Rakaihauta and Tamatea
According to Maori tradition, Rakaihauta and Tamatea were important chiefs associated with the arrival of Maori in Southland. Raakaihautu commanded the Uruao waka (canoe) and was an ancestor of the Waitaha people, while Tamatea's waka, the Taakitimu, was wrecked near Te Waewae Bay, with the Taakitimu Mountains said to be the upturned hull of the canoe.
European Exploration and Whaling
European exploration and the whaling industry had a significant impact on Southland. The British vessel Endeavour, led by Captain James Cook, explored the coast in 1770, and sealers and whalers arrived in the area in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The presence of European settlers and the depletion of seal populations shaped the region's history, while intermarriage with Maori had both cultural and health consequences.
Not Enough Schools
City schools in Invercargill faced overcrowding. City secondary schools can handle problem of accomodation till 1959. JHC aerial view of early construction.
School Logo Origin
The badge is a golden lion passant gardant (walking forward, facec turned to viewer). This is identical to the flag of the Norman town of Bayeux. The colours are similar and so is the expression on the lion's face. As Bayeux was the first town to be liberated after the Normandy invasion, by Brigadier James Hargest, among others.
School Motto Origin
The motto is said to come from the Bayeux Tapestry. The Normandy village where James Hargest is buried is Bayeux. The Bayeux Tapestry is a remarkable historical artifact that depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England in 1066. It is not directly associated with the phrase "keep faith," as the tapestry primarily tells the story of the Battle of Hastings and the events surrounding it. However, the phrase "keep faith" is a powerful and timeless message that resonates with the idea of remaining loyal, steadfast, and true to one's beliefs or commitments. We think the motto "Keep Faith" is a most appropriate motto for a school named after Brigadier James Hargest.
James Hargest School Opens
In 1958, on 4th February, the James Hargest College was established with an initial enrolment of 69 teenagers. The school opened with four full-time staff members conducting assemblies in the woodwork room. The first building, known as D block, was constructed in a farmland area with gravel roads. Nearby Wachner place featured a department store. The school curriculum encompassed practical home craft, commercial, and academic subjects.
First Assembly
James Hargest High School has its first assembly. The guests include Mrs and Miss Hargest, the M.P. - Mr Hannan and the Deputy Mayor. The school opened with assemblies held in the woodwork room.
First Clubs Day
The Forerunner to Barrack's Week.
First Away Trip
First away trip for school sports' teams, a train jouney to Dunedin to play Kaikorai Valley High School.
Open day
120 people visit school.
Tennis courts completed
immediately in full use.
The Queen Mother visits JHC
On February 12, the Queen's mother visited JHC.
First Sport Win
On June 23, JHC achieved its first win in any sport, boys' indoor basketball.
Staff of 1959
Archie Wilson, Ernie Rive (Principal), Elizabeth Kerse, Spike Partridge
Barrack's Week
First full cadet scheme. Boys only train in military activities while girls take part in alternative activities.
Canteen starts operating
.
School starts Art classes.
P.T.A Mannequin Parade
First public entertainment in the hall.
Polio vaccination
Polio vaccination for Hargest pupils.
Bluff Harbour Opens
The port of Bluff, nestled beneath 265-m Motup?hue (Bluff Hill), claims to be the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in New Zealand. The Island Harbour in Bluff, New Zealand, is a 40-ha man-made island and a central part of the modern port facilities. It was opened in 1960 after eight years of construction.
First School Choir Formed
Barracks Week held early in the term. First School Choir formed with 50 participants.
Health Dept Tuberculosis Inoculations
Tuberculosis inoculations conducted by Health Department officials.
School Fair
School holds fair.
Jack Maybury Show in School Hall
The Jack Maybury Show hosted in the School Hall - absolutely packed out.
Thomson House Origins
Thomson House (Red) is named after John Turnbull Thomson (1821–1884), New Zealand's first Surveyor-General who surveyed Southland/Otago and laid out Invercargill.
Hamilton House Origins
Hamilton House (Yellow) is named after William John Warburton Hamilton (1825–1883), secretary to Sir George Grey, survey officer on HMS Acheron, and early European explorer of Southland.
Menzies House Origins
Menzies House (Green) is named after Dr. James Alexander Robertson Menzies (1821–1888), first Superintendent of Southland Province and prominent local politician.
Watson House Origins
Watson House (Blue) is named after Stephen Watson (1803–1895), successful Western Southland pioneer and whaler, and his wife Bridget "Biddy" Watson.
Anzac Day Commemoration
School commemorates Anzac Day.
Mid-Year Exams
Mid-year exams held.
School Production: Trial by Jury
The School Production "Trial by Jury" by Gilbert and Sullivan.
Post-Primary Schools Regatta
Rowing crews take part in Post-Primary Schools Regatta.
Staff Dinner
The Staff Dinner.
School Production: The Sorcerer
The 1962 School Production "The Sorcerer".
Essay Competition Winner
Alan Hinkley wins New York Herald Tribune Essay Competition.
Dunedin Teacher Visit
Four bus loads of potential teachers from Southland High Schools visit Dunedin.
School Production & Rugby Monograms
The School Production "Hay Fever". Rugby First Fifteen monograms awarded after five Saturday games and one inter-school.
Invercargill Street Scene
A view of Invercargill in 1963 featuring vintage cars along the main street.
Gymnasium Fund Fundraising
Pram Pushing raises 80 pounds for Gymnasium Fund. Mardi Gras also raises money for gymnasium.
New Admin Block & Barracks Week Dropped
New Assembly and Administration block built. Hargest drops Barracks Week.
School Gate Opening Ceremony
School Gate Opening Ceremony takes place.
School Production & Sports Champion
School Production "That Scoundrel Scapin". Liz Douglas is School Sports Champion.
Reversed Timetable
Periods 1-7 were reversed one day each week for no known reason.
Heating Outage & School Production
No heating at school for three weeks. School Production "Tele-Ho".
United Nations Branch Formed
Branch of the United Nations formed at Hargest.
Woolf-Fisher Trust Overseas Tour
Mr E. F. Rive selected for Woolf-Fisher Trust overseas tour.
Sir Edmund Hillary Visit & Famine Relief
Sir Edmund Hillary visits Hargest. Hargest pupils raise money for Famine Relief by holding "Me and Miss Hargest" Competition.
School Production & Bath Push
School Production "Wanted One Body". Bath Push from Dunedin to Invercargill to raise money for Canteen.
Principal Rive Departure & Hunger Strike
Mr Rive leaves Hargest for Pakuranga High School. Hunger Strike for U.N. Week.
Burt Munro - World Record holder motorcycle speed
In 1967, Burt Munro, a 68-year-old New Zealand native, set a new official land speed record for motorcycles. He achieved a remarkable speed of 184.087 mph while racing his heavily modified 1920 Indian Scout Streamliner across the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA. Munro's achievement, with an unofficial top speed of 205.67 mph, remains a significant milestone in motorcycle history.
Arrival of Mr B. N. Dawe
Mr B. N. Dawe arrives from Darfield High School.
School Production: The Playboy of The Western World
School Production - "The Playboy of The Western World".
South Island Basketball Victory & Debt
J.H.H.S. wins South Island Secondary Schools Basketball Competition. Hargest in the red to the tune of 1600 pounds.
Peter Snell Visit & Woolf Fisher Scholarships
Peter Snell visits new gymnasia. Miss N. Macdonald and Mr M. R. Bailey gain Woolf Fisher Travel Scholarships.
AFS Display & University Scholarships
A.F.S. wall display unveiled. B. Rhind gains University Junior Scholarships.
Class with Mr Tucker
Class photo with Mr Tucker in 1967.
Banda Machine Breakdown
Banda machine breaks down after two days active service.
School Production: Arms and The Man
School Production - "Arms and The Man".
Mr Clarkson Engaged
Mr Clarkson engaged.
Mr Clarkson Married
Mr Clarkson married.
Mr and Mrs Pfukani Arrive
African teaching couple - Mr and Mrs Pfukani arrive at Hargest.
Uniform Caps Optional
Caps become optional as uniform.
School Production & Grants
School Production - "Solid Sensible Southland". School receives grant of $15,900 for administration extensions and $5,130 for roofing of "A" block.
University Junior Scholarship
M. Brett wins University Junior Scholarship.
Coldstream Hostel Available
Coldstream Hostel available for Hargest pupils.
Vandals and New Zealand Softball
Hargest troubled with vandals. Jamie Campbell plays softball for J.H.H.S. - now he plays for New Zealand.
New Hargest Library Opened
New Hargest Library opened.
School Production & Record Roll
School Production - "She Stoops to Conquer". Hargest has largest roll in Southland, 1175 - 1200 pupils. Forced to decline third form applications.
Glenn Turner Coaching
Glenn Turner coaches future Hargest hopefuls.
School Musical "Swing High"
School Musical - "Swing High". $7,853.25 grant for replacing the roof of "B" block.
School Play "Major Barbara"
School Play - "Major Barbara" by G. B. Shaw.
7th Form System Phase-In
Decision to phase out the Prefect System in favour of a 7th Form System.
Prefect System Mutation
Mutation of prefects to 7th formers.
School Production & Bangladesh Appeal
School Production - "Ring Around the Moon". A Hargest teacher is held to ransom to raise money for Bangladesh Appeal. A little Morgan appears.
Additional Science Labs
Hargest gets two additional Science Labs.
Wedding Bells
Wedding Bells - Judith Ross to Bernie Bullock.
School Production "The Winslow Boy"
School Production - "The Winslow Boy".
University Junior Scholarship
G. Miles wins University Junior Scholarship.
Mr Bolger Visit
Mr Bolger visited - then opposition M.P. for King Country.
Soccer Star & Audio-Visual Theatre
Kenny Cresswell playing soccer for Hargest -- eight years later playing in the World Cup. AV 1 - first Audio-Visual Theatre is opened.
Youth Drama Festival
Youth Drama Festival held at Hargest.
School Production "The Pirates of Penzance"
School Production - "The Pirates of Penzance".
Gilbert and Sullivan Production
Production - Gilbert and Sullivan's - "Yeomen of the Guard". Young Nationals visit Hargest.
School Certificate Changes
Split vote on changes in School Certificate. Mr Dawe comes up with the enigmatic statement, "We should hasten slowly."
University Junior Scholarship
Christine French wins University Junior Scholarship.
Gymnasium Fund Fundraising
Hargest "Happening" raises $4000, Spell-a-thon raises $6245, Talent Quest raises $339 - all to go to new Gymnasium Fund.
School Production "The Pohutukawa Tree"
The School Production - "The Pohutukawa Tree".
SMAC maths Competition
Hargest has a successful night in SMAC maths Competition.
University Junior Scholarship
J. Varga wins University Junior Scholarship.
"B" Block Evacuation
"B" block evacuated to be taken over by builders.
School Production "The Sound of Music"
School Production - "The Sound of Music".
Noumea Trip & Scholarship
A small group of Hargest pupils and a teacher leave for Noumea. A. Hercus wins University Junior Scholarship.
Renovations to "B" Block
Renovations to "B" block completed.
Kaikorai Valley Sports Billets
Kaikorai Valley unable to billet our sports' teams.
Film Competition Successes
School Production - "Dracula Spectacula". Hargest awarded first place and Creativity Award in "Till Death Do Us Part" in the National Schools' Film Competition.
"Spot On" Film Award
Hargest film "Baby Farming" awarded second place in "Spot On" Film Competition.
Work Experience & Deputy Principal
Work Experience Class begins at Hargest. Mr Laytham, former Senior Master, is appointed Deputy Principal. Hargest is swept by Russian Flu. One third of pupils away from school.
School Production & Writing Award
School Production - "Salad Days". Kay Halligan wins Bank of New Zealand Young Writers' Award.
University Junior Scholarships
K. Gutschlag, B. McKinnon, C. Spry win University Junior Scholarships.
FIRST XV Australia Trip
FIRST XV travel to Australia after much fund-raising. Spell-a-thon raises $4000.
FIRST XV Australia Trip & Fundraising
FIRST XV travel to Australia after much fund-raising. Spell-a-thon raises $4000.
Winter Inter-house Sports & Production
School Production - "Trial By Jury". Winter Inter-house Sports Competition.
University Junior Scholarship
B. Henderson wins University Junior Scholarship.
Certain Sounds Visit
Certain Sounds visit Hargest and receive an enthusiastic response.
Fijian Amateur Athletic Games
J.H.H.S. Athletes take part in Fijian Amateur Athletic Games.
Roll Drop & Acid Incident
Mr Dawe shows concern as Hargest roll drops. Potentially explosive acid discovered at Hargest, but Fire Service to the rescue.
Work Day
Work Day.
Scholarships & Exchange
Stephanie Dyhrberg visits Germany on Exchange Scholarship. Christine French wins Rhodes Scholarship, Sally Farrier wins University Junior Scholarship.
School Production "H.M.S. Pinafore"
School Production - "H.M.S. Pinafore".
Speech Competition Victory
Caroline Head wins Southland Speech Competition.
School Production "Oklahoma"
School Production - "Oklahoma".
Debating, Essay Award & Silver Tray
Hargest Debating Team wins its way to Quarter Finals of High Schools' Debating Competition. Brandon Toro wins Ngarimu Essay Writing Award. Presentation of a silver tray by the Seventh Formers at Prize-giving.
Staff of 1983
25th Silver Jubilee
James Hargest High School celebrates its 25th Silver Jubilee, bringing past pupils, staff, and community members together for anniversary events.
School Production "Patience"
School Production - "Patience".
School Production "Brigadoon"
School Production - "Brigadoon".
School Production "Oliver!"
School Production - "Oliver!".
School Production "The Mikado"
School Production - "The Mikado".
School Production "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"
School Production - "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat".
School Production "The Pirates of Penzance"
School Production - "The Pirates of Penzance".
School Production "South Pacific"
School Production - "South Pacific".
School Production "The Sound of Music"
School Production - "The Sound of Music".
School Production "H.M.S. Pinafore"
School Production - "H.M.S. Pinafore".
School Production "My Fair Lady"
School Production - "My Fair Lady".
Phil Smith in the Workroom
Phil Smith pictured working in the staff workroom at Hargest.
School Production "Oklahoma!"
School Production - "Oklahoma!".
School Production "Half a Sixpence"
School Production - "Half a Sixpence".
School Production "The Pajama Game"
School Production - "The Pajama Game".
School Production "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"
School Production - "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat".
School Production "Bye Bye Birdie"
School Production - "Bye Bye Birdie".
School Production "The Gondoliers"
School Production - "The Gondoliers".
School Production "The Sound of Music"
School Production - "The Sound of Music".
School Production "The Pirates of Penzance"
School Production - "The Pirates of Penzance".
School Production "South Pacific"
School Production - "South Pacific".
School Production "Me and My Girl"
School Production - "Me and My Girl".
School Production "Brigadoon"
School Production - "Brigadoon".
School Production "Annie Get Your Gun"
School Production - "Annie Get Your Gun".
School Production "Big River"
School Production - "Big River".
School Production "Les Misérables"
School Production - "Les Misérables".
School Production "Jesus Christ Superstar"
School Production - "Jesus Christ Superstar".
50th Golden Jubilee
The school marks its 50th Golden Jubilee reunion, celebrating five decades of education, sports, and culture in Southland.
School Production "Grease"
School Production - "Grease".
School Play "Brigadier"
School Play - "Brigadier". A play about the life and times of Brigadier James Hargest.
Principal Paul O'Connor announces his resignation
On 24 August 2009, Paul O'Connor, who had been Principal since 1993, announced his resignation from the role due to retirement. He remained principal until the end of 2009
Mr. O'Connor's successor announced
Andy Wood was announced as Paul O'Connor's successor in the role. Wood was principal of Central Southland College in nearby Winton. Wood was also deputy principal of the college from 1982 to 2009.
School Production "Oklahoma!"
School Production - "Oklahoma!".
School Production "The Pirates of Penzance"
School Production - "The Pirates of Penzance".
School Production "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"
School Production - "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat".
School Production "Me and My Girl"
School Production - "Me and My Girl".
C Block Fire
During the early hours of Thursday 3 January 2013, the C Block was badly damaged by a deliberately lit fire. The block was undergoing major renovations at the time. Fortunately, most of the equipment in the block, such as computers and servers, had been removed months prior to the fire. On 15 January 2013, it was revealed that the fire was deliberately lit by two ex-students of the school. They were sentenced to 3 years, 4 months jail and 3 years, 6 months jail respectively.
School Production "South Pacific"
School Production - "South Pacific".
School Production "Oliver!"
School Production - "Oliver!".
School Production "My Fair Lady"
School Production - "My Fair Lady".
School Production "The Sound of Music"
School Production - "The Sound of Music".
School Production "Brigadoon"
School Production - "Brigadoon".
60th Diamond Jubilee
James Hargest College holds celebrations to honour 60 years since the opening of the school.
School Production "Evita"
School Production - "Evita".
Principal Andy Woods announces his resignation
Andy Woods, who had been Principal since 2010, announced his resignation from the role due to retirement. He remained principal until the end of Term 1 in 2020.
Mr. Woods' successor announced
Mike Newell has been appointed as the new principal of James Hargest College in Invercargill. Newell, who was the Northern Southland College principal, replaced Andy Wood in 2020.
Senior Campus Redevelopment Begins
Demolition and site preparation commenced for the new Senior Campus building developments aimed at replacing aging infrastructure.
School Production "Annie Get Your Gun"
School Production - "Annie Get Your Gun".
Transition to Online Learning (COVID-19 Response)
James Hargest College shifted to remote learning following the national alert level changes, establishing online classroom structures across Junior and Senior campuses.
House System Reorganisation & First House Day
Tutor classes from Year 9 to 13 were established as single-House units, and the role of Head of House was created to drive events like dodgeball, benchball, and math olympiads. The inaugural House Day was held in March 2021.
Thomson House Motto & Mascot Introduced
Thomson House introduced its official banner, motto "Be Creative and Inspiring", and associated NZ bird, the Kea.
Hamilton House Motto & Mascot Introduced
Hamilton House introduced its official banner, motto "Courageous and Hard-working", and associated NZ bird, the Karearea.
Menzies House Motto & Mascot Introduced
Menzies House introduced its official banner, motto "Be Curious and Honest", and associated NZ bird, the Morepork (Ruru).
Watson House Motto & Mascot Introduced
Watson House introduced its official banner, motto "Be Kind and Caring", and associated NZ bird, the Kiwi.
School Production "Fiddler on the Roof"
School Production - "Fiddler on the Roof".
Introduction of Hybrid Classroom Learning
Implementation of modern flexible learning spaces and updated digital technology integration across subject departments.
School Production "Mamma Mia!"
School Production - "Mamma Mia!".
National Academic & Cultural Achievements
Hargest students achieved top regional and national honours in Secondary Schools Performing Arts and Science Fairs.
School Production "Head over Heels"
School Production - "Head over Heels".
Campus Sustainability Initiative Launch
Introduction of campus-wide recycling, native planting projects, and energy efficiency upgrades led by the Student Environmental Committee.
School Production "Into the Woods"
School Production - "Into the Woods".
School Production "Popstars! The 90’s"
School Production - "Popstars! The 90’s".
Interrobang 2025
School Magazine - Interrobang 2025.
Opening of New Science & Technology Block
Completion and blessing of the state-of-the-art Science and Technology learning spaces on the Senior Campus.
Anna McDowall Appointed Principal
Former Head Girl Anna McDowall officially assumed leadership as Principal of James Hargest College at the start of Term 2, April 2026. Having returned to her alma mater throughout her career as a teacher and Deputy Principal, she now leads the school into its next era.
School Production "The Olympians"
School Production - "The Olympians".