Formerly known on the Nelson College sidelines as Master in Charge of Rugby, Mark Cochrane is moving into Rutherford House this month with his wife and two sons to take up the role of Housemaster. With supervisory experience, strong connections with the boys, and skills shaped by his rural upbringing, Mark brings energy and insight to boarding life.
How does it feel stepping away from such a high-profile position in rugby?
Great! The boarders are a new team to work with and I’m looking forward to guiding them into becoming great young men. I’ll still coach, so will stay connected to rugby that way.
Your eldest son attends Nelson College. Has this shaped your relationship with the place?
Emmett’s first four years were at Rutherford House while I was supervisor. He’s wanted to return ever since! Having him here gives me an added personal stake in making the place the best it can be.
What’s your vision for boarding at Rutherford House?
I want a boarding environment that feels like a home away from home, built on mutual respect and support – a place where boys form lifelong connections and look forward to coming back each day.
Boarding can be formative for boys. What’s at the heart of a good boarding experience?
Friendship. Independence. Confidence. Away from family, boys learn to rely on their mates and form real loyalty and camaraderie. Independence grows as they work things out for themselves with staff support in the background. Confidence comes from giving things a go, learning from mistakes and celebrating wins.
You advocate an active lifestyle. How do you motivate the boys?
The boys are really the best advocates so it’s important to build a space where they spur each other on. I believe everyone should do something active each day. When I see a boy trying or succeeding, whether in sport, music or house events, I make sure it’s noticed and celebrated.
Has growing up on a farm shaped your understanding of boarders, many coming from rural communities?
I was raised on a farm near Waimate and spent lots of time riding motorbikes (occasionally horses), hunting and working around the farm. It can be hard living away from the farming lifestyle, and many boarders miss it, but I focus their attention on the fantastic opportunities our college offers. School life is bursting with a wide variety of lunchtime and social clubs to join and endless cocurricular and sporting opportunities. With full and focused days, the boys
are kept pretty busy.
What are your family most looking forward to about living on campus?
We’re excited about reconnecting with the on-site boarding family, using the pool, and waking up on this beautiful campus every day. For me personally, the commute to work will be much faster!
For more information on boarding at Nelson College, visit nelson.school.nz/boarding/
