Dannevirke: Reunion 50 years in the making

Former school friends from Kapiti College met in Dannevirke on Tuesday, the first reunion in 50 years for Donna Goodman, of Whetakura (left) and Glynnis Lees of Weber (centre). Fellow school friend Andrea Roberts of Auckland caught up with Donna a few years ago. Photo / Christine McKay

Donna Goodman's 65th birthday party in Dannevirke on Tuesday was extra special as three former school friends reunited after 50 years.

Donna, Glynnis Lees of Weber and Andrea Roberts from Auckland all attended Kapiti College and although both Donna and Glynnis live in rural Dannevirke, they haven't caught up in 50 years.

"This is an awesome reunion," Glynnis told the Dannevirke News.

And while Andrea and Donna had met up a few years ago, there was still plenty to catch up on for the pair at Dannevirke's Red Sky Cafe this week. Andrea had travelled south for the military tattoo in Wellington and Napier's Art Deco weekend, with a fun day in Dannevirke the icing on top.

"Getting together is my birthday treat and I'm thrilled to bits to be celebrating my 65th, it's a special day," Donna said.

"We were always great friends at college and always together in the centre of class photos. We were what you called well-built girls, we were pretty special."