St Paul’s Collegiate School records the passing of Tom Brockett (staff 1961-1962), a member of the School’s pioneering staff in its earliest years. Although he was here for only a short time, he made an impact at Sargood House upon his arrival, taking on the role of housemaster. 

Tom arrived from England in 1961, joining the young school community at its development stage. He served as Housemaster of Sargood House in its early years, helping to establish the routines, character and sense of community that became central to boarding life at St Paul’s.

A teacher of energy and wide interests, Tom contributed strongly beyond the classroom. He was involved in coaching and played in the First XI Cricket Team, assisted with cultural activities, including early school drama, and helped lead clubs such as fencing.

Tom was part of the close-knit group of staff who worked under challenging conditions in the early 1960s, laying the foundations of the School we know today. His contribution to Sargood House and to the wider life of the School forms part of that enduring legacy.

Outside his teaching career, Brockett was a lifelong writer with a particular interest in poetry, language and expression. Influenced by writers such as Spender, Auden, Dylan Thomas and Betjeman, he wrote from an early age and continued to develop his work over many years. Later in life, he turned to longer-form writing, exploring themes of power, society and the impact of political and economic systems on ordinary people. His work included unpublished and self-published writing, including adaptations of earlier material and later projects such as The Porotobe and Future One.

Brockett died in Christchurch on 20 February 2026, aged 87. He is survived by his wife Tricia, his children Matthew, Kate and Paul, and his grandchildren.

He is remembered with respect and gratitude by the St Paul’s community.