2017 Archived news

Alumna appointed chief economist of NZ's largest bank Sharon Zöllner (1994-95) has been appointed as ANZ New Zealand's new chief economist. Prior to her appointment, Sharon was notable for creating ANZ's truckometer, which uses traffic flows on major New Zealand roads as an indicator of economic momentum. In 's newspaper, , however, it was noted: "The new chief economist for New Zealand's biggest bank is a farm girl from Methven at heart". Sharon joined the ANZ Economics Team in 2010. After graduating from UC with an M.Comm in 1997 she started her career as a macroeconomist at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. She has also worked at the Central Bank of Norway. Sharon created the Truckometer in 2012. She has a particular interest in Big Data and machine learning and its potential applications in macroeconomics.

Take a bow, Rolly With the opening of SH1 to and from Kaikōura on Friday 15 December, alumnus David 'Rolly' Rowland (2004) can take a bow. Rolly was seconded from Beca to be Seawall & Coastal Structures Team Lead for NCTIR (North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery) that designed the new sea walls and other coastal structures along SH1. KiwiRail has produced a fascinating video of the entire rebuild. Click here to watch. It's eight minutes long, so get yourself a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy. When you've finished watching you can read more about him here in our 2017 Alumni Magazine. To read the entire magazine, go here. Congratulations from us all, Rolly.

Recognition for Singapore alumnus, William Ng Singapore based alumnus William Ng (1980) is proud of Furama Hotels’ recognition by Great Place to Work® as one of the top 10 best workplaces in Singapore this year. William is Managing Director of Furama Group, one of the Asia-Pacific’s largest hotel chains; it manages more than 60 hotels, villas and resorts in the region. William says he and his team are thrilled with the award. “This award very much reflects Furama’s core values of teamwork, hospitality, respect, trust and integrity. They are integral to the way we work – serving one another, working together as a team and having faith and trust in each other at our workplace. “At Furama, we are united and motivated as one big family. To us, the importance of being a family applies not only at home but also at work. If the family is well-taken care of, it will translate into the staff having a better focus on doing a good job. This is the natural work-life balance that Furama strives to achieve,” explains William. To rank in the top ten list, Furama Hotels had to undergo a Trust Index© Employee Survey as well as an audit of the company’s culture and people practices by Great Place to Work, and then benchmarked against dozens of other competing Singapore corporates. Congratulations from us all, William

Enterprising alumnus (2008 - 09) and business partner Tyler Brummer announce merger for their social enterprise WeVisit WeVisit is a social enterprise founded by Sam Johnson (2008 – 09) and Tyler Brummer. Sam & Tyler created WeVisit to tackle the growing issues of social isolation and loneliness felt by older New Zealanders. In the recent announcement of their merger with Mycare (the country’s largest online home care platform), Sam and Tyler moving into an exciting new phase for WeVisit. So what’s it all about? Sam & Tyler saw an ageing population on the one hand and on the other hand, a younger generation with little or no experience of talking to or engaging with older community member. WeVisit was developed to tackle this problem by matching up young and old to improve social connectedness in local communities. WeVisit offers a range of services which match up each of the older clients with a young visitor or helper. These services include WeTech – a tech savvy helper will work alongside their older client to sort out issues with phones, computers and online services such as Skype and Facebook. WeVisit helps with gardening, cooking, conversation or companionship. Find out more on the WeVisit website

Success for social entrepreneurs Former tutor Hannah Duder (2013) and her business partner have raised over $100 000 for their social enterprise. Hannah and her business partner Bonnie Howland launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter early in November to raise funds for their social enterprise Indigo & Iris. The entrepreneurs have developed a mascara, “levitate” which is both vegan and cruelty free. The main ingredient is Samoan organic coconut oil. But the Pacific Islands connection goes further than this. 50% of profits from this product will be donated to the Fred Hollows Foundation to help end avoidable blindness in the Pacific. The initial target of $75 000 on Kickstarter has not only been reached but surpassed! Currently the total is over $100 000. Congratulations to Hannah and Bonnie. We look forward to following their progress. Hannah & Bonnie on Seven Sharp

Auckland alumni & parents event Auckland, Northland and Waikato alumni, parents and friends enjoyed a reunion on Wednesday, 15 November 2017. Alumnus, Sir David Moxon (1972-73) gave a thought-provoking presentation focused on efforts being made by world religious leaders to combat modern slavery, which the audience was reminded exists even in New Zealand BM, Alistair Drayton spoke about life and energy of students at CH today. He played tribute to the late Norman Hardie (1944), a great New Zealand alpinist, noting that many of today's students continued to follow his example as a daring adventurer. Guests also enjoyed a video showing 2017 students at work and play made by Hamish Smith (2017). The event, at the Northern Club, was attended by around 50 guests spanning College House history from 1953 to 2010.

Richard Adamson joins the College House Board A UC and CH alumnus (2004 - 05), Richard Adamson has recently joined the CH Board. Following his graduation from Canterbury University, Richard spent 11 years in Corporate and Commercial Banking roles throughout the South Island and is currently Associate Client Director, ASB. Growing up in Invercargill, Richard has a passion to help ensure the growth and success of New Zealand's regional based business community. He was a founding committee member of the Dunedin Young Professionals and previous Board member of Otago Southland Employers Association. Richard is now based in Christchurch and outside of work, a lot of spare time is spent with his family (wife and daughter), biking in the Port Hills and travelling.

Tim Bell to receive international award Prof Tim Bell (1980-82) Has been recognised for global achievement with a prestigious annual award. The Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education (SIGSE) 2018 Award will be presented to Tim at an international symposium in the US next year. Tim developed Computer Science Unplugged for teaching computer science without computers. It is now used around the world. The idea took seed when Tim visited his to his son’s Year 1 class when his son had just started school. Tim was asked to explain what he did for a living. “I had no idea that would lead to an international project involving hundreds of people, and used in dozens of countries around the world,” he said. “I like finding things that people say are impossible, then coming up with a solution. There was nothing exciting I could do on a computer that would be interesting for five-year-olds, so what if there were no computers? I gave myself that challenge and it forced me to think outside the box.” Since then, using Computer Science Unplugged as a way to teach children and young people has become well-known in the world of computer science education. Computer Science Unplugged teaches Computer Science using cards, string, crayons and physical activity. Games and puzzles introduce students to Computational Thinking (CT) and concepts - such as binary numbers, algorithms and data compression - “unplugged” from the distractions of using computers.

Death of Norman Hardie, QSO We are sad to announce the passing of Norman Hardie QSO (1944) on 31st October 2017. Norman made a significant contribution to the life of College House through his 26 years as a Board member (1971-97). Hardie House is named in recognition of his service. Norman was one of New Zealand’s most highly respected mountaineers. He grew up in South Canterbury and developed his love of the mountains from an early age. This passion led him to study engineering which he hoped would provide him with a career in the great outdoors rather than in an office environment! He spent his first year at university at CH. Norman’s first job following graduation in 1947 was with the Ministry of Works at Lake Pukaki which provided him with the ideal opportunity to develop his mountaineering skills in the Southern Alps. A few years later, Norman travelled to UK to join his fiancée Enid Hurst. While working as an engineer in London, he became part of the team involved in the organisation of the first ascent of Everest. Norman joined a later Himalayan expedition in 1954 to survey – the world’s fifth highest mountain. This was followed by the ascent of Mt Kanchenjunga – the world’s third highest mountain - using oxygen tanks designed by Norman himself. Norman and Enid returned to New Zealand in 1955 but Norman’s attachment to the never diminished. He travelled back to Nepal many times and for 26 years he was a director of the Himalayan Trust, established by Sir . Norman was instrumental in the creation of the Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal which includes Mt Everest. In addition, Norman travelled to Antarctica several times and was the leader of Scott Base during the summer of 1983 – 84. Norman leaves his wife, Enid and daughters Sarah Jane Hardie and Ruth Wells and their families. A memorial service for family, friends and colleagues will be held at College House on Friday 10th November at 2pm.

Share Death of Geoffrey Beadel We are sad to announce that Geoffrey Beadel died peacefully on 15 October 2017, aged 84. Beadel House bears Geoffrey's name in recognition of his long and outstanding service to College House. Geoffrey served for 40 years on the College House Board, from 1964 - 2004, and was also the Sub Warden (chair) for ten of those years. The years of his service saw the building of the present campus at Ilam, the admission of women, the acquisition of the art collection and other important changes. Geoffrey enjoyed his 40 years and was surprised and honoured to have a house named after him. His view was that it was better than a knighthood because hundred years from now Beadel house would still be around Geoffrey was the dearly beloved husband of the late Mary Haynes Beadel. And the greatly loved Dad, father-in-law and Papa of Tammy Elizabeth and Paul, Ben, Dan, and Rachel; Sarah Mary and Willie, Annabel and Tom, and Samuel; Gordon Pitt and Julie, Harry, Jack, and Fergus. Also dearly beloved brother of Jocelyn Allison and the late Barbara Mitchell. A memorial service will be held for family, friends and colleagues at College House on Wednesday 18 October, starting at 2:00pm.

Ripple effect of An initiative which had its roots in CH is having an effect in Hurricane Harvey affected Houston. The Student Volunteer Army began when Sam Johnson (2008-9) rounded up his friends on Facebook after the September 2010 earthquake. The success of this response to the Canterbury earthquakes continues to ripple around the world. Shortly after the February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, Japan experienced a large earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plant meltdown. Global DIRT (Disaster Immediate Response Team) asked SVA leaders Sam Johnson (2008-9) and Jason Pemberton (2007-8) to help organize Japanese university students develop a similar volunteer program. Additionally, Global DIRT asked Pemberton and fellow SVA member Jackson Rowland to help New York City recover after Hurricane Sandy. SVA's success also led to the creation of an academic course, CHCH101 at UC. The course is focused on post-quake Christchurch and covers post-disaster response, social innovation, and volunteerism. When Hurricane Irene caused significant damage around the University of Vermont in 2011, UC connected with colleagues there and University of Vermont adopted and adapted CHCH101 is their own students went out and helped with their cleanup. In 2013 a US study abroad student at UC took the course and on her return to Champaign, Illinois set up a Student Volunteer Army there. When a category F5 tornado struck nearby, the lessons learned from SVA immediately to a ‘fill the truck’ campaign, where needed items were swiftly donated. Last month, soon after Hurricane Harvey passed through the Houston area, the CHCH101 course leaders were in touch with colleagues at Rice University, Houston. It was a timely connection and the information and experience from Christchurch were particularly helpful. Further collaboration is underway with Rice as they get further along in the process.

A dinner of celebration Glasses were raised to toast the Historic Place Category 1 status awarded to College House by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga in July. We had the great pleasure of bringing together members, and their descendants, of the original College House campus build at a celebration dinner in late August. Attending were architects Sir Miles Warren, Maurice Mahoney and his wife Margaret from Warren and Mahoney; Lyndsey Hadlee, a daughter of the late Chas Luney – the building contractor, and her husband Barry; Mary Collie-Holmes with husband Chris, and Charlotte Woods with Sydney Woods, both daughters of the late structural engineer Lyall Holmes (1940-43; Board 1957-1970). The Woods were accompanied by their daughter, and alumna, Lisa (2002) and her husband Stuart Oliver (1994). Our current architect Alec Bruce (Wilkie + Bruce) and his wife Deborah Watson completed the guest list. Chairman Anna Wilkes and BM hosted the dinner and spoke of the enduring value of the design and construction to students who have lived and studied within the white walls.

L-R: Charlotte Woods, Maurice Mahoney, Sir Miles Warren, Lindsay Hadlee and Mary Collie-Holmes

College House in HOME Magazine College House appears in HOME Magazine. Alumnus and architect, Malcolm Walker (1969-70), has written an article which appears in the August 2017 HOME New Zealand in which he describes CH: "Sitting in an elbow of the Avon and looking fresh after 50 years of hard labour and earthquakes, these buildings are magical. Raw, clear and, as is the nature of excellent things, simple in concept. But so right." Malcolm Walker says he was so smitten by the CH environment, as a young houseman, that he ditched science for architecture. Fifty years later he writes: "The thing is, Miles got the essentials right - and then he made it interesting.These buildings are robust and socially planned - enduring relationships are formed - and it's impossible to not be part of the place. To design somewhere to eat and sleep is easy, but to make a place to belong to - that's architecture". In July 2017, College House was awarded Category 1 Historic Place status by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga

Alumni Reunion in Wellington Wellington Alumni, parents and friends enjoyed a reunion on Wednesday, 28 June 2017. Alumna, Isobel Ewing (2008-09) gave a riveting presentation on her experiences as a political and foreign correspondent. The event, at the Wellington Club, was attended by 20 guests whose memories of CH spanned from 1954. The accolade of being the earliest alumni goes to Rex Ford (CH#728, 1954). We were, however, also delighted to have Barbara Allan, also a 1954 alumna, with us. Barbara was one of a number of women theological students who were part of College House – although non-resident. These women students represent an important part of CH history and it was a delight to have one with us. BM, Alistair Drayton spoke about life at CH today making the observation that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Listening to many of the stories that were being exchanged by alumni around the room confirmed exactly this. Guests also enjoyed a video showing 2017 students at work and play made by fresher student, Hamish Smith. The guest attending were Barbara Allan (1954-55), Duncan Ballinger (2009-10), John Bathurst (1967-70), Peter Buxton (1957-59), Shane Cave (1973-75), Bruce Chapman (1980-82), Peter Coop (1974-76), Isobel Ewing (2008), Rex Ford (1954), David Forster (1982-83), Colin Fraser (1968), Max George (1962-64), Russell Longuet (1967), Mike Murtagh (1956-58), Adrienne Olsen (Parent), Dan Parker (1986), Graeme Proffitt (1974-76) and Moira Proffitt, Richard Shallcrass (1959-61) and Ellen Soulliere, Bill Studd (1963- 64) and Jenny Studd, Paul Sutton (1980-82), Victoria Taylor(2008-2009), Mark Wilton (1988-89).

UC returns to Christchurch’s heart The has returned to Christchurch’s cultural heart. The UC College of Arts is now located in the former Chemistry building.e University of Canterbury has returned to Christchurch’s cultural heart The UC College of Arts is now located in the former Chemistry building. UC's new Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities opened to the public for the first time on Saturday 20 May and has proven popular with hundreds of visitors in its first week to see ancient Greek and Roman artefacts from the University of Canterbury’s world-renowned James Logie Memorial Collection. On the night of the opening day, the University of Canterbury’s chamber choir Consortia, conducted by Sue Densem, performed to a full house in the Great Hall “It’s a great boon to the central city to have another attraction to draw people to this arts and culture precinct. Our new Music and Classics facilities at the Arts Centre reconnect UC with its history in the heart of Christchurch and further cements the University as a vital force in the future of the new city with strong links to the community through arts and performance,” UC Vice-Chancellor Dr Rod Carr said.

CH alumna's work exhibited as art returns to Centre CH alumna, Winnie Whyte's pieces were among the artworks installed at the for the first time since the Canterbury quakes. Senior sculpture students from the Ilam School of Fine Arts were featured in an exhibition in the Arts Centre’s north and south quads from 8 - 11 June

Organised by third and fourth year UC Fine Arts students, the Sculpture department’s 25th annual exhibition, Whakahoki ki ō maunga – Return to your ancestral mountain, featured a diverse range of artworks from 12 artists. The exhibition’s theme acknowledged the return of creative arts to the Arts Centre. The Arts Centre once the University’s original campus was later home to gallery spaces and other arts activities. Since being severely damaged by the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010-11, the buildings have undergone extensive repair and refurbishment. They are now being re-established as a central city hub for arts and entertainment.In bringing together Whakahoki, the individual artists have considered the idea of the return of creative arts to the Arts Centre in various ways. They have made work reflecting onMāori, colonial, personal and scientific histories, the architecture, the landscape and memories. “Whakahoki is about capturing this re-engagement with our city and the return of a significant arts and cultural space,” says one of the artists. Whakahoki artists were Maia Abraham, Monique Berard, Caitlin Clarke, Alex Driscoll, Charlotte Filipov, Giselle Fortune, Phoebe Hinchliff, Donna-Marie Patterson, Katie Russell, Hannah Shadwell, Winnie Whyte, and Georgia Willetts.

Alumni happenings in UK A dinner was held in London on 11 May for CH alumni to coincide with the annual UC London reception. Those attending were (clockwise in photo) Tristan Braybrooke (2010-11), Hamish Laing (2010-11), Andrew Ramsay(2009-10), Andrew Baines (1965-68), Matt Oliver (2004), Michael Cooper (1981), Sarah McRobie (2012-13), Stew Whitehead (2011-12), Jo Gibson (2002), and John Godfrey(Development Director). The event was held at the Royal Overseas League, Park Place, Mayfair. Earlier in the day, a meeting had been held of the College House NZ Trust, a charity set up by alumni in the UK to support College House. At the dinner, Andrew Baines encouraged those present to consider taking on roles as directors of the trust as two vacancies have arisen. Dinner guests were also invited to give thought to other events that would bring alumni together in London or elsewhere. It was felt that an annual event featuring an alumnus who could share some remarkable insights or achievements would be a draw. Volunteers for the Trust or ideas for future events are welcomed from any UK based alumni. Please let the Alumni & Development Office know if you have any interest or suggestions.

College Art Collection Admired College Art Collection Admired College House played host to Friends of the on Wednesday 12 April. They came for a guided tour of the Alex Baird Collection of Contemporary Art. They came because, in the Friends own words, the collection is "rich with major works" and those who took the tour seemed to agree. Many were envious of CH students and staff living and working surrounded such super artworks. The words of Alex Baird rang true: "We want to enrich the environment for those who live in, or pass through, the buildings. At the same time, we aim to create an awareness of the place of art, that art is more than just the icing on the cake". The guides were Lydia Baxendale, art collection curator from the University of Canterbury and Grant Banbury, an art consultant from whose gallery several of the pieces had once been acquired. Both of the guides had the advantage of knowing personally many of the artists and were able to give their unique insights. The tour was organised by Leigh Rogers, wife of alumnus Roger Armstrong ('78) and mother of a fresher, George Armstrong. If anyone reading this would like to arrange a tour, please contact John Godfrey on +64 3 364 2001 by email to [email protected]

Congratulations to the 2017 Fresher Scholarship winners The recipients of the first year scholarships were presented with their awards this week at formal dining. These scholarships are awarded to first year students who have demonstrated strong and successful participation and leadership both at school and in the community. Each of the three scholarships has a value of $1000. BM Drayton commented on the high calibre of applicants who are a reflection of the pool of tremendous talent currently living and studying at College House.

 Francis Pooke was the first to receive his award. As a former pupil of Hutt International Boys School, Francis excelled in science and was placed in the top 1% of students in this field. As an accomplished musician, he was awarded School Musician of the year and was a member of several school bands. Out of school, the tennis courts are where Francis enjoys his sporting passion. He was twice winner of the Wellington Region Division One competition and he coached at the Lower Hutt tennis club. Further afield, Francis participated in a World Challenge expedition to Nepal and his fundraising efforts contributed to the rebuild following the 2015 earthquake.  Alice Hoskins was next to receive her scholarship. She gained NCEA with excellence endorsements at level 1, 2 and 3 – a reflection of her dedication and ambition with regard to academic work while attending Selwyn College. Alice is an exceptionally talented sportswoman competing at national level tennis with a ranking in the top 20 players in her age group. She was a national competitor in the U13 and U15 basketball team in Auckland where she also managed to fit in time to captain both the netball team and the tennis team. Off the courts, she is a keen debater and a proficient flautist.  Ashana Rengasamy was the final recipient of the evening. Her teachers at Marlborough Girl’s college commented on her exceptional academic talents which were reflected in her NCEA excellence endorsement at levels 1, 2 and 3. Ashana has already demonstrated wonderful leadership qualities as both Head Girl and Head Prefect and she completed the Outward Bound Young Leaders Course in 2016. Dancing has played a large part in Ashana’s life. She is accomplished in Highland dancing, Irish dancing and ballet. Her extraordinary ability resulted in a national ranking and she was invited to perform at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

BM Drayton acknowledged that these awards are given in recognition of past achievements. He encouraged all students to embrace the ethos of College House by studying hard and achieving their goals as they move forward in the next stage of their lives. Congratulations again to Francis, Alice and Ashana.

Share CH students in the 2016/17 Summer Start-up programme CH students feature in UC 2016/17 Summer Start-up programme Over the summer months, The Centre of Entrepreneurship at the University of Canterbury was home to a group of enterprising students, including a strong contingent with CH connections, as they participated in the 2016/17 Summer Start-up program. This programme is designed to support and develop the entrepreneurial skills of students This programme is designed to support and develop the entrepreneurial skills of students. A number of scholarships are available which provide participants with financial support to enable them to work full- time on their business ventures. Both commercial and social enterprises are eligible to participate in the 10 week programme. Since its inception back in 2013, 120 students have taken up the challenge. The programme is based around the Lean Business Model methodology with mentoring and workshops provided by UC staff along with local industry members. A wide range of topics is covered including business planning, route to market and product development. At the conclusion of the programme, participants deliver a 5 minute presentation. From here, 10 projects go forward to the annual presentation evening and the winners are then selected.

This year’s prize winners were: First Place and People’s Choice Winner: Logan Williams – Biome. Biome uses Didymo, an invasive freshwater algae, to create sustainable and biodegradable materials including Biopaper, Bioplastic and Biofabric. Second Place: Chris Petrie – InSiteVR The aim of InSiteVR is to save lives and keep workers safe through training in virtual reality. This technology makes it possible to experience dangerous and realistic work scenarios in the safety of the office Third Place: Stefan Warnaar - Peak to Plateau. Peak to Plateau is performance outdoor clothing with yak wool sustainably sourced from the Tibetan Plateau. It all began in 2015 after founder Stefan Warnaar spent 3 months travelling and exploring the vast Mongolian Steppe and high altitude mountains of Central Asia and the Himalayas. His passion for the outdoors and instant connection with this region of the world sparked the idea for the brand. Past and present CH students featured strongly in this year’s finalists. Our sincere congratulations go to Tom Mackintosh (2015) & Toby Baker (2015-16) at Pegboard (www.pegboardco.co.nz), Clive Antony (2012-13) & business partners at Mallu (www.mallu.co.nz), Rhys Fitzgerald (2016) at Farm Sense and James Richardson (2012) at Sonder Leather (www.sonder.co.nz) who all finished in the top 11. Balancing studies with developing a business is a remarkable achievement and we can all be inspired by their drive and their innovation. We wish all the entrepreneurs continuing success with their businesses and we look forward to following their progress