100th Celebrations!

We are excited and have nearly completed all our preparations to welcome alumni to our 100th Open Day celebrations this Saturday, 8 August! It promises to be an unforgettable day filled with reflection, connection, and vibrant school spirit. Here is a preview of what we have in store:

  • Arts & Performances: Enjoy fantastic drama, dance, and music performances, alongside our student art exhibitions.
  • Sports Fixtures: Cheer on our school teams as they take on alumni teams.
  • New facilities: Check out our new Fitness Centre (formerly the Girls’ Gym) and much-improved replacement C-Block.

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

100th Open Day Timetable (Sat, 8 Aug, 10am-4pm)

When you arrive at HVHS on Saturday, 8 August, follow the signs to L Block to pick up a name tag and free programme guide anytime from 9am to 4pm. The guide has a map of the school, location markers, and a timetable of the 100th Open Day events. Please note that lift access is available for all events taking place upstairs at HVHS, and registrations have closed for the Principal’s Welcome / Mihi Whakatau at 10am, and 12 midday.

If you’d like to download a copy of the programme guide to save to your mobile, or to print please click here.

100th Open Day – Parking Information (Sat, 8 Aug, 9am-4pm)

As many of you will know, parking at HVHS and on surrounding streets is limited, so please plan your travel in advance.

To ensure parking is available for those who need it most and for the safety of everyone on school grounds, please note the following parking options for the 100th Open Day.

  • Drop-Off Area: A drop-off zone will operate from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the east-side Woburn Road entrance (closest to Wai-iti Crescent).
  • Mobility Parking Area: On-site parking at Hutt Valley High School is reserved strictly for vehicles displaying a mobility parking permit. Entry is via the west-side Woburn Road entrance (closest to St Albans Grove) from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

For bus and train options, visit the Metlink website. Thank you for your support and understanding.

100th Open Day – Plan Your Day (Sat, 8 Aug)

For alumni who’d like to plan out their 100th Open Day on Saturday, 8 August 2026, below are suggested approaches. Please note that registrations have now closed for the Principal’s Welcome / Mihi Whakatau starting at 10am, and 12 midday.

1940s-1969 Alumni – Recommended Timetable

We’d recommend that alumni from these decade groups book a seat at the Principal’s Welcome / Mihi Whakatau starting at 10am, attend the 100th cake cutting at 11am, and walk over to decade photos starting at 11:30am for 1940-1959, and 12 midday for 1960-1969 group. After that have tea and coffee in the staffroom, visit the archives display next door in the library and take a tour of the school (these are running all day).

1970-1989 Alumni – Recommended Timetable

For this group of alumni we’d recommend they attend the 100th cake cutting at 11am, book a seat at session 2 of the Principal’s Welcome / Mihi Whakatau starting at 12 midday, then head over to decade photos starting at 1:00pm for 1970-1979, and 1:30pm for 1980-1989 group. After that have tea and coffee in the staffroom, visit the archives display next door in the library and take a tour of the school (these are running all day).

Decade Reunion Rooms: We also invite you to visit our decade rooms to relax and catch up with old classmates. The decade rooms are located upstairs in B Block: 1940-1959 (B18), 1960-1969 (B16), 1970-1979 (B24), 1980-1989 (B25), 1990-1999 (B19), and 2000-2025 (B20).

100th Open Day – Decade Photo Schedule (Sat, 8 Aug)

Decade photos are taking place on Saturday, 8 August during the 100th Open Day! To help keep everything running smoothly for these large alumni groups, please arrive promptly at room G2 (downstairs in G Block) for your decade’s time slot.

  • 1940–1959 Alumni: Arrive at 11:30am
  • 1960–1969 Alumni: Arrive at 12:00pm
  • 1970–1979 Alumni: Arrive at 1:00pm
  • 1980–1989 Alumni: Arrive at 1:30pm
  • 1990–1999 Alumni: Arrive at 2:00pm
  • 2000–2009 Alumni: Arrive at 2:30pm
  • 2010–2025 Alumni: Arrive at 3:00pm

Photos will be available for download and purchase on Monday, 10 August. To order:

  1. Visit inphotography.store/hvhscentennial2026
  2. Enter access code – 100!HVHS2026

These decade group photos will serve as a wonderful keepsake to mark this historic milestone! A huge shout-out to the team at Inphotography, who always do a great job capturing our school memories, and getting us into height order!

Celebrating 100 Years – 100th Magazine, Blazer Pin & Branded Clothing

Commemorative 100th Magazine & Blazer Pin
To celebrate our centenary, we will have 100th Blazer Pins ($7) and our 100th Magazine ($20) on sale at the HVHS Office on Saturday, 8 August.

The special commemorative 100th Magazine, researched and written by Peter Bidwell, celebrates a century of HVHS history. Inside the magazine, you’ll find a look back at the school’s history through the eras of our principals, as well as nostalgic ‘then & now’ photo collages covering school camps, reunions, sports days, and the evolution of our buildings. Also included are our official rolls of honour celebrating our dux recipients, head students, major school productions, and more. It is perfect for alumni, families, and friends of the school.

100th Branded Clothing
Alumni and friends of HVHS can also purchase 100th branded clothing, including polo shirts, T-shirts, and hoodies. Pre-orders have now closed. Orders can still be placed; however, delivery before the 100th Open Day on Saturday, 8 August . To view the items available, please click here

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

One of the highlights of our 100th Celebrations this Saturday, 8 August, will be a massed musical performance of our school waiata, E Tipu. Current and former students, teachers and staff, are warmly invited to take part. To help you prepare, download the instrumental parts by clicking here and watch a live recording of E Tipu by clicking here. Hundreds of alumni are already dusting off their instruments to join in.

For Alumni Joining the Massed Musical Performance

  • Bring your instrument and a music stand (storage is available on-site, please ask at the School Office in the Administration Building).
  • Rehearsal: 2:00pm in the School Hall
  • Performance: 3:00pm in the School Hall

For any questions, please email Nicholas Kovacev (Assistant Head of Learning Area – The Arts/ Head of Music) 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, 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.

Neil will be playing at the 100th celebrations! He has also composed a brand new pipe tune for the occasion and generously shared it with us. To listen to Neil’s specially composed tune, please click here.

Upcoming Alumni Events – Register Now

  • 1950-1959 Alumni – Fabulous 50s Decade Luncheon (FULLY BOOKED)
  • 1960-1969 Alumni – Swinging 60s Decade Dinner (FULLY BOOKED)
  • 1970-1979 Alumni – A Groovy 70s Meet n Greet (FULLY BOOKED)
  • 1980 3rd Formers – Drinks & Nibbles Event at Speights Ale House*
  • 1988-1992 Alumni – Reconnect at the Abandoned Taproom*
  • 1991 Class Reunion – Boulcott’s Farm Heritage Golf Club*
  • 1993-1995 Alumni – Two Events for the Class of 1994 and Friends from ’93 & ’95*
  • 2000s Alumni – Celebration & Reunion at the Crooked Elm*
  • All Alumni, Informal Catch Up, Sin Bin Sports Bar, 6:00pm Start*

*Please see registration information below for these alumni hosted events. Also note that registrations have now closed for the following HVHS hosted events:

  • Staff, Teachers and Board Members Reunion: Friday 7 August (REGISTRATIONS CLOSED)
  • Principal’s Welcome / Mihi Whakatau (10am & 12pm): Saturday 8 August (REGISTRATIONS CLOSED)
  • Special Early Dinner for 1940s & 1950s Alumni: Saturday 8 August (REGISTRATIONS CLOSED)

1980 3rd Formers – Drinks & Nibbles Event at Speights Ale House

We would love to reconnect with all our old friends from our HVHS years (1980-1984) and this a once in a lifetime chance to catch up and reminisce! We’ve booked a private room upstairs at the Speights Ale House in Petone on Saturday, 8 August. The cost for the venue, a welcome drink & nibbles is $30 per head. There will also be a cash bar. Register soon so you don’t miss out!

How to Register & Pay

  1. To register for the event email Carolyn Crawford-Smith at crawfordsmith@kinect.co.nz with your full name, (maiden name too please) email address and contact number.
  2. Make your payment by depositing $30 per person into the following BNZ account:
    Carolyn Crawford-Smith
    02-0466-0248382-008
    Please use your full name as the reference.

Please note: Because we need to pay a venue deposit and pre-order food, we are unfortunately unable to offer refunds once paid.

For any questions, please call Carolyn on 022 034 7117 or email her at crawfordsmith@kinect.co.nz.

HVHS Class of 1988-1992 Reunion at Abandoned Taproom!

With HVHS reaching it’s 100th year, it’s a great excuse to reconnect with some old classmates.

Come and catch up, share some old memories, create some new ones, and maybe even have a boogie! The private event starts at 8pm, but feel free to pop down earlier if you are around!

  • Date: Saturday, 8 August, 8:00pm-1:00am
  • Location: Abandoned Taproom, 38 Fitzherbert Street, Petone
  • Cost: $30
  • Register: Ticket bookings are online via TryBooking.com
  • Latest news: Visit the dedicated Facebook event page

There will be a few nibbles available, and the kitchen will be open. Abandoned can cater for most dietary requirements, just remember to stipulate if you have any when booking your ticket, so that we can advise them. For any questions, please contact Pip Cheung at hvhsreunion88to92@gmail.com.

HVHS Class of 1991 Reunion at Boulcott Golf Club!

The class of 1991 is catching up to celebrate 100 years of HVHS. Come along and reconnect with your old classmates. Partners are also welcome to attend. Check out the details below:

  • Date: Saturday, 8 August, 6:00pm-11:00pm
  • Location: Boulcott’s Farm Heritage Golf Club, 33 Military Road, Boulcott
  • Cost: $20 per person on entry (to contribute toward shared food)
  • Register: Online via the Facebook event page

Calling the Class of 1994

The Class of 1994 (& Friends from the Classes of 1993 & 1995) is taking the opportunity to reconnect as part of the Hutt Valley High School 100th Celebrations in August this year, bringing together those who started at HVHS as third formers in 1990 and finished as seventh formers in 1994. Two events are being planned across the celebration weekend for the class of 1994:

1) Friday Night Reunion – 7:00pm, Friday 7 August 2026: Join us for a relaxed evening catch-up in the Woburn Room at the Angus Inn Conference Centre. This is the largest function space at the venue and will be a great setting to reconnect.

  • Cash bar available
  • Partners welcome
  • Open to all who identify with the Class of 1994

Many attendees will also be joining the wider school community at the 100th Open Day on Saturday, 8 August.

2) Saturday Morning Brunch – 9:30am, Saturday 8 August 2026: Continue the catch-up over brunch at Mariana’s Kitchen Eatery (entrance by the Little Theatre, next to the War Memorial Library on the Queens Drive side). This event is a casual and easy way to reconnect before the rest of the day’s celebrations take place over at HVHS.

A strong contingent of Auckland-based 1994 alumni has already booked flights down to Wellington and accomodation in Lower Hutt for the weekend, making this a particularly special reunion.

Coordination is being led by Leanne Jones, Hunter Tretheway, Mark Tanner, Rees Ward and a wider group of classmates and friends.

Get involved: If you’re part of the Class of 1994 (or nearby years) and would like to join, please get in touch with Rees at reesward@gmail.com to stay updated.

Calling All 2000s Alumni for a Crooked Elm Reunion!

Calling all HVHS alumni from the classes of 2000 through to 2009! As part of the HVHS 100th celebrations, we’re inviting our 2000s crew to come together for an evening of reconnection, memories, and celebration.

  • Date: Friday, 7 August, 5:00pm-10:00pm
  • Location: The Crooked Elm, 25 Laings Rd, Lower Hutt
  • Cost: $20
  • Register: Ticket bookings are online via EventBookings.com
  • Latest news: get in touch with Matt Renata at matthewrenata@outlook.com

As numbers at The Crooked Elm are limited, this will be a ticketed event, buy your tickets now by clicking here! We’ll have a live DJ, food, giveaways, and time to catch up with old friends (maybe even new!) before joining the wider school community for the Open Day celebrations on Saturday 8 August 2026.

A group of alumni from the Class of 2004 are coordinating the event, and we’d love to spread the word far and wide. For more information, to stay updated please get in touch with Matt Renata at matthewrenata@outlook.com

All Alumni, Informal Catch Up at Sin Bin Sports Bar

Calling all alumni! We’re hosting an informal catch-up this Friday, 7 August starting at 6:00 PM at the Sin Bin Sports Bar in Lower Hutt.  There’s no need to register, just turn up, grab a drink, and reconnect with old classmates.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Stefan Quaid at stefquaid@outlook.com or phone 029 121 7373. Hope to see you there!

Celebrate 100 Years – Support the Next Generation

To mark Hutt Valley High School’s centenary, we are proud to offer this limited-edition collection of commemorative wines, featuring a Shiraz, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Created as a lasting memento of this significant milestone, each bottle celebrates the people, memories, achievements, and connections that have shaped our school community over the past 100 years. More than a keepsake, every purchase helps invest in the young people who are part of our school community today. Funds raised will help create opportunities, remove barriers to participation, and ensure more students can access the experiences, connections, and personal growth that come from being involved in school life.

Whether you’re a former student, staff member, whānau member, supporter, or friend of Hutt Valley High School, your purchase helps honour our past while investing in the next generation.

Raise a glass to 100 years, order your wine by clicking here

Key Dates for the 100th Celebrations

Friday 7 August 2026:

  • 1950s Luncheon: Summerset Rest Home, 11am Start (FULLY BOOKED)
  • HVHS Teachers, Staff & Board Members Reunion: HVHS Staffroom, 4pm to 7pm*
  • Class of 1994 (& ’93 & ’95 Welcome!): Friday Night Reunion, Angus Inn Conference Room, 7:00pm Start (Event 1/2)*
  • Class of 2004: Reunion at the Crooked Elm*

Saturday 8 August 2026:

  • Class of 1994 (& ’93 & ’95 Welcome!): Saturday Morning Brunch, Mariana’s Kitchen Eatery, 9:30am Start (Event 2/2)*
  • HVHS Open Day 100th Celebrations: HVHS, 10am to 4pm
  • HVHS Open Day – Principal’s Welcome / Mihi Whakatau (Session 1) – 10am-10:45am (REGISTRATIONS CLOSED)
  • HVHS Open Day – Principal’s Welcome / Mihi Whakatau (Session 2) – 12:00pm-12:45pm (REGISTRATIONS CLOSED)
  • Groovy 70s Meet n Greet: Hutt Old Boys Marist Rugby Clubrooms, Myrtle Street, Lower Hutt, From 5pm (FULLY BOOKED)
  • The Swinging 60’s Decade Dinner (1960-1969): Lower Hutt Event Centre, Doors Open at 5:30pm (FULLY BOOKED)
  • Special Early Dinner for Alumni from the 1940s Decade & 1950s, Hosted by HVHS, C-Block, 5:30pm-7:30pm (FULLY BOOKED)

To register or book a seat at these events, please see the articles above for more information.

Latest Alumni Newsletter

To keep updated with Alumni news we recommend pressing the ‘Like’ button on our Facebook page. If you have alumni news, stories or memories to share, please get in touch. We value these contributions from our school contribution.

To read the latest newsletters click the links below:

Thank You to the Sponsors of the 100th Celebrations!

We are hugely grateful to our sponsors: Gallagher Insurance, Fuji Film: Business Innovation, NXP: Business Supplies Sorted, New Era Technology and the Past Pupils and Friends Association (PPFA).

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