teacher and
the academic rigour he strove to maintain as Head of the
Biology Department, Mr Meldrum was presented with
an Academic Stole at our School Prizegiving. This award
is presented only to long serving staff members whose
academic contribution to the school has been significant.

Mr Meldrum is held in incredibly high regard in our school
community. Our teaching staff recognise his expertise
as a classroom teacher and his outstanding subject
knowledge, characteristics the young men in his classes
also acknowledge. We wish him well for his retirement and
hope that he will continue his association with our school.

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OBITUARIES

MR BRENT COSTLEY “Mr Costley, as well as being an amazing teacher, taught me
how to learn. The skills and knowledge that I gained from him
Mr Brent Costley was a long serving staff member, who I still use in my work and continuing study.” – Grant Nicholls,
passed away on Monday 9 January 2017. Mr Costley was Eastern District Commander, NZ Police.
diagnosed with leukaemia at the end of 2016. Following the
first round of chemotherapy, he contracted a severe infection Soon after he arrived at Palmerston North Boys’High School,
and was moved to ICU. Mr Costley passed peacefully with his literary and literacy skills were called upon. In 1975 he was
his family around him. appointed Teacher Librarian, and in 1983 he had a significant
Below is an excerpt from the 2002 Palmerstonian, influence on the design and construction of what was then
written by Mr W Kersten (Associate Rector) -“Mr Brent considered to be a very modern and functional library; a
Costley calls it a day after 28 years at PNBHS”. facility which continued to grow under his guidance.
“Born in Christchurch, Mr Costley was educated at
Linwood High School and subsequently at the University Coaching and managing debating teams and involvement
of Canterbury where he gained a Master of Arts with First with interschool Christian Fellowship occupied a significant
Class Honours in History. He taught at Nelson College for amount of Mr Costley’s co-curricular time. He was always
three years before coming to Palmerston North Boys’ High very supportive of school music and drama. As such, he
School in 1974 to commence what was to become a very arranged two Music Tours to Australia in the 1990’s and
long tenure. His wife to be was already on the staff, and after was often seen to be front of house for school concerts
becoming Mrs Dorothy Costley, she continued to teach and and productions.
gain a reputation as one of the best Mathematics teachers
in the history of the school. Although he wasn’t recognised for his in-depth analysis
As a teacher of English, Social Studies, Geography and History, of the body positions in the front row of a rugby scrum,
Mr Costley’s students always discovered, early in each year, he probably had greater breadth of sporting knowledge
that they had been allocated a teacher who was not only than most of those who did. To this end, he supported the
knowledgeable and articulate, but one who was also very sporting dimension of school life by managing the first and
capable of getting through to students of all levels of ability. many other hockey teams as well as soccer teams over a
Students were not only well prepared for examinations; number of years. By his own admission, Mr Costley found
they had also accumulated a wealth of general knowledge the necessary commitment to sport a bore mainly because
which certainly impressed the more academic students. If of his own lack of skill. However, countless numbers of boys
Mr Costley’s students did not succeed in examinations then have been to tournaments secure in the fact that all the off-
it was probably due to their own limitations. the-field arrangements were well in hand.
Perhaps these comments made by an Old Boy at the school’s
centenary best summarise Mr Costley; As Teacher in Charge of school quiz teams for some 15 years,
Mr Costley was a champion of the Manawatu Secondary
School Competition, which we currently know as the Jimmy
Carter Quiz. Needless to say, he was the Quiz Master of many
inter-club competitions here at school. He was also able to
clearly demonstrate how it should be done when he and
his son Matthew (it runs in the family), won the Sale of the
Century Television Quiz programme, and in doing so netted
a substantial prize, including the current family car. It was
necessary, on this particular occasion, to absent himself
from one of the few school functions (1994 Prizegiving) he
ever missed.

The Palmerstonian is a fine record of the school’s
involvements, achievements and its personalities. For
twenty years, Mr Costley was Editor in Chief and he, quite
deservedly, became known as “Mr Palmerstonian”. In 1977
he was conned into writing a sketch book of the school,
which was first published to mark the 75th Jubilee. Fifteen
years later,“Footprints”emerged as his personal selection of
highlights chosen from previous Palmerstonians, dating back
to 1907, compiled to celebrate the 90th Jubilee. Add to this
his proof-reading and the contributions he made to the 400
page school centennial publication and the numerous other
checks of written material. These have left everybody secure
in the fact that their works will be without grammatical or
spelling error.

In 1988 Mr Costley was appointed Senior Master and in 1997
Deputy Rector. It was in the role of the latter that I first came
to know him and my first impression was that he was a man
in complete control of his delegated responsibilities and who
felt no need to interfere with the responsibilities that others
had. It was very reassuring for me that, as a freshman, there
was a person who could give unobtrusive counsel without
bias or intolerance.

Students attending junior dances and senior balls will

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 9

recall the stern warnings issued by Rector Mr Syms at ticket Although I worked with him for only three and a half years
distribution time. Mr Costley was never at variance with these I, like many others, understand why he chose the words of
comments, and he took it upon himself to ensure student H W Longfellow to prefix his jubilee publications;
morals were not compromised. While Mr Syms was barely
ever seen inside the hall on these occasions (probably for a Lives of great men all remind us
number of reasons, but mainly associated with what Keith We can make our lives sublime,
Quinn was blurting through the car radio parked outside And, departing, leave behind us
the Old Gym), Mr Costley was not afraid of the temperature Footprints on the sands of time.”
gradient experienced by the invigilators as they ventured
towards the seething interior. Any encounters of necking, In December 2002, Mr Costley resigned after 28 years of
pecking and groping between those showing serious or dedicated service to Palmerston North Boys’High School. Mr
even mild affection for each other were quickly disengaged Costley went on to work for the Massey University College
by a gentle tap on the shoulder and a comment such as,“we of Education where he had the responsibility for community
don’t allow that sort of thing in this hall”. It has been said, relations.
and it is now recorded, that on one of these occasions he
inadvertently detached his own son from such an encounter. In March 2012, Mr Costley returned to Palmerston North
It was a similar situation at the Annual School Ball. However, Boys’ High School in a Tertiary Liaison capacity. Mr Costley
the students could be excused for doubting the sincerity of resumed his prior role as Editor of the Palmerstonian and
his intentions after he said at one assembly,“I have seen a lot did so for the remainder of his time at Palmerston North
of balls in my time”…. I don’t know if the students regained Boys’ High School, producing a total of 25 Palmerstonians
their composure in that assembly. in his time. The time and effort that goes into producing
our annual magazine is significant, and its content has
It was obvious that Mr Costley always set out to complete grown considerably over the years as the school population
his work on or before time. His even temperament (on most has grown and the range of activities offered has likewise
occasions) always disguised his consistent efficiency. It was expanded. Mr Costley’s attention to detail and meticulous
the pragmatic aspect of his work that he wanted to excel in. proof reading ensured that the Palmerstonian was always
He never thought of himself as a visionary or risk taker and, produced to a very high standard. This also contributed to
perhaps for that reason, never really aspired to lead his own his encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of Palmerston
school. This was also due to the fact that for him, his family North Boys’ High School.
always came first.
Below is an excerpt that Mr Costley wrote in his final
Twenty-eight years of association with a school is significant publication, the 2016 Palmerstonian;
and the contribution he has made would not have been
possible without the support of his wife, Dorothy and his “And one of those things of which I have been proudest during
family, two sons of whom (Matthew and Tim) were high those years is my connection with this school. It is a school that
achieving students of the school in the 1990’s. has pride, achievement, standards of decency and behaviour,
and healthy attitudes towards competition, towards cultural
At his farewell earlier in the year, accolades from a number activities, towards sports, but, primarily, towards learning. I was
of former colleagues recognised the contribution that Mr pleased with what my sons learnt here and the things they were
Costley had made not only to the school and the students, involved in: I was delighted that they attended a school where
but to the education profession. Many new, and some not there were so many choices, and where, no matter their ability,
so new, teachers gained valuable experience from their there was a group or team that they could be a part of. I am glad
association with him. Graeme Hucker, a young teacher in that the school has a philosophy of involvement that enables
the 1980’s, found Mr Costley’s curriculum knowledge and all boys to do things – hence, the large number of teams and
understanding to be of enormous value and his teaching groups whose activities are outlined in this magazine. “
skills to be an inspiration in his own development.
Mr Costley’s funeral was held on Saturday 14 January 2017
Mr Brent Costley will certainly be remembered as the at 11 a.m. at the Central Baptist Church on Church Street.
consummate educationalist, perhaps not by all students, The huge number of people who attended was testament
but certainly by those he taught and worked with. to the significant contribution he had made to our school
community, his family and the wider community.

10 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

MR JAMES (JIMMY) CROSSWELL

tactical approach to the game of Rugby Sevens and expected
all his players to give a maximum effort each time they played
for each other and the blue and white hoops of PNBHS”. – Mr
John Kendal, PNBHS Rugby Sevens Coach.

Mr Crosswell was a member of the Palmerston North Boys’ “Jimmy’s association with Rugby could be summed up with
High School teaching staff from January 2014, and a College one word: passion. It was passion that drove his relentless
House Master from January 2015. He was diagnosed with desire to put his body on the line time and time again when
leukaemia on March 8 2017 and sadly passed away on April playing, and that passion was never more evident than in his
28 2017. approach to coaching. Everything he did, from running up
and down the sideline with water bottles, to asking polite
When Mr Crosswell presented for an interview in late 2013, it questions of referees, it was never about him, but always for
was obvious that he was going to be a good‘fit’for Palmerston the boys. He was honest and straight with his players, and
North Boys’High School. He was passionate about the school they respected him for it. Many saw him as a mentor, both
before he had even formally walked through the gates and inside and outside of rugby. Jimmy definitely left his mark on
his demeanour was such that it was immediately apparent PNBHS Rugby, and something from the way he played the
that he would be able to work positively with young men. game has been engrained in those lucky enough to have
Mr Crosswell was initially employed as a teacher of English met and played with him. Get up and go again.” – Mr Dan
and Social Studies. His teaching experience prior to Boys’ Turnock, Teacher in Charge of Rugby and Mr Jacob Meehan,
High had been with a Feilding-based alternative education PNBHS Rugby Coach.
provider. In this role, he gained significant experience in
dealing with young people who had been marginalised College House is an integral part of our school community
and consequently disengaged with education. With this and Mr Crosswell fully immersed himself in hostel life during
in mind, Mr Crosswell played a pivotal role in establishing his time there. “Jimmy Crosswell joined the staff at College
the first mentoring programme for young men facing
academic challenges, and he had a real empathy for those
students who were struggling in some aspect of school life.
Mr Crosswell’s work in developing this programme was so
successful that it has now evolved into the Achievement
Support Programme at both Year 11 and Year 12, and has
been successful in keeping young men engaged at school
while promoting their academic achievement.

Mr Crosswell was heavily involved in school co-curricular
activities, especially as a cricket, rugby and rugby sevens
coach, and through involvement in the Outdoor Education
programme. However, it was with rugby that his real passion
lay:

“Mr Crosswell had involved himself in coaching Rugby
Sevens for a number of years. It was his dedication and
commitment that allowed more boys to experience Rugby
Sevens at a variety of tournaments, including the annual
Sir Gordon Tietjens tournament. Mr Crosswell had a sound

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 11

House as a Master in January 2015. He quickly established and praise at once.” Old Boys/Marist Palmerston North Club
himself as a respected member of the College House Captain Brett Davis said“Jimmy’s strength as a player was that
community who always had the best interests of boarders he had the biggest heart and he never gave up. If we had a
at heart. While taking a firm and fair stance on boarding team of 15 Jimmys, we would never lose. Jimmy was a natural
matters, Jimmy’s quiet nature also enabled him to get leader, he was a man who brought teams together both on
alongside and counsel young men who may have required and off the field, and this reflected how respected he was.”
it. Jimmy involved himself in all aspects of College House life
from the outset. He could often be seen helping out with the While Mr Crosswell’s tenure at Palmerston North Boys’ High
College House Cricket team and giving advice to the Year might have been short, the impact he had on our school
13 coaches of the Niger House Rugby team. Jimmy could community was significant. He endeared himself to his
be relied on to help out around the hostel whenever the students through his genuine and empathetic approach,
need arose. Jimmy is sorely missed by the College House to the young men in his sports teams though his passion
community. It has been great to have Jo, George, Cameron and commitment, and to his colleagues in the staffroom
and Isla continue to be involved with College House after the through his quiet and sincere interest and his keen sense
loss of a man that had such an impact on the wellbeing of of humour. Mr Crosswell’s funeral service was held in the
the boarders at College House.”– Mr Matt Davidson, College Palmerston North Boys’High School Hall on 2 May 2017. The
House Manager. young men of the school performed a rousing haka when
Mr Crosswell was brought into school prior to the funeral
At his funeral service, the Rector, Mr Bovey, made the service, and the young men from College House performed
following comments about Mr Crosswell: “He had a real a haka as he was led through the guard of honour from the
empathy for those students who were struggling. Those Marist Club at the conclusion of the funeral service. The
boys came to realise he was doing it for their benefit, and he sheer number of people who attended the funeral speaks
cared about them. Jimmy was one of the good guys, hard volumes about Mr Crosswell’s character and the impact he
working, dedicated, loyal, committed. At College House, he has had on our school community and the wider Palmerston
was held in the highest regard by both staff and the boys. North community.
He had a wonderful way where he could give the boys‘stick’

12 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

Palmerston North
Boys’ High School
appreciates
its strong
relationship with
Tom McVerry
and his team at McVerry Crawford Motors.
We would like to thank them for their
generous support providing
ÀYHEHUWKVRQWKH6SLULW
of Adventure,
a teacher
scholarship,
sponsorship
of the 1st XV
and the use
of dedicated
vehicles.

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 13

RECTOR’S REPORT

stint with us. Like Mr Costley, Mr Crosswell is dearly missed.

It is my pleasure and privilege to present the 2017 Rector’s The contemporary political climate is one that I am sure we
Report to the Board of Trustees, our young men, parents, Old have all followed with interest; the sheer amount of time that
Boys and friends of the school. it took to settle on who would form the government, and
with whom, tested the nation’s patience. The implications
The 2017 school year finished earlier than last year, and for education in New Zealand remain as yet unclear, and
concluded with a full School Prizegiving on Thursday 7 like many involved in the education sector, we will watch
December at Arena Manawatu. A significant number of the developments in this area with great interest. After a number
school’s young men were recognised for their achievement of years with an education minister who appeared immune
and involvement in a wide range of academic, cultural and to feedback, advice and criticism, it may well provide
sporting activities. an opportunity to once more open dialogue about our
education system.
This year’s report again covers many of these achievements
and highlights; testament, I believe, to the considerable A headline in The Dominion Post newspaper earlier this
range of involvement of our young men. It is heartening to term focused on the open plan classrooms that have been
see the sheer scale of participation, and to see the success of de rigeur for some time now. The article asked questions
those who work hard and who, in doing so, are outstanding about the effectiveness of these teaching spaces, and
representatives of our school. having children as young as six years old designing their
own independent learning programmes. While some of the
It has been a tough couple of years for the school. Mr Dawson theory behind such programmes sounds lovely, in reality
Tamatea and Mr Steve Burnley passed away in 2015, and this many schools have found it simply hasn’t worked and these
year, we again lost two members of staff. In January, after schools are now putting walls back into their classrooms. As
a short illness, Mr Brent Costley passed away. Mr Costley is often the case, the theorists and policy makers sometimes
began teaching at PNBHS in 1974, eventually becoming seem completely divorced from the reality of teaching; would
Deputy Rector. He left in 2002 but returned to the staff in they, for example, enjoy the prospect of having 60 Year 10
2012, and he was responsible, amongst other things, for the boys, last period on a Friday, after two days of continuous
Palmerstonian throughout much of his time at Boys’ High: rain where they haven’t been able to let off some steam on
his first edition was in 1977 and his 25th and final edition in the fields, working ‘independently’ in one space?
2016. Mr Costley made a huge contribution to our school
and he is greatly missed. The danger of throwing one’s lot completely down the
road of a new fad is clear. Yet a number of these fads are not
The beginning of the second term this year brought with actually new – they have been tried before, such as today’s
it the sad news that Mr Jimmy Crosswell had lost his battle open-plan modern learning environments were in the 1970’s,
with leukaemia a few days before the start of term. Only 30 and they have been found wanting. Yet the theorists are
years old, Mr Crosswell had been at the school since 2014 well-intentioned, and are genuine in their desire for positive
and had made a positive contribution during his all too brief educational outcomes for school pupils. In this regard, I am
reminded of Joseph Conrad’s masterpiece, Heart of Darkness,
when Marlow says of colonialism,“What redeems it is the idea
only. An idea at the back of it; not a sentimental pretence,
but an idea; and an unselfish belief in the idea”.

Clearly, to avoid becoming anachronistic, education must
progress and schools must ensure they are doing what
they can to make sure our young people continue to get
an education that will benefit them in the years ahead. In
that regard, there are some things that will, by necessity,
change. There are also aspects of school life that, at PNBHS,
will change very little, and for what we believe are very good
reasons. There would be some, perhaps, who believe that
single-sex schools are already archaic and anachronistic;

14 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

yet they would be in the minority if the numbers of young has provided some compelling and sobering data about
men and women attending such schools are any indication. the effect of smart-phones, in particular, and social media,
Throughout New Zealand, demand for places at schools on young people, and the ever-strengthening correlation
such as ours continues to be unprecedented. We, like many between excessive use in those areas and the proliferation
schools of our ilk, continue to adapt and change where we of mental health issues is a very real concern.
believe such change is necessary, but we will continue to do
so with caution in areas we believe have become too‘faddish’. That single-sex schools are considered old-fashioned is a
common refrain. A focus on character and an expectation
It is interesting to note the amount of research and literature of our young men that they adhere to certain standards
being published in recent times regarding the effects on cannot, I believe, be considered old-fashioned. Are manners
young people and on the developing teenage brain of old-fashioned? Are the school’s values old-fashioned?
technology. Technology plays an important role in education If so, we will wear the ‘old-fashioned’ tag proudly, and
today, but the danger of over-use is ever present, especially unapologetically.
when coupled with the exponential growth of technology
in the lives of teenagers outside of school. Recent research We live now in the era of outrage.There was a time, seemingly
not that long ago, when people were able to have an opinion
which may have differed from someone else’s opinion, and
we could agree to disagree, not take things personally and
we could all move on. Those carefree, innocent days are
clearly long-gone. Now, if one is unwise enough to make a
comment, particularly online, with which people disagree,
look out. The vituperative and contumelious nature of
comments from people who hide behind nom-de-plumes
and anonymity beggars belief. Read any comments section
of online news outlets, and given the nature of many of the
articles I hesitate to actually use the word news, and you
will find some truly appalling attacks on people’s attitudes
and views. No longer can someone disagree with another
and accept that some will do something differently – no, for
many these days, if you do not agree with someone else they
are quite obviously wrong, and abuse rains down upon all
and sundry. More often than not, a clear lack of perspective
is evident.

We saw this once or twice during the year when we as a
school were on the receiving end of some online media
attention. One incident saw a significant number of our
young men leap to the school’s defence in a number
of online forums, only to have their positive comments
deleted by one agency – such comments clearly did not
suit the purpose that a particular television show and its
accompanying social media page were trying to convey. As

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 15

one senior pupil said, it was “fake news” in action. The relentless grind of assessment after assessment means
self-management is crucial, and can lead to the risky business
Finally, the Education Review Office visited School during of prioritising one assessment over another. What we do
the year. It was encouraging to note that a number of know is that as the world of employment changes, we ask
the developments in recent years were commended, in that our young men give themselves the very best chance
particular the school’s focus on “sustaining the traditional with whatever path they wish to choose upon leaving school
values of the school and promoting curriculum change to by achieving to their potential.
reflect the changing nature, aspirations and diversity of their
learners”. The report concluded thus; “The school achieves Overall, the 2016 NCEA results were something of a mixed
very positive outcomes for learners, including Maori and bag. Last year’s Level 1 pupils carried on their good form
Pacific. Shared values and traditions are embedded among with positive results at Level 2. Level 1 results were slightly
the learners, staff and community…” This, to me, is vital – down on the previous year but still well ahead of the national
that our values and our traditions, those things are such an average, while Level 3 results were disappointing. The Level
important part of what we do, are acknowledged by ERO, 3 figures were not unexpected, and as a number of courses
and, more importantly, by the Boys’ High community. evolve at this level, courses with less of a University Entrance
focus, we expect this to be reflected in the statistics.
The 2016 NCEA results again highlighted the positives and
negatives of the NCEA system. A significant number of young Scholarship results from 2016 were positive, and a pleasant
men performed with distinction, while some struggled. Such surprise given previous indications. 37 Scholarships were
has always been the case, no matter what the system. Yet achieved, one of which was an outstanding pass (Denzel
there are schools who will trumpet 100% pass rates; many Chung, a Year 12 pupil, in English). The top performers
are vague about just what has been passed, while a number included: Long Qian (Year 12), who achieved four Scholarship
simply exploit the system to ensure their statistics look good. passes; Nathan Hotter and Finlay McCrae (Year 12), three
One must be suspicious of any large cohort with a 100% each; 2016 Proxime Accessit Malachi Hill, Callum Goacher,
success rate; tertiary institutions and employers are also and Corbin Paewai-Young, two apiece. Of note, of the 37
discovering that not all NCEA qualifications are created equal. successful passes, 13 were achieved by Year 12 pupils.

What is consistent across schools is the need to be organised The summary of 2016 NCEA results are as follows:
to ensure one keeps up to date with assessment deadlines. 82.3% of Year 11 students gained NCEA Level 1

(National 74.7%)
13.2% of Year 11 students gained NCEA Level 2

(National 1.4%)
85.1% of Year 12 students gained NCEA Level 2

(National 78.9%)
14.6% of Year 12 students gained NCEA Level 3

(National 1.7%)
63.8% of Year 13 students gained NCEA Level 3

(National 65.1%)
54.3% of Year 13 students gained University Entrance

(National 48.7%)

The school continues to be fortunate to have an excellent
relationship with Massey University. A number of papers are
taught at school by PNBHS staff in a variety of subjects. More
than 30 young men enrolled in 139 Massey University papers
in 2016, achieving 20 A+ and 24 A grades. There were a total

16 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

of 77 A+, A or A- grades across the range of papers. The top and well-attended show. Alongside the Senior Production,
performers were 2016 Dux Litterarum Liam Allen, with six A+ this year’s Dramafest was held in Term 3 and strong
and one A grade; Malachi Hill, six A+ grades; Sam Reddish, performances were produced from classes taking Level 1,
five A= grades and an A; Niall Malone, four A+ and one A; 2 and 3 Drama. The Junior Production and the Junior
Simon Su, three A+ grades; Timothy Cen, two A= and two Performing Arts Programme also provide opportunities
A grades; Long Qian, two A+ grades; Ben Blyde, two A+ and for those from Years 9 and 10 to make a foray into the world
an A-; Matthew Brennan, one A+ and four A grades. of dramatic theatre.

Outside the classroom, the school’s co-curricular programmes Debating continues to have good numbers involved,
provide our young men with a wide range of opportunities. with junior and senior teams competing in a variety of
The school’s teaching staff recognise the importance of a competitions. A number of teams found success in the local
strong co-curricular programme in providing young men competitions, while the Senior A team finished runners-up
with a holistic education and are all involved with sports at the Super 8 Cultural Festival.
teams, musical or cultural groups, as well as a range of other
areas of interest for the school’s young men. There continues The Palmerston North Boys’High School Kapa Haka group
to be an activity for all interests, and sports teams for young performed with distinction at a number of occasions this
men of all abilities. It is heartening to see the number of year. I would like to thank Mr Strickland for all his efforts in
young men involved, and it is also heartening to see that this regard. A number of our young men were involved in
the overwhelming majority continue to play their sport even the combined Te Piringa group and they performed with
when they have not made it into the top team, or the group distinction at both regional and national levels. At the Super
of their choice. The dummy-spit is rare, but does still, on 8 Competition, the Kapa Haka group finished fourth.
occasion, rear its head, as does the parental armchair selector
who believes their son is the next big thing and who cannot The number of talented musicians at the school continues
accept that there could well be a number of young men who to grow and the standard of our musicians continues to be
are better and deserve to be picked ahead of him. A dose very high. The Stage Band, a real showpiece of the school’s
of realism in such cases would not go amiss in this regard. music programme, continues to impress and performed
with distinction throughout the year. At the Manawatu Jazz
The young men of Palmerston North Boys’ High School Festival they were the named as Best Manawatu Big Band
achieved the following in 2017: and Best Big Band Overall. The Concert Band performed
with credit during the year, winning a bronze award at
This year’s Senior Production was‘Footloose’and yet again the Hawke’s Bay Festival of Bands. The development of the
Mr Burton and his team produced another outstanding Junior Concert Band has been notable in recent years and
show. The cast and crew from PNBHS and Palmerston North a number of talented young musicians have been identified
Girls’High School put in a huge amount of work to ensure the through this programme.
Senior Production is of the highest quality. My thanks go to
all who were involved throughout the process; the standard The annual School Concert was again a success, showcasing
is consistently high and this year’s effort was an entertaining the talents of a significant number of our performing
arts pupils, with some star turns from the staff. Mr Young
and Mr Dredge continue to do a superb job in the Music
Department. Mr Lauridsen, Mr Hoare and Mrs Dearlove all
put in a significant amount of time and we are fortunate to
have such a dedicated team.

OK Chorale, the elite choir, were again superb this year. Such
was their ability that five of the group were selected for the
NZSS Choir – a level of representation unheard of from one
school: Keun Hee Lee, Josiah Nevell, Carson Taare, Robin Park
and Daniel Hodgetts. They won the Best A Cappella award
at the Regional Big Sing Competition and were named
Best Overall, but rather perplexingly did not qualify for the
National event. The Regional event also featured meritorious
performances from the SOAP Choir and the Pasifika Choir.

The Barbershop Quartet qualified for the NZSS Competition
where they finished a creditable eighth.

Along with the five named above in the NZSS Choir, others
to gain national recognition were Nathan Lau, who was again
named in the NZSS Orchestra, while Joe Inman was named
in the NZSS Brass Band, an outstanding achievement for a
Year 9 pupil.

At this year’s Manawatu Secondary Schools’Pasifika Fusion
Festival, Michael Ioane won the Solo Male Performance
category, while Isaac Fonua won the Visual Arts category.
A number of other young men achieved top three places
across a range of cultural activities and the school finished
third overall.

At the 2016 New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Athletic
Championships in Waitakere, two gold medals, three silvers
and a bronze were won: Benjamin Wall won the Junior 3000
metres and followed that with second in the 1500 metres.

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 17

The Junior 4x400 relay team won gold. Aidan Smith was team won both the Super 8 Tournament and the Regional
second in the Senior Javelin, and was subsequently named Qualifying Tournament for the NZSS Championships in
in the NZSS team. Mark Seumanu was second in the Junior Palmerston North. At the Nationals, the team performed
High Jump and Bradyn Popow was third in the Open Walk. creditably, finishing top of their pool after some convincing
performances, but lost in the first crossover game in the
At the 2017 Manawatu Secondary School Athletics Sports, quarter finals against Rangitoto College, the team who
the school won 27 events. Benjamin Wall won the Albert had defeated us in last year’s memorable National final. A
Pootjes Cup for ‘Athlete of the Meet’ for winning the final position of fifth in NZ was commendable. The Junior
1500/3000 metres double. 14 PNBHS pupils were selected to A team finished third at their Regional Tournament. Oscar
represent Manawatu at the NISS Championships. Mr Doyle Oswald, Cooper Boyce-Towler and Tama Fa’amausili were
has contributed an enormous amount to PNBHS Athletics selected in the NZ U18 team, with Callum McRae being
over a significant period of time and his involvement in this named in the Junior Tall Blacks team that played in the World
regard is unparalleled. My thanks go to Mr Doyle for his Championships in Egypt. Rangimarie Mita was selected in
contribution. the NZ U18 3x3 team, while Jake McKinlay (U17) and Xzavia
Mason (U16) were also selected in national teams.
The Senior A Badminton team had another good season in
2017, defending the Super 8 Schools title won the previous Canoe Polo enjoyed another successful season, finishing as
year. Due to an anomaly with ranking points, and despite runners-up at the NZSS National Championships in Feilding
finishing third at the NZSS Nationals last year, the Senior A early in the year, the fifth consecutive year the team has made
team had to play in Division Two at the National Tournament. the National final. Tom Whale, Patrick Bould, Josh Vivian and
They won this division in convincing fashion and, in doing Bede Skinner-Vennell were all named in NZ age-group teams.
so, will return to the top flight next year. The Senior B team Thanks go to Mr Lane for the significant amount of time he
also did well at Nationals, where they lost to the Senior A has committed to Canoe Polo.
team in the semi-finals.
The Senior A Chess Team had a successful season and once
The school Boxing Championships are an annual feature again won the Manawatu Regional Competition. The team
at PNBHS and have been for a long time. This year, the also defended their Super 8 title won last year in Hamilton.
preliminaries were again in Term 4, with over one hundred
young men competing in this year’s championships, The 1st XI Cricket team had another busy year and
culminating in a competitive finals afternoon. We remain achieved some success. They finished runners-up at the
fortunate to have the expertise of Mr Billy Meehan and his Super 8 Tournament for the fourth time in five years. The
team who give freely of their time to run the championships annual fixture with Auckland Grammar was, like last year,
and provide a safe standard of boxing. a competitive and absorbing affair, with all three results
possible going into the final hour of the match. PNBHS
Basketball at PNBHS has seen unprecedented growth in retained the Oram Family Cup for winning on the first innings.
recent years. This year, 44 teams represented the school in The team won the Central Districts Regional Qualifying
the local competitions. The Premier A team had a successful Tournament and therefore qualified for the NZSS Gillette Cup
season, winning the Manawatu Senior Men’s Competition finals in December which will be held in Palmerston North.
for the second year in a row, as well as winning the local My thanks go to all cricket team coaches for the significant
Manawatu Secondary Schools League convincingly. The amount of time they have contributed this year. During the
season, opening bowler Jack Harris played for the Manawatu
Senior Men’s team, while Thomas Walshe was selected for the
Whanganui Senior Men’s team.

The Cross Country team again finished runners-up at Super
8, and won all three categories (Junior, Intermediate and
Senior) at the Manawatu Secondary Schools event.

Despite losing a number of exceptional cyclists from last
year, Cycling continues to be strong at School. At the NISS
Road Cycling Championships, the team won the overall title,
with the Junior A team winning the U16 Time Trial. Madi
Hartley-Brown had a superb year, winning both the U20 Road
Race and the U20 Points Race at the NZSS Championships,
where the team finished third overall. Madi, Dylan Simpson
and Angus Claasen were all selected for national honours
during the year.

18 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

A young 1st XI Football team finished fourth in the Horizons The Smallbore Shooting team performed well at both
Senior Men’s Premiership and played some fine football regional and national level, with Lachie McNair selected for
during the season, but found it difficult translating that form the NZSS team after some strong performances saw him
into results. They finished fourth at the Super 8 Tournament finish third at the NZSS Championships.
but at the NZSS Tournament, again despite playing some
good football, they finished a disappointing 30th. Jaeden Squash continues to be strong at PNBHS, with some
Shaw was selected in the NZ U19 Football team. encouraging results throughout the year. After finishing
fourth for the past three years, the Senior A team improved
The Senior A Golf Team won the Manawatu/Whanganui one place to finish third at this year’s NZSS Championships.
Intercollegiate Golf Tournament and finished runners-up at Corbin Faint was selected as captain of the NZSS team for
the Super 8 Tournament. The team qualified for Nationals the second year in a row, an outstanding achievement.
where they finished seventh. Greg Shaw finished eighth at
the NZ U19 Championships. My thanks to Mr Retemeyer for PNBHS Swimmers had another busy and successful year.
his commitment to the Senior A Golf team this year. Xavier Hill, in particular, enjoyed an excellent year, setting a
number of records in the process. Xavier won two silver and
Hockey enjoyed a most successful season. The 1st XI had two bronze medals at the NZ Short Course Championships.
a tough time of it in the local Senior Men’s competition, Both Xavier and Ryan Cutler represented NZ at the Australian
but they performed creditably at a very competitive Super Inter-state Championships in Canberra. At the Manawatu
8 Tournament where they finished third. They performed Secondary Schools Championships, PNBHS took out overall
well at the NZSS Rankin Cup, where after a series of wins honours.
in extra-time, they finished third in the country – a great
result. The 2nd XI successfully defended the Galletly Cup, Table Tennis continues to be popular, with a number teams
a competition for 2nd XI’s from throughout the country, involved in local competitions this year. The Senior A Table
while the U15 Colts won the Tanner Cup, a very competitive Tennis team had a successful season, again winning the
tournament compromised of teams from throughout NZ. Manawatu Secondary Schools Premier Competition and
Matt Peel and Tom Tremain were named in the NZ U18 finishing in seventh place at the NZSS Championships.
Development Squad.
The Senior A Tennis team were runners-up at the Super
For the second year in a row, and for the sixth time in the 8 Tournament. They were unable to qualify for the NZSS
competition’s history, the school won the NZSS Karting finals after finishing third at their annual Quadrangular
Championships which this year were held in Blenheim. The Tournament.
team was Jacob Cranston, who won the 125cc Rotax Max
Light class, Jackson Rooney, who was runner-up in both The Triathlon team performed well at the NZSS
the Rotax Max Junior and Junior 100cc Yamaha classes, and Championships. In the Under 13 race, the team of Nelson
Riley Jack. Earlier in the year, Jacob won the Open Class Doolan, Levi Holman and Chenuka Rajapakse was placed
at the KartSport NZ National Sprint Championships, and first; in the Under 14 race, the team of Blake Storrier, Adam
he competed at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals in Francis and Liam Wall was placed second; in the Under 16
Portugal in November. race, the team of Luke Scott, Angus Claasen and Benjamin
Wall was placed first and in the Under 19 race, the team of
The 1st XV Rugby team had another mixed season. The Alex Hull, Madi Hartley-Brown and Adam Martin was placed
overall win/loss record was superior to that of last season, but first. Adam Martin finished third in the Under 19 Sprint Race
the team was on the receiving end of three significant defeats at the ITU World Triathlon Finals in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
and those results will no doubt be the abiding memory Older brother and recent Old Boy, David Martin, finished fifth.
for many. Following these calamitous results against some
of the best teams in the country, the team showed plenty The Senior A Volleyball team again finished third at the
of character to win some important fixtures and made it Super 8 Tournament. Through Regionals, the team qualified
through to the Hurricanes regional semi-finals. A final position for Nationals where they finished 27th. Joseph Mafi was
of sixth in the Super 8 represented an improvement from selected in the NZ Junior Men’s team which played in the
2016. James Stratton was selected for the NZSS Barbarians United States while Leejean Engu was named in the NZSS
team while 1st XV Co-Captain Stewart Cruden was selected team that competed in Australia.
for the NZ Maori U18 side.
Water Polo numbers continue to be encouraging under Mr
The Clay Target Shooters continue to perform well. This Ross, whose commitment is irrefutable, although the results
year, they finished fourth in a very close Super 8 Competition this year were not as good as in 2016. The Senior A team
which was followed by a commendable fifth-eighth grouping finished seventh in Division 2 at Nationals. Cam Pomana
at the NZSS Competition. Max Edwards won the South Island was selected in the NZ U17 team that competed overseas.
Points Score and, along with Richard Simpson, was selected
for the Wellington regional team. Max and Tate Ferguson won At the time of writing, 40 young men from the school had
the South Island two-man teams event. Max was named in been selected for national representation in a wide variety of
the NZSS Clay Target team. sporting codes in 2017. Alongside those mentioned earlier
were the following:

Liam Bassick – NZ U17 Emerging Sox Softball team; Wade
Bennett – NZ Shito Ryu Karate team; Lucas Dreyer – NZ
National Karate team; Waldo Dreyer – NZ National Karate
team; Usaia Fonogoloa – NZ U17 Rugby League team;
Michan Hunter – NZ U17 Beach Handball; Cameron Kerr – NZ
U14 AFL team; Adam Martin – NZ U19 Triathlon team; Wade
McNabb – NZ U14 AFL team; Alex Petrovich – NZ Junior Tae
Kwon-Do team; Bradyn Popow – NZ Junior Athletics team;
Jack Scrimshaw – NZSS Wrestling; Jack Watson – NZ Junior
Taekwondo team.

This year saw a number of overseas tours take place. These

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 19

tours provide our young men with an opportunity to see and I would like to thank him and Mrs Davidson, and their
parts of the world they may have only ever dreamed about, team, for all they have done for the young men in their care
to see what they are learning in class come to life; to see this year. It has been a tough year – Mr Crosswell’s passing
other countries and cultures - opportunities that they may had a significant effect on the College House community.
never have the chance to take up if they were not available
here at school. While we acknowledge these tours are costly, The school is fortunate to have an outstanding Board of
they can prove inspiring and even life-changing for some. Trustees. I would like to thank each and every one of the
Mark Twain’s oft-quoted remark is worth remembering: Board, especially Chairman Mr Michael Lawrence, for all
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, they do to support the school. Mr Lawrence’s expertise in
and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. governance is most appreciated, and under his guidance
Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things the Board is committed to providing the young men of the
cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the school with a high quality education.
earth all one’s lifetime.”
The PTA, chaired by Alison Kinghorn, continues to support
The Commerce Tour to the United States saw the group the school, its staff and students. The committee and its
visit some high profile organisations and gave the young supporters have explored and pursued fundraising ventures
men on the tour the chance to see the inner-workings of and have continued to offer support for the development of
some of the most influential companies in the United States. the curriculum and co-curricular activities.
Mr Turnock and his Commerce Department staff did a fine
job in creating a rich and varied itinerary. The Old Boys’ Association continues to develop and the
support we continue to receive from the Old Boy community
Mrs Dickinson and Mr Richards led the French Language is most appreciated. A number of gathering have been held,
and Culture Tour, where young men were able to stay throughout the country and indeed in other parts of the
with local families and attend schools. The Renaissance Tour world, and it is encouraging to see these functions growing in
travelled to Croatia and Italy, led by Mr Benn and Mr Drake, number. We have also hosted a number of reunions at school
where they were able to immerse themselves in the rich during the year and it is always a pleasure to have Old Boys
history of European civilisation. The Rugby Development of a range of vintages revisit their old school. I would like to
Tour to the United Kingdom and Ireland was also a success, thank the President of the OBA, Mr Simon O’Connor, whose
giving 44 young men the chance to play against some of unique blend of enthusiasm and contemporary vocabulary
the best schools from across the Home Nations. is much appreciated.

These tours require an enormous amount of organisation Thanks are extended to Mr Bill Kermode as Chair of the
and as a school we are indebted to the staff who work PNBHS Educational FoundationTrust during the year. My
tirelessly to provide our young men with these opportunities. thanks are extended to all Trustees who have been positive in
For the staff, these are not holidays. Travelling abroad with a the development of a number of initiatives and who continue
group of teenage boys could never be described thus, and to support the young men of the school.
we appreciate them giving up their time, and time spent
away from home and their families. We are often contacted Congratulations to Head Prefect, Patrick Takurua, on an
by people who come across these groups who comment outstanding year. As always, the role is an extremely busy one,
on what fine ambassadors the young men are for both their one which brings with it many demands on one’s time, and
school and their country. Patrick has negotiated his way through the year in positive
fashion. Patrick is a fine young man who became something
To those staff who are leaving, I would like to wish you of an internet sensation this year following a fantastic musical
all the best for the future, and would like to thank you for presentation in assembly, and he was able to lead his team
the commitment and support you have given our school. of prefects, the largest group in recent memory, most
In particular, I would like to make special mention of Mr effectively. With Greg Shaw, his Deputy Head Boy, the school
Meldrum, who has been at PNBHS for a significant period of had excellent student leaders in 2017.
time, and who has had such a positive influence on many,
many young men both in and out of the classroom, as well as To those who are leaving our school at the end of the year, I
providing perhaps the best honey the Rector has ever tasted. would like to thank you for all you have contributed to Palmy
Boys’throughout your time here. Each and every one of you
The Senior Management Team continues to be a has had a part to play in making the school what it is. You
supportive and effective group, and I very much appreciate do not have to be a top academic, a top musician or a top
all their work throughout the year. In particular, I would like sportsman to be a representative of the school; you simply
to thank Mr Atkin, the Deputy Rector, for his tireless efforts, need to be a fine young man, a young man who will go out
and for his patience in dealing with the Rector’s avowed into the community and do your best. To be a good man.
dislike of administrivia. Remember that when you walk out of the gates for the final
time, you will be, and will always be, a Palmy Boys’ man.
Mr Davidson continues to do a fine job at College House
100 years ago, the 1917 Palmerstonian editorial touches on
the very same subject: “Our Old Boys…have made in the few
short years of the School’s existence, a record both in work and
play of which we may well be proud. And we are proud of it. Are
we going to hand that record on unsullied? Or will it grow dull
or tarnished? Let us hope not…Thus when we in our turn come
to leave, we shall be able to do so with the feeling that we have
done our share towards keeping up the reputation made by
those whom we are about to join”.

I wish all friends and families of the school safe travels over
the summer and, like you, we look forward to the challenges,
opportunities and celebrations next year.

D M Bovey, RECTOR

20 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

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2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 21

THE PREFECTS

2017 PREFECTS
Back Row: Caleb Hansen, Samuel Bentham, Alex Nguyen, Daniel Hodgetts, Asa Ngirazi, Anson Price, Hamzah Arafeh,
Harrison Ward, Joseph Medyckyj-Scott
4th Row: Nelson Braddon-Parsons, Finlay McRae, Tama Fa’amausili, Nick Punnett, Tom Tremain, Alec Hart, Jamie Tinetti,
Matthew O’Leary
3rd Row: Mikaere Tipene, Connor Beck, Joseph Mafi, Oliver Burgess-Hight, Callum McRae, Matthew Watts, Jesse Hyde,
Michael Ioane, Jack Sturmey
2nd Row: Josiah Nevell, Ben McAlley, Keun Hee Lee, Isaac Price, Jacob Hewetson-Talamaivao, Denzel Chung, Benji Pritchard,
Arrooran Jeyamohan, Josh Sorensen
Front Row: Alan Kirk, Matt Peel, Mr G Atkin (Deputy Rector), Mr D. Bovey (Rector), Greg Shaw, Mr P. King, Ben O’Connor,
Thomas Walshe

HEAD PREFECT’S ADDRESS - PATRICK TAKURUA Shaw, Prefects, Year 13’s and fellow students for a successful
year. It is my pleasure to deliver the 111th Head Prefect’s
It is once again address.
that time of year
when we gather My chapter at Palmy Boys’, like mostYear 9’s, started by sitting
to acknowledge outside the Memorial Gallery with a steely-eyed Mr Greer
the achievements watching over us. Then a man who seemed larger than life
of our brothers. itself started spouting mannerisms in Japanese and shouting
To celebrate our “OOOP!”at us fresh faces. We probably should have brought
tradition and history, a fresh pair of underwear along with our PE uniform on
as well as our future. that first day. But, from the moment that I walked through
To Mr and Mrs the front gates in 2013, I knew that this was no ordinary
Bovey, Mr and Mrs school. Five years down the track, I now realise it has been
Lawrence, members an extraordinary chapter.
of the Board,
invited guests, staff, Taking the reins of Palmerston North Boys’High School after
brothers, whanau 2016 was daunting. 2016 was a very successful year for the
and our community; school, and I undoubtedly had huge shoes to fill. I had heard
welcome to this of some doubts that the standards of the previous year could
evening. 2017 has been a huge year for Palmy Boys’. It has had not be met, that the bar had been raised too high. However,
its ups and downs, but in all, it has been an extraordinary year it was my hope that this year, as a school, we could meet
for Palmerston North Boys’High School and our community. and even surpass the standards of 2016.
It has been an honour and privilege to this year to serve as
Head Prefect, working with staff, Deputy Head Prefect Greg This year, we started off with a roll of 1,838 students, the
largest in the School’s 115-year history. From the Year 13

22 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

group, 41 Prefects were selected, again the largest group The success of the Prefects and supporting students carried
in the School’s history. Our team of Prefects have led and on throughout the year, especially in fundraising events. In
served well in all areas of school life to achieve some great Term 1, at the annual Cancer Society Relay for Life, our boys
success. At the start of the year, I was lucky enough to head raised $6,090 for the event - the most we have ever raised.
off with 19 other Year 13’s, Mr van Stipriaan, Mr Barwick, Mr The World Vision Committee, led by Benji Pritchard, has been
Finch, Mr Brokenshire, Mr Durie, Mr D. King on the Crest to the most driven and successful fundraising campaign to
Crest Challenge. This is the physical and mental challenge date. At the start of the year, they set a target to fundraise
that pushes the boys to complete just under 400km of $50,000 for World Vision. Benji and his team held multiple
running, canoeing, mountain biking and road biking in five events throughout the year that engaged the school and
days. With the weather conditions being wet, but favourable, our community, to raise around $15,000. They may have
particularly on the river, we managed to finish setting a new failed in their massive goal they set of $50,000, but they
record of 22 hours and 59 minutes, beating the record set aimed for the moon, missed, and they landed in the stars. My
in 2016 by around 1 hour and 20 minutes. This was a week congratulations to the boys involved in all aspects of these
of hard work. It was tough and exhausting in its demands initiatives. Your hard work is a great achievement and has
on our bodies throughout the Crest to Crest Challenge. The helped our community, in a way that we have never seen
success of the Crest to Crest Challenge for each of the lads in the history of our school thus far.
individually, and as a group, was something to behold. The
realisation of a goal I had set since seeing the Crest team run The Student Forum, led by Student Board Representative
into school back in 2013, hit me in a wave of euphoric pride Alan Kirk, worked with the PTA to raise $19,000 in funds from
as we ran through the gates, past the Memorial Gallery and the School Raffle. We held the most successful Senior School
to the school crest at the front of school - just as they did. It Ball in the history of Palmy Boys’, with over 700 in attendance,
was in this opportunity where we learnt the importance of a budget of $24,000 and National media coverage. I would
hard work, determination and grit. The attitudes and efforts like to thank Hamzah Arafeh, Harrison Ward, Matt Peel and
from all of the boys when presented with such adversity the Ball Committee for their exceptional management and
made me so proud to be a part of such an accomplishment. leadership in organising the event.
My thanks go to all of the staff involved with 2017 Crest to
Crest Challenge. Your support, knowledge and preparation The Prefects saw further success in various sporting codes.
was key to our success. At the Athletics Championships at the beginning of the year,
the Prefect Relay team exhibited excellent teamwork and
sporting prowess to beat the Staff Relay team in a narrow
race. We had the privilege of playing the PNGHS Prefects in
a game of Netball that we managed to win 17-12, and again
play them in Football that we won 7-1. The one stain on the
winning streak was the unfortunate 1-0 loss to staff in the
anual Prefects vs. Staff Football match.

Prefects’assemblies have been a positive way to interact and
give our messages to the student body on Tuesdays each
week. Greg’s revival of ‘Quote of the Week’ was outstanding,
as well as music performances that were successfully
coordinated by Joseph Medyckyj-Scott.

My thanks not only to the Prefects, but to everyone in this
school that has helped us make all of this possible. On behalf
of the Prefects, I would just like to thank you for all of your
contributions, and for letting us serve you.

What characterises the Palmy Boys’ education is the
opportunities we are presented by the school to learn,
perform and succeed. In academics, in sport and in cultural
activities, we as students could not ask for more. I can recall
in Year 10 being lured into the position of keys player in the
school Stage Band. I was not confident, and doubted my
ability to fulfill the role. However, with the support of staff,
I came to love it. In 2015, the Stage Band toured to South
Australia in what is one of my most memorable experiences
with the group. These experiences opened doors for me in
the Music Department, with Jazz Combo, Barbershop singing
and OK Chorale being a few of the opportunities I have been
fortunate enough to be a part of. However, I think perhaps
some of the most unique opportunities at Boys’ High come
with our focus on character education. “Intelligence plus
character - that is the goal of true education”. Those were
words spoken by Martin Luther King Jnr. back in 1964, and
they are just as relevant now as ever.

This year concludes 12 years of service from our Leadership
Director, Mr Paul King. Mr King has been a huge part of
establishing the true goal of education here at Palmy Boys’
and our School’s Vision to ‘develop educated young men of
outstanding character’. Sir, thank you for the significant service
you have provided to the school in developing leadership

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 23

opportunities for our young men. A testament to your hard the Music Department, seeing huge individual successes and
work was the Leadership Forum run this year during New group achievements.You have pioneered this and I hope that
Zealand Leadership Week that saw close to 400 young we, as senior students in the Department, have served well
people from across the Manawatu, Rangitikei, Wairarapa, in all aspects of involvements and performances.
Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki regions in attendance. This is just 2017 is also Mr Alastair Campbell’s final year as a teacher
a small example of what you provide for character education at PNBHS as he moves down south to take up HOD of
here at Boys’ High. You have, as Niccoló Machiavelli stated, Social Sciences at Otago Boys’ High School. Sir, thank you
taken on one of the hardest challenges in initiating a “new for putting up with our History class over the past four to
order of things”. Yet, your work has helped to instill the values five years. Although we may be “oxygen thieves”, we have
of Palmy Boys’ in every young man that walks through our learnt plenty from you about history, life, and your political
gates. Your support for past Prefect groups, including this views and prejudices as a seasoned historian. The open class
year, has been invaluable. You are a man that I respect and discussions have been fervent, but the banter has been even
hold in the highest regard, and one to whom I owe a great more so. We may have been problematic as a class, and
deal. Thank you and on behalf of the brothers here at PNBHS, perhaps your move is a final solution to this. Thank you for all
I would like to wish you all the best for your future. that you have done for us, Albion Club and the school, you
are a true champion. I wish you all the best for your future.
The success that we celebrate of our students is more than
the opportunities themselves, but of the people that provide To Mr Bovey, thank you for your service. You have now
them. Our staff here at PNBHS are the very reason we have successfully ran the school for five years, and our Year 13
such opportunities. Their dedication, effort and passion for group is the first batch of fully-fledged “Bovians”. The work
this school and its students are what make this place tick. you do for the school is extraordinary, and you lead the way
From the tutorials out of class time to efforts in co-curricular in your values and work ethic. Your passion for the school
involvement, our staff provide above and beyond an and our students is perhaps only rivaled by your passion
education for our boys. On behalf of the brothers, thank you. for Motörhead. Thank you for the banter, comedic relief
Thank you, teachers, Deans, Library staff, Maintenance staff, and work with Mr Atkin and Senior Management to serve
Administration staff, Support staff and Senior Management; the school as well as you do. Furthermore, on behalf of the
for all that you do. It would take until Christmas to thank Prefects, thank you Mr Atkin and Mr King for your support
each of you individually, but I would like to take the time to throughout the year in our endeavours. I hope we have
thank a few that have had an impact on my chapter here served the school in an outstanding manner and raised the
at Boys’ High. bar in 2017.
My thanks go to all of the Palmy Boys’ Brothers for an
Firstly, thank you to Mr van Stipriaan, Mr Davidson outstanding year. In particular, to the Year 13’s. The last five
and your families. You have been the two College House years have been a blast. I know we will all keep in contact
Managers during my five years at the hostel. Mr van, over time, and never forget the experiences we have had, and
you were the first figure I looked up to when arriving at what this place has given us. All the best heading forward.
PNBHS. Your early morning wake-ups with Charlotte and Thank you to the Prefect group for helping with duties,
Thomas will forever be remembered by those who were events, fundraisers, and being reliable. Special thanks to
privileged enough to experience them.Your mentorship and
management in your time at College House was fantastic,
thank you for that. It has been a privilege to work with Mr
Davidson, the Masters and Year 13’s this year over at the
hostel. Thank you sir, for your support from the starting
blocks, and your unwavering commitment to managing
180 boys in a trying environment. You do a fantastic job and
have developed a safe, modern and positive place for all the
boys to live and perform highly in all manners of their lives. It
has been a pleasure to live with the Murray Brothers for five
years and I hope, as a Year 13 group, we have served well.

Thank you to all of the staff in the Music Department. To Mr
Young, Mr Dredge, Mrs Dearlove, Mr Hoare, Mr Neville
Lauridsen, our itinerant music teachers and my personal
piano teacher, Mr Guy Donaldson. You have helped me
immeasurably in my development as a musician, pianist
and young man. The opportunities you provide and have
encouraged me to engage with have been the making of
my Boys’High chapter. This year has been a great success for

24 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

Greg for serving next to me in what has been an exceptional Head Boy, Patrick Takurua, and Deputy Head Boy, Greg
year for the school. Your service and support has been much Shaw
needed at times. All the best of luck heading forward mate. I
hope to see you wearing a Green Jacket someday. a reason. Manners and respect will take you further in life
than the classroom education you receive. Live by our school
I wish the best of luck to the Year 13 group of 2018. Carry the values and you will go far. Be an upstander and champion of
PNBHS banner high and keep the same high standards of integrity in whatever situation you find yourselves in during
achievement. Do not settle for second best. Remember our life. Furthermore, if you really want something, be prepared
core values and ideals of excellence. Most importantly, live to work hard for it. Work at school, work at play. Nihil Boni
by these. Work together to be better than previous years and Sine Labore.
forge a legacy for yourselves that will be one to remember.
Take another step forward and take the whole school with It has been a privilege to serve our school this year. As
you. Be proud, but never satisfied, because ‘better’ never Mr Truter said in his final assembly notices of the year, we
stops. inherit this place for a short time. The tradition stands in our
buildings, values and ethos. But it is our duty to inherit this
At the end of the Term 2 holidays, the whole of the school school and leave our own stamp on it for the history books.
community was devastated by the loss of Mr Jimmy To leave our school in a better place than we found it in. I
Crosswell after a hard-fought battle with cancer. To the hope we have done this in 2017. To all, have a safe and happy
Boys’ High family, Mr Crosswell was a College House Master, holidays and enjoy your successes and reflect upon your
teacher, coach, father, husband and good friend. He was a failures. Be proud, but never satisfied, because“better”
man who will be remembered for his scraggly ‘flea-beard’, never stops. Thank you.
quality banter, hearty yarns, compassion and love that he
showed towards all students. His 3 goals in life were: 1. Marry
the woman of his dreams, of which he was blessed with Mrs
Crosswell; 2. Have a child, of which he was blessed with his
beautiful daughter Isla; and 3. Work at Palmerston North
Boys’ High School. When acknowledging his commitment
and passion for the school, his last goal speaks for itself. His
passion and love for the school, hostel and his family was
unrivaled. To Mrs Crosswell, George, Cam and Isla, you still
remain a huge part of the Boys’ High family and I hope our
continued support has helped you through this tough time.

At Mr Crosswell’s funeral service, the way that the entire
school reacted, particularly College House, showed just how
much of an integral part Jimmy held in each of our lives.
Furthermore, it spoke volumes of the values and strength
of the Boys’ High family. I will never forget that. To the boys,
I hope you never forget what Palmy Boys’ is. Because Palmy
Boys’is not a place. Palmy Boys’is people. You will have great
times. You will have awful times. But here at PNBHS, you will
forge friendships that will transcend the parameters of school
life. Mates that will last a lifetime. And when you leave the
gates of Boys’ High, you will forever be a ‘Palmy Boy’. We all
have our own upbringings and have walked different paths
in our lives, but it is our chapter here at Boys’High that we all
share. Whether it’s plain to see or not, the boys who sit next
to you in the hall every morning, the lads in your classes, in
your sports teams and cultural groups; are your brothers.
If I could leave you with one bit of advice, it would be that
of what the College House Year 13’s told us Year 9’s back
when we started our Boys’ High chapter. That is; “Respect
commands respect”. Respect everyone and everything. You
won’t receive it otherwise. It is one of our school values for

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 25

ANZAC DAY

In recent years, the address at our annual School ANZAC Service had recently transferred to, were part of reconnaissance
has been given by young men studying Level Three flights to locate these detectors.
History. A component of this course is a study of Old Boys
who fought in World War One and World War Two. This year On the 2nd of November 1943, Flying Officer Turton boarded
Denzel Chung and Finlay McRae recounted the stories of four the cockpit of a de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito as a navigator.
Old Boys killed in the Second Word War, who we had only With pilot Flying Officer Fielding, the two-man craft set off
recently become aware of. The unearthing of the details of for their photo reconnaissance flight. During this flight, a
these four young men takes the total number of Old Boys Mitsubishi zero fighter shot at the plane from close range.
of PNBHS killed in war to 203. Bullets took out the right engine and surrender was the only
option. This stance was communicated by the gesturing
Below is the ANZAC Address presented by Denzel pilot to the Japanese fighter. This was the second occasion
and Finlay: in which Turton had been shot at, the first resolving in a
parachute abortion before being picked up by the 2nd
On this day, we choose to commemorate the lives that fell in South African brigade during the Western Desert Campaign.
the largest global conflicts of our era. Few still live to testify The Japanese fighter who had opened fire, Captain Kuroe,
today the horrors of the past, so access to the reality of WWI detailed in his account the Mosquito’s surrender. As he flew
and WWII is through poems, diary accounts or photos. The alongside, he instructed that they turn around. The pilot of
mantra, “Lest We Forget”, becomes ever more apposite as we the Mosquito did as such, but after half an hour the second
become generations removed from those that fought to engine faltered and so an emergency landing in the trees was
secure our freedom. Our school has not forgotten the 199 the only option. The small clearing they spotted provided
Old Boys who died in conflict but I make mention of photos the possibility for this outcome. However, approaching the
because, in the Memorial Gallery archives, are photos of uppermost branches of the jungle near Rangoon, at a rate
Old Boys in the war kept by the Rector of the time, Mr John of close to about 120 knots, the attempt to land failed. A
Murray. Last year, a small photo was picked out of it that had wing broke off on impact with the trees, swung around to
written on its back: Robert Turton, MIA, Burma. Following contact the main shell and caused the aircraft to explode.
the finding of this photo, further archive research revealed Following several sweeps around the area, the two Flying
three more Old Boys in addition to Robert Turton who were Officers, including Old Boy Robert Turton, were confirmed
killed in WWII that we did not know about, increasing our as having died in the crash.
lists to 203. Infallibly, this address is dedicated to telling you
about our men. Colin Roy Baker was another Old Boy of our School. He was
a Pilot Instructor for the RNZAF before serving with No. 75
Robert Turton was born in Kakahi, near Taumaranui, in 1921. Squadron. His highest honour, the Distinguished Flying Cross,
He attended PNBHS in 1935, belonging to Albion club, and was awarded whilst he was flying a Short Stirling, that is a
played football, cricket and tennis. He was enlisted on the four-engine bomber, on a mine-laying operation. At Brest
12th of March 1940 and trained at Levin and RNZAF Base in France, his outboard control rod broke, necessitating an
Ohakea before being deployed as a Flying Officer in the RAF emergency landing under difficult circumstances, which
No. 105 Squadron. he managed at Castle Combe Airfield, Wiltshire, some 400
kilometres from the English Channel. Flying Officer Baker
The circumstances of his deployment and death arose was involved in weekly operations over a three-month
because of the Chinese conflict with the Japanese. The allies period from the December of 1943, during which 500-1500lb
were supplying the Chinese with weapons, ammunition and mines were deposited on targets throughout France. He
other wartime resources but the supply route was aerial, then became involved in attacking missions as far away
passing from India over the Himalayas and a large expanse as Cologne in Germany and such targets meant he would
of jungle to China. Beneath the canopy of treetops were often need to evade enemy fire. He was 22 years of age on
concealed sonar detectors that allowed Japanese fighters to the 16th of April 1945, when, as part of the 11 Op Training
easily shoot down these supply carriers in order to suffocate Unit, his Wellington X collided in mid-air with another
their enemy’s supplies. Turton and 681 Squadron, which he

26 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

Wellington nor-nor-east of RAF Oakley, Buckinghamshire.
No one survived the collision.

John Gordon Thomson was born in Palmerston North in
1922, an only child. He had a turbulent childhood, studying
at Boys’ High during Years 9 and 10 before moving to Levin
District High School and then Nelson College. Despite this, he
was a skilled athlete, moving from playing social cricket as a
junior at Boys’High to the 1st XI and 1st XV in his senior years.
He was recorded as a powerfully-built, stocky man: 5’10”,
or 178cm tall, with a 40” chest, brown hair and hazel eyes.
Leaving school, he studied at Wellington Technical College
before finding a steady job as a clerk with Shell Oil. However,
war broke out soon after and he enlisted for aircrew training,
entering camp in Levin in 1941 and left for the UK in 1942.

Thomson was a skilled fighter pilot who flew P-51 Mustangs
and Supermarine Spitfires on combat operations and patrols
around the Belgian and Dutch coasts. It was not work for the
faint hearted, as this somewhat understated extract from
his diary reads:

January 20: “Left base at 1400 hrs. to do diversionary sweep in...
Belgium. Crossed Belgium coast at 1500 hrs... I got a hole in post
wing and shot up and silenced a gun post. Went 6 miles in and
turned around and came out as I did not know what damage
was done to my kite. Shot up defences on the way out. Climbed
up to await the Mitchell bombers. When they came out Tony and
I each picked out a FW 190, which was attacking a Mitchell and
I gave my bloke a long squirt ... FW 190 subsequently crashed
into sea.”

His skill and bravery earned him a spot on the King’s Birthday thousands of miles away, of their feats in life and in battle? It
Honours List in June 1943, for services to the air. Just four is because we cannot afford to not do so.
months later, he disappeared on his 21st operational flight,
a sweep over enemy territory around the French-Belgian Our country, for all its flaws, is extraordinarily blessed: by its
border. Believed to have been shot down by Luftwaffe isolation from war and conflict, by its stable democracy, by
fighters, Thomson is believed to be buried where he fell, in its respect for the rights and freedoms of man. But these
the small Belgian town of Eernegem. blessings came at a cost - a cost not just borne by far-off
foreigners, but by people like Turton, Boocock, Baker and
Walter Boocock was born in 1915 in Grey Lynn, Auckland Thomson: young men like you and me, young men who
and attended Boys’High in 1929 as a Year 9 in Phoenix Club. once walked through these very gates and sat where you sit
An average, middle-stream student, after leaving school, he today. When Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan struggled to
was posted to the Royal Air Force’s 550 Squadron, where take over the world, they stepped up in response and their
he became a bomber pilot involved in heavy bombing strength and courage helped us preserve a way of life that
operations against German factories. On the 12th of July is today the envy of the world.
1944, he piloted a Lancaster bomber on a strategic offensive
near Revigny-sur-Ornain, in German-occupied France. In We cannot forget, either, that with the millions of lives
difficult conditions, the aircraft collided with another RAF tragically cut short, tens of millions more made heavy
Lancaster, killing all crew instantly. The tragic incident was sacrifices. Some are visible, like the physical scars and damage
witnessed by inhabitants of nearby towns, including the of war; and some are less so, like the stress of losing a mate, a
mayor of Bar-le-Duc, Robert Piquet. He wrote to assure the brother, a loved one; the memories of violence and human
relatives of the dead that: depravity that can never quite go away, the darkness of
trauma and depression that too many veterans had to hide
“The crew did all in their power to spare the village and the away, trying to ‘return to normal life’.
town…(from) the awful damage that might have been
caused… by the fall of the plane and the explosions of the This is why we remember every year: to help us to appreciate
bombs. I was a witness of their long struggle in vain. Please what we have and, by remembering just what they cost, to
will you assure...of our affectionate sympathy and of all the hold on more dearly to them. We cannot ever forget that no
gratitude we owe to those who saved us and gave their lives blessing comes without a price.
for our liberation. The precious trust which has been given to
us is preciously guarded - lying in the soil of Lorraine they are
as our own.”

Walter Boocock now lies in the Perreuse Chateau Franco-
British National Cemetery, located on land donated by a
French family, along with 165 other Commonwealth soldiers
from World Wars I and II.

These stories raise a question which has emerged, without
fail, year after year. Why? Why, every year, do we reveal stories
of Old Boys long gone, of our young men fighting and dying

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 27





30 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

COLLEGE HOUSE – 2017
7th Row: Shengsheng He, Dylann Jones, Angus Grant, Jack Nesdale, Toby Donovan, Jamie Penn, Jake Hobbs, Hayden Palmer, Nick Slegers, Tom Finlay, Max Edwards, Harry Newman, Chris Lyons, Christopher Dewhurst, Jack Campbell, Gus
Robertson, Wade Talatala, Lachlan Howell, Digby Werthmuller, Blake Hodges, Elias Brind, Piers Savage, Thai Nguyen, Stewart Cruden, Sam Hui
6th Row: Bank Jonglertjanya, Logan Law, Angus Brodie, Douggie Ashton, Matt Dinh, Michael Nicholls, Daniel Bell, Oscar Teague, Angus Grant, Logan Hughes, John Cole, Ethan Symons, Isaiah Su’a, Cail Terry, Hayden Skou, Zody Takurua,
Hugo Wakeling, Boss Chanprathet, Ettiene Blignaut, Jardyn Tamati, Liam Annis, Cameron Berkahn, Aidan Champion, Jack Davis
5th Row: Jordan Steedman, Ben Petersen, Jack Garforth, Kalani Grant, Brad Christian, Angus Moody, Campbell Martin, Ian Lee, Trent Hooper, Jack Gibbs, Jack Sturmey, James Stratton, Tyler Shaw, Remi Halpin, Ari Keenan, Henry Deans,
Rohan Sharma, Kevin Li, Kurtis Brind, Jayden Keelan, Lee Davis, Hamish Magee, Toviar Muir, Finn Campbell, Jack Peden
4th Row: Paul Teoh, Marshall Burn, Aydan Lyons, Guy Petersen, Cameron Kerr, Tom Hansen, Ryan Codlin, Jone Veiogo, Alex Chapple, Daniel Alvey, Sam Oakden, Dion Poynton, Jack Beggs, Ben Wood, Josh Hubbard, Clay Simpson-Smith,
Blake Taylor, Ben McAlley, Jonathan Te, Elyjah Crosswell, Riley Pereka, Angus Wallace, Ben Loudon, Zac Matthewson-Booth, Regan Fleming
3rd Row: Max Meads, Eugene Stassen, Connor Managh, Jack Crafts, Luke Brown, Zac Farmer, James Steele, Troy Bradley, Oscar Wight, Lukhan Whittfield, Aidan Thorne, Kane Henderson, Dean Shields, Joshua Gloyn, Charlie Lourie, Thomas
Kirk, Matthew Dellow, Hunta Boyes, Blain Quinn, Harrison Phyn, Alex Ball, Jordan King, Win Juntamongkon, Henry Boyden, Xavier Phillips, Blake Meads, Macca Williams, Otto Ward, Matt Shaw
2nd Row: James McKinnon, Folk Sitkrongvong, Jack Allomes, Max Deighton, Zane Munn, Mr George Bass, Mr Jake Blanks, Mr Alex Stephenson, Mr Jacob Meehan, Mr Scott Davidson, Mr Richard Fogarty, Thomas Walshe (Deputy Head
Boy), Patrick Takurua (Head Boy) Mr Matthew Davidson, Mrs Tracey Davidson, Ollie Davidson, Ms Jean Byers, Mr Willie Docherty, Mr Shaun McFarlane, Mr Robin Doyle, Tom Robson, Jonty Fleck, Corey Stewart, William Yu, North Pisanuwong
Front Row: Lachlan Phyn, Ben Havord, Jack Lovell, Henry Bayliss, Will Turner, Sam Brodie, Leon Su, Jordan Huang, Oliver Sexton, Blake Hooper, Cody Borlase, Samson Ramis, Jonny Taylor, George Alabaster, Tama Nikora, Nicholas Dewhurst,
Josh Rautahi, Tipene Treacy, Hayden Bell, Leighton Edwards
Absent: Mrs Margaret Finch, Cullen Cross, Lafo Takiari-Ah Ching, Nick Harding, Oliver Magee, Joseff Mehdi, Ollie Rhodes

COLLEGE HOUSE

Manager: Mr M. Davidson proud to be a part of it, let alone lead Murray Club. Further
Assistant Manager: Mr R. Fogarty events in the first term, including Butler Cup Cricket, Senior
Head Boy: Patrick Takurua Touch, Tennis, Table Tennis, Road Race and Swimming Sports
meant Murray finished the Term 1 with a secure lead in the
MURRAY CLUB LEADERS (L-R): Patrick Takurua (Club Shand Shield Competition.
Captain and College House Head Prefect), Thomas Walshe
(Deputy Club Captain and College House Deputy Head The 63rd annual Year 9 Niger House Rugby match was
Prefect) held at home on the PNBHS No. 1 field on Queen’s Birthday
Weekend. This is always a huge event on the calendar for
THE HEAD BOY COMMENTS ON THE YEAR College House and a proud tradition for the Year 9 boarders
He aha te mea nui o te ao and Year 13 coaches. The match itself was hard-fought, with
What is the most important thing in the world? gallant efforts from the boys in black and gold. However, the
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata failure to convert possession, territory and momentum into
It is the people, it is the people, it is the people. points resulted in New Plymouth pulling out of reach on
2017 has been a big year for College House. It has had its the scoreboard. In the second half, courage and pride took
ups and downs but overall, it has been an outstanding year hold of the pack as good forward work led to Cody Borlase
for Murray Club and the hostel family. It has been a privilege touching down for a try. A final try from New Plymouth in
and pleasure to be at the helm, working with staff, Prefects, the last minutes of the game again saw the Dairy Farmers
Year 13’s and fellow students for a successful year. of the ‘Naki’ continue to hold the Niger House trophy, it
From the start of the year, there was a huge involvement seems, ‘til the cows come home. The final score of a 45 - 5
from the lads in a panoply of different co-curricular activities loss did not reflect the committed effort and pride that the
and high achievements across all fields, which led to great team showed in trainings and the ticker they left out on
individual success and Club momentum. Perhaps, most the pitch. The Niger House tradition is, in fact, about much
importantly, was the positive start to the year from our Year 9 more than the game of rugby. As good as it feels to win, it
students. From my perspective, I have seen these boys grow is an opportunity for the boarders of College House to face
immeasurably throughout the year. Every challenge, from adversity as a year group. The rigorous trainings late at night
the amazing race to Round the Ranges Relay, and marching and the sweat and struggles of fellow boarders represent
practice at the start of the year to Niger House Rugby, the the massive challenge that the game is. It is one of the most
Year 9’s have put in a huge effort to achieve their greatest effective trials that produces a Year 9 group that will learn to
potential. Their effort and attitude towards the challenges work hard towards a common goal and support eachother
they have faced has been nothing short of impressive, in some tough situations throughout their time at the hostel.
and stands them in good stead for the rest of their time at The success of the Niger House tradition does not lay written
College House. in the score on game day, but in the hard work that both
As always, the Shand Shield Competition is a massive the coaches and players put in, and the attitudes and efforts
driving factor for Murray Club. The Shand Shield has been shown when presented with adversity. To the Year 9’s, never
an elusive target for the past seven years, last winning it in forget that experience and take it in your stride as you go on
2010. However, this year it seems, as the Bob Dylan song to coach in your senior year. Be proud of what you achieved,
suggests, The Times They Are A-Changin’. The year started but work hard to be better than you were, to be better than
off with a hiss and a roar at Athletics Championships, we were. I would like to personally thank fellow coaches Jack
the highlight of the first term. Some outstanding individual Sturmey, James Statton, Gregor Nelson and Clay Simpson-
performances, coupled with some excellent exhibitions of Smith for their dedication and time.
teamwork, led to Murray bringing home 1st in Field, 3rd in
Track, 1st in Relays and 1st in Marching to win the day overall. The last week of Term 3 is busy for the Shand Shield
In addition to that was the showing of our proud Murray Competition, having Winter Tournament Day, the Club
Brotherhood. The chants during the relays and the way the Choral Competition and Senior Monrad Cup. The Shand
boys conducted themselves during the Club Marching was Shield Winter Tournament is always a huge test for Murray
the epitome of this brotherhood and it made me extremely Club, as we have to utilise all of our numbers across all codes
to effectively compete with the far larger day clubs. Due to
both the UK Rugby Development Tour and the Renaissance
Tour to Italy, a number of seniors were away, including
myself and three other College House Prefects. This made
coordinating the Shand Shield Winter Tournament difficult.
However, with the leadership and organisation of Deputy
Head Boy, Thomas Walshe, and other senior students, Murray
managed to achieve some fantastic results. This included
wins in Junior Rugby and Senior Hockey and top-three
finishes from Senior Basketball (2nd), Junior Hockey (2nd),
Junior Volleyball (2nd) and Golf (3rd). Our results on the day
meant Murray came through with a 2nd place overall. In
the Senior Monrad Cup, we extended our lead in the Shand
Shield to 3rd equal. In the Club Choral Competition, we were
awarded 4th place in what is always a tough and long day
for the boys involved. My huge thanks to Chris Dewhurst,
Sam Oakden, Digby Werthmuller and Angus I. Grant for
their leadership in the preparation and performance of this
event. The Murray Debating team put together three stellar
performances to win the Club Debating for the first time

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 31

since 2007. My greatest thanks and congratulations to John given 100% in everything that you have done and you have
Cole, Thomas Walshe and Zody Takurua for their efforts to been an absolute asset to the hostel. Thank you for your
break the decade of drought in this competition. service and I wish you and your family all the very best of
luck for the future.
These results put Murray Club in a strong position for the
2017 Shand Shield Competition title, with a current (as of My thanks go to all of the Murray Brothers for an outstanding
October) 10.5-point lead over Phoenix Club in 2nd place, year, in particular to the Year 13’s. The last five years have
with only Junior Monrad Cup and Junior Touch left. It has been a blast. I know we will all keep in contact over time,
been a very successful Shand Shield campaign by all of the and never forget the experiences we have had and what
boys here at the hostel, and I would like to thank all of you this place has given us. All the best heading forward. Thank
individually for your performances this year. The ‘Murray you to the Prefect group for helping with duties, practices
Machine’is purring again, and hopefully, this puts the Shand and being reliable. My thanks especially to Thomas Walshe
Shield back where it belongs. who has had my back when times have gotten busy. With
your drive and passion, you have been right next to me at
To Mrs Templeman and your cleaning staff, thank you. the crest of the black and gold wave. Thank you.
You do a fine job every week and after a tough day at school,
it is hugely appreciated to come back to a clean hostel. To I wish the best of luck to the Year 13 group of 2018. Carry the
Mrs Reid and your team in the laundry, thank you to the Murray banner high and keep the same high standards of
moon and back. I think we take for granted that you are the achievement. Do not settle for second best. Work together
reason 180 boys have clean clothes every day. Thank you for to be better than previous years and forge a legacy for
your effort to ensure this happens and“thank you for making yourselves that will be one to remember. Take another step
everything cuggly”. Thank you to Mrs Mackie and all of the forward and take the whole hostel with you. Be proud but
kitchen staff who provide and cater for 180 young men. never satisfied, because ‘better’ never stops.
This is no small feat, especially when you have eaters like Gus
Robertson and Remi Halpin, who can eat all the protein and At the end of the Term 2 holidays, the whole of the College
carbohydrates equivalent to that of a horse every meal. As House community was devastated by the loss of Mr Jimmy
Mr Bovey quotes: “As Napoleon says: “an army marches on Crosswell after a hard-fought battle with cancer. To the
its stomach”.”. Murray Club certainly marches on its stomach College House family, Mr Crosswell was a master, teacher,
and you have provided the substance of the boys’successes. coach, father, husband and good friend. He was a man
To the Matrons, Mrs Finch and Mrs Byers, you have both who will be remembered for his scraggly‘flea-beard’, quality
been the taxi, the nurse, the organiser and the mum away banter, hearty yarns, compassion and love that he showed
from home for all of the boys here in the hostel. Your 24-hour towards all students. When it was 6:30 in the morning on a
commitment is something that is admirable, priceless and weekday and the boys were reluctant to get out of bed for a
does not go unnoticed. Thank you to all the masters; Mr hostel run, Mr Crosswell was already down North Street with
Doyle, Mr Meehan, Mr Docherty, Mr McFarlane, Mr his daughter for their morning walk before the school day
Blanks, Mr S. Davidson and gappy, Mr George Bass. Your started. His passion and love for the school, hostel and his
duties and help around the hostel, as well as the top notch family was unrivaled. To Mrs Crosswell, George, Cam and Isla,
banter, makes this place tick. you still remain a huge part of the College House family and
I hope our support has helped you through this tough time.
Thank you to Mr Davidson, Mrs Davidson and your
family for your support from the starting blocks, and your At Mr Crosswell’s funeral service, the way that the entire
unwavering commitment to managing 180 boys in a trying school reacted, particularly College House, showed just how
environment. You do a fantastic job and have developed a much of an integral part Jimmy held in each of our lives.
safe, modern and positive place for all the boys to live and Furthermore, it spoke volumes of the values and strength
perform to their greatest potential in all manners of their lives. of the College House family. And I will never forget that. To
the boys, I hope you never forget what College House and
2017 has been Mr Fogarty’s final year serving as a Murray Club is, because College House is not a place, College
College House Master and Assistant Manager. Sir, your House is people. You will have great times and you will have
tenure in these roles has been short, but invaluable. You awful times, but here at College House, as a Murray Club
have given your commitment in all facets of hostel life, from Brother, you will forge friendships that will transcend the
being a handyman in renovations and repairing damages parameters of school and hostel life. Mates that will last a
to being the most committed diet coke drinker that I think lifetime. When it all boils down, what is the most important
anyone has ever seen. Your banter and terrible jokes won’t thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the
be missed, but your service and personality will be. You have people.

32 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 33

CLUB REPORTS

ALBION Championships and Marching. This provided Albion with
the opportunity to flex its muscular legs and compete in an
Club Master: Mr A. Campbell arena in which it had previously dominated. Albion won the
Club Captain: Tama Fa’amausili  track event overall and was second in the relays, which was
a strong club effort. Less flattering results in the field and
ALBION CLUB LEADERS (L-R): Callum McRae (Deputy Club (harshly graded) marching did not tarnish the sound start
Captain), Tama Fa’amausili (Club Captain), Finlay McRae the club had made.
(Deputy Club Captain)
Albion’s results in recent years endowed a sense of hunger Throughout the year, Albion competed notably well in the
within the mindset of the Club as 2017 began. The recent Road Race and Cross Country, triumphing in both events.
wooden anniversary of an opposition club strengthened Other significantly high placings were a first place in Table
the desire to win the Shand Shield. Perhaps Kia Ora’s Tennis and a second in Squash. Again, Albion proved that it
complacency from the top spot explains the crippling did not care much for splashing about in the paddling pool,
stiffness that seems to have strained them out of the 2017 although a competitive last place was asign of improving
competition. In any case, this would mean the crowning of a competency in water.
different club this year and Albion were keen to be that club.
The earliest event in the school year was the Athletics Winter Tournament was underwhelming for Albion, not
doing enough to consolidate Albion’s south-east-flank-of-
the-hall status. Chess and Golf were the only victories on
the day, and the cancellation of Football due to bad weather
meant the opportunity to pile the points on Murray died,
along with our realistic hopes of winning the Shand Shield.

Albion has been competitive this year, largely due to
the prevalent hunger in all club members. However, the
leadership of Club Captain, Tama Fa’amausili, Callum McRae,
as well as input from the Club Master, Mr Alastair Campbell,
and other club staff, proved instrumental in how the club
fared. It is encouraging to see Albion performing the best in
events, which requires buy-in from the whole club. Looking
to next year, a continuation of this spirit would see Albion
do very well.

By Finlay McRae, Deputy Club Captain

GORDON like to offer my congratulations to Mr Tomlinson for taking
over as Club Master this year and to say good luck for the
Club Master: Mr D. Tomlinson future years to come.
Club Captain: Matt Peel
Gordon Club is typically known for being strong contenders
GORDON CLUB LEADERS (L-R): Alec Hart (Deputy Club in events at the beginning of the year - athletics, swimming
Captain), Matt Peel (Club Captain), Cody Broad (Deputy and road race - but never seeming to be able to pull through
Club Captain) at the crunch time of the competition towards the end of the
It is with a great sense of pride that I am able to write year. However, this year the expectations were high of the
this report on behalf of the mighty Gordon Club. For the senior leaders of Gordon to produce a better result. It would
past 10 years, Gordon Club has been led by Mr Doolan - a require all the seniors of Gordon Club to put in the effort
great service that reflects our Club’s values of participation, and lead by example. At the beginning of the Shand Shield
commitment and pride. Mr Doolan went to great lengths to Competition, the boys within the Club came with the same
motivate the boys in any upcoming interclub competitions, passion, pride and enthusiasm as they do every other year.
and on behalf of the boys and staff of Gordon, I would like
to thank him for his outstanding commitment. I would also Assisted by a motivated group ofYear 13’s, as well as Deputies
Cody Broad and Alec Hart, we managed to start the year
with results that created foundations of what could be a
hotly contested race at the end of the year - the boys just
needed to step up and seize the opportunities that arose.
We had wins in Tennis, Squash and Senior Basketball, as well
as a win in the fiercely challenged and extremely valuable
Senior Monrad Cup. Notable wins in this were Year 11 Tug
of War, Aranga Ball and Longball (which was still a draw at
the of extra time, so was ultimately decided upon a game
of Paper, Scissors, Rock). We have created a platform for our
Junior boys to step up and lead the club to victory, with
Junior Monrad Cup occurring in Term 4. With the extension
of Butler Cup Cricket and Debating also in Term 4, there is
still a very possible chance that Gordon Club can perform
well in final placings.

Being named as Gordon Club Captain for 2017 was an

34 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

immense honour, one that I will remember for the rest of Gordon Club, staff and students, for the level of commitment
my life. It fills me with pride that I was able to wear the light and participation they showed throughout the year, and to
blue singlet for five years, and to lead my Club in my final wish them luck for next year’s competition. Go hard, and
year at Palmy Boys. I would like to wish next year’s Gordon never forget that Nothing is Achieved Without Hard Work.
Club Captain luck in the Shand Shield Competition for 2018.
By Matt Peel, Club Captain
Finally, I would also like the thank all of the members of

KIA ORA This brought us to Winter Tournament, which proved to be
a testament to the ‘winter’ part. The weather was less than
Club Master: Mr L. Retemeyer ideal, and both Junior and Senior Football was rained out. The
Club Captain: Jacob Hewetson-Talamaivao Chess boys finished second equal with Gordon, the Junior
and Senior Hockey teams faring a bit worse with third and
KIA ORA CLUB LEADERS (L-R): Joseph Mafi (Deputy Club fourth placings respectively. Placing second and fourth in
Captain), Jacob Hewetson-Talamaivao (Club Captain), Junior and Senior Basketball, and a highlight in Volleyball, the
Hamzah Arafeh (Deputy Club Captain) Seniors coming first. The Juniors were at the other end of the
spectrum in fifth. Fourth in Quiz and fifth in Golf. However,
We are Kia Ora. the Smallbore Shooting boys brought some much needed
We are the Sun. relief, coming in second. This brings us to Junior Rugby. I
We are Brothers. wanted to make special mention of the Junior Rugby team,
For years we have burned bright, yellow and golden, because, despite coming in last place, I saw something out
outshining the competition and etching a legacy that will there on that cold and rainy paddock. These fine young men
be upheld with pride and honour for years to come. But as played each game giving it their absolute all, never once
does the sun rise, the sun ultimately must set. For five years complaining, despite being three players short. They never
we have won hard-fought, back-to-back victories. It is with gave up, despite the odds being against them, and played
a heavy heart that I must say the sun has set in 2017. with some real heart and determination. They showed their
2017 started off with a not-too-shabby performance in the true colours in amongst the muck that day, and brought
first major event of the year: Athletics Day. The boys pulled pride to themselves and to the Kia Ora Club. They gave
through, with our best result of the event being second testament to what it means to be Kia Ora.
equal to Vernon in Marching. Miracles do not often happen
twice, and I don’t think anyone can blame us for not beating Next up came Choral, with the boys performing a wonderful
Murray in the Marching again. rendition of the School Motto Song, followed by Lean On Me
March 15th saw Kia Ora’s Senior Touch team produce a by Bill Withers. The boys did justice to both songs, coming
couple of stellar wins to take out first place, also coming in at second place. Special thanks go out to Kyle Dahl, Lewis
in with a podium third in Table Tennis and a disappointing Halewood, Carson Tare and Josiah Neville for organising all
sixth place in Tennis. the music, instruments, and for sorting out and helping the
The next major event in Kia Ora’s calendar was the school’s boys on the day.
annual Road Race. Despite not getting quite where we
wanted to with any of the four categories, the lads performed This finally brings us to Senior Monrad Cup. In Tug o’ War
admirably, with every boy in a golden singlet giving it his the Intermediates did quite well, placing second, while the
absolute best and, at the end of the day, we just could not Seniors, faring a bit worse, came in fourth. In Aranga Ball, the
cut the mustard. Intermediates were consistent, placing second again. Finally,
After less than satisfactory results in the Road Race, we looked in Long Ball, the Seniors came in fourth.
to improve with the next major event of the year, Swimming
Sports. This ultimately turned out to be our best collective I would like to thank the Club Master, Mr Retemeyer, for his
result as a club for the year. We bounced back hard in all passion and dedication to the Kia Ora Club all these years.
three year groups, with Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors Sir, you have been an inspiration to the boys, always keeping
all putting in hard work and placing on the podium for a us motivated, keeping us hopeful and being faithful to us.
majority of races. Ultimately, this led to Kia Ora retaining first Don’t lose hope, sir! Have faith!
place in Swimming Sports for another year.
Next up came Cross Country and Squash, with us not faring Also, thank you to Mr van Stipriaan and Mr Ross for helping
very well in either, finishing fifth and sixth respectively. organise the boys, especially in Athletics and Swimming
Sports. We would not have been able to do it without you.

To the boys this year. No matter what anyone says, be proud.
I have been there in the front lines with you. I have seen how
hard each of you have fought, your passion, pride and the
desire you have demonstrated is rewarding enough, even
without a victory. But take a this as a lesson. Take nothing for
granted. We won for five years because everyone jumped
in and worked hard. Everyone worked together. Everyone
believed. Still believe boys! We will get it back!

For 2017, the Sun has set. As the Sun sets, the Sun will rise
again.

We are Kia Ora.
We are the Sun.
We are Brothers.

By Hamzah Arafeh, Deputy Club Captain

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 35

PHOENIX struggled in the various running events. The Butler Cup has
been very promising, with two rounds still to play in Term 4.
Club Master: Mr A. Rehutai We are currently sitting tied for first place with Gordon, who
Club Captain: Jamie Tinetti are also unbeaten.

PHOENIX CLUB LEADERS (L-R): Jamie Tinetti (Club Coming into the last week of Term 3, we were sitting in fifth,
Captain), Ben O’Connor (Deputy Club Captain) with three further competitions to take place. Phoenix had
2016 was not the best year for the Phoenix Club so, with the very strong days with wins in the Winter Tournament and
introduction of Mr Rehutai as Club Master, we were striving also the Choral Competition. This has bumped us into our
to make 2017 our year. current standing of second place, just behind Murray, and
The first half of the year was not too positive for us, as we Albion now sitting just a few points behind. Unfortunately,
had been sitting in the bottom three for most of the year. the Monrad Cup was not the best day for us with no strong
We did, however, finish second in Swimming and Tennis, but performances from any of the teams. Despite this, we are
hoping that we have done enough to stay in second place
and are in pursuit to take the lead off Murray in Term 4.

A big thanks to all the teachers involved with the Shand
Shield Competition this year, but especially to Mr Rehutai
for all the time and effort you have put into this Club. Also
thanks to all the Year 13’s who have been involved with the
organisation of the events this year, and in taking up active
leadership roles within the Phoenix Club. My final thanks
goes to everyone in Phoenix who has participated in the
events this year, making such a spirited rise from the ashes
to be in the top two.

To all the boys in the future, on behalf of the Year 13’s, I wish
you all the best for the coming years am hope that there is
at least a few titles coming Phoenix Club’s way.

By Ben O’Connor, Deputy Club Captain

VERNON second place in the Marching was a massive highlight from
the entire day and showed the hard work the Club had put
Club Master: Mr S. Vindriis into their practices.
Club Captain: Greg Shaw
The annual Road Race is a day that can have many moments
VERNON CLUB LEADERS (L-R): Tom Tremain (Deputy Club of brilliance, but without full club involvement, will never
Captain), Greg Shaw (Club Captain) be a true success. As always, there were many moments
of individual excellence, but we did not get the results we
2017 was shaping up to be ‘the year’ for Vernon Club. Mr desired. I tip my hat to the Intermediate boys who ran their
Leighton senior’s departing words at the end of 2016 were hardest to allow Vernon to place first in that category. A
true, it was “about time we won”. The year started with second place in the Junior Road Race was also helpful for
high spirits at Athletics Championships and Marching. our 2017 Shand Shield title campaign. If the athleticism of
Amazing performances from the entire club contributed the juniors in the Club is anything to go by, then the future
to our success and a great start to our 2017 Shand Shield of Vernon Club is in good hands.
campaign. Some outstanding individual performances, on
the track in particular, got our day off to a great start and Swimming Sports is another big day for Vernon Club.
really boosted club morale. It was awesome to see plenty of Although it is only counted as one event, it still takes a huge
club members putting their hands up when it came to relay amount of organisation for the Club to have their swimmers
time. Generally, we are not a club full of talent, however we ready and rearing to go when called upon. We may have
are a club that can be relied on to give it our all when we are lacked in the number of swimmers who made finals, but
called upon. The relays were a fine example of this. As Club the courage of all those who did was impeccable. Some
Captain, it was humbling to see everyone putting their best excellent individual performances helped to boost the Club’s
foot forward (literally) and giving it a really good go. This was overall result on the day. However, people failing to turn
a contributing factor to us coming third in the relays. Tied up to relays proved to be costly. Whilst we still managed to
put a team forward in every race, we lacked the talent that
was needed, and a few close finishes that didn’t quite go
our way, resulted in an overall fourth place for Vernon Club.

Although the Intermediate Road Race and Junior Hockey
were our only wins this year, it should be mentioned that
we had much fewer sixth placings than previous years. The
important thing to remember is that getting ‘stuck in’ and
doing your bit for the Club can and will go a long way. It
is those who sit back and don’t get involved with the Club
that will always be our true weakness. It may not seem a big
deal to come fifth instead of sixth, but every result counts
to the Club’s overall position come December. Vernon is
the largest Club at PNBHS and, while we may SAY we are
the best, we can actually BE the best with participation and
determination from everyone within the Club. I look forward

36 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

to following the Club in the future and to the day we win that and the other Vernon Club seniors for what has been an
elusive title. Currently we sit in 6th place, 2.5 points behind outstanding five years. While we never managed to pull off
Kia Ora (as at October). the unthinkable, or even finish on the left hand side of the
hall, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Best of luck to all
Finally, I would like to thank Mr Vindriis and all the other those who reside in this great Club in 2018 and beyond.
Vernon Club staff. Without you, the Club would not function Never forget the unofficial motto of the Green Machine:
and while it may get overlooked due to our results, you put “Not last.”
in hours of work to allow this Club to do its best and I can
assure you that you are all well respected and appreciated By Greg Shaw, Club Captain
throughout the Club. My thanks also to Tom Tremain

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ART

Head of Department: Mr W. Docherty INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW YEAR 10 DIGITAL ART
COURSE
Staff: Mrs K. Pfeffer-Marshall, Miss S. Eastmure, Mrs
K. Kaandorp, Ms E. Adams (left end of Term 2), Mrs J. Education has changed dramatically over the last three
Fogarty (returned in Term 3). decades and we are acutely aware that the world of
education is changing at a fast pace, and that we are
OPENING OF THE NEW ART BLOCK responsible for preparing our young men for a future that
is almost impossible to predict. Mahatma Gandhi once said,
An excerpt from the speech at the opening of the new “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”. With our
Art block by Willie Docherty – HOD: new building and a fresh attitude, we can“be our own change”.

“Mayor Grant Smith, Rector, Board of Trustee members, emeritus With the New Art Block has come a rebranding to Visual
teachers of MATA, Old Boys and special guests. I feel honoured Arts Creative Industry. The inclusion of the word ‘creative’
to be here today and lucky, very lucky, as this new Art Block has states the innovative and problem solving aspect of the
been years in the planning. And my time is running out-due to course. Industry is one of the school values and identifies
the ‘Glasgow Effect’ the odds of men from Glasgow living beyond the commercial and business opportunities that link the
56 are very slim. So I do feel lucky, very lucky. digital visual arts.

When I arrived here to teach Art, the Rector Eric White said that To that end, in 2017 we have offered a wider range of Visual
the art room, F1, was a temporary building and that was in 1981! Art option choices to the junior school, with the introduction
So the time it has taken for this new build can be measured not of Digital-Design Photography. Students have been given the
in years, but in Rectors. David Syms took over from Eric White opportunity to focus on digital art, animation, design and
and the Art Block got put on the 10 year plan. His support of the photography. Students who are less skilled in the traditional
Arts was manifested in the Speirs Centre. forms of art, but are looking for a creative digital alternative,
have been given this opportunity through Digital-Design
When Tim O’Connor took over, we were moving up the 10 year Photography.
plan and, because Tim had such a great relationship with the
Ministry, we felt confident. But it has been David Bovey who has Visual Arts need to keep abreast of the changes that are
championed the Art block to this reality. The Rectors at Boys’ High taking place in our society and in the workplace. We need to
have always marched to their own tune. The educational trend better prepare our young men for the digital world. This new
nationally and globally is driven by pure economy and the Arts course falls in line with the range of Visual Arts disciplines
suffer. So we are very grateful for the support that we have had in the senior school.
by our past and present rectors and Board of Trustees.
In 2018, both Visual Arts and Digital-Design Photography
The time has arrived to open this beautiful building, which by will be available as a pathway to Level 1 NCEA candidates.
the way has been called; the Glasshouse, The Kindie, and the In 2019, Visual Arts and Digital-Design Photography options
Rainbow Warrior. I prefer it to be known as The Visual Art Creative will hopefully be available to both Year 9 and Year 10.
Industry Block. Speaking on behalf of our Art teachers we look
forward to providing the ‘master key’ to the next generation of With these changes in the Visual Arts programme, we
young creative men that pass through these new doors.” are preparing our young men for the ever-changing
environment, creating problem solvers, that is: people who
have the skills to identify problems and use a combination of
intuition, creativity and logic to come up with solutions. To be
“the change you wish to see in the world”.

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 39

WORLD VISION ART EXHIBITION festival, which was “Communities of learning – school pride
and empowerment. How does “it take a village to raise a child”
Well done to the PNBHS relate to learning and education”. The boys worked hard on
World Vision committee for their submissions and Year 13 student Isaac Fonua came
a successful fundraising art away with first place, while Year 11 student Nathan Emeck
auction. From June 1-20, was placed second.
student artwork was on
display and for sale at Square
Edge to raise money for
Syrian refugees. Alongside the
student work were two pieces
donated for auction. The first
of these was from Palmerston
North Boys’ High School Art
teacher, Mrs Julie Fogarty.
Her painting showed a point
in the School Cross Country where one young man had
stopped to help out a fellow competitor stuck in a swampy
part of the course; a small, unextraordinary gesture that yet
speaks volumes, calling to mind these key sentiments from
within the school’s haka: TŪ HĀPAINGA RĀ! TŪ HĪKITIA RĀ!
– To Uphold! To Uplift! The second work up for auction was
from well-known local artist, Sarah Platt. Their support was
really appreciated in this fundraising venture. Thank you also
to Shaun and the team down at Square Edge for hosting
the Exhibition and to Old Boy Grant Smith for opening the
Exhibition. Through the support of the community, the
Exhibition raised over $1,600.

REGIONAL TOP ART EXHIBITION

2016 Level 3

Painting students

Alex Hoare, Matt

Sinclair, Campbell

McHugh and

Gordon Zhao

had their Level 3

Painting folios on

display at the Top

Art Exhibition at

Te Manawa earlier

in the year. This

Exhibition is an

annual celebration

Gordon Zhao with his work at the of the top

Regional Top Art Exhibition Secondary School

Level 3 Visual Art

portfolios from around the Manawatu. Special mention to

Gordon Zhao who also gained Scholarship in Level 3 Painting

as a Level 2 student.

PASIFIKA FUSION ART CATEGORY AWARD WINNERS

Earlier this year, 13 boys entered the Pasifika Fusion Art
category. Their work was to reflect the theme for the

Isaac Fonua’s Pasifika Fusion submissions above and top Nathan Emeck’s Pasifika Fusion
right submission

40 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2017

SCHOOL CONCERT EXHIBITION UNIVERSITY AND UCOL VISITING LECTURERS

An exhibition of student’s work was on display during the Mr J. Adams arranged a visit by lecturers of Massey University
School Concert. This gave students, teachers and concert and UCOL to present an address to senior students
attendees an opportunity to view Art students’ work, prior considering a Creative Digital Design and Visual Arts path
to the concert, during intermission and at the end of the for their higher study. This was well attended, and will assist
concert. The work was well received. students to make an informed decision for next year. This
presentation might be useful for Year 10 students when
‘UNTITLED’VISUAL ART CONFERENCE considering option choices.

‘Finding inspiration SENIOR ART STUDENTS WORKSHOP AT MASSEY
and staying UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF CREATIVE ARTS
motivated’ was
the focus for this Two full mini buses were taken to Wellington earlier in the
year’s annual Art year to provide students with the opportunity to attend
Conference held lectures and participate in workshops. The students were
at the Palmerston part of a large group of senior students from around the
North Convention lower North Island who got a first-hand look at what Art and
Centre. With 250 Design students do at Massey University. This has been an
senior Painting, annual event and is very beneficial for those senior students
Photography and considering a course in Visual Arts.
Design students
from 18 schools
in the region in
attendance, the
venue was a sea
of creativity. Guest
speakers included
stencil artist Flox,
wedding photo-
grapher Jason
Naylor, portrait
painter Sofia
Minson and 3D
modelling expert Barry McGoldrick. The 31 Palmerston North
Boys’ High School students in attendance were treated to a
diverse range of artistic approaches and inspirational stories
throughout their chosen workshops in the afternoon. The
boys left the Art Conference with a greater understanding
of artistic career possibilities and a wealth of inspiration for
their own work.

2017 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 41





1 VISUAL ART Level 1 VISUAL ART Level 1 VISUAL

Zody Takurua Ryu Ongkapipat Josh Darke

Zody Takurua Vidhart Sharma
Armani Tupai Jack Milne

Liam Peck James Philpott

Henry Deans Callum Prichard Henry Deans