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.<\/p>\n
In 1947, the roll was 395, growing steadily before peaking at 1040 a decade later.<\/p>\n
The school became Tauranga Boys\u2019 College in 1958, and Tauranga Girls\u2019 College was officially opened the same year, bringing the Tauranga College chapter to a close.<\/p>\n
Former pupils of the Tauranga District High School and Tauranga College have held regular reunions. <\/p>\n
Tauranga College pupils Ken Evans and Beverly Hayman (nee Brasting) are among the former alumni who attended between 1946 and 1957.<\/p>\n
Former pupil Ken Evans, 86, is \u201cone of the small team\u201d helping organise the final get\u2013together, with fellow students and close friends Bev Hayman, 91, and Morrin Cooper, 89.<\/p>\n
Cooper served as mayor of Howick Borough Council from 1974 to 1989.<\/p>\n
Evans, who attended the college from 1954 to 1956, is a well-known advocate for justice and sensible criminal sentencing. <\/p>\n
While the school was co-educational, Evans said daily life back then was quite different.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were no mixed-gender classes, and the playgrounds were completely separate for boys and girls.\u201d <\/p>\n
Despite that, Evans said the school fostered strong friendships, <\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a wonderful school – rich in sport, music, drama and other pursuits \u2013 and produced some very talented pupils.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He said the final reunion would be a low-key affair. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re 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.\u201d <\/p>\n
He said these reunions helped to preserve Tauranga\u2019s rich history through shared experiences.<\/p>\n
Bev Hayman (nee Brasting) attended the college from 1948 to 1950 after her family moved from Te Aroha. <\/p>\n
She said she \u201cabsolutely loved\u201d her time at the college.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hayman said she was involved in lots of sports and musical pursuits, including netball, and formed close lifelong friendships. <\/p>\n
\u201cTauranga College was a great school, with wonderful teachers. I\u2019ve never regretted one minute of my time at the college, and these reunions help to keep those friendships and memories strong.\u201d<\/p>\n
She met her late husband, Ken Hayman, in 1950 when she auditioned as a pianist for his dance band.<\/p>\n
In 1963, the Haymans became founding members of the annual Tauranga National Jazz Festival.<\/p>\n
Dame Lynley Dodd, author and creator of the Hairy Maclary and Friends book series. Photo \/ Alex Cairns<\/p>\n
Dame Lynley Dodd, 84, who studied at the college from 1954 to 1957, will attend the final reunion.<\/p>\n
Dodd said she loved her time at the college and had made some lifelong friends. <\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Attending these reunions was something she treasured, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve absolutely loved them, it\u2019s 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.\u201d <\/p>\n
Anyone wanting to attend the reunion should email kenandjos@xtra.co.nz or phone 027 733 9686. <\/p>\n