Top-class reunion for WaiCol
Graduate Paul Pownall attended Waimea College between 1965 and 1969 and taught biology in the late 70s, and Maria Dixon graduated in 2003. Photo: Gordon Preece.
Enviable classroom supplies, notable alumni, and relearning that Richmond is a town where everyone knows someone.
Waimea College’s All Years Reunion more than made the grade over Labour Weekend, with around 105 past students and a few staff members reconnecting, reminiscing, and reliving the spirit of Waimea.
Stu Reid did his homework with his old schoolmate Katrina Smith and other graduate Tim Walker, who now resides across the ditch, to ensure the event was achieved with high distinction.
A reunion for students from all the decades in the college’s 68th year began with smaller, informal gatherings in previous years, which had been arranged through a Facebook page for ex-pupils to stay in touch.
Stu says the outcome “exceeded” expectations with people travelling from the Bay of Islands to Southland and 12 from Australia, to go back to school and have a banquet at Seifred’s Estate.
Waimea College exports Rod Dixon, a New Zealand Olympic medalist, one-test All Black Graham Sims and current principal Fraser Hill were among the speakers.
“Meeting everybody else, you suddenly realise that there’s that connection… you’ve got this common past,” Stu says.
“Waimea College opened in 1957, and there were students from then who were here at the reunion. We were walking around looking at what kids at school have got now, and it’s incredible… they have got so many more opportunities… the first room we went into was the musical block, and man, what a setup.”
Katrina says the mantra was how close-knit the Richmond community is.
“Everyone has really fond memories… growing up in Richmond, as many Waimea students did, I think we remember what a small town it was, and how we’re all linked in some way,” she says.
“Some people we’ve never met before, but once you start talking to them, it’s cousins, kids, aunties, everybody knows somebody.”
Stu hinted that brainstorms for more casual reunions between now and Waimea College’s 75th anniversary in 2032 could begin. Like the current college motto - always strive.