Meeting Tuesday 6^th October 2026 at One Tree Hill College.

Tuesday’s lunchtime meeting, in the Art foyer at One Tree Hill College, was a groundbreaking change from the usual pattern of breakfast meetings. We were delighted that being able to schedule this lunch during  school holidays allowed such a good attendance from Rotary visitors and families.

Cris Print had brought his two elder children to the previous Art tour at Rotary breakfast – and this time he was joined by younger son Rowan, born after the death of his grandfather. Murray Print’s distinguished career in Education began at Mt Albert Grammar – where he formed a lifelong friendship with fellow-housemaster Len Castle, who later moved from teaching to become a celebrated potter. Murray’s commitment to the Arts and strong friendships with NZ pioneers, formed the basis for the vision and growth of a truly outstanding collection!

Cris paid particular tribute to Wally Crossman - Murray’s collection partner and HOD Art from 1961-79, whose own works are displayed in the foyer, as well as to curator Paul Baragwanath - leader of the recent breakfast tour, who has done such an amazing job in conservation and encouragement of donations. Although paintings are the most famous, Murray had a special love for ceramics and antiques - and set about joyfully, producing a truly uplifting environment in a bare school. This also produced wonderful memories for his son, joining a range of purchasing adventures.

Cris most vividly recalls seeing McCahon’s Jet over Muriwai for the first time – and it is fitting that this work is now in the principal’s office! Nick Coughlan then led a tour through some display locations, assisted by Science Faculty Head Kieran Gainsford and Dean of International Students Jenny McMurray.

The earlier tour during school time, had enabled Rotarians to see the realisation of Murray Print’s vision – students in the Knowledge Centre focused on learning, while surrounded by top-quality expression of their country’s creativity! It is therefore good to share that after the tour was over, Jenny went to the powerful Nigel Brown work in the foyer, showing a struggling tramper in the bush – and explained how she uses this as a teaching tool for students on how to manage the burdens of life! 

From our breakfast meeting on 16th June Paul Baragwanath showing Murray Print’s typed notes for his 1989 Prize Giving speech. 

Cris read us an excerpt from those notes…

To stand tall is to follow your own vision and do it your way. To act for your planet, even if it’s only planting a few trees under whose shade you personally may never sit. To believe deeply and truly that you’re OK, and be a positive magnet to attract others to you and affirm to them that they’re too. To know your planet and travel around it. To do what your principal Ann Dunphy is doing, and blaze a NZ trail, by being the first ever woman member of the Penrose Rotary Club, bringing a new dimension to Rotary. To know your own culture, to have your own space and your own mana - turangawaewae. To respect other cultures as much as your own. To work for peace on our planet, knowing that peace is not something you just wish for, its something you make, something you do, something you are, something you give away, something you always retain.

There follows a copy of the History of the OTHC Art Collection produced for the College's 70th Anniversary in 2025.