100 Years of Hutt Valley High School

100th Celebrations!

The milestone we’ve all been waiting for is fast approaching. We are thrilled to report that planning for our 100th Celebrations is well underway. The energy behind the scenes is growing, and we can’t wait to welcome generations of learners back to the Hutt to celebrate a century of history, achievement, and friendship.

A Weekend to Remember

We have planned a vibrant programme for the Friday 7 August and Saturday 8 August 2026 of the celebrations, designed to help you reconnect with the school and each other. Highlights include:

  • The Welcome: We will begin with a mihi whakatau, followed later in the day with a mass singing of our school waiata, E Tipu. There’s nothing quite like the sound of hundreds of voices and instruments joined in song to bridge the decades.
  • Walk Down Memory Lane: Delve into our extensive archive displays and memorabilia. You can also join a guided tour of the campus to see how things have evolved and what remains exactly as you recall! Honestly, for many of you, B Block and the hall will be the only familiar sight left!
  • Student Showcases: Immerse yourself in the current talent of HVHS with a choice of dance, drama, music, film, and art displays.
  • Action & Connection: We’ll have a range of sporting events to watch and, of course, plenty of opportunities to share kai (food) and conversation.
  • Capturing the Moment: Don’t miss the scheduled decade photos—the ultimate keepsake from the weekend.

We are crossing every finger and toe that the Wellington weather plays along and gives us a beautiful, fine weekend!

HVHS Teachers, Staff & Board Members Reunion

A HVHS Teachers, Staff & Board Members Reunion is planned for Friday, 7 August 2026, from 4pm to 7pm, upstairs in the staffroom. Light refreshments will be available to enjoy. All former teachers and staff are welcome to attend!

Register Now

To help with planning Hutt Valley High School’s Centenary Celebrations in August 2026, please click on the registration link below to register your interest in attending the following:

  • The Reunion for Teachers, Staff & Board Members on Friday 7 August 2026, 4pm – 7pm
  • The HVHS Centenary Open Day on Saturday 8 August 2026, 10am – 4pm
  • Other alumni-organised gatherings or events connected to the Centenary celebrations

Please complete this form so we can keep you informed and help our Alumni organisers with connecting with old classmates and friends.

Centenary Celebrations – Registration Form

Alumni Organised Events – Celebrating the 100th

We encourage alumni to organise their own decade gatherings or catch-ups offsite on Friday, 7 August 2026, or Saturday, 8 August 2026 (in the evening after the Open Day). If you’re planning something, please let us know! Email the details to Deena Anderson at alumni@hvhs.school.nz, and we’ll help promote your event on our Facebook Alumni page and in our Alumni newsletter.

Need help finding old classmates?  You can email Deena Anderson at alumni@hvhs.school.nz to request digital copies of your yearbooks, many include class photos and school roll lists.

1950-1559 Alumni Event | Fabulous 50s Decade Luncheon!

A luncheon for former HVHS pupils from the 1950s is being organised for Friday, 7 August 2026, and it’s shaping up to be a wonderful chance to reconnect. Hosted by Pauline Patchett and Pam Davis, the event will take place at Summerset Boulcott Retirement Village, beginning at 11:00am. Attendance is limited to 100 people to keep the gathering relaxed and enjoyable.

To register for the event, please contact Pam Davis at pameladdavis@outlook.co.nz and Pauline Patchett at drpbp11@gmail.com.

1960-1969 Alumni Event | Calling all HVHS Alumni of the Swinging 60s!

Planning is well underway for the “The Swinging 60’s Decade Dinner” (1960-1969) as part of the HVHS Centenary Celebrations 2026. If you were a student at HVHS between 1960 – 1969 (that is, starting year in third form) or if you joined HVHS later this would have been when your classmates started, then this is your decade!

As interest and numbers are growing fast, Chris MacKay and I have looked at venues for a buffet dinner that can accommodate accordingly. If you are planning to attend the dinner, to secure the perfect venue, we do require your RSVP as soon as possible.

To register your interest, please email me at jerinacorbanbanks@gmail.com and include your:

  • First and last name
  • Years attending HVHS (an approximate guess is completely fine)
  • Names & number of people attending with you.

Unsure if you’re part of this decade group? You’re also welcome to drop me an email and I can advise you if you are in the right decade, or point you in the right direction. Looking forward to welcoming past pupils to reconnect and celebrate this Centenary.

Kind regards,
Jerina Corban-Banks (1968-1972)

1970-1979 Alumni | A Groovy 70s Meet n Greet!

Did you start school in the Groovy Seventies? If you began at HVHS between 1970 and 1979, you’re warmly invited to register your interest for a get‑together with fellow ex‑students. This gathering will follow the HVHS Centenary Open Day (10am–4pm).

Event: A Groovy 70s Meet n Greet
Date: Saturday, 8 August 2026, 5pm Onwards
Venue: Convenient Hutt Valley Location (dependent on numbers – to be confirmed
Details: Cash Bar with Nibbles & Snacks

Register Now! To help with numbers and catering, please register your interest with either:

  • Mike Hanley — mikehanley1964@gmail.com, 027 749 4904
  • Paul & Christine Barnett (née Davis) — christinebarnett@xtra.co.nz, 027 457 7738
  • Martin Goodyear – 63emgee@gmail.com

1980 Alumni | Calling the Graduates of the Class of 1980!

Martin Goodyear is part of the Class of 1980 (7th Formers) and is keen to get in touch with old classmates ahead of the 100th Celebrations to see if others are keen to help organise a casual meet-up, drink, or meal out ahead of the 100th Open Day on Saturday 8 August 2026.

To get in touch with Martin, email him at 63emgee@gmail.com.

2004 Alumni | Calling the Class of 2004

Alumni from our Class of 2004 are already gearing up to be part of the HVHS 100th celebrations. After a special 20th reunion earlier this year, they’re keen to get the crew together again.

Plans are underway for a Class of 2004 year group catch-up on Friday, 7 August 2026, in the evening, potentially at The Crooked Elm nearby to HVHS, with everyone joining the full school celebrations at the Open Day on Saturday, 8 August 2026.

Michael Renata and a group of classmates and friends are helping to coordinate plans for the Class of 2004. If you’re part of this year group and would like to be involved, please get in touch with him to connect and stay updated by emailing Matt at matthewrenata@outlook.com

Key Dates for the 100th Celebrations

Friday 7 August 2026:

  • 1950s Luncheon – Summerset Rest Home, 11am Start*
  • HVHS Teachers & Staff Reunion – HVHS Staffroom, 4pm to 7pm
  • Class of 2004 – Currently Being Organised*

Saturday 8 August 2026:

  • HVHS Open Day 100th Celebrations – HVHS, 10am to 4pm
  • Groovy 70s Meet n Greet – Venue To Be Confirmed, From 5pm Onwards*

Being Planned:

  • The Swinging 60’s Decade Dinner” (1960-1969) is also being planned*
  • Class of 1980 depending on interest, may also host an event ahead of the 100th Celebrations on the 8 August.
  • A special 1940s Early Dinner is being planned for Saturday 8 August, to be hosted by our Food & Hospitality students. More information in the next Alumni newsletter.

* To register, please refer to the information listed in the sections above. Registering early is strongly recommended!

100th News

Massed Performance of ETipu (School Waiata) for our 100th Celebration

One of the planned highlights of our upcoming 100th Celebrations on Saturday 8 August will be a massed musical performance of our school waiata, E Tipu. Current students, staff and alumni are warmly invited to take part in this special item, bringing our community together.

To help everyone prepare, below you can now download the instrumental parts to practise in the lead‑up to the big day in August 2026. They are also available on the school website.

For any questions, please email Jhan Lindsay (Performing Arts Coordinator / Teacher in Charge – Itinerant Music Programme) at music@hvhs.school.nz

Music Parts for E Tipu Performance

Neil Whitehead’s Bagpipe Tribute to HVHS

When Neil Whitehead (1956–1960) emailed the school recently, we were delighted by what he had to share. Now 81 years old and still actively playing the bagpipes, Neil fondly recalled his time at Hutt Valley High School particularly being Pipe Major of the school’s former pipe band. He even piped guests into the hall for our 90th anniversary celebration.

Looking ahead to 2026, Neil hopes to be part of the 100th celebrations and he’s also composed a brand new pipe tune for the occasion and generously shared it with us by email. To listen to Neil’s specially composed tune, please click here.

Thank You to the Sponsors of the 100th Celebrations!