A fitting farewell!

A large group of invited guests, including friends, educational colleagues, and representatives from all areas of the St Andrew’s community, gathered on Saturday 19 October to officially farewell and celebrate Rector Christine Leighton, as her 17 years of outstanding service comes to an end.

The evening began with the unveiling of the extraordinary, lifelike portrait of Christine, painted by renowned Central Otago realist artist, Neil Driver. He started the portrait a year ago, using a photograph of Christine taken in her study by photographer, Clinton Lloyd, as the basis for the painting, which was completed with lots of layers of thin acrylic paint on board. An exquisite frame made by City Art Depot added the finishing touch to the stunning artwork. A heartfelt poem, Still Life, presented to Christine by Writer-in-Residence, Kerrin Davidson, completed this ceremony.

Hosted by the St Andrew’s College Board of Governors, featuring three Board Chairs, Felicity Odlin, Bryan Pearson, and Garry Moore, and organised by Museum Curator, Pip Dinsenbacher, and Alumni and Community Relations Co-ordinator, Lisa Clark, the happy evening included drinks and nibbles in the Old Collegians Foyer of the recently opened Ngā Toi, a wonderful Address to a Haggis, by Catie Riordan (OC 2021), a surprise appearance by Christine’s son, Tom Leighton, who travelled from Thailand to be part of the evening, a delicious dinner in the Strowan House dining room prepared by Catering Manager, Russell Gray, and his team, speeches in the Gough Family Theatre, cake cutting, a performance of Christine Leighton’s Farewell by Pipe Band Director, Richard Hawke, and a special rendition of Happy Birthday by the Pipe Band in front of Strowan House, given the celebrations coincided with Christine’s 65th birthday.

Dessert and dancing rounded off a fabulous evening of tributes and celebration.

Secondary School Students Bid Farewell

Rector Christine Leighton received a warm farewell from Secondary School students on Friday 25 October, who gathered in an assembly to pay tribute to her years of dedication and to honour her final weeks in the role.

The assembly began by recognising several significant student achievements, including a Rector’s Medal presented to Sea-am Thompson (Year 13) who has been awarded a 2025 Organ Scholarship to the prestigious Magdalen College at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

Another highlight was the presentation of a Rector's Medal to the Rector herself, by Nick Letham, Head Boy 2001, and Deputy Board Chair, in honour of Christine's dedicated service. A kete was also presented to Christine by Deputy Head Prefects, Holly Maraki and Carter Rhodes, on behalf of the students.

Then the student-led farewells got underway. A group of around 30 Old Collegians, who had been Head Students during Christine’s 17 years as Rector, surprised her by joining her on stage, with some sharing memories of their time at the College and their time with her, and others taking part in a combined choir performance with present students. Estee Wilke (OC 2022) performed a beautiful solo and a duet with Jack Flanagan (Year 13).

The recessional was a fitting finale to the assembly with the Pipe Band playing Christine Leighton’s Farewell, composed by Pipe Band Director, Richard Hawke.

The celebrations continued with a surprise whole Secondary School haka for Christine on the front lawn of Strowan House.

“The performance from the Kapa Haka Group, and the College haka led by George Wesley (Year 12), was a moment I will never forget, as was the entire morning. I am very humbled by the honour bestowed upon me and thank all who were a part of making it happen,” says Christine.