Old Pupils Association
Four and a half years after the opening of Horowhenua College (1944) a very enthusiastic committee, under the “chairmanship” of the late Marsden Staples, was formed to run dances, reunions etc.. The object of the Association was recorded back then as:
“To keep alive the traditions of the college, and to enable and maintain contact between its pupils after their college days are over. In this it can only be successful with the full support of all old pupils. We look forward to welcoming to our ranks all those who leave school this, and every year, and to assure them of some very happy times with their fellow old pupils.” (Tararua 1945).

This ran well for several years but then went into recess, due to lack of members, in 1950. The Association was reformed, under the chairmanship of Mervyn Wildbore, at a meeting on 9th November 1962, following the 21st reunion of the college in 1961.

Very successful reunions for 25years in 1965, 30 years, 1970, 40 years, 1980, 50 years, 1990, 55 years, 1995, 60 years, 2000 have been held, with some of the committee members being on the jubilee committees for all celebrations. Over the years monies raised by the Association, through these reunions and from donations have gone towards many projects at the college.

The Old Pupils Association contributed the initial funds for the Gymnasium in 1970. The “Thomas Room”, displaying Honors Boards, memorabilia, old uniforms, etc, was completed along with a joint project run by the then PTA for a new canteen and is freehold as a result of donations, grants, and funds raised being made to the college . This room has been in constant use for receptions for sports teams, meetings, and Old Pupil Assn evenings to name but a few.

Today the Association is running an annual “Alumni Day” on the second Saturday in March each year as well as bigger reunions every 10 years. Our next large reunion is scheduled for 2010, 70 years. Money made from these mini reunions help us to sponsor prizes, in the form of trophies and funds, to both Junior and Senior prize giving each year.