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Christchurch was founded with a vision of a new civilised society in the Antipodes. This programme is about stereotypes and definitions. At Merivale Couturiers Jenny Gowans is being fitted for a ball dress which is modelled on one worn by Lady Di. Robyn Ratcliff talks about the number of ball gowns they produce for school girls, the Cancer Ball, and various other charity balls. Lucy Wills models says the best part of the ball is watching your parents get drunk, but the schoolgirls will be restrained in their drinking.
At Christ’s College, the boys are attending the Fourth Form Final Exams. Gary is shown around the school by Richard Bromley, Senior Master, Christ’s College. Gary shares a meal with the school boys. Boarder Duncan McFarlane is left in the dining room because he is hungry. When he finishes school he wants to be a farmer.
At Fendalton Primary School a group of children talk about their links to the first ships that arrived in Christchurch, including Fletcher Bowley and Stephen Jones. They talks about their aspirations: Stephen Jones wants to be a lawyer because his father is, and wants to go ‘Otago Uni’ and play rugby for Otago. Fletcher wants to travel and study in Europe and be an architect. Julia Giblin wants to be a Vet. Tim Page wants to be a Sea Captain of an ocean liner, and Madeline Wilson wants to be an astronaut.
Inside Christchurch Cathedral the Cathedral Grammar School Choir rehearses. The Very Reverend John Bluck, Dean, Christchurch Cathedral, talks about the history of the school. The Reverend Canon R.B. Couper, Headmaster, Cathedral Grammar, talks about the choir and the fact they can sing with the older members of the choir.
At private girl’s school Rangi Ruru School, Gillian Heald, Principal, talks about the philosophy of the school. On the last day the girl’s say tearful goodbyes. At the final church service the girls are told to be everything they can be, then take Holy Communion. Dee Wilson talks about the lifestyle as a housewife. Madeline Wilson practices the violin, and says her biggest concerns are her family. Robyn Ratcliff attends a wedding to ensure everything is fine with the wedding dress she designed.
At the Leaver’s Dinner at Christ’s College Gary talks to leavers Nick Guthrey, Mathew Burgess, about the stereotypes of the school. There is one Maori student in the room. The leavers of 1993 are toasted then the school choir sings. Bessie Seymour Porter talks about early upper class life in Christchurch.
At the Cathedral Grammar School, Nicholas Ling is watching a tennis game. He talks about his musical interests: he is not interested in rock and roll, but enjoys Church music. Robyn Ratcliff shows Gary around her garden, then they attend the auction for the house. Angus Jennings talks about grading within the choir. The boys sing at a church service.
Elizabeth Moody talks about academic unpleasantness about the lifestyle here in Fendalton, coming from the ‘have-not-ies’. Chris McVeigh talks about being a student of Christ’s College, which equipped him for his life in New Zealand. At Christ’s College an old English ritual called ‘The End of Term Hum’ is carried out.
At the Village Fete, Rangi Ruru School, balloons are set off into the sky and the fete is open. Simon Williams talks about the sum of $100,000 being the target for the fundraising of the day. At Christ’s College prizegiving, 170 prizes will be given out. Dr Max Rosser, Principal, Christ’s College, gives a speech, and prizes are handed out.
In the early morning in Fendalton, a house is being moved. Nicky Dabner is videoing her house on the move and townhouses will replace the colonial house. The debutantes are preparing for the ball at the beauty salon and hairdressers. One talks about the fact that people have the impression they are snobs. A Christ College boy shows Gary around the garden at home and talks about inter-school rivalry between the denominations. The Christ’s College cricket team is preparing for a cricket game against their rivals.
At the Rangi Ruru Leavers Ball the girls are piped onto the grounds by Scottish pipers. Robyn Ratcliff is at the ball to look at the girls in their ball gowns. All the school leavers are handed a bouquet, then the dancing begins.