The King’s High School "59-ers" came together recently to celebrate 65 years since they were all at school together in 1959.
The event, which was attended by about 30 former classmates, plus wives and partners, was the third 59-ers reunion, following on from the 50th and 60th anniversaries.
Co-ordinator Keith Ingram and the organising committee were pleased at the turnout for the event, which ran from February 23-25, and included a meet-and-greet session, a tour of the school, a bus trip around the city, a reunion dinner and a farewell brunch.
"We had people come from across New Zealand to join us, which was very nice," Mr Ingram said.
Mr Ingram said the interval since the last reunion was shortened to five years as the cohort of former pupils was growing older.
"Everyone was very happy — they loved having the chance to get together," he said.
Organising committee member Neil Macandrew said the reunion events were led by 59-er Trevor McKinlay and supported by King’s High School rector Nick McIvor.
"Mr McIvor was very welcoming and took the 59-ers on a tour of the school.
"It was great and we were all very appreciative."
Looking back on their days at school, Mr Ingram and Mr Macandrew remembered military training being part of their school lives, and regular caning by masters.
"We had a number of World War 2 veterans as teachers at the time, who were held in very high regard for their service in the war," Mr Macandrew said.
Everyone at the school was involved in sporting endeavours, and King’s High School had produced many leading New Zealand sportsmen.
"Academically, it is also very strong, which is why it remains one of the top schools in New Zealand," he said.
