Havelock North High School's novel way of staying connected

Havelock North High School Foundation has embarked on a simple but effective marketing tactic to encourage former students to register to its online database.
A competition was held recently for ex-pupils, teachers and people associated with the school who signed up to the foundation's database on the school's website. Former student Jenny Keown, currently based in Auckland, was randomly selected as the winner and returned to the Bay last weekend for a luxury getaway as her prize.
The foundation's database was established as an online tool where ex-students and friends of the school could share information.
Foundation's chairman James Drysdale couldn't say exactly how many people had joined since the competition began, but said the database had "increased significantly".
"There's never been an old boys or old girls network. Well, it's been there, but we've never really given it a huge push.
"We're really keen to connect with former students. The school continually produces successful people ...We want to make sure we capture not just the celebrities but people who are doing well in the community."
He said building stronger networks with alumni could inspire current Havelock North High School students.