RONGOTAI COLLEGE OLD BOYS’ NEWSLETTER MAY, 2021 The CHARI T

YOUR 2021 EXECUTIVE • KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY CONNECTED • President Joe Fiu Secretary Jamal Fiso Kia Ora, Talofa, Salam Alaikum, Namaste to Treasurer [Interim] Jamal Fiso our Rongotai Old Boys Fundraising Bryce Keith Engagement Steph Kane am a very proud Old Boy of the College and it is always very warming for me when I hear of the accomplishments from the Committee Matt Eagle school whether it's through Academics, Sports, Music or the Arts. Committee Ben Irving IOver our 93 year history, we have produced many great role models Ambassador Colin Carr within our community, and others who have gone on to make their mark nationally and across the world, and it's more important now more Brendon Stone Ambassador than ever that we begin to reconnect our fraternity through our Old Boys’ Association. Ambassador Arie Moore It is an honour to be elected as your new President. The school itself has a very special place in my upbringing and has moulded me into the person I am today. My three The Rongotai College Old Boys’ brothers and I all attended the school, my mother has been a teacher at the school Association exists to provide a since 2004 (and still teaching) and my son is currently a Year 10 student, so I have means for former students, staff grown up seeing the school adapt to the changes in the current environment and am and interested parties through looking forward to leading Association in the same vain. association and fellowship, to continue to enjoy contact with As President, I look forward to working closely with Principal, Kevin Carter who continues the College and to contribute to lead the school diligently by guiding the school throughout this ‘covid world’. Kevin to the ongoing success and also continues to raise the schools standards with the help of his fantastic team of development of the College. teachers and administrators.

I will be focussing on building a framework for this Association so it can continue its longevity and like the school, be flexible and adapt to our own challenges we face as an tell us Association. Our long-serving President, Matt Eagle has done an amazing job of keeping our Association active and preserving our proud history so I want to thank him on behalf of us all for his tireless efforts. Matt continues to advise and guide the Association YOUR NEWS through his work on the committee and as our school motto says Lumen Accipe Et Wherever life takes you, be sure Imperti. Receive the light and pass it on, I will proudly do so and carry on from in his to let us know where you are and footprint. what you’re up to. Our major focus over the next six to twelve months will be to engage with our Old Boys, If you hear about a newsworthy those who are current Association members and reconnect with our Old Boys who are story of a fellow Old Boy, please not current members. We understand that various communication channels need to be let us know so we can share in our utilised and explored, we will look to grow our presence within our community and within next newsletter and through our the school, we are planning events to bring our fellowship and brotherhood connection social media channels. together, stay informed and engaged with the current school environment and offer the Associations help where needed, and as well as strategic planning for the next 3-5 Don’t forget to tell us your updated years short term to help build the next 100+ years of the associations presence. email address to receive the latest news and events from the RCOBA. If you feel you can help the association or have any feedback on how you want to engage or want us to engage with you, you can contact me anytime, I am always open Email us: [email protected] to suggestions. follow us  Joe Fiu, President • Rongotai College 2001-2005 • [email protected] www.rcob.org.nz • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/rcobnz • www.instagram.com/rongotai_college_old_boys Friday, 4 June • 11.30am Tee-Off Shandon Golf Club

$160 per team (4 people) or $40 per person

Register and Sponsorship Opportunities: [email protected]

Invitation

The Executives of both Rongotai College Old Boys’ keep in Association and Wellington College Old Boys’ Association invite Old Boys to attend the Annual Fixture between the two schools. While cheering on your team, enjoy a light lunch and beverages with fellow and opposing Old Boys. [We invite you We would love to keep in contact with as many Old Boys as to make a donation towards the beverages]. possible.CONTACT Our database is primarily used for mailing out our newsletters with news about news of Old Boys and for any Wednesday, 30 June • Wellington College Cricket Pavilion planned reunions and events. Noon onwards. The Annual Fixture includes our 1st XV, our 1st XI Football and Please encourage fellow Old Boys to email their details to us so Senior A Basketball Teams, with the 1st XI Hockey at the they too can receive the newsletter. Newtown Stadium. We recommend you use your personal email address, RSVP Essential to: Steph Kane • [email protected] as it is easy to lose track of people when their work email address changes. Email us at [email protected]  INTRODUCING YOUR 2021 EXECUTIVE

PRESIDENT: JOE FIU OUR NEW As a father of a Year 10 student, Joe ENGAGEMENT and is especially committed to seeing the ADMIN. OFFICER Association flourish sooner rather than The Rongotai College later to truly be of benefit to the ongoing Old Boys’ Association success of the College. have been strategically planning and implementing He is an active and forward thinking new changes to how our association member of the Rongotai-Lyall Bay engages and connects with our Old business community, involved in Boys. community sport and recreation, and with a background in marketing has the We have a very busy schedule for 2021 requisite skills and clear vision to help and we're slowly but surely building build our Old Boys’ community. on the foundations set by the previous executive to ensure we keep our SECRETARY: JAMAL FISO brotherhood bond strong and grow our 18-year-old Jamal is the current Association. Secretary of the Rongotai College Old Boys’ Association. He’s one of the fresh As part of our new strategy to engage Old Boys who finished school last year, with our Old Boys, the Executive are and as the Head Prefect, the Board of very pleased to introduce lSteph Kane Trustees Student Representative, and who will come on board as our newly President of the Interact Club. He is now  (L-R): Jerome, Joe, Matt and Bryce. created role as the ‘Engagement Officer studying Law and Political Science at and Administrator’. Victoria University. 1978 - 1982. His two brothers are also Steph is very experienced in the role Jamal is part Māori, part Samoan, and Old Boys. Dale, 1976 - 1980 and Scott, as an alumni engagement, as the proudly part Rongotai. Jamal says, It’s 1982 - 1986. administrator for the Wellington College great to serve on the Executive right Old Boys’ Association for over 20 years, now as the Association enters a new Bryce says, I have many fond memories which included (but not limited to): phase of life. I’m looking forward to of playing sport and the social aspect Administrating of all Old Boys via working alongside Joe and the rest of of the school. Study was never a priority the database, Event Planning and the Executive to foster that sense of but I did manage to pass School Management, Communication and Brotherhood and develop relationships Certificate and was accredited UE. Media, Historian and memories curator. amongst the Old Boys community, as well as support current students of the Bryce joined the Executive as he felt Steph’s role at Wellington College was school. it was time to give back to Rongotai disestablished at the end of last year College. because of the reduction income from Jamal’s father Toff Fiso is an Old Boy, their fee-paying international students. 1979 - 1984 as well as his brothers; TJ, Bryce currently work for Kāpura (serving The WCOBA have contracted her for 2012 - 2016 and Shaquille, 2013 - 2017 the community, with sponsorships, 20 hours per week and we have been plus many uncles and cousins. fundraising and championing good fortunate to do the same for ten hours local causes). His role is to support a week for our Association. She will FUNDRAISING: BRYCE KEITH organisations in the region with focus on reaching out to our fraternity, Bryce attended Rongotai College from fundraising activities. keeping our Old Boys informed with alumni news and staying connected with our schools current news and events.

Welcome Steph to the RC whānau, we are looking forward to hearing more news and having events in the near future as we look forward to connecting with you all.

Steph’s email is [email protected]

 The Roll of Honour at Rongotai College, listing former students killed during World War II. It was officially unveiled 70 years ago by His Excellency, the Governor General, Lord Freyberg in 1951. the EAGLE has flown here will be few Old Boys of Rongotai College who His love of Basketball was always a large part attended between 1988 and the present who will of Matt’s focus and he coached school teams not regard Matthew Eagle as a key player in a throughout the years. As an outstanding sports Tvast range of school activities. coach, he relished the opportunity to develop a shared vision and work with a team to sustain that A born and bred Eastern Suburbs man, Matt was first vision and bring it to reality. His prodigious memory a student of Rongotai, where he excelled in all areas. meant that he always had great stories to tell – about Basketball was his first love, and he was a key member of teams, about individual stars, about days of joy and days of Rongotai College’s highly successful senior team. despair. Coach Eagle taught his boys how to win, but he also taught them how to lose with dignity. Matt attended Victoria University and returned to Rongotai as a trainee teacher, taking up his first position as a teacher Colleagues of Matt will recall his commitment to investigating of Social Studies in 1988. From that time on, he has been a new ways of doing things in education. He was at the tireless and enthusiastic participant in all areas of school life, forefront of many initiatives throughout the years which saw and it is with gratitude and huge respect that I take pleasure the introduction of computers into classrooms and the use of in acknowledging his contribution to our beloved school, as a communication technology. He has been an active leader in teacher, as a coach and as a mentor. the school’s professional learning communities and his focus on motivation and engagement has been an indication of his Over the years, I never saw him less than totally committed commitment to enhancing student learning. to serving the school. Whatever the cultural activity, it was always Matt who laboured behind the scenes to build the Throughout the years in which we worked together, I was stage set, to make the costumes, to keep the cast fed. It unfailingly uplifted by his warm and optimistic attitude and was thanks to him and Ana Eagle that Rongotai was one of his willingness to do more than his share of the work. If there Wellington’s leading schools in the years of the annual Stage was a better way to do something, Matt would always be Challenge competition. I remember with admiration his the one who would insist that we try it. He offered a special hours of planning, of scrounging materials, and of fetching, combination of worldly experience and youthful enthusiasm, carrying and transporting to ensure that school productions leading by example and committed to bringing the best out would proceed smoothly. of every student.

With both Māori and Pacific family ties, Matt showed a deep Matt leaves Rongotai to take up a position as Learning knowledge of the particular strengths and challenges of Support Co-ordinator in the Hutt Valley. We thank him for his Māori and Pacific pupils and had a strong commitment commitment and love of Rongotai College, for the way he to empowering them within the school. He was a major upheld the values of brotherhood and support and his part in participant in our decision to instigate ‘Wahanga Hui’ at shaping decades of fine Rongotai men. Rongotai, whereby we incorporated into the timetable, a weekly cultural group meeting time in order to prioritise this Suze Randal area of school life.

 Matt addresses the  Matt congratulates new 1980 Senior A Basketball • NZSS Champions students at Assembly at the RCOBA President, Joe Fiu. Back Row: R R Larkin, S D Neely, G N Curtis, D W Watson, end of the term and his last Matt stepped down from the L S Solomona day at Rongotai College. President’s role at the 2020 Front Row: Mr G Rapson (Coach), S Iva, G Rota, M R Eagle AGM, having served for the (Captain), D B Russell, C A Raharuhi (Manager) past five years. Covid-19 causes cancellation of 99-year-old prestigious sports shield

he McEvedy​ Shield, an annual athletics We share the disappointment of the athletes, alongside competition involving Wellington College, Rongotai their coaches and supporters, who have worked so College, St Patrick’s-Silverstream and St Patrick’s- hard to prepare for the 2021 event. We are determined, TWellington, was due to be held on March 2, but in the post Covid-19 environment, to provide an was postponed as a result of Covid-19 alert level 2 appropriate and inclusive celebration of athletics restrictions. The Meet was cancelled for only the second that honours Dr Pat McEvedy’s love for sport and true time in its 99-year history, the first time due to an sportsmanship which led to him donating the shield, epidemic, the second time, a pandemic. which bears his name and includes the motivational words extolling ‘the joy of effort’. Sadly, the principals and rectors of the four schools announced they were unable to find an alternate The four schools have already begun planning for 2022, second date, and made the decision to cancel the which will mark the 100th anniversary of the shield. event. A statement issued from the four schools said,

CAN YOU HELP US?

Ardie Savea goes back to f any of our wonderful Old Boys would like to school ahead of Hurricanes donate a prize for our RCOBA fundraising captaincy debut raffle please get in touch with Bryce Keith at: n Friday, 26 February, we welcomed Julian [email protected] (2004-2008) and Ardie (2007-2011, Head Prefect 2011) Savea to Assembly, to celebrate We are seeking items that will ‘tickle your fancy’ - OArdie’s upcoming 100th game for the Hurricanes food and beverages, goods and services, travel and and his first game as Captain. accommodation, sporting memorabilia or events - the list is endless. Ardie has some experience as a captain, captaining the Rongotai 1st XV in 2010 and 2011, We will also acknowledge your personal or professional support and also NZ Secondary Schools 2011. Ardie says he is honoured to have the opportunity to lead. as part of the Raffle Promotion and in our next Chariot Newsletter.

Both Ardie and Julian spoke to the school, and led chants ahead of the upcoming McEvedy Shield. Have you memories from your time at Rongotai College? Do you Since then, Ardie has been sidelined for up to two have exciting news? months with a knee injury, which should still see We want him recover in time for the All Blacks’ July tests. We’d love to hear it! Please send to hear us a message to admin@rcob. He announced that he would be sidelined for 6-8 org.nz with any photos from weeks, after suffering a torn medial collateral from you! school, as well as a recent one of ligament (MCL) in his left knee during the yourself and you could feature in Hurricanes match against the Crusaders. our next Chariot Newsletter.  NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL

elcome to the first RCOBA NZ SCHOLARSHIP: NZQA has released NZ Scholarship results. Kianewsletter for 2021!Ora On behalf of Three students were awarded scholarships – Jonathan the staff and Board of Trustees, it London (Physics), Jonathan Reddell (Economics and History), Wwas a pleasure to welcome new students and James Sutton (Calculus – Year 12). Congratulations to and parents with a powhiri to the our NZ Scholarship recipients! College with the arrival of over 170 new students in the Renner Hall. Hopefully this allowed boys to all MUSIC: The Big Band and Senior Jazz Combo participated in quickly feel at home and be part of the Rongotai family from the NZ Youth Jazz Competition at the National Jazz Festival their first day at this school. in Tauranga over Easter. Both groups gained Silver Awards and also got to play at the Tauranga Jazz Festival with the In that same week, we celebrated the NCEA performance of internationally-acclaimed NZ Army Band (led by Bandmaster our students in 2020. You will be pleased to know that our and Rongotai College Old Boy, Staff Sergeant David Fiu). students continued to do themselves and the school proud. 2020 was a record year of achievement with results in all measures of NCEA continuing to improve. What is most remarkable is that the immense challenges our students and staff faced in education because of Home Schooling [remote learning]. Our boys accepted the challenge and rose to the occasion admirably and were able to stay connected with fellow students and staff through new innovations and resources to keep them focused and on target with their class work and social connections.

We have now completed what proved to be a busy Term One despite disruptions caused by Covid Alert Level changes. You will be pleased to know that our boys settled in and have been working well. We are about to start Term Two, and again it will be another busy time as our winter codes start and the school production takes place.

My congratulations to Joe Fiu who has been elected as your FLOORBALL: During Summer Sports week, our teams took on new President. Joe and I, together with your Executive have the best from the country and demolished Wellington College been meeting and discussing how we can strengthen the ties 3-0 in the Nationals Final with three outstanding goals from and engagement opportunities between our Old Boys and Hagan McFadyen, Alec Stewart and Jack Cobden-Cox. The current school community. I know your Executive will look extra shine on the cup was Alec Stewart taking out the top forward to sharing these plans with you throughout the year. goal scorer award too.

I look forward to catching up with Old Boys throughout The Juniors couldn’t quite back up last year’s performance the year. It might be on the side-lines, or at one of our and picked up the bronze after another solid tournament – productions or at an Old Boys event. Come and say hello congratulations guys! and share your Rongotai memories with me. CRICKET: The 2nd XI cricket team took out the Premier 4 Best wishes championship after beating Paraparaumu College by seven wickets in the final. Bowling first, we rolled them for 136 with Kevin Carter Taipana Hiroti-Teaia and Keenan Ranchhod picking up three Principal wickets each and then Louis Paterson scoring 50 not out to hit the winning runs – well done lads!

SWIMMING: Sports Captain, Sam Brown recently competed in the NZ Open Swimming Champs, winning GOLD in his age group. He backed this up by taking out the BRONZE in the Diary4 June RCOBA Golf Tournament Dates RSVP NOW Men’s open event – great work Sam! 12 June Opening Night of the School Production: SOFTBALL: The Senior Softball team took on Silverstream in Jesus Christ Super Star the North Island Championship finals held in Palmerston Tickets are now on sale from the College shop North. The boys put in a solid effort and made a strong - come and see our rendition of the show we comeback before going down and picking up the Runners Up all love! Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for award – congratulations to the team. children and students. During the shows we will have raffles to sell to assist with the costs of the WATER POLO: Following on from a fine National Tournament production. If you are able to donate vouchers or during Tournament Week, the Senior Water Polo team goods that could be included in the raffle, your qualified for the Wellington final after beating St Patrick’s donation would be greatly appreciated. (Town) last night. This was a fantastic effort from the guys 15 June Rongotai College Open Evening after putting in the mahi the last couple of years. We wish 23 June Silverstream Traditional them all the best in the final! 30 June Wellington College Traditional RSVP BY 23/06/21 Whatever happened to … ANZAC DAY MESSAGE n 2018, a superbly successful 50th reunion of the College’s 1st XI cricket from our Head Prefect team took place. Check out the photo below from the 2018 reunion at the College grounds, with the team accompanied by the ex-Black Cap, very year, on 25 April, we as a country, and as IGrant Elliot (centre of the photo), and the legendary Sid Turnbull, coach a school community, come together to show of the 1st XI back in 1968 immediately to Grant’s left. our respect for those who sacrificed so much in Ethe way of life that we hold dear. The date marks the anniversary of the first landing of the New Zealand and Australian soldiers on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915, making this the 106th anniversary of their arrival on those fateful Turkish shores. As Rongotai College was established in 1928, none of our Old Boys served at Gallipoli or elsewhere in WWI. However, many of our past and present students will have whānau who did.

But ANZAC Day isn’t only about Gallipoli and WWI. It is about commemorating all New Zealanders killed in action, or who have served or currently serve in our armed forces, and reflecting on the price paid by all those who have fought for our country. The names of 92 of our Rongotai brothers that lost their lives during WWII sit on the Roll of Honour in the Renner Hall. I encourage you all to take the time to look through these names, think about their lives they never go to lead and Back in 1968, the 1st XI cricket team was unbeaten against all comers, appreciate the sacrifices they mad for us. Lumen and was described in the published history of Rongotai College (Sound Accipe Et Imperti - Receive the light and pass it on. of the Sea: 1928-2003) as being probably the strongest the College has had - a claim that may well be disputed by other teams. The reunion Every year, we a s a school support the was so successful that a repeat performance is planned for 2023, but Wellington Returned and Services’ Association with a major enhancement - several other teams who were unbeaten by participating in a poppy appeal, organised against other Wellington-based colleges during 1968 will also be through our Interact Club. The RSA, along with the involved, with these additional teams being the 1st XV Rugby team, the Wellington City Council arranged the Wellington 1st XI Soccer (now Football) team, the Senior Cross-Country team, the 1A Citizens’ wreath-laying for ANZAC Day. It was an Grade Badminton team, and two fencers who won national or provincial honour and a privilege to be asked, alongside titles in 1968. Deputy Head Prefect Jack Pulford, to lay a wreath on behalf of Rongotai College and the Old Boys’ Organisers of the planned 2023 reunion originally identified 59 guys Association at the Wellington Cenotaph. I was involved in these teams, but have since discovered that four have sadly proud to represent both my school and my passed away. Of the remaining 55, 44 have been located which leaves whānau - the Great Grandfathers and Uncles who only eleven left to find. served in both World Wars.

The eleven team members still being hunted are listed below, by Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou - We will sporting team: remember them.

1st XV Rugby 1st XI Soccer Senior Cross-Country Sol Barris, Head Prefect Harley Gamble Duncan McIntyre Ken Chambers Kevin Jenkinson Jimmy Nicolle Robert James Bill Kerr David Wotherspoon D.C. Wallace Ron Meagher W.F. Wilson

If any reader knows the whereabouts of any of these good gentlemen, please contact Steph Kane at or Graeme Cowan at graemecowannz@ gmail.com

HANDS UP TO HELP: If you would like to organise a class (cohort) or team reunion please get in touch. We hold a record of everyone whom you were at school with in your Form 3 (Year 9) year or Premier Sports Team. But... we lack contact details for so many, whereas you and fellow classmates and teammates might know where we can find these missing Old Boys.  Sol (Left) and Jack at the Wellington Cenotaph Email: [email protected]  RECAP OF OUR SPECIAL AGM WAY BACK THEN... A successful SGM was held on 30 March where the motions were passed for the updated proposal for the current 1931 The school roll was 480 with 22 in a ‘sizable’ sixth form (Y13). constitution. The inaugural meeting of the Philatelic Society took place. We are now able to move onto our application for the The Camera Club finally obtained a Dark Room. Association to become a Charitable Trust. 1941 HMS Pinafore was performed and it was long- remembered as it was the first time girls from WEGC The Constitution rules have been updated to allow the Old assisted in a production. Boys’ Association to apply to be registered as a charity. The Committee considers that this reflects the purpose of the Old 1951 The Dewey Classification System was introduced in the Library. Boys’ Association, and allows us to continue to pursue our support of Rongotai College. The average weight of the 1st XV was 10st 5lbs. Mr H E Heron left for Wellington College and Mr A E Lock The changes to the rules largely align the objectives of the was appointed as Rongotai’s third Principal. Old Boys’ Association to better confirm it exists to support The Old Boys’ memorial was unveiled by His Excellency, the College, as well as Old Boys, and reflect amendments the Governor General, Lord Freyberg. suggested by the Charities Commission. The changes also bring the rules in line with other incorporated societies and 1961 Mr Lock said in his end-of-year speech that, the time has arrived when a boy should not be treated as a registered charities. species of second class citizen merely because he wore a school uniform. You can read the draft constitution HERE. The College’s first Principal, Mr Martyn Renner passed away.  OBJECTIVES OF THE RCOBA The newly refurbished Library opened in Term Three. 1971 Sketch plans were finally released or the redevelopment THE RCOBA AIMS TO SUPPORT OLD BOYS TO: of the College. • Re-connect with each other and the school The Tuck Shop trialled opening at Interval - it’s never • Contribute to the financial well-being of the school since been regretted. • Offer their skills, expertise and knowledge to the school’s 1981 Classical Studies was introduced to the lower school. learning, sporting and cultural programmes The first Guidance Counsellor was appointed. • Build and maintain social and business networks for the The Archery Club was established. benefit of the school Underwater Hockey was introduced. • Attend Old Boys’ functions and school events THESE AIMS ARE MET BY THE ASSOCIATION UNDERTAKING THE Rongotai College won McEvedy Shield. FOLLOWING TASKS: Mr G Jarrett was appointed as Principal. 1991 • Produce the newsletter and similar publications each year The Honours Service Award was introduced. and maintain social media forums covering activities of Old The Rongotai Haka Club was established. Boys and other relevant information The Softball Team won the National Title. • Maintain a computerised database giving details of all Old Boys of the College The three-man Cross-Country team won the NZ Senior’s Title. • Collecting membership registration fees and donations and developing viable income streams through merchandising The senior Waterpolo Team were the National Champions and archiving; Administer charitable funds managed by 2001 The new Computer and Drama Suites were completed the Association for current and past students including and the staffroom was refurbished. assistance with fundraising appeals The school was completely connected to the internet. • Provide financial support for College activities including The Gateway programme started. sport and cultural activities, sponsorship and academic prizes as well as supporting the Archives The Gay Rights Club was established. • Surveying teaching staff and Old Boys to establish relevant 2011 Ardie Savea and Jerome Raemaki were crowned as College Sport Wellington Sportsmen of the Year their opportunities to share knowledge skills and expertise with chosen code; rugby and basketball - ten years’ on, they students are both still playing for New Zealand. • Encouraging and assisting the development of beneficial The school carried on after the devastating fire in business and social networks for Old Boys December 2010 which destroyed the gymnasium (built • Organise various reunions and other social functions either in 1968) - the gym was subsequently demolished. at the College, nationwide or internationally for Old Boys; A resurgence in popularity of sports such as yachting, informing Old Boys of school events. table tennis and tennis was led by the greater participation from junior students. Over 100 students in the school production delivered an excellent rendition of Joseph and the Amazing Don’t forget to register with brycewkeith@ Technicolour Dreamcoat. hotmail.com for the RCOBA Golf There are no doubt many, many more memories that Tournament on 4 June and took place in these years - please let us know what we the RCOBA & WCOBA Traditional Lunch may have overlooked to include in our next newsletter. on 30 June to [email protected]