Henderson High School, Auckland
[7] While the boys were doing fortnightly cadet drills, the girls were able to choose from a wide variety of clubs including "art, embroidery, dressmaking, cooking, typing, singing and talks on Maori history".School concerts began in 1957, and the 1958 show included "a play, singing, musical items gymnasts and ballet dancing" with skilful guitar accompaniment from Peter Posa, a student at the time who later went on to become internationally acclaimed as a guitarist.It was noted in a local newspaper that while there was a strong focus on academic training, there was also a "husbandry course...[which included]...general agriculture and horticulture, supported by carpentry, metal-work, blacksmithing and farm bookkeeping".[9] The 'Woolcott' Library developed from an empty room in 1953 to a free-standing building that was opened in 1971 with students transporting "thousands of books to their new home in a mammoth effort amid much good humour".A local television presenter John 'Cocksy' Cocks joined forces with Ford New Zealand, Variety, the Children's Charity and celebrities Bob Harvey, Ewen Gilmour and contestants from the NZ Idol TV show, to do a 'makeover' of the centre in 2006.[11] The grand opening, was a procession of around 150 guests, including TVNZ presenter Simon Dallow in strange vehicles, collecting donations and bringing "loud sirens, horns, music and water canons...[and there was]...even an RAF helicopter on the front field".[12]The pitch, which had floodlights, was seen by the principal at the time Mike Purcell as being a community resource and Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod acknowledged that "it was a great move by the school and I think they'll see their players grow and achieve".Waitākere Ward Councillor Linda Cooper said "this [was] another amazing facility that westies deserve, can enjoy and be proud of, and has been a dream of the Waitakere Hockey Turf Trust for over a decade".The buildings were in the style of "garden pavilions... structures that were popular in 18th and 19th century England, designed to enhance the landscape", and the Principal, Mike Purcell said he was "very pleased with the outcomes generated by our involvement with the School of Architecture and Planning.[15] A successful application by the school in 2018 to The Trusts Community Foundation for $35,045 to buy a van, allowed more students to be transported to extra-curricular activities that offered opportunities in sports, music and the arts.[19] Other notable ex-pupils attending were Phil Clarke, Richie Guy, motor racing champion Paul Radisich, Silver Fern netballer Leonne Wendt Leaver, Timo Tagaloa and Leo Lafaiali'i.[20] When the founding principal Mr Woolcott announced that he was retiring at the end of 1964 a local newspaper reported that amongst the many successes of the school were high levels of achievement in sport, strong programmes in the Arts and drama and pupils who had gained a wide range of professional qualifications.Mary Harrison, the president of the Henderson High School Association said she was "delighted with the response from people all over the country...[and forecasted]...an interesting and enjoyable weekend to suit most tastes".[7] Mike Purcell took over as principal in June 2010 after returning from coaching and training with some of the world's top tennis players in London, and this along with the fact that his son had represented New Zealand in the sport, had confirmed the importance of having a strong work ethic and striving for goals was essential for young people.
CoordinatesMinistry of EducationWest AucklandHendersonNew ZealandalumniEducation Review OfficeAvondale CollegeWestern Springs CollegeDepartment of EducationMinister of EducationPeter PosaFireworks MusicHandelNaenae CollegeLower HuttOne Tree Hill CollegeRangitoto CollegeSelwyn CollegeBoard of GovernorsmulticulturalconsecratedSir Paul ReevesWharenuiJohn 'Cocksy' CocksVariety, the Children's CharityBob HarveyEwen GilmourNZ IdolSimon DallowBlack Sticksmaster's thesisarchitectureUniversity of AucklandMichael JonesMark MayerhoflerEroni ClarkeRichie GuyPaul RadisichTimo TagaloaLeo Lafaiali'iBorough CouncilAssid CorbanGeographyCanterbury UniversityPukekohe High SchoolRotaryJustice of the PeaceMembers of ParliamentNew Zealand Ministry of EducationNew Zealand Order of MeritWaitakere CollegeKelston Deaf Education CentrePerforming artship-hop dancespecial needsMt Smart StadiumSpecial Olympicswhanauelectric bicyclesSeven SharpJack ElderTrelise CooperSuzanne DonaldsonJan HellriegelDanny LendichGaven MartinAlfred NgaroTerry SturmMacdonald, FinlaySchools in the Auckland regionAlbany Senior High SchoolAlfriston CollegeAorere CollegeAuckland Girls' Grammar SchoolAuckland Grammar SchoolBirkenhead CollegeBotany Downs Secondary CollegeEpsom Girls' Grammar SchoolGlendowie CollegeGreen Bay High SchoolHobsonville Point Secondary SchoolHowick CollegeJames Cook High SchoolKaipara CollegeKelston Boys' High SchoolKelston Girls' CollegeKia Aroha CollegeLong Bay CollegeLynfield CollegeMacleans CollegeMahurangi CollegeManurewa High SchoolMassey High SchoolMount Albert Grammar SchoolMount Roskill Grammar SchoolNorthcote CollegeOnehunga High SchoolOrewa CollegeOtahuhu CollegePakuranga CollegePapakura High SchoolPapatoetoe High SchoolRodney CollegeRosehill CollegeRutherford CollegeSir Edmund Hillary CollegiateSouthern Cross CampusTakapuna Grammar SchoolTāmaki CollegeTangaroa CollegeTe Kura Maori o Nga TapuwaeVanguard Military SchoolWaiheke High SchoolWaitākere CollegeWestlake Boys High SchoolWestlake Girls High SchoolWhangaparāoa CollegeState-integratedAuckland Seventh-day Adventist High SchoolBaradene College of the Sacred HeartCarmel CollegeDe La Salle CollegeElim Christian CollegeHato Petera CollegeKingsway School