100th Celebrations!

Message from Principal, Denise Johnson

12 August, 2026

Our 100th-anniversary celebration was a phenomenal two-day success, filled with warmth, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for our history. The weekend offered a wonderful, relaxed vibe and a true sense of community. Looking back, this milestone was more than just a commemoration of the past; it was a powerful affirmation of our enduring identity and the shared values that have united generations of our school community for a century. Our school wings, encouraging us to aim high, have truly stood the test of time. It was a joy to see so many former students, whether wearing their blazers or proudly pinning their wing badges to their chests.

We have received many wonderful emails from attendees praising the seamless coordination of the weekend. Many highlighted the perfect balance between structured formal events, such as the Welcome and Mihi Whakatau, which was a unique experience for many, and the time allowed to wander, relax, and mingle. Our two student comperes did a superb job expertly guiding the proceedings and maintaining a wonderful energy throughout. We also extend our gratitude to Pam Davis for representing our alumni during the ceremonial cake cutting, a special moment of celebration led by our Head Student, Myumi Petris.

Our staff loved hearing your stories and recollections as you explored the reunion rooms. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write to us; it has been a true pleasure sharing your kind messages with our team and current students.

The weekend was packed with highlights, from beautiful choir performances, especially the singing of Gaudeamus Igitur, the old school song, which many in the audience were able to sing along to – to the official speeches, which Susan Dunne, our Board Chair, and I were delighted to see so well-received.

I was personally struck by how warmly our guests embraced the nostalgic uniform and special-topic displays. A major centerpiece was the extraordinary work of Judith Gardiner and the archiving team. Their years of dedication culminated in wonderful historical exhibits across the decade rooms and B Block corridors, truly bringing a century of school history to life. These displays sparked wonderful reflections, and it was deeply moving to watch our current students engage with the countless stories shared by visiting alumni, some of whom had connections reaching back to our earliest years or had attended over 60 years ago.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire staff, board, and organising committee including our office team, grounds crew, and caterers, whose tireless efforts ensured the weekend ran seamlessly. Our students also deserve immense credit; from the friendly meet-and-greeters, to dancers and actors, to the coffee servers, guests were consistently impressed by the manners and pride they showed in carrying the school spirit forward.

Finally, thank you to our alumni especially those who hosted functions and events, families, and the local community, whose presence and shared histories made the weekend exceptionally rich.

100th Open Day – Decade Group Photos

Many alumni lined up in height order for decade group photos at the 100th Open Day last Saturday! These photos from the team at InPhotography are now ready to view, download, and purchase. To view the photos online:

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

Please note: The InPhotography website contains decade group photos only. Photos taken at alumni-hosted dinners and catch-ups will be shared separately by the event organisers.

Celebrating 100 Years – 100th Magazine & Branded Clothing

Commemorative 100th Magazine
To celebrate our centenary, a 100th Magazine was researched and written by Peter Bidwell. The printed copies of the magazine have now sold out however you can view the digital copy by clicking here

100th Branded Clothing
Alumni and friends of HVHS can also purchase 100th branded clothing, including polo shirts, T-shirts, and hoodies. Orders can still be placed to view the items available, please click here

Alumni Events – Contact Information

If you’d like to get in touch with one of the hosts of a recent alumni-hosted event to say thank you or to share images, please see the events and contacts below:

1950s Luncheon (Summerset Village)Pam Davispameladdavis@outlook.co.nz
Swinging 60’s Decade DinnerJerina Corban Banksjerinacorbanbanks@gmail.com
Groovy 70s Meet n GreetChristine Barnett christinebarnett@xtra.co.nz
1980 3rd Formers (Speights Ale House)Carolyn Crawford-Smith crawfordsmith@kinect.co.nz
Class of 1988-1992 (Abandoned Taproom)Pip Cheunghvhsreunion88to92@gmail.com
Class of 1994 & Friends (Angus Inn)Rees Wardreesward@gmail.com
All 2000s Alumni
(The Crooked Elm)		Matt Renata matthewrenata@outlook.com

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

E Tipu, Our School Waiata

One of the highlights of our 100th Celebrations on Saturday, 8 August, was the massed musical performance of our school waiata, E Tipu. If you’d like to learn E Tipu you can download the instrumental parts below and watch a live recording of E Tipu by clicking here

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 playing at the 100th celebrations sharing a brand new pipe tune he wrote for the occasion. To listen to Neil’s specially composed tune, please click here

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).