Birkenhead College Past Pupils

Home
New Zealand
Auckland
Birkenhead College Past Pupils

Official page / contact for Birkdale/ Birkenhead College past pupils, staff and friends.

02/09/2026

COLE CUP #4: NOVEMBER 15, 2026, 2PM

The fourth annual Cole Cup alumni football game in memory of Foundation Pupil and All Whites legend, Duncan Cole, will be played on Sunday November 15, 2026.
In what have been action-packed, high-scoring games, Team Alderman leads Team Rotheray 2-1.
For returning players, or those wanting to join in for the first time, please email us at [email protected] so we have an idea of numbers.
Family and whanau, friends, Deep Heat suppliers and physios are welcome to take their place on the sidelines.
There will be details to follow about other events on the day, too.

26/08/2026

ROCK ON AT BC!

We were very privileged to have New Zealand music legend, Jon Toogood (Shihad, The Adults, Come Together), spend a couple of days working with students in our Music department. It was an awesome opportunity and real thrill for our budding musos (and several of the staff!). Thanks Jon!

11/08/2026

MR BURTON IN CHANNEL MAG

If you pick up the latest copy of the North Shore's monthly Channel magazine, you will see a page about the appointment of Dave Burton. Great publicity for BC!

21/07/2026

NEW PRINCIPAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

From the Birkenhead College board:

Following a rigorous and comprehensive recruitment process, the Board is pleased to announce that DAVID BURTON has accepted our offer to become the next Tumuaki / Principal of Birkenhead College.
David brings with him a wealth of educational leadership experience and, in many ways, is returning home. He began his teaching career in New Zealand at Western Springs College before joining Birkenhead College as an Assistant Principal. He is currently Associate Principal at Westlake Girls High School, where he has built an outstanding reputation as an experienced, thoughtful, and highly respected educational leader.
Throughout the appointment process, David impressed the Board with his clear vision for education, his deep understanding of what enables schools to thrive, and his unwavering commitment to putting students at the centre of every decision. His values, leadership style and aspirations for Birkenhead College strongly align with the future direction of our College.
The Board is excited about the experience, energy and strategic leadership David will bring as we continue to build on Birkenhead College's many strengths. We are confident he will work in partnership with our staff, students, whānau and wider community to ensure every learner has the opportunity to succeed and flourish.
We know our community will join us in extending David a very warm Birkenhead College welcome. We look forward to introducing him to students, families, and our wider community.

19/06/2026

PAST-PUPIL IN THE NEWS: PROFESSOR JO LANE

Former teacher, Sue Newman, was in touch with us to say that she had seen past-pupil Joseph Lane on TV1 News on June 11th, in an item about the new Waikato University Medical School.
Now Professor Lane, Jo was appointed Waikato University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Division of Health in 2024, and leads a team working to address the national health workforce crisis.
Jo received a PhD in computational chemistry from Otago University in 2008.
Sue recalls Jo being fully involved in life at BC as a member of the 1st XV, concert band, a nationally placed boys’ barbershop chorus and quartet, the Student Council, Youth Parliament rep, debater and recipient of the RJ Black Leadership Cup. Plus, he played Professor Higgins in a school production of 'My Fair Lady'. (We’ve probably embarrassed him enough, now!)
When appointed, Jo said he was ‘honoured to take on this role. There is a health workforce crisis in Aotearoa, and it is a privilege to be able to do something about it.’
BC are very proud to see the outstanding work Jo is doing (thanks, Sue), and wish him all the very best.

14/06/2026

ACADEMIC ANALYSIS AND OPEN EVENING

Last Wednesday, Year 8 students from Birkdale and Northcote intermediates enjoyed a day at Birkenhead College. The Open Evening for 2027 students is this Wednesday (17th) at 6pm.

In an academic analysis comparing Birkenhead College to neighbouring colleges, we have the highest percentages in almost every primary category. For example:
Year 11 Numeracy leader: 96.9% achievement rate
Endorsement with Excellence Leader: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3
Year 12 Level 2 Pass rate: 88.70%
Year 13 Level 3 Pass rate: 86.60%
University Entrance: 67.1% achievement rate
Scholarship efficiency leader: 14.1% of cohort awarded

We look forward to seeing the next cohort of BC students!

19/05/2026

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.

30/04/2026

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.

22/04/2026

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

18/03/2026

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.

Address

140 Birkdale Road
Auckland
0626

Telephone

+6494839039

Website

http://www.birkenhead.school.nz/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Birkenhead College Past Pupils posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Auckland?