Colston’s New Zealanders both set to return to their previous schools

There was no escaping the spotlight for Andrew Mackenzie (left) and Darryl Paterson when they

left Colston’s to return to New Zealand. Bristol Evening Post sent along their photographer to

illustrate a story in the Green ‘Un sports section

The end of term at Colston’s brought a double farewell to New Zealanders Darryl Paterson and Andrew Mackenzie who are returning home to teach at their previous schools in Dunedin and Auckland.

Darryl has been at Colston’s for five years, teaching history, PE and sports studies, working as a Tutor within the school’s boarding community and a pastoral Tutor at Key Stage 3.

He has also been hugely influential as a rugby coach, and for the last two seasons has been coach to the highly successful Colston’s 1st XV.

He came from Kings High School, Dunedin where he had been Head of History, a Senior Housemaster and a PE teacher. When he returns he will again teach History and Sports Studies, and combine the role with coaching at Southern Rugby Club in Dunedin.

Thirty-nine-year-old Darryl used to play fly half for the Southern club, and also for Otago B and Otago Colts, before injuries forced him to have reconstructive shoulder and knee surgery. That effectively finished his playing career and he has since channelled his passion for the sport into coaching.

“The work I’m about to do with Southern will help me decide whether I want to develop into a coach in the professional game or remain in teaching,” he said. “I’m open-minded about it at the moment, and might decide that rugby 24/7 would be too much. Let’s see.”

Darryl, who is married with two daughters, took over the Colston’s 1st XV from Deputy Headmaster Alan Martinovic at the start of the 2005-06 season.

“Alan had achieved so much during the 15 years he was coach, and I’m just pleased we have been able to continue at that very high standard.

“At Colston’s we are a school, first and foremost. Maybe that sounds old- fashioned and traditionalist, but it works very well here.

“We have played five or six teams this season who have looked stronger than us on paper, but we actually beat them all comfortably.

“At senior level in England they play too much rugby, and that’s because the clubs own the players.

“The players get torn in so many different directions because there are too many people in rugby stirring the pot.

“I can assure you that the All Blacks will be able to concentrate on the international scene in the run-up to the World Cup without a full season of club matches.

“I’m already looking forward to the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. I want to see as many Colston’s people as possible over for that – if we have to put up a tent on the back lawn, that’ll be fine.”

Andrew Mackenzie (left) and Darryl Paterson under the posts for the last time at Colston’s.

They are about to swap the gloom of English winter for the bright sunlight of New Zealand summer

Andrew (33) is returning to Auckland for Christmas, and resumes next term at Macleans College where he will teach Humanities.

He joined Colston’s in September 2004 from Macleans, and apart from teaching Geography, History and Religious Studies he has been a resident Tutor in the school’s boarding facility.

Sport is also a major attraction for Andy who has successfully coached the Under 12s and Under 13s rugby and cricket teams, and is especially proud of Colston’s young cricketers for winning the 2006 Bristol Schools Cricket Cup.

“My philosophy is that sport is as much a part of their education as exams. It should always be approached with enthusiasm, and that’s what I have found at Colston’s.

“I count myself as really fortunate to have coached the younger ones, and I can see them achieving great things in a couple of years.”

Andy is something of a world traveller.

“I spent three years in the UK from 1998-2001, and I have seen as much as possible of Europe. I have also spent time in the US working at summer camps, and have spent time in Colombia.

“I feel the need to return home for a spell, but I always like to travel internationally and hope to be back in England again before too long – maybe with a family next time. You never know.”