Birkenhead College Past Pupils

SECOND HARBOUR CROSSING

An announcement is due on proposed government plans for a second central Auckland harbour crossing. Mayor Brown is again floating (pardon the pun) the idea of a bridge across Meola Reef to the historic pa site Te Mātā-rae-o-Mana / Kauri Point.
It's a discussion that has been going on for many years. Here’s an opinion piece on the subject by Janet Madsen from the 1974 school yearbook.

SPOTTED AT THE MUSEUM

Auckland Museum currently has an exhibition on the 1970s newspaper Mana. It is very interesting and well worth seeing:

'More than just a newspaper, Mana was a beacon of resistance, advocacy, and cultural pride for Māori and Pacific communities in the 1970s. Mana: Protest in Print explores the legacy of the groundbreaking publication which continues to resonate today.'

Spotted in the exhibits was this ad for the 1977 Polynesian festival. There have been a couple of colleges change their names since then, and Queen Victoria College (which was in Parnell) is no more.

LIZ MATTHEWS STILL ON THE CURLING RINK!

We were delighted to see former long-serving teacher and decades-long curling advocate, Liz Matthews, in Saturday’s Herald. The article was celebrating Auckland Curling’s new permanent home in Burrett Avenue, Penrose.
Liz, now 80, sent the first stone along the ice on the official launch day for the venue. Such a headquarters has long been a dream of Liz’s (and the club), so we send a big congratulations to them on this exciting development for curling in Auckland.
You can check out the various leagues and playing opportunities Auckland Curling offers on their website: aucklandcurling.nz

1981-82 BASKETBALL SINGLET

Robert Mortensen (BC 1981-85) very kindly donated to the school the basketball singlet he wore in Form 3 and 4. It had been kept by his mother, is in great condition and a cool addition to our archive.
In case you are wondering how big - or little - it is, it measures 60cm x 37cm. As Robert said, ‘I can’t believe I was that small!’
The number on the singlet is made of vinyl and was sewn on.
When we spoke to Robert, he had some great stories to tell about the many sports he played for BC, and college mates he’s still in touch with.
Thanks, again, Robert.
If anybody else has old items of uniform or sports tops/jerseys (from any era) they want to donate to our archive, we’d be really glad to have them.

BC CURLING

With the Winter Olympics having just concluded, and Curling proving to be one of the most-watched (and at times controversial) sports in the games, we're posting some photos from the early-2000s when BC was a Curling powerhouse. These 2004 photos were taken by Liz Matthews, long-time BC teacher and curler of national and international renown.

CATCHING UP WITH OLD SCHOOL FRIENDS

Our occasional correspondent in Melbourne, Luke Hiki, sent us this screen grab of when he was over here in September. He was catching up with a few 85/86 mates at the Birkenhead Brewing Company. (Supporting local!)
If you're socialising with other past-pupils (friends or whanau) over the festive season, send us a pic.

COLE CUP MATCH #3

For the first time since its inception, the annual Duncan Cole Memorial Cup alumni football game was held under sunny skies, on November 16. It was a great change having a gazebo provide shade rather than shelter from the pouring rain.
The good turnout of players encompassed Cole Cup regulars of the past two years, former BC 1st XI captains and players, a senior club footballer, the loyal league man, players from the BC football academy and a parent (who proved to be the ‘real deal’ in goal). The youngest player ever to take the field in the fixture dribbled from half-way to put the ball in the back of the net at the start of the second half.
Goal-scoring was even through the first half, but as the game went on the Rotheray XI made the most of their shots on goal to break the dominance of the Alderman XI and take the match 11-7. It didn’t go unnoticed that the Rotheray XI had their first win when Mr Rotheray didn’t take the field!
There were several very competitive match-ups, some lengthy advice given to the ref, unintentional headers and a number of spectacular 'tackles'.
Dotted around various vantage points were spectators, almost equivalent in number to those who go and watch the Auckland rugby team. As part of the afternoon’s nostalgia, one spectator was wearing a BC ‘parachute’ sports jacket from 20 years ago.
Our thanks to all who were part of the event and its preparation, especially the tireless Mr. Alderman.
We look forward to Cole Cup #4 in 2026!
You can see more photos of the game on the BC website’s Alumni page: https://www.birkenhead.school.nz/alumni

3rd COLE CUP MATCH LOOMS!

The 3rd annual alumni football match in honour of Foundation Pupil and All Whites' legend, Duncan Cole, is a little over a week away.
If you still haven't confirmed that you want to play in the game at the college, please email [email protected]
Spectators are welcome. It is usually a high-scoring clash, with an array of skills on show...!

BC 'THE BEST KEPT SECRET'!

A very positive online post about BC was brought to our attention the other day. BC teachers and Deans hear such comments from parents frequently. Our thanks to the anonymous writer!

118 YEARS OF SERVICE TO BC!

This morning at BC, staff celebrated and acknowledged four long-serving members of our staff and school community:
Mr. Abnesh Kumar, Physics, previously mentioned on this page for having reached 30 years’ service at our college.
Mrs. Marlene Holmes, Textiles, who has been here 25 years.
Mrs. Darlene Logan (past-pupil), until recently the smiling face at reception who has now moved to Accounts, also 25 years.
Abnesh spoke of his time at BC and of some of the past staff members who had mentored him when he first joined the college. He did state firmly that he was not making a retirement speech!
The fourth person acknowledged was retiring Board chair/Presiding Member, Trevor Dobbin. Trevor began as a member of the then Birkdale College Board of Governors in 1987, thinking he would only be on the board for three years! It is thought Trevor was the longest serving school board member in the country. Trevor’s children went through BC, and now his grandchildren are coming through. Trevor lectured in Education, and some of those who were students in his classes have taught at BC. His son Nick taught here until recently. The boardroom has fittingly been named the Trevor Dobbin Room.
As principal Craig Waller said, Abnesh, Marlene, Darlene and Trevor have all made, and continue to make, extraordinary contributions to the lives of our students and our college.
In the photo, Marlene, Darlene and Abnesh are wearing long-service 'gold watches' crafted by Marlene.