News
After nearly a quarter of a century of lollypops, jangling bangles, and steadfast dedication, Coldstream Hostel Matron and Manager Sue Mills is hanging up her keys and heading for Wanaka.
Sue's retirement in early July marks the end of a remarkable era for the Southland Boys' High School boarding house — one that has shaped the lives of countless young men who came through its doors far from home.
Since the announcement, Sue has been flooded with messages from former boarders she cared for over the years. Some have returned in person, grown men now, with wives and young families of their own.
"They are always 18 in my mind," she says warmly.
She had long joked that she would know it was time to retire when the sons of her former boys began arriving at the hostel. That moment, it seems, has come.
"There have been thousands of good Southland men come out of here, who have all grown up and still come back to see us," says husband Richard, who has worked alongside Sue at Coldstream for the past several years, driving the hostel van.
The couple have deep roots at Southland Boys' High School. Their son Andrew was Head Boy in 2003, and younger son William was a prefect in 2007. Richard's father, two grandfathers, and brother all attended the school, and his mother served on the Parent Teacher Association. Sue's father is also an old boy.
"There is a lot of history," Sue said.
The hostel, which Sue helped shape into what she calls "the brotherhood," is in good heart. Shaun Fitzgibbon stepped into the newly created role of Director of Boarding at the end of 2024, and enrolments have climbed to 114 — the highest in years. The hostel absorbed a number of boarders following the closure of the Gore boarding hostels and is seeing a growing number of brothers enrolled together.
Sue's tenure has spanned enormous change. When she started, there were no mobile phones — all contact with parents came through the hostel landline. Through it all, she maintained a culture of community and mutual care.
"We've always called it the brotherhood. If anyone is sick or in trouble, we'd all hover around and support each other."
The boys have always known when she is approaching — the sound of keys jangling at her neck and the rattle of her bangles offering fair warning. Good behaviour and a tidy room were rewarded with lollypops, a tradition that will be sorely missed.
Twenty-four years has brought its share of challenges, but Sue reflects on her time with characteristic warmth.
"We have seen good days and bad days, but we all walk out the door on Friday smiling."
She will miss the banter and the bonding most of all. And the boys, for their part, have already begun their farewell campaign — post-it notes have started appearing on her door, with more mischief no doubt to follow in the weeks ahead.
"Yes, the jokes are coming out," she laughs.
Sue will be keeping a watchful eye on things right up until the end — a matron to the last.