On Friday 21 July, we hosted our OCA Annual Dinner at the College. It was extremely well attended with a near-full house of 135 guests gathering for the special awards that are presented each year. The evening started with a rousing Address to a Haggis, delivered by Jonathan Wells (OC 1987) and ably assisted by John Reid (OC 1956) and Bruce Nell (OC 1967).

The dinner was emceed by OCA President Sam Crosbie (OCA 2009) and we welcomed three very deserving award winners. The first of the night, The Alister Newton Cup for Service, went to Dr Hugh Wilson (OC 1962) for his services to botany and conservation in New Zealand, in particular his development and guardianship of Hinewai on the Banks Peninsula. Tainui Stephens (OC 1975) was awarded The Cockram Cultural Award for Excellence and Service to Culture. Tainui has been involved in Maori television and film production for many years, including producing the 2022 movie, Whina. Our final award, The Maginness Cup for Excellence in Sports, was awarded to Queensland-based Blair Stockwell (OC 1967). Blair’s distinguished career in cycling saw him competing in three Commonwealth Games and one Olympic Games, in various cycling disciplines. He won a bronze medal at all three Commonwealth Games and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1982 for services to cycling. It was wonderful to have all three gentlemen present to accept their awards in person and all made uplifting and insightful speeches about their lives during and since their time at the College.

Thank you to all those Old Collegians and partners who came to support and enjoy this fabulous evening. It is the one event each year, where any Old Cols can bring a partner, gather some friends and celebrate with their peers. We hope you can join us next year!

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