100 Years of Hutt Valley High School

100th Celebrations!

The milestone we’ve all been waiting for is fast approaching. We have planned a vibrant programme for the celebrations on Friday 7 August and Saturday 8 August 2026, designed to help you reconnect with the school and each other, and alumni are also organising and hosting their own events too.

Book Your Seat Now!

Bookings are required for these THREE HVHS EVENTS ONLY:

  1. Staff & Board Member Reunion on Friday, 7 August from 4-7pm
  2. Principal’s Welcome & Mihi Whakatau on Saturday, 8 August at 10am-10:45am, and repeated again from 12:00pm-12:45pm
  3. Special Early Dinner for 1940s & Early 1950s Alumni on Saturday, 8 August from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

How to Register:

  1. Click the black button below this article once.
  2. Inside the form, select all the HVHS events you wish to attend.
  3. Submit the form. You only need to complete this form once.
Booking Form (Covers all 3 HVHS Events)

Event 1 | 100th Open Day Celebrations

We’ll be opening the school doors for a special Open Day on Saturday, 8 August 2026, a chance to revisit your old classrooms (those that are standing!) see what’s changed, and reconnect with friends and former teachers.

Highlights include:

  • The Welcome: We will begin with a principal’s welcome and mihi whakatau at 10am (and repeated again at 12 midday), bookings are essential.
  • School Waiata: Followed later in the day with a mass singing of our school waiata, E Tipu at 3pm. 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, 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! There is no fee to attend the 100th Open Day, and everyone is welcome to attend. Please see the timetable below and information on how to reserve your seat at key events (with limited seating).

Event 1 | 100th Open Day – Helpful Planning Information

For alumni who’d like to plan out their 100th Open Day on Saturday, 8 August 2026, please see the timetable under this article, and suggested approaches below.

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).

Event 1 | 100th Open Day Timetable, Saturday 8 August, 10am-4pm

Event 2 | Teachers, Staff & Board Members Reunion!

We’re inviting current and former teachers, staff and board members of Hutt Valley High School to a reunion catch-up on Friday, 7 August 2026 from 4pm to 7pm.

Join us upstairs in the staffroom to celebrate 100 years of Hutt Valley High School to catch up with old friends, share kai, reconnect and share stories. There is no fee to attend this event.

How to Book a Seat: Click the black button in the article above titled ‘Booking Form (Covers All 3 HVHS Events)‘. This form covers all 3 HVHS Events, and should only be completed once.

Event 3 | 1940s Decade & Early 1950s – Special Early Dinner

A special early dinner for our 1940s decade and early 1950s alumni is planned for Saturday, 8 August, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The event will be held in the new C‑Block, with doors opening at 5:15pm.

At the Special Early Dinner, our Year 12 and 13 (6th & 7th Form) Food & Hospitality students will prepare and serve a three‑course meal for our guests, along with a glass of wine or a non‑alcoholic drink.

Alumni from the 1940s decade and early 1950s are very welcome to bring a guest to join them at this event. To attend the event, a suggested koha (donation) of $20 per person at the door is appreciated.

How to Book a Seat: Click the black button above titled ‘Booking Form (Covers All 3 HVHS Events)’. This form covers all 3 HVHS Events, and should only be completed once per guest.

For any questions, please email Lana Goddard (Principal’s PA) at lana.goddard@hvhs.school.nz

Upcoming Alumni Events – Register Now

Event 4 | 1950-1959 Alumni – Fabulous 50s Decade Luncheon!

A luncheon for former HVHS pupils from the 1950s is being organised for Friday, 7 August 2026 at Summerset Boulcott Retirement Village, beginning at 11:00am.

There has been a very good response to this event and there are now 97 people who have registered and paid. There is a limit of 100 people, so if you wish to come, so please don’t delay!

To attend please fill in the registration form below by clicking here and send money to the named bank account. For any questions, please email Pam Davis at pameladdavis@outlook.co.nz and Pauline Patchett at drpbp11@gmail.com.

Event 5 | 1960-1969 Alumni – Calling all HVHS Alumni of the Swinging 60s!

We are now just over three months away from our HVHS Centenary celebrations and the Decade Dinner on Saturday, 8 August 2026 for Alumni from the 1960s.

Cut Off Date

Seating is limited so to secure your place and for catering purposes, the cut off date for accepting dinner RSVPs is Monday, 13 July. 

Dinner Update

Our event organizers, Jerina Corban-Banks and Chris MacKay, have met with the Events Centre Management team. They have been extremely generous, going above and beyond to provide us with a great package deal for the evening, including a delicious three-course dinner.

Dinner Details

Cost: Cost $95 per person (incl. complimentary drink on arrival & three course meal) with a cash bar available.
Venue: Hutt Events Centre
Date: Saturday 8 August
Event Timings: Mix and mingle from 5:30pm -7:00pm, seated for dinner at 7:00pm, formal speeches from 8:00-8:30pm including special guest speaker Hon Tim Groser (1964-68), and following speeches will be dessert, coffee and tea.

Don’t Miss Out

  • Already registered? Jerina will be sending an email with all payment details and instructions included shortly.
  • Still thinking about it? Please jump in and secure your place. his is a rare opportunity to reconnect and reminisce, it simply won’t be the same without you!
  • Special note for 1950s Alumni: We are delighted to have a table of 1950s alumni joining us. Many are attending both the Fabulous 50s Luncheon on Friday, 7 August, and our 60s Decade Dinner on Saturday, 8 August. If that sounds like you, please get in touch, the more the merrier!

How to Register

To reserve your spot, please email Jerina Corban-Banks at jerinacorbanbanks@gmail.com with the following details:

  • First & last name (please include your name during your school years)
  • Years Attended HVHS (e.g. 1962-1967 (an approximate guess is completely fine!)
  • Guests: Names and the total number of people attending with you.

Event 6: 1970-1979 Alumni – A Groovy 70s Meet n Greet!

Did you start school in the Groovy Seventies?  If you started at HVHS between 1970-1979 you are invited to register for a get together with fellow ex-students, following the HVHS Centenary Open Day (10am – 4pm at HVHS).

  • Date: Saturday 8, August 2026
  • Time: From 5pm onwards
  • Venue: Hutt Old Boys Marist Rugby Clubrooms, Myrtle Street, Lower Hutt
  • Costs: Cash bar and complimentary finger foods!

How to Register:  You must register your interest (for numbers attending and catering purposes) to Paul & Christine Barnett (nee Davis) at christinebarnett@xtra.co.nz. Please include in your email your full name and maiden name (if applicable) and years you attended HVHS. For any questions, you’re also welcomed to call Christine on 027 457 7738.

Event 7: Calling the Class of 1994 & Friends from the Classes of 1993 & 1995

The Class of 1994 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@hotmail.com to stay updated.

Event 8: 2004 Alumni – Calling the Class of 2004 for a Crooked Elm Reunion

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, at The Crooked Elm nearby to HVHS, with everyone joining the full school celebrations at the Open Day on Saturday, 8 August 2026.

Matt 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 & 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 (details being confirmed)

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
  • HVHS Open Day – Principal’s Welcome / Mihi Whakatau (Session 2) – 12:00pm-12:45pm
  • Groovy 70s Meet n Greet: Hutt Old Boys Marist Rugby Clubrooms, Myrtle Street, Lower Hutt, From 5pm
  • The Swinging 60’s Decade Dinner (1960-1969): Lower Hutt Event Centre, Doors Open at 5:30pm
  • Special Early Dinner for Alumni from the 1940s Decade & Early 1950s, Hosted by HVHS, C-Block, 5:30pm-7:30pm

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

Share Your Memories for our Reunion Rooms at the 100th Open Day

We’re very keen to collect memories from alumni and share them with participants on the 100th Celebration Day. Our plan is to turn rooms in B-block into Reunion Rooms for each Decade, spaces where alumni can connect, rest, and relax on Saturday 8 August.

The plan is to display these memories on the classroom walls for each decade. To share your memories with us please complete the form by clicking here

100th News

Massed Performance of E Tipu (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, and also watch a live recording of E Tipu by clicking here

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.

Latest Alumni News & Updates

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 (PPTA).

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