Rock Runner Volume 24 December 2019 - Rathkeale Old Boys' Association
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Rock Runner
The magazine of the Rathkeale Old Boys’ Association
Volume 24
December 2019
Editorial Rathkeale Old Boys’ Association
GRANT HARPER (1967-71) GRANT HARPER (1967-71) - President
T W
he findings of the Over the years, Rock Runner ROBA Executive & ith hindsight, 2019 the day which resulted in a win to dinner at the Masterton Club.
questionnaire sent out has sought to offer something has been a successful the College – their second victory
to Old Boys earlier in for everyone. In doing so, I am Regional Committee and productive year, against ROBA over the past decade. As the year drew to a close, further
functions were held in the Wairarapa
the year proved to be grateful to those who feed through Representatives one that hopefully has
in association with a Wairarapa Bush
both interesting and suggestions and the articles further enhanced the effectiveness of Queen’s Birthday weekend heralded
informative. Whilst no organisation which fill our pages, and which the Old Boys’ Association. another round of Decade Reunions match and in Wellington in late
can expect to be all things to all hopefully help to maintain our and again reinforced the fact that November. Others are planned for
John Taylor Patron At the heart of ROBA, the Executive this is a welcome opportunity for the early December in Christchurch and
people, it was excellent to gain much connectedness to the school and
positive feedback and to know that to each other. Further suggestions Grant Harper President has worked hard and with purpose rekindling of old acquaintances. The late December in Melbourne. The
the efforts of the Executive are well and contributions will always be to achieve the various goals set by 1979 Facilitators, Stephen Foster and Executive is aware that such events
Edward Cox Vice President/
received by many. welcome. Secretary the Strategic Plan. Key office holders Peter Hausmann, take the prize for need to be strongly encouraged and
Wellington have remained unchanged with attracting Old Boys from all around a concerted effort to activate Old
The experiences of students at any Certainly, as Old Boys we are a Edward Cox (1983-1987) as Vice the world to what was a very special Boys in the South Island will occur
Scott Andrew Treasurer
school vary greatly and Rathkeale is diverse bunch. Recent attendees at President/Secretary, Scott Andrew weekend. The efforts of the other in 2020.
Wairarapa
no exception. All Old Boys will have the Decade Reunions represented (1989-1993) as Treasurer and facilitators are also acknowledged:
things in common, but there are a wide range of interests, lifestyles Blair Ewington Executive/ Blair Ewington (1984-1988) looking Lawrence Cheetham (1969), Sam In keeping with tradition, this year’s
many other aspects of school life that and occupations in many countries Facebook/Database after Most/Facebook. Fortunately, Hepburn and Rupert Handyside Founders’ Day was held in late
are not universally shared. Some and yet all blended as one, once back Wairarapa
Stuart McKenzie (1979-1982) and (1999) and Bevan Saywell (2009). We August (Rathkeale’s Foundation
loved their College years and others inside the gates. This edition of the Richard Donworth Executive Richard Donworth (1982-1986) have now look forward to the 2020 event plaque was unveiled on School
did not. For some, sport or boarding Rock Runner contains some of their Wairarapa remained on the local committee with some anticipation and thank House by Sir Bernard Fergusson
were highlights but for others they stories and hopefully will inspire where they are joined by Tristan those facilitators who stepped into on August 20th 1963). Old Boy
Stuart McKenzie Executive
are best described as nightmares. others to contribute in similar ways Armitage (1992-1994) and three the role some months ago. Clive Akers, ONZM (1967-1971),
Wairarapa
in the future. young bloods, Jock Cameron (2007- was this year’s guest speaker and
Not surprisingly, the Rock Runner Jacob Smith Executive
2011), Jacob Smith (2006-2010) and In the regions, successful gatherings was well-received by an attentive
will sometimes struggle to be Grant Harper Wairarapa have been well-supported. audience as he spoke about his
David Pereira (2007-2011). From
all things to all people. As the Editor Jock Cameron Executive afar, we have enjoyed regular feed Auckland Old Boys were joined school days, involvement with the
questionnaire revealed, some want Wairarapa into our Skype meetings from David by their St Matthew’s counterparts New Zealand Rugby Museum and
more about the school in 2019 while Tristan Armitage Executive Aitken (1979-1983) in Auckland early in the year when an excellent his ongoing life as a significant
others are only interested in news of Wairarapa and Julius Capilitan (1997-2000) in evening at the Parnell Tennis Club author and historian. At the same
their cohort. ROCK RUNNER 2019
Wellington. Also helping at regional was attended by John and Sarah assembly, Dr Angela Kelly was
David Pereira Executive Taylor, Bruce and Gwen Levick, made an Honorary Member of the
Editor: Grant Harper Wairarapa level are Terry Brailsford (1969-
Typing: Mary Fisher 1973), Dwayne Smith (1994-1998) Martin and Sara O’Grady, Grant Old Boys’ Association following ten
Publication Preparation: Shelley Hancox Julius Capilitan Executive and Michael Caulton (1973-1977) in Harper and well over one hundred years of service to the College. In
Design: Pete Monk Wellington
Auckland, James Treadwell (1983- past students. We hope the presence the middle of the year and with the
Printing: Greenlees
David Aitken Executive 1987), Hamish Gibbs (1979-1983) of SMOGA will be ongoing at other assistance of James Treadwell (1983-
Photography: Thanks to all the members of Auckland and Dan Druzianic (1979-1983) in gatherings in the future. 1987), the Association administered
our school community who kindly supplied a questionnaire which sought to
photographs for this edition of Rock Runner. Terry Brailsford Auckland Hawke’s Bay, Simon Manthel (1978- Hawke’s Bay Old Boys gathered
1979) in Manawatu, George canvas Old Boys’ thoughts and
Cover Image: Stephen Marsh & Procure Dwayne Smith Auckland on the side-line of the Rathkeale/ ideas about ROBA and its operation.
Pottinger (1969-1971) and Sam Lindisfarne winter fixture in
CONTRIBUTIONS Michael Caulton Auckland Johnson (2001-2005) in Canterbury. We were grateful for the extent to
Hastings at the end of July and later which people responded and look
The Editor thanks all those who contributed Jamie Treadwell Hawke's Bay Their willing participation is retired to Jarks for a very convivial
articles and images to the Rock Runner. We gratefully received. We also forward to implementing some new
are always glad to receive relevant material Hamish Gibbs Hawke's Bay few hours. initiatives in the future.
acknowledge the on-going support
for future magazines. This could include
articles, names of likely contributors and Dan Druzianic Hawke's Bay of the Principal. Another significant gathering took The 2019 Leavers’ Dinner in late
obituaries. These should be sent to: Simon Manthel Manawatu place during the winter when the October was addressed by Old Boy
The year began with the annual rugby team that toured Britain and
oldboys@rathkealeoldboys.org.nz
George Pottinger Canterbury cricket match between the Old Stuart Sexton who focused on the
Europe in 1989 regrouped after disabled and resulted in another
Boys and the School. Again, we thirty years and spent an enjoyable
Sam Johnson Canterbury very good intake of new Association
are grateful to Shay O’Gorman weekend together on the 1st XV
Philip Harcourt United Kingdom (1988-1992) for his organisation of members.
side-line, in old haunts and over
The launch of a new ROBA website
in October was another major step
forward and we will welcome Old
Rathkeale Board of Trustees
Boys’ ability to update their contact Chairman of the Rathkeale College Board of Trustees George Murdoch
details online in the future. I
anticipate that this will become a reports on the Board's work in 2019.
vital kernel within the life of the
Association going forward.
G
The value of the MOST data base reetings from the Rathkeale Rathkeale as ‘Gert’, retired as Matron of
continues to increase markedly Board of Trustees. It is fair Rugby House. Although she was a reluctant
and owes much to the input of to say 2019 has been a year participant, Gert was given a fitting farewell
Blair Ewington as he chases down of challenges at Rathkeale at Rathkeale in the middle of the year.
missing contact details. The number College.
of active email addresses has now Last year I mentioned that the Trinity
neared 2000. In January, the Government released Schools Trust Board had developed a
its Review of Tomorrow’s Schools. comprehensive program to address the
Perhaps because of the relative Proposals in the review have far reaching capital development requirements across
youthfulness of most Old Boys, consequences for the education sector and, all the Trinity Schools. Unfortunately, this
our investment in Notice, Match in particular, State Integrated Schools such plan was thrown into disarray when final
has been of minimal worth this ROBA Executive Members Richard Donworth and Stuart McKenzie as Rathkeale. To me, the review creates engineering reports on the Trust House
year. However, the passings of Pat another bureaucracy to take over a number Auditorium showed it was well below
Lee (staff), Craig McBride (staff), of the functions of existing Boards of the required building code standard for its intended use and had to
Finn Yeats (ROBA), Gary Harwood Trustees. Of real concern is the potential close immediately. Subsequent engineering work has shown there
(ROBA), Zac Patterson (ROBA), for these changes to override the Board’s is significant structural work required to bring it up to standard.
Andrew Voss (ROBA), Robert and school’s ability to deliver on its Special This substantial and unforeseen cost has necessitated a major
Jennens (ROBA), Ted Dashfield and Character. The Rathkeale Board, along with reprioritisation of the capital spend across all sites over the next five
Frederica Hamilton during the year hundreds of others, made a submission years. Despite this, the reroofing of School House has been completed
are acknowledged. on the review following the consultation and the renovation of Repton House is still planned to proceed in the
period; the final shape of the proposed next 12 months. In addition to this, plans are being developed for the
Financially, the Association is strong reforms is still to be determined. long overdue upgrade of day student facilities on the campus. The
despite its reliance on Leavers’ subs required reprioritisation has, however, resulted in a rethink of the
as the sole source of income. That On a positive note, there remains strong scale and design of the new gymnasium and how it will fit within the
strength has enabled the Executive interest in Rathkeale College as a provider financial constraints we now face.
to institute an annual Old Boys’ of an holistic educational experience for
Scholarship to the College. It will young men. This interest has led us to The closure of the auditorium, whilst necessary, created huge
only be available to sons of Old apply to the Ministry of Education for an disruption to the running of the College and I commend the staff and
Boys. amendment to our Integration Agreement the students for the way they have adapted to not having access to
to allow an increase in our boarding roll to this key facility.
The Ruamahanga Restoration Trust better accommodate this demand. At the
is closely aligned to both the College Ross Hunt and Lawrence Cheetham
time of writing, we were still awaiting their A recent highlight for the College was the Ordination and Installation
and the Old Boys’ Association. We response. of Waitohiariki Quayle as the Second Bishop of Te Upoko o te Ika.
acknowledge their enthusiasm This event created history as Bishop Quayle became the first Maori
and commitment to the future Rathkeale Principal Martin O’Grady is now woman and first New Zealand-born woman of any denomination
of the special environment that in his second year at the helm and with to become a Bishop in New Zealand. The event proved to be a great
is Rathkeale and the Wairarapa. the support of the Board is implementing opportunity to strengthen our ties with the Anglican Church and to
changes within the school and how we showcase Rathkeale College on a spectacular Spring day to a large
Suffice to say, ROBA, guided by market ourselves to prospective students audience from all over New Zealand.
its strategic plan and enhanced by and their families. Change for many of us
the enthusiasm of many members, is challenging, as we have to leave behind As we go forward into 2020, I am reminded of the increasing
remains a valid and increasingly the familiar things we know and embrace challenges we face in preparing our young people to navigate the
vital organisation. the challenges of the unknown. The challenges and pressures they face growing up in today’s society. To
Board is confident that these changes will do this we have to continue to evolve what we deliver and how we
Grant Harper deliver it. It is a challenge I strongly believe Rathkeale College is up
President enhance the way we deliver the curriculum
in the future. for.
On the people front, this year we said George Murdoch
farewell to a longstanding servant of the Chairman, Rathkeale Board of Trustees
Rathkeale establishment. Lenora White,
2019 Decade Reunion Friday evening.
better known to many who boarded at
Principal’s Report The Executive
Principal MARTIN O'GRADY shares his thoughts on the past year at Rathkeale
We profile some of the men who serve you on the ROBA Executive.
College.
I
t is a pleasure to write my second report for the Rock Runner Jacob Smith (2006-2010)
which signals that I have spent almost two years at Rathkeale
J
as Principal. Certainly, this year many things are starting to
look and feel more familiar and I have enjoyed meeting more acob, a proud Wairarapa man through and
of the ROBA community at various events around New Zealand. through, has grown up on a longstanding
family farm just south of Martinborough. Son
The Decade Reunions this year were a very enjoyable experience. of 1982 Head Boy, Pete Smith, Jacob was always
Many Old Boys made the comment to me that it was their first set to come through Rathkeale College. After a
time back at their old school. It is nice to know that events like the colourful education at Martinborough School, Jacob
Decade Reunions provide an opportunity for Old Boys to return to found himself boarding at Rathkeale for the extent of
their old College. In every case, they were thrilled at the way the his college days.
school was progressing and many were astounded at how much
the trees had grown! For some, this had special significance as Jake enjoyed immersing himself in many of the
they had actually planted them in the late 1960s and early 1970s. differing facets of school life at Rathkeale. He was
a keen sportsman and enjoyed his time with both
Someone once said that the one constant in schools today is the 1st XI cricket and 1st XV rugby. He relished his
change. This has been particularly noticeable this year at both a time in the boarding house with like-minded peers
New Zealand national education level but also within our school and was proud to become Head of Repton House
as we seek to gain improvements for the teaching and learning of under Deon Van Deventer. However, his proudest
our students. achievement was the opportunity to lead the School
It has been heartening to experience an increase in demand for as Deputy Head Boy in 2010.
places at Rathkeale College and this will see us start next year with On leaving Rathkeale, Jake headed for a Gap year
a significant increase in our roll and most of this increase has been at Paarl Boys’ High School in Paarl, Western Cape,
in boarding enrolments which is particularly pleasing. South Africa. He found the culture and people
I am constantly amazed by the talents and achievements of our absolutely amazing, as was the level of school rugby
current students and trust that our Old Boys are aware and proud and cricket he was a part of coaching.
of their achievements. Outstanding results across academia, sport Boys can achieve. move were the many friends, family and activities the
He arrived home after a year away with his heart set beautiful Wairarapa has to offer. Whilst he has been, in
and the performing arts continue to bring us an enormous amount I am excited by the drive and enthusiasm of on attending Lincoln University to study Agricultural
of pride. Added to this are recent successes by our Old Boys which his own words, too useless to drag the footy boots back
the ROBA committee. They are genuinely Science and to begin his journey towards following in on, he has thoroughly enjoyed coaching the Rathkeale
are well reported in Gravel, the ROBA Facebook page and this committed to advancing the College and his father’s footsteps as a farmer. Unfortunately, prior
publication. This all adds to the fabric of the school and gives us a U15 White side to a semi-final position and got a lot
bring a special and unique perspective to the to his departure south, the Christchurch earthquakes out of contributing to the next crop of “Good Rathkeale
great sense of value and pride in the College. College—a perspective that all successful occurred and Jake re-evaluated and quickly found Men”. He also turns his hand at social cricket where his
As our College becomes older so will the importance of the ROBA. schools in New Zealand have. My wife Sara himself studying Agricultural Science at Massey team,“The Mighty Coasties”, featuring many other Old
I would like to pay tribute to the members for their ongoing and I feel very fortunate to be associated with University, Palmerston North, where he eventually Boys have been back-to-back champions for the past
support of the College, in particular the ROBA Executive led by Rathkeale College and look forward to 2020 graduated. It is a move he certainly doesn’t regret. two years. Hunting, fishing and socialising take up the
President Grant Harper and Secretary Edward Cox. Often, at the with real excitement. majority of his other spare time.
Looking to add a few more strings to his bow before
end of a long and busy day, these gentlemen put aside many hours Martin O'Grady turning his hand to farming back in Martinborough,
in the evening to meet from all around New Zealand and plan and Jake joined the ROBA Executive, along with two of his
Principal Jake has been happily employed as a Forage and peers from their flat, Jock Cameron and David Pereira. He
organise events for the benefit of all Old Boys. I trust that they Cropping Advisor by H&T Agronomics for the
know that their efforts are appreciated by all of us. enjoys working with a good mix of Old Boys from many
last five years since graduating from Massey in different professions on the committee and cites been
I particularly enjoyed the visit this year from Mr Clive Akers on 2014. He has worked around various regions of the able to encourage the younger generation of Old Boys to
Founders' Day. He spoke to our current students about his time at North Island, engaging and interacting with clients, partake in some events as one of his main drivers.
Rathkeale and then his experiences and achievements over the rest building his knowledge and enjoying many differing
of his life. Many of the boys were struck by his humility, and his farm systems.
gifting to the school of two of his most recent books was certainly Jake arrived home in the middle of 2017 to become
special. I look forward to meeting many more Old Boys like Clive the local rep for H&T. The main drivers behind this
Akers who can show our current students what Rathkeale Old
David Pereira (2007-2011) Jock Cameron (2007-2011)
D J
avid — pictured below, standing on the In 2012, he moved south to Dunedin and spent three ock Cameron grew up on the family
far right— is one of the new faces on the and a half years studying Applied Science and Sport and farm in the Wairarapa. Before
ROBA Executive, having strayed into last Exercise at the Otago Institute of Sport. This culminated Rathkeale, he attended Hadlow
year’s AGM. in a Bachelor of Applied Science and Level Four Sport Primary School for four years and
and Exercise. was destined for Rathkeale, as his late
His relatively recent school days had him living father, Hamish Cameron, was an Old Boy.
in Cranleigh and being Deputy Head of Blake. He By 2015, he was back in Masterton and flatting with
cherished the opportunity to lead the school haka fellow Old Boys, Jock Cameron and Phil Tuoro. For a Jock started as a day boy but then switched
and relished his time with the 1st XV and 2nd XI period, he worked for Trade and Commerce assisting to boarding at Cranleigh House in his
cricket. He also served as Chapel Prefect. young people who had abandoned the conventional second year after the family farm sold and
school system. Four he moved further up the Whangaehu Valley.
years in retail with the With a big change in lifestyle, the boarding
Power Shop preceded house was the perfect fit at the time and
his current employment meant he could be more involved with
with the Ministry of Social the school by getting stuck into numerous
Development. sporting codes and his studies. He had the
honour of becoming Deputy Head of his
David is enjoying his time boarding house in his final year and playing
on the Executive and was for both the 1st XV rugby and the 1st XI
central to the Old Boys’ cricket.
gathering that coincided
with the Wairarapa Bush/ With family roots deep in agriculture, this
Horowhenua Kapiti rugby would be Jock's area he would explore At work in the Rathkeale yards.
match and has even found further, as he finished College and went
time to occasionally assist on to Massey University. He managed to
with coaching rugby at gain the Beef and Lamb Scholarship and the
College. Sydney Campbell Scholarship for all three
Old Boys gather at the Wairarapa Bush vs Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby match, 2019 years while he completed a Bachelor of Agri
Commerce, majoring in Farm Management.
University was a real highlight for Jock and
Tristan Armitage (2007-2011) he is glad he continued playing rugby there
and furthering his studies in Palmerston
T
North while making lifelong friends.
ristan Armitage has been a Financial
Adviser for the last 10 years and is a In Jock's final year he was offered a job with
director/shareholder of Umbrella Group John Griffith & Co Ltd back here in the
(Formerly AMP) in Masterton. Wairarapa as a livestock agent. This was a
good fit as it was where he did the practical
Prior to working in the Financial Advice industry, work for his university papers. He has been
Tristan spent many years in the hospitality industry working with the company for almost five
as a manager and owner. He also worked for three years now and is well entrenched in the
years as a Business Development Manager at Coca Wairarapa community. Jock is the school's
Cola. stock agent for our few farming hectares
and really enjoys helping the students draft
Locally, Tristan is a committee member on both the stock on the property and teaching them
The Masterton Club, which is one of the oldest about grading prime stock.
clubs in New Zealand, and The Masterton Racing
Club. His favourite pastimes are experiencing Jock continues to play rugby and plays for
hospitality (from the other side of the bar), binge- Gladstone rugby club senior As. Along with Jock and his sister Emma.
watching the odd TV series and racing and breeding playing, he has taken on coaching and this
thoroughbred racehorses. year coached the Rathkeale green junior
connections to the school Jock has become part of the Rathkeale
rugby team along with fellow Old Boy Scott
Tristan and his partner Rebecca live in Gladstone Old Boys' Executive and is enjoying being further involved with
Day.
with their greyhound and chickens. connecting Old Boys back to their roots as he has, which he has
Along with work connections and coaching found very fulfilling.
Your Feedback: ROBA Online Survey Results Decade Reunions
O
ne of ROBA’s goals for function of ROBA is to keep in 2019; Reunion events and gatherings continue to take place at Rathkeale and beyond.
2019 was to conduct an members in contact with the
• are prepared to spend good
online survey of members. College, closely followed by
money to attend a ROBA
We wanted to know social events with each other
dinner with a speaker—the
what members wanted and networking. Supporting the
average price you are prepared
ROBA to achieve as an organisation. school financially was ranked
to pay is $63;
Therefore, in August this year we significantly lower than those
conducted our first ever survey— first three functions; • overwhelmingly want
that we know about—and we were communications from ROBA to
• want to hear about other Old
delighted with the results. arrive by email. That may have
Boys. You want to hear what
been self-selecting, given this
ShapeFirst, a little background. other members are up to,
was an online survey delivered
ROBA’s vision includes being what they have done since
by email, but it reinforces
an energetic and sustainable they left school and the special
that the greatest number of
organisation that most former interests they have followed.
members will have the greatest
Rathkeale pupils want to belong to School events came third. We
number of interactions with
and, amongst other things, to be a were interested to note that
ROBA online.
network to benefit Old Boys. there was still a significant,
although much lower, interest in The written answers by
To achieve our goals we have
reading summary of Old Boys’ respondents provided a wide range
adopted a strategic plan—currently
committee meetings!; of views about what members
2019 to 2022. The plan has an
liked, and did not like, about our
“audacious goal” of having 75% • enjoy reading our regular
current annual program of events.
of Old Boys engaging with the newsletter Gravel—over 87%
There are also interesting, and some
Association once every three answered that they read it.
telling, comments about members’
years by 2025. That would be Along with this Rock Runner
experiences and memories of school
approximately 1000 Old Boys publication, Gravel is our second
life. The most consistent theme was
per year and would represent a way of communicating with Old
members wanting to hear about the
significant increase from now, Boys; Old Boys from 1969, 79, 99 and 2009 returned to College for Decade Reunions at Queen's Birthday Weekend.
people they were at school with.
depending on your definition of
• want to communicate with
interaction. To achieve that we The ROBA Executive reviewed the
other Old Boys, yet over 20%
needed to check what our members survey results with great interest.
of respondents said they
want and what will make them We will repeat the survey each
had no contact with other
engage with us. year to see whether what we are
members. While at first this was
doing meets with the approval of
With that in mind, we got to work. surprising, it may reflect that
members. As we plan events and
James Treadwell, a committee being an online survey, many
communications, we will check that
member and dab hand at online of our members who are not in
they reflect what members have
surveys, designed the question contact with their school friends
said they want in the survey.
structure and sent it to all our were still willing to receive
known accurate email addresses—at information from ROBA; With the commissioning of the new
that stage approximately 1750. We website and electronic publishing,
• do not always hear of ROBA’s
were unsure of the likely uptake, there are new possibilities in the
social events, with 28% saying
but the first measure of success was future. It may be that the Rock
they had not;
the participation rate: there were 494 Runner you receive in years to
respondents meaning that almost • have quickly become aware of come will have content tailored
a third of members that we have the annual Decade Reunions as to your cohort of members and
contact with completed the survey. ROBA’s flagship event, with 75% feature stories about the people you
When emails can be so quickly answering positively that they are most likely to know from school
ignored, it was heartening that so knew of the event; days.
many took the time to complete the • support the granting of need- Thanks again to everyone who
survey. based scholarships above the completed the survey. We look
The key themes from the survey current $2000 annual Old Boys’ forward to hearing from you again
responses include that you: Entrance Scholarship which is next year.
being awarded for the first time
• think that the most important Ed Cox
1989 Rugby Tour Reunion
It all began in 1987 with the germ of an idea promulgated by the coach of the 1st XV that perhaps
consideration could be given to an overseas tour.
A
lready fixtures had been
confirmed with teams
in the South Island for
that season but this was
a vastly different proposition.
Michael Fisher, the coach, wanted
to tour the UK and also arrange a
fixture in Europe. This was a quite
revolutionary idea as at that time
teams did not travel as often as they
do in 2019.
One firm resolve was agreed to
and that was that the boys would
actively participate in fundraising
The Tour Team Thirty Years On
and parents would be asked to
contribute a minimum amount
if there was a shortfall. The first
stage was to organise matches a result of the casual nature of the
and this was no simple task in the programme it was not definitively
Left to Right: Murray Owles, Matthew Wilton and Joe Nutting
days before email. Michael Fisher determined how many would turn
drew heavily on the network of up.
schools which had established
Although the early starts were with excitement. The success of the On the Friday night a nervous
links with Rathkeale through staff
challenging both for the boys and tour is another story but suffice to wait was rewarded as 22 of the
exchanges and tutorships. Once the
for the staff who had to make sure say that what followed in June 2019 original team of 25 burst through
basic outline of the tour had been
that the “pickers” were on time and is testimony to that. the entrance of the Masterton Club
confirmed the gaps were filled in
reasonably awake before they were where the function was being held.
from referred establishments. Some of the former team had
let lose in what they irreverently Thirty years on, those young men
called “the killing fields”. Other maintained close friendships and
One Rathkeale parent was Mick who had toured together were now
ventures included the painting of a casual conversation prompted
Williment who volunteered to use in middle age with families, living
a church which would have been one of the group to take up the
his expertise in sport travel to assist all over New Zealand and indeed
profitable if one of the boys had not suggestion and organise a thirty year
the enterprise by using his contacts the world, but nothing had changed.
fallen through a skylight which had reunion. This time all it required
to organise airline travel, heavily “Man hugs” were the order of
to be replaced and resulted in a very was some research to register the
discounted for the large group, and the evening and nick names were
small deposit to tour funds. email addresses of all the group and
in addition coach travel in the UK revised. The intervening years fell
three emails in total. The response
and over the Channel to France and away as the reminiscing went on
In spite of some minor setbacks, was phenomenal and enthusiastic.
Switzerland. Mick’s input enabled into the small hours.On the Saturday
the camaraderie that the various One of the recipients said he usually
a budget to be put together so with evening, a video of the tour and
activities engendered was priceless disregards such emails but this was Left to Right: Stuart Denton and Brian Speedy
a goal of $50,000 the fund raising some of the games was put up on
and later the team talked about the different and nothing would have
began.The word was put around a big screen for the sheer delight of
positive benefits of this time and kept him away.
that the boys were willing and all and the weekend ended with the The Team
how the group became cohesive
indeed keen to undertake any task The organisation of the weekend was group planning to meet again in 2
working toward a common goal. Campbell Twist (C), Fergus Rutherford (VC), Brendon Judd,
that would result in a profit for the deliberately kept casual and a Friday years. The hiatus of 30 years was too
Finally, in mid-December 1989, Brian Speedy, Euan Percy, Andrew Burnett, Daniel Dobson,
tour. Some of the activities were evening “meet and greet” followed long.
the time came for 25 young men to Jeremy Gray, David Crowley, Joe Nutting, Matthew Wilton,
highly successful and $20,000 alone by a visit to the school and a small
leave for this great adventure. All Richard Pickering, Murray Owles, Robert Sarfati, Guy Uttley,
was raised by picking asparagus on ceremony handing out the Jerseys
the preparation had been completed David Hume, Bill Francis, Marcus Kynoch, Stuart Denton, Wade
a daily basis early each morning for to the Fifteen of 2019 and finally
the fitness regime undertaken and Peryer, Nick Bolton, Guy Didsbury, Struan Buchanan
two months. a dinner on the Saturday evening
whatever lay ahead was anticipated
were the only organised events. As
Decade Reunions
Peter Hausmann (1975-1979) shares his thoughts on the importance of old friendships and school
reunions.
T
he class of 1979 held its obviously gone through, or were
reunion in June attended still trying to consider themselves at
by over 50 Old Boys. the right age to be having a midlife
While I have some close crisis, based on the number who had
friends from my days as a border motorbikes, specialist cars and even
at Rathkeale, it’s fair to say that I helicopters stashed away.
like many of our year group have
not been a great fan of reunions, Friday night ended for some of us
basically attending almost nothing around 3am after we were spurred
since I left school. on by some very good whiskey
which Albert King brought with him
I therefore didn’t ever think I’d from Singapore. Saturday included
be a key organiser of such an a tour of the school and lunch, and
event. However, noting there a dinner for our year group at the
are a number of Old Boys who “Horse Shoe”.
are no longer with us, when the
Rockrunner highlighted it was Once we were over the initial
our decades reunion this year, I shock of meeting each other, what
contacted Hamish Sims who has was notable was the speed with
been a friend from our first day at which old friendships were again
school to discuss how we could see established. Many of us commented
Inevitably momentum caused the on how easy it was to reconnect
if there was interest in a reunion. numbers to swell such that the idea
He thought it was a great idea and and relate to people who essentially
of not attending meant you’d be we had not seen for years. I’m not
kindly stated missing out. We had some Old Boys surprised however, as many of us
“You sit on your backside (an making sterling efforts including spent the formative teenage years of
unkind reference to retirement) and Rob Staples, Mike Rees, and Ross our lives living together.
so does Foster so the two of you McKay travelling from Australia, Back Row: Paul Ashford, Albert King, Peter Hausmann, Tom Clark, Ross Hunt, John Fitzgerald, Greg Wilson, Nick Chilvers,
should organise it”. Ross McCulloch making the trip I ended my career having been a Adrian Denniston, Dave Collier
from Perth (sometimes considered a shareholder and Exec Director/ Third Row: Clive Holmes, Chris Spencer, Murray Smith, Hamish Aitken, John Tombleson, Rob Staples, John Draper, Tim Coombs, Nick Bush
The 1979 year group has been part of Aus) , Albert King completed CEO of a Health Service provider Second Row: Chris Lander, Graham Lowes, Ross McKay, Chris Mathieson, Simon Manthel, Brian Bendall, Steve Foster, Neil Saban,
Dave Harrey, Tony Flipp
consistently poor at attending any a 17,000 kms round trip from in New Zealand. As a result I am Front Row: Stuart Gibson, Craig Foote, Mike Rees, Pete Warren, Don Smith, Hamish Sims, Bayden Wilson, Ross MacCulloch, Simon Capes,
ROBA events. In fact for many of us Singapore, and Clive Holmes an very conscious of the level of mental Tim Morgan, Jeremy Logan
it was the first time we had seen each 18,000 kms round trip from New health issues affecting men and Absent: Dave Nelson, Craig Foster
other in 40 years. Stephen Foster, York. women of our age, with 1 in 8 New
Adrian Denniston and I initially Zealand men experiencing serious
had an uphill battle convincing Old We met on the Friday night at the depression during their lifetime,
Boys to attend. After the first round Solway bar before heading out and 75% of suicides in New Zealand
to drinks at the school. It would Our generation is not generally good why we had not done so earlier. As friends who didn’t make it this time,
of phone calls less than a dozen being men. During the process
be fair to say that after not seeing at the use of social media, which a result of the reunion, there are a such that old friendships continue to
agreed to attend the reunion, but of contacting Old Boys it became
each other for 40 years, many of means at times old friendships range of catch ups / phone calls / be re-established.
through the use of belligerent and obvious within our own year group
us had changed, with some of the haven’t been maintained. And yet emails and events occurring between
repeated phone calls and a cunning there are some who didn’t attend If you are an Old Boy or Old Girl
chaps being “broader”, and there I can state that what I thought was our year group, none of which
plan publishing lists of those not due to such health issues. and like me and most of the class
was a proliferation of a frugal and going to be a difficult task, ringing would now be taking place if we all
attending, the procrastinators were of 79, you haven’t made the effort
somewhat streamlined “grey rinse” Of course attending a school reunion and contacting Old Boys, was in fact had not made the effort to attend
eventually entrapped. We found it to attend a reunion, I’d recommend
hair style, opposed to the long locks isn’t going to address these issues a very enjoyable one. the reunion. There was also a call
helped that when someone stated that for a small amount of effort the
of the 70s. but reunions are a powerful way to for another reunion to occur but not
they’d consider attending, we For many who attended the Class return is very worthwhile.
reconnect with old friends. For me waiting another 10 years.
published the list with their names It was also notable that there seemed of 79 event, the opportunity to
down as having agreed to attend! the reunion was a demonstration of
to be a number of Old Boys who had re-establish old friendships was My hope would be that at the next
the importance of communication.
fantastic and left many wondering reunion we can reach out to old
School House Renovation A Runaway Success Story
2019 has been a big year for the iconic Rathkeale Homestead and, as the year draws to a close, Stephen Marsh Racing is a name synonymous with the New Zealand Racing Industry and is
visitors are quick to notice the changes that have taken place. presided over by Rathkeale Old Boy Stephen Marsh (1994-1997).
W G
ork started last rowing up in Woodville In 2005 he branched out on his own Another big turning point was
summer with the as the son of Master and in 2008 went on to establish Sofia Rosa winning the AJC Oaks in
demolition of the Trainer and Melbourne Marsh Racing in Cambridge, a town Sydney in April 2016. The following
distinctive water Cup winning Jockey that claims the best training facilities 2017-18 season featured 64 wins and
tower, its associated ramshackle Bruce Marsh, it is not surprising that in New Zealand, and arguably the 2018-19 season an impressive
outbuildings and the old double Stephen’s inherited love of horses Australasia. Stephen is currently an 97 wins. Things continue to go
garage. There were a number was already obvious during his A Class trainer employing a staff from strength to strength and this
of reasons for their removal, school years of 34, and boasting world class season has already clocked up 25
including earthquake assessment. training facilities, including horse wins, which currently places him
The former wash house, which Stephen admits that he was very treadmills, walking machine and second on the National Trainers’
Old Boys may remember as a pleased to escape from Rathkeale at horse swimming pool. Premiership. He also won this year's
hobbies hut for School House the end of his College years but is million dollar New Zealand Derby,
boys or as the OP shed, has been also quick to describe his school days Over the past few years, Marsh our most prestigious race.
reroofed and upgraded and is as some of the best years of his life to Racing has enjoyed increasing
now home base for the school date. international renown. In 2013, Ruud Stephen’s pride in Marsh Racing
cleaners. The adjacent area has Awakening won the million dollar is tangible and his enthusiasm
His training career began in 2002 in Karaka Millions, the richest race in infectious. His is a good name to
provided additional parking with Off with the old and on with the new. partnership with his father and over the country for two year olds and watch out for, on and off the track.
a new double garage at the back a three year period the partnership one that took Stephen and his team
of the residence. The whole area enjoyed a series of high profile Group to the next level. At that stage they
is now screened by new wooden 1 victories with Russian Pearl in the had forty horses in work and that
fencing and planting. Bayer Classic, Hail in the Zabeel has now grown to a remarkable 210
Later in the year the old Welsh Classic and Play On in the Magic on his books, with 110 in training at
slate that had arrived from Tinui Millions Two Year Old Classic. any one time.
Station Homestead in 1925, was
removed from the entire building
and some kept for posterity. It
has been replaced with a similar
looking synthetic product that
looks very smart.
Indoors, the staff residence has
had a major makeover with
much gutting, new double-
glazed windows, extensive
ducted heating system, new
bathrooms and a whole new
The end of the old water tower.
kitchen. Elsewhere in the
building a new kitchen has been
installed adjacent to the foyer for
entertaining purposes.
With the building reaching its
centennial year in 2025, it is good
to think that it has received a
significant and long overdue face
lift.
A new perspective on a familiar old building. Stephen Marsh at work in Cambridge.
Music to our ears Old Boys Cricket XI vs School
The world has changed since Ruth Eckford first taught music at Rathkeale in 1981 but We report back on the now traditional annual fixture between the Old Boys and the school 1st XI.
fundamentals remain the same.
R T
uth Eckford (nee Osborne) Rooms – cold, he now traditional annual
arrived at a relatively concrete fixture between the Old
youthful Rathkeale block cells - to Boys and the School was
College in 1981 to teach Winchester played in January. As
music and to conduct the Chapel and then always, the school batted first and
Choir and Orchestra. upstairs to posted an excellent total of 201 for
School House. 6 off their 40 overs. The school was
In 2019 she is still the accompanist There are always in command, with their first
for the combined Rathkeale and St many more 3 batters getting runs. School captain
Matthew’s choir, Viva Camerata, pianos around John McKenzie—son of Old Boy Stu
and conductor of the Rathkeale and much McKenzie—set the tone, playing
Concert Band and the St Matthew’s more musical shots all around the wicket in an
Orchestra. equipment attractive 49. Jake Jonas at the other
available. end was steady holding up an end,
So not much has changed, or has it?
Keyboards, making a patient 53. Gus Borren
As Ruth observes a great deal amps, followed John and he too played
has changed. Music classes have computers and his shots, scoring 50 in reasonably
Conducting the College Orchestra in the 1980s.
moved from the Lecture Theatre sound mixers are no longer special quick time. At some stage the Old
to Winchester and then upstairs to items. Boys were staring down the barrel
wait for new music to arrive by
School House, where the Form 3 ‘snail mail’ is no longer. of 240/250. Good bowling from Tim
Ruth has gone from hand writing
boarders used to sleep. Lucas (3-23) and the other dibbly
extra music parts to either using
A small army of itinerant music dod bowlers, and the Old Boys
The music practice rooms have also a computer to arrange parts or to
tutors offer a wide range of tuition managed to pull back the soaring Alistair Boyne in good form.
moved from the Rugby Changing having eprints sent to her. The long
although sadly the skirl of the rate.
pipes is rarely heard these days.
The Old Boys never really got
However, she believes that the themselves up with the rate and
real essence of teaching and consistently lost wickets at key
developing musicians has not times. While many made starts,
changed at all. She still wants her no one really managed to score a
musicians to go out into the world substantial score to threaten their
and to be brave enough to join a total. Anthony Sprowson played
choir or play for a musical or join some nice shots and Michael
the local brass band or concert Tosswill and Duncan Didsbury also
band, where everyone is welcome looked good while at the wicket.
to participate and ability or age is Alistair Boyne (Tora), who opened
no barrier. the innings, was our mainstay and
kept us in the hunt. However, the
Her time at Rathkeale has left her
Old Boys were dismissed in the final
with a rich tapestry of memories
over for 182 falling 19 runs short of
of shows, choirs, orchestras
the school’s total.
and budding musicians who
have much to be grateful to Mrs Overall, it was another enjoyable
Eckford for. day’s cricket. The Old Boys enjoyed
the spirit the game was played
in and this is a testament to the
Rathkeale musical icons: Ruth Eckford and
approach and attitude of the school Left to Right: Fergus Rutherford, Malcolm Wyeth, Shay O'Gorman and Richard Tosswill.
Kiewiet Van Deventer still have plenty to smile team, captain John McKenzie and
about. coach Neil Perry.Guardians of the Forest
The forest giants of kahikatea and totara that dot the landscape in and around Rathkeale are living
treasures - gifts of nature - saved from the European axe and held in great esteem by local Maori
who once inhabited the podocarp forests along the Ruamahanga River. To this day, there are not
many among us that haven't stood in awe of Rathkeale's unique environment.
A
ll the more reason for us talked about at the 40th reunion baseline monitoring to help count
to respect these masters of the class of ’78. Soon after that, and determine existing numbers of
of the forest and do as with the support of local law firm birds, lizards, rodents, native fish
much as we can to protect Gibson Sheat, the trust was officially species and long-tailed bats within
and regenerate the surrounding incorporated and is now registered the area. In addition, the report
areas so that endangered native as a local charity. lists how students can get involved
wildlife can once again thrive in predator trapping to help make
along bird corridors that have the The trustees see an opportunity the area predator free. The goal
potential to stretch the length of to engage with Rathkeale and the is to have the monitoring work
the Ruamahanga, from Pukaha to wider community, working with completed before the end of 2019
Palliser. local students, iwi groups and land followed by an extensive trapping
owners within the Wairarapa to program to be in place by 2020.
The newly-established Ruamahanga embrace environmental conservation
Restoration Trust exists for this efforts. For students, this undertaking
reason and there’s no better place provides opportunities to get
to start than within the grounds of In June 2019, the trust engaged the involved in a range of curriculum-
Rathkeale College. services of John Bissell to prepare a based activities that encompass
scoping report that outlines a range environmental science, data analysis
The idea for the trust was first of options for engaging students in and the use of technologies and
media communications. As an
Above: Year 12 student Noah Boyce planting harakeke for posterity in Above: Environment Prefect Jurgen Schwanecke planting alongside the
extra-curricular activity, there’s no the College bush. new fitness staion on the Eco Trail.
shortage of volunteers who are keen
on trapping predators and planting
trees
protection of their nests, will be key to ensuring the gulls’ As Trustees, we can’t do all the work, but we can create
In parallel to the monitoring and return and survival as an indigenous species. a framework to work from and we can help source and
predator work, the trust has engaged provide finances and resources. We ultimately rely on
The trust is also raising funds to help conserve the students, teaching staff, land owners and like-minded
the services of Trevor Thompson to
existing Eco Trail by removing weeds, deepening the community groups to help follow through with our
help advise on how to best restore
spring-fed streams as a habitat for mudfish and eels, and goals. But we also rely on the support of Old Boys and
and regenerate the old Canoe Reach
attracting birds to these original wetland and forest areas. Friends.
stream and forest wetland areas
between the existing Eco Trail and The biodiverse habitats around Rathkeale are invaluable We therefore call on everyone within the Trinity Schools
river. The medium to long-term plan as part of the school’s Land Lab program—providing network to engage in our cause in any way possible,
includes planting natives around opportunities for student-led research in conservation, including landowners along the Ruamahanga who can
the old sewage ponds that act as a land management and clean water protection. In tandem help create pockets of predator-free bush and wetlands
food source and natural habitat for with these efforts, the trust hopes to assist and encourage that act as bird corridors and freshwater fish sanctuaries
birdlife. students to create new methods and technologies with between the Tararuas and the South Wairarapa coast.
applications for sustainable farming and helping to
Not far away, on the edge of the
reverse global warming. Just as seedlings grow into sturdy trees embraced by a
Ruamahanga, are gravel banks
healthy forest, we too have a chance to stand together
that have been identified by The road ahead relies on the participation of students, and protect our environment for future generations.
DOC and local bird watchers as staff, volunteers and donors. Only then can the work
nesting-grounds for the critically be extended into the wider community, to invite other The Ruamahanga Restoration Trust is a registered charity
endangered black-billed Buller’s schools and interested community groups to use the Eco that engages in environmental conservation activities for the
Gull. Predator trapping, along with Trail wetlands and bush areas for environmental science advancement of education and other purposes beneficial to the
careful monitoring of the gulls and research and study programs for the benefit of the wider Wairarapa community.
community.
Left: Consultant John Bissell, Campbell McLean and
Michael Birch on the Eco Trail.From Golf Course to Land Lab with what is happening, which
makes my job so enjoyable and the
discussions to be had so rewarding.
Head of Agriculture, Coadette Low, shares some developments in the school's agricultural science However, without the generous
programme and where things are going with agribusiness at Rathkeale. support of parents, community
members and businesses, none of
this would happen. They have
supported our vision and have
really helped the Agricultural
I
Science program here at Rathkeale to
left New Zealand in 2007 as a
flourish.
Massey graduate to work in
South Australia. After eight The TeenAg Club is strengthening
years of working in industry in numbers each year, and we now
and teaching, I joined Rathkeale in have one quarter of the school roll
2016. My first impressions were of as members. Many club members
Browntop in the paddocks, random have seen success, with events such
tree placements, and the ram in with as the NZ Junior Young Farmer,
the ewes showing a lot of interest. Future Beef Expo, Future Sheep
But the grass was green, and that Competition, Agrisports, Leadership
was a bonus. camps and modules, and training
days helping to fuel the passion that
That first year saw us lamb very
these young men have.
early—early enough that some of
the ewes were starting to ‘bag-up’ With the introduction of the
at the start of May, which was very Agribusiness course in 2018 focused
noticeable as we were shearing on after the farm gate, students
them on Open Day. Needless to have the opportunity to learn the
say, the scanner that was booked in whole supply chain. The course
for June had a significantly reduced has four intertwined strands of
Above: College Land Lab investigation
number of ewes to scan. It also Innovation, Science and Technology,
meant that the lambing season Management and Finance, and
seemed to go on forever. From 2017 Marketing. All Agriculture and
onwards, we were very fortunate to Agribusiness classes are lucky to
have expertise and guidance from visit so many case study farms and
H&T Agronomics, and support businesses, and to have so many
from Tulloch Contractors Ltd. and wonderful guest speakers, many
Wairarapa Weed Sprayers, all of of whom have an association with
which allowed the pasture renewal Rathkeale, to help broaden their
program to get underway. Our understanding of the industry. The
resident ewes were trucked out to big 3-day Year 13 ‘jam-packed full of
Jamie Clinton-Baker’s, and an Italian industry visits’ Mystery Creek trip
Ryegrass was put in at the start appears to be a highlight for many.
of Autumn. Once established, it
We are excited to see what 2020 and
provided a great feed for finishing.
beyond has in store for the Rathkeale
As part of the crop rotation, Hunter
Land Lab, with it becoming an
Brassica was placed in the late spring
even more predominant place for
in 3 out of the 5 paddocks, which
research, innovation, and teaching.
saw some great gains by lambs, not
Being able to share my passion for
to mention positives on soil fertility. Left to Right: Archie Woodhouse, Joe Quinn, Liam Quirke and Federick Eschenbach
agricultural science with students is
With a forever-helpful stock agent in
the main reason I love my job. They
our corner, it has meant the flow of
allowed the donation of lambs to the the program has gone from strength are the future. And if the attitude,
livestock on and off the property has
Friends' Association for the annual to strength. The boys are involved effort and engagement of those I
been somewhat effortless over the
Fete, and the monetary funding in all livestock husbandry, feed teach, or have taught, since being at
last 3 years. A permanent pasture
of the Donald Family Scholarship management, and movement. They Rathkeale are anything to go by, the
was sown in three of the paddocks
annually. have been excited to be an extra pair Primary Industries in New Zealand
in Autumn 2019. With the other two
of hands for any H&T trial work and
Top: Agri Business students' Silver Fern Farms visit. are going to be well looked after.
heading into crop rotation, it will For an area of 5.5ha, we are able
be nice to get some ewes tupped in are always eager to see the results. Middle: At the Miraka plant, Taupo
to offer great experiential learning Coadette Low
2020. Revenue from livestock has The boys are thoroughly engaged
opportunities here at Rathkeale, and Bottom: Rathkeale at Teen Ag Competition, Dannevirke. Head of AgricultureIn vino veritas ... Luke's Life Lessons
Luke Nottage (1981-1983), Professor of Comparative and Transnational Business Law, University of
Alastair Maling (1981-1983) is group winemaker and head of viticulture for Foley Wines, a group
Sydney, and Managing Director of Japanese Law Links Pty Ltd, shares what he learnt and did not
that includes Te Kairanga, Martinborough Vineyard, Grove Mill, Vavasour and Mt Difficulty.
learn from Rathkeale.
A
rriving at Rathkeale in the once it leaves the farm gate, Rathkeale was to think for myself. three “Untruths” that Haidt detects
5th form wasn’t the easiest wine offered vertical integration I particularly appreciated Liam among the American iGen (those
for a teenager trying to from the vineyard to the retail O’Gorman allowing me to skip born since 1996) that go against the
fit into an already well- outlet, restaurant or table at his Economics classes towards the lessons for life from mainstream
established environment. Although home. This provided a point of end of 7th Form, mainly so I could psychology as well as ancient
I didn’t appreciate it at the time, differentiation and the satisfaction begin working through a first-year wisdom literatures:
and on reflection wouldn’t have it and accountability of seeing your university textbook. That not only
any other way, the large turnout of product through to consumption helped me for exams and then “what doesn’t kill you makes you
our year group at the Rathkeale/St makes you strive to maintain that VUW study, it also got me used to weaker” (so keep us safe at all
Matthew's reunion in 2014 reminded quality level. self-directed learning. That skill or costs!);
me how strong those school bonds passion is something I now try to
Another benefit of a career in the “life is a battle between good people
are. encourage in my university students,
wine industry, and one I hadn’t and bad people” (rather than a
who often come from schools that
A gap year followed by a B Com at initially appreciated, is that it can battle within us);
tend to spoon-fed pupils.
Lincoln University led to my first take you all over the world. As such,
“always trust your feelings” (rather
job with Wrightson in the Rural I spent 8 years as a flying winemaker Yet I also tell university students,
than engaging also our capacity to
Lending division. For the next five based in London but traveling and especially rather highly-strung and
reason).
years I moved between Wellington, working in France, Spain, Italy, individualistic law students, that
Blenheim and Hawke's Bay and Chile, Argentina, South Africa and they need to learn to collaborate, In my case at Rathkeale, though,
I
whilst I loved the agricultural California. Spending time in these Maria as their Group Winemaker, sharing the knowledge and skills I was probably the first and
industry, I still hadn’t found my true countries, largely off the beaten overseeing the winemaking and was surprised but grateful each has built up. This is the reality only student ever to be caned
passion or the job of my dreams. tourist track, also meant meeting viticulture programme for the when Grant Harper asked of contemporary legal practice as for blasphemy! There can be
the locals and discovering the local entire portfolio. It was an exciting me to share some thoughts well as academia—almost all my downsides to thinking for oneself,
It wasn’t until I was selected to go culture. These were wonderful time and both Villa Maria and the with other Rathkeale alumni. 16 books, and articles or chapters or “speaking freely”! Over the
on a leader management course on experiences that provided plenty of New Zealand wine industry were I graduated in 1983, had a gap are co-authored or co-edited. They years, I’ve kept exploring and
the ‘Spirit of Adventure’ that a life challenges such as having to conduct experiencing significant growth. As year, then studied at VUW (BCA/ derive from projects crossing many thinking about God, living in
changing career U-turn occurred. an initial scoping meeting with a a company we went from 500,000 LLB 1985-89, part-time PhD and national borders, fields of law, and countries that are mainly Muslim,
This triggered my first thoughts prospective new winery in Spain in cases to 1.5m cases as wine from lectureship 1994-7) and Kyoto disciplines. Buddhist and Christian.
about winemaking and the wine French, as I didn’t speak Spanish New Zealand became globally University (LLM, 1991-3), before
industry. and they had no English. We also renowned. teaching business and consumer law A third thing picked up from My spiritual journey may have
encountered a couple of frightening at Kyushu University (1997-2000) Rathkeale was a sense of some parallels with that taken by
I immediately enrolled in an In 2015 I joined Foley Wines as their and Sydney Law School (since 2001). transcendence or the sacred. A book
experiences, including nearly being William Wilberforce (1759-1833),
extramural course in winemaking. Group Chief Winemaker and Head by NYU moral psychology professor
carjacked in South Africa. who ended up getting England to
A year’s leave of absence from of Viticulture, overseeing all aspects One thing I did learn from Jonathan Haidt, “The Righteous abolish the slave trade. First I got
Wrightson—I never returned—to Whilst living in London, I studied of winemaking from vine to bottle. Rathkeale, though, is the importance Mind”, argues that this sense is one to know and see in action some
learn about the wine industry for the Master of Wine (MW) Foley Wines is listed on the NZX of having a few really close friends. of several basic dimensions that devoted and caring followers of
included working a vintage in qualification. After many hours and over time has added five iconic That brilliant musician and enfant influence human judgements over Jesus, including my wife Hisae.
Hungary before returning to of study and wine tasting—not to brands to its portfolio. terrible, Daniel Poynton, is one what is right or wrong. It promotes Then I started investigating
Lincoln University in 1994 to study mention the amount of money spent of them but I’ve also got to know altruism, which he think is beneficial
It is a career that has taken me all intellectually the grounds for
Oenology and Viticulture as a on wine—I became the 6th Master of and trust key people through each from the perspective of group-level
over the world, meeting wonderful their faith, as well as my own
Post Grad student. Being a mature Wine in New Zealand and one of 240 university, work environment evolutionary biology. If you are
people and providing continued doubts, which turned out to be not
student was certainly a different in the world. and church community I’ve intrigued by Haidt’s research, try his
learning and constant challenge. particularly novel, such as how
experience to my earlier time at been involved in over the last psychological test to see what drives
And just like school, I wouldn’t have can there be suffering or miracles,
university, with significantly less In 2002, after eight years in London, three decades. Developing deep your own moral judgements. My
it any other way! and quite simplistic. Then I started
time spent at the pub! my wife Nic and I decided that it friendships is particularly important review of his recent book on “The to see God at work, in all sorts of
was time to return to New Zealand. in a world increasingly dominated Coddling of the American Mind”
Why the wine industry? Firstly, Alastair Maling contexts, and want to get involved
We had left home with a couple of by social media and fickle or co-authored with former pastor Karl
it was an agricultural product, in making things new and better
backpacks and were now returning B. Com, Post Graduate Enology & transactional relationships. Faase, outlines which drivers may
but unlike farming, where the through originally bizarre ideas
with two kids and a container load Viticulture (Distinction), Master of extend to Australia (and so NZ) for
product loses its individual identity A second thing learned from like caring for the disadvantaged,
of household goods! I joined Villa Wine (MW)You can also read
