Last week Cashmere High School held a very special event to acknowledge and honour alumnus and foundation pupil, Mr Peter Brine. Peter attended Cashmere High School for three years (1956-1958) and has decided to leave a very significant financial gift to the school – a gift that, at Peter’s request, will enable the school to refurbish and extend its wharenui, its turangawaewae.
Peter worked for the same electricity provider throughout his entire career with the early days spent working in the North Island. It was there that he became friends with local Maori people and learned more about the Maori culture, hence his wish for his gift to be spent refurbishing and extending the school wharenui.
The function last week was an occasion in which the students were able to express their gratitude and their respect to a former student who simply wanted to give back. Peter’s sister, Lynda, and his sister-in-law, Joy, were also in attendance along with the school Senior Leadership Team, members of the Foundation, and Chair of the Board of Trustees .
Peter is one of six children but was the only one to attend Cashmere High School (making him the “lucky one” according to his sister, Lynda!). Peter has one child of his own and stepchildren with his late wife, Lynne.
Thank you, Peter and Lynne – we are extremely appreciative of your generosity. You have demonstrated the power of philanthropy and the impact it can have on a school such as Cashmere High School.
Thank you also to Stacey Cavalier Photography
