Tauranga College operated as a co-educational secondary school from 1946 to 1957.
Past students of Tauranga’s first co-educational secondary school will gather this weekend for a final reunion.
The Tauranga College reunion, expected to be the last, will see about 50 people return to share memories of the school that operated for just 11 years.
In those years, Tauranga College graduates included an All Black, well-known engineers, academics, politicians, and celebrated children’s author and creator Dame Lynley Dodd.
Attendees will meet at the Tauranga Citizens Club at 11.30am on Sunday, followed by lunch and refreshments at the club’s Oak Tree Restaurant.
Secondary education in Tauranga dates back to 1900, when Tauranga District High School was established as a division of the existing Tauranga School on 5th Ave.
In 1946, secondary pupils moved from the Tauranga District High School site to the newly built Tauranga College on the corner of Cameron Rd and 13th Ave.
In 1947, the roll was 395, growing steadily before peaking at 1040 a decade later.
The school became Tauranga Boys’ College in 1958, and Tauranga Girls’ College was officially opened the same year, bringing the Tauranga College chapter to a close.
Former pupils of the Tauranga District High School and Tauranga College have held regular reunions.
Former pupil Ken Evans, 86, is “one of the small team” helping organise the final get–together, with fellow students and close friends Bev Hayman, 91, and Morrin Cooper, 89.
Cooper served as mayor of Howick Borough Council from 1974 to 1989.
Evans, who attended the college from 1954 to 1956, is a well-known advocate for justice and sensible criminal sentencing.
While the school was co-educational, Evans said daily life back then was quite different.
“There were no mixed-gender classes, and the playgrounds were completely separate for boys and girls.”
Despite that, Evans said the school fostered strong friendships,
“It was a wonderful school - rich in sport, music, drama and other pursuits – and produced some very talented pupils."
He laughed while recalling the discipline of the era, including being caned for minor offences. He vividly remembers undertaking military training on the college grounds with live ammunition.
Evans said one of his fondest memories at the college was meeting his future wife, Jocelyn Fleming, after the principal decided the fifth form boys should learn to dance.
He said the final reunion would be a low-key affair.
“We’re expecting about 50 people to attend. Our reunion numbers are dropping as age catches up with many of the regular attendees, but we want to invite others keen to come along to get in touch with me.”
He said these reunions helped to preserve Tauranga’s rich history through shared experiences.
Bev Hayman (nee Brasting) attended the college from 1948 to 1950 after her family moved from Te Aroha.
She said she “absolutely loved” her time at the college.
“During my first year at the college, there was a polio epidemic in New Zealand, so we had to do our studies from home by correspondence school for a few months.”
Hayman said she was involved in lots of sports and musical pursuits, including netball, and formed close lifelong friendships.
“Tauranga College was a great school, with wonderful teachers. I’ve never regretted one minute of my time at the college, and these reunions help to keep those friendships and memories strong.”
She met her late husband, Ken Hayman, in 1950 when she auditioned as a pianist for his dance band.
In 1963, the Haymans became founding members of the annual Tauranga National Jazz Festival.
Dame Lynley Dodd, 84, who studied at the college from 1954 to 1957, will attend the final reunion.
Dodd said she loved her time at the college and had made some lifelong friends.
“I have very fond memories of the teachers as well. They were very supportive and encouraged us to develop to our full potential, and it was a special place where you could pursue your passions.”
Attending these reunions was something she treasured, she said.
“I’ve absolutely loved them, it’s always great fun. There are so many remember when moments. The chance to catch up with other former pupils and reminisce about those special days is fantastic.”
Anyone wanting to attend the reunion should email kenandjos@xtra.co.nz or phone 027 733 9686.
Sandra Conchie is a senior journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post who has been a journalist for 25 years. She mainly covers police, court and other justice stories, as well as general news. She has been a Canon Media Awards regional/community reporter of the year.