By Kelly Hamer | Posted: Thursday December 4, 2025
The 2024 recipient is novelist and writer Carl Shuker [TBHS 1988-92]
Archie Strang [TBHS 1922- 24] was the first recipient of the Teschemaker Cup to the Outstanding Sporting Old Boy of the Year in 1931 In the 1950’s the scope was broadened to national prominence in the areas of sport, cultural activities or public affairs.
The 2024 recipient is novelist and writer Carl Shuker [TBHS 1988-92]
Carl was presented with the Teschemaker Cup,at a full school assembly, by fellow writer and Old Boy Owen Marshall (Jones) TBHS 1955-59. Owen had been a recipient in 1992.
Carl has written six novels. His first ‘The Method Actors’, published in 2005, attracted widespread praise. ‘A Mistake’ (2019) has been adapted for film and his most recent novel ‘The Royal Free’ (2024) was listed for NZ’s premier book awards.
As a writer Carl has been described as ‘brash and fearless’. He observed reading as enabling an ‘understanding of your life, your people, yourself infinitely more deeply.
These days after varied and rewarding overseas experiences Carl lives in Wellington with his wife, Anna Smaill and their two children .
Photo - Rector Dave Thorp, Irene mcLean, Owen Marshall, Carl Shuker, Kevin O'Sullivan, Betty Manning, Sheilah O'Sullivan and Don Garland.
