Neville Woodcock - Family Matters
When Neville Woodcock looks back on starting at Saint Kentigern College in 1954, he remembers a small group of boys in the early Bruce House years, with just forty-six boarders and only a few buildings on campus. Now, as his grandson Luke begins his own journey at Saint Kentigern, Neville takes pride in seeing the College continue to grow while still holding the spirit of those foundation years.
Those early years at Bruce House left Neville with vivid memories of shared routines, steady friendships, and a close-knit group of boys. Life was simple, the boarding community was close, and moments like studying together — or occasionally chasing rats instead — helped forge friendships that lasted a lifetime. Under the guidance of Rev. Adam MacFarlan and Neil (Polly) Macky, Neville felt both supported and challenged in ways that would guide him throughout his life.
One of his earliest memories is helping build the Bruce House hobbies room, a project that took nearly a year. Guided by staff, the Bruce House boys helped create their own space. “We learnt how to work,” Neville recalls, “and how to work together.”
Friendships forged during those years have lasted a lifetime. Neville remains active in the Waikato Saint Kentigern alumni community, a group that has stayed connected for decades through regular reunions and gatherings, inspired by Brian Marcroft who kept the group together since their time in Bruce House.
Farming in the Blood
Neville grew up on a dairy farm near Hamilton, where his father Raymond was a forward-thinking pioneer in the early days of artificial breeding in New Zealand. By 1960, father and son had purchased a 350-hectare sheep and beef property east of Hamilton, beginning what would become nearly six decades of farming life for Neville.
He and his wife, Carole, ran a busy, innovative farm, that caught the attention of both local farmers and international visitors. From US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns to European Union officials and agricultural experts from around the world, many found their way to the Woodcocks’ gate for a firsthand look at New Zealand farming.
But the highlight, Neville says, was always the people. Loyalty mattered deeply to him, whether it was the long-term relationship with AFFCO or the collaborative work with industry groups dedicated to supporting farmers and rural communities.
Carole & Neville: Fifty Years of Partnership
Neville met Carole, a French and German teacher, through the local church. They married in 1969 and shared fifty wonderful years before Carole passed away in 2019.
Together, they raised three daughters, Sally, Jane and Anne, and supported their local community in countless ways. For 25 years, the Woodcocks hosted 60–80 Waikato University international students each year with the help of Hamilton East Rotary Club members, giving them a genuine, hands-on New Zealand farm experience, mustering, shearing, drafting, riding horses, and a big farmhouse barbecue to finish.
Local schools also knew they could rely on Neville and Carole. They were regular providers of orphan lambs for Tauwhare School’s Ag Day, and Neville spent nearly 50 years visiting schools judging lamb, teaching generations of children about caring for animals, and responsibility.
A Life of Service
Neville joined Rotary in 1966 and has now served for nearly six decades, including a term as President in 1994–95. Rotary helped him grow, he says — from learning to speak publicly to contributing to projects that helped young people, rural communities, and international visitors. His dedication earned him one of Rotary’s highest honours: the Paul Harris Fellow.
During the COVID lockdowns, Neville became something of a local celebrity, biking daily around Hilda Ross Village to stay active and keep spirits up. “I suppose I accidentally made the news,” he laughs, “but it was just what you did to stay connected.”
Saint Kentigern Across the Generations
Saint Kentigern runs deep in the Woodcock family. Neville’s brother Wayne, also attended the College, as did his nephew Barnaby Smith, now a successful surgeon.
Yet nothing brings Neville greater joy than seeing his grandson Luke O’Connell begin his own Saint Kentigern journey.
“It’s wonderful,” Neville says. “You hope they enjoy it, make good friends, and get the same grounding that helped you through life.” Luke also learnt about the new Wilson Bay Farm experiential learning campus — a project his grandfather is passionate about supporting. For Neville, it feels like things have come full circle.
Wilson Bay Farm: Passing On What Matters
After a lifetime in the primary industries, Neville knows the power of hands-on learning. That’s why the Saint Kentigern Wilson Bay Farm project resonates so strongly with him.
“Kids need to get out there, learn how things work, see how land is cared for,” he says. “It teaches responsibility, resilience, and teamwork — the things farming taught me.”
Neville has become one of the early advocates and supporters of Wilson Bay Farm, encouraging others to help make the campus a reality for future generations of Saint Kentigern students.
A Legacy of Community, Contribution, and Family
From the brand-new boarding house in 1954 to the thriving Saint Kentigern community of today, Neville Woodcock has travelled a remarkable journey — one rooted in service, strengthened by partnerships, and guided by family. Now, as grandson Luke begins creating his own Saint Kentigern story, Neville’s lifelong belief rings truer than ever:
“Saint Kentigern gave me a foundation. It’s special to see that foundation continue through family.”
