Page 7 - Southwell School_The Chronicle December 2021
P. 7

                   DR PETER SERGEL - ALUMNI (1958 - 1963)
 OLD BOY MASTERMINDS DHAMILTON’S WORLD CLASS GARDENS
r Peter Sergel’s vision, passion, and creativity in including being appointed as Director. Peter, inspired by making the Hamilton Gardens the magnificent museums overseas, where the modern way to display a asset it is to Hamilton has been recognised with collection is to tell a central story, submitted a plan to
him being a 2021 recipient of the Hamilton Kirikiroa Medal. Other accolades during Peter’s career include being
made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to landscape design and the community (2005), an honorary doctorate from Waikato University (2009), and the Royal Arch Masonic Centennial Award for overseas travel and research (2017).
Responsible for the Hamilton Garden’s unique concept plan of showcasing the gardens through different civilisations, Peter has masterminded the development
of more than 20 gardens, resulting in them becoming a major local and tourist destination attracting approximately 1,000,000 visitors annually. The gardens have also received international accolades and recognition including the 2014 ‘International Garden of the Year Award’.
‘It’s been more than a job, it’s been a vocation, particularly around community engagement.
But first and foremost it’s been a team effort’
Following his years of education at Southwell and Christ’s College, Peter studied landscape architecture at Lincoln University followed by a stint in Europe. Returning to New Zealand saw him embark on what was to become a more than 40-year involvement with the Hamilton Gardens
council to develop the 58-hectare site – it was approved but with no budget, resulting in the team having to rely on community fundraising to see the project come to fruition. Peter is appreciative of the goodwill and support of the Hamilton community especially in those early times.
Peter’s passion for the Hamilton Gardens and their continual development is shared by many Hamiltonians and this is evident not only by the number of visitors through the gates but by the sustained community support whether it be financial or volunteering. Many of these people, especially the volunteers, have a Southwell connection with two of his ‘key men’ being old boys Glenn Holmes, supporting sponsorship and Mark de Lisle assisting with design development.
Although Peter is retiring at the end of this year his involve- ment with these magnificent gardens will continue, albeit in a part time role, as there are new projects underway, including a Baroque Garden, Egyptian Garden and Medieval Courtyard.
‘My favourite garden is usually the next one to be developed’
For further information on Hamilton Gardens or to donate please visit https://hamiltongardens.co.nz
     Dr Sergel’s Southwell Connection
Southwell Old Boy (1958 - 1963)
Fellow of Southwell (Warden of the Fellows, 2006 - current)
Past Chairman of the Trust Board (2007 - 2010)
Henry G Sergel (grandfather) - Headmaster of Southwell (1917 - 1945) Cannon Paul Sergel (father) - Headmaster of Southwell (1945 - 1971) Sons Michael (1997 - 2001) Hamish (1997 - 2002) old boys
In 1921 Henry Godfrey Sergel bought Southwell School and relocated
it to its current campus, 30 acres of farmland, at Peachgrove Road, Claudelands. In 1948 H G Sergel handed over the School to his family who then in 1963 generously gifted the School to become a non-profit making educational institute, administered by a Trust Board. To this day members of the Sergel family have a strong association to the School and have a representation as Fellows of the School. The Sergel family motto, Per aspera ad Astrum (through adversity to the star) was adopted by the school and it still used today.
  












































































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