Our History
Exploring the rich heritage and milestones of James Hargest College
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.
Brigadier James Hargest and Reg Miles in Switzerland
A historical photograph showing Brigadier James Hargest and Brigadier Reg Miles upon their arrival in Switzerland following their escape from Villa Vincigliata (Campo 12) near Florence, wearing clothes they hand-made while imprisoned.
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.
Initial Planning
In September 1954, the Minister of Education, Mr. Algie, announced plans to erect a new multilateral co-educational secondary school on a 22-acre site at the corner of Layard Street and Racecourse Road in Invercargill.
School Name
The idea to name the institution after Brigadier James Hargest (CBE, DSO, MC, MP, and Southland war hero) was conceived during an Invercargill Rotary function by Colonel Douglas Leckie and Douglas McDonald.
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.
Construction & Governance Controversy
The Ministry of Works awarded the building contract to local firm R. Richardson Ltd in March 1957 using the single-storey wooden "Porirua design". Controversy arose over governance, but control was granted to the Southland High Schools' Board.
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.
First School Assembly
A photo capturing the foundation pupils seated in the temporary assembly hall (the Woodwork room in Block A, known as 'The Hen Houses') listening to inaugural addresses by Rector E. F. Rive, J. G. Chewings, N. L. Watson, and J. R. Hanan, M.P.
Opening Day
On February 4, 1958, James Hargest High School opened with 69 foundation pupils (68 girls and 13 boys enrolled during year 1) and four full-time teaching staff: Rector Ernest F. Rive, Deputy Principal Harold Partridge, Senior Mistress Elizabeth Kerse, and Archie Wilson.
Motto and Crest
Rector Ern Rive selected the school motto "Keep Faith" to honor Brigadier Hargest's legacy. The badge features a golden lion and three fleurs-de-lys on a red background (matching the collar tabs of an Army Brigadier and the coat of arms of Bayeux, Normandy).
Early Facilities
The school opened without an administration block or hall; assemblies were held in the Woodwork Room. In 1959, the Assembly Hall, staffroom, and main administration areas were completed.
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.
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.
Rosedale Intermediate Campus in the Early 1960s
An early 1960s colour slide of Rosedale Intermediate School at the western end of Layard Street, displaying the original assembly hall, classroom wings, and vintage staff vehicles. In 2005, Rosedale Intermediate merged into James Hargest College to form the present-day Junior Campus. (Image courtesy of Ted_Cashew / Hocken Collections MS-5401/033/007).
School Production: The Sorcerer
The 1962 School Production "The Sorcerer".
Essay Competition Winner
Alan Hinkley wins New York Herald Tribune Essay Competition.
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.
Fundraising for the Gymnasium
In 1964, teacher Norman Jones spearheaded a massive community fundraising drive—including the "Great Bath Push" (students pushing a wheeled bathtub from Dunedin to Invercargill)—raising funds to construct the first gymnasium, which was officially opened by Olympic runner Peter Snell in November 1967.
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.
Leadership Transition
Bruce N. Dawe was appointed as the second Rector in 1967, serving for 17 years until 1983.
School Production: Arms and The Man
School Production - "Arms and The Man".
10th Anniversary Reunion
The school marks 10 years since opening in 1958, welcoming back foundation students and early staff.
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.
Roll & Facility Growth
The student roll expanded from under 100 in 1958 to over 1,065 by 1969. Main construction included Blocks E and F, a new administration building, and additional prefabricated classrooms.
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.
Peak Enrolments & Curriculum
The roll reached 1,229 in 1971. The school introduced a 7th Form Executive in 1972 (replacing the traditional prefect system), a dedicated Guidance Counselling service in 1974, and a Work Experience/Student Support Centre in 1979.
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.
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.
Audio-Visual Theatre
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".
Kenny Cresswell – FIFA World Cup Representation
Former James Hargest student Kenny Cresswell represented New Zealand with the All Whites at the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, playing in all three group matches against Scotland, the Soviet Union, and Brazil—just eight years after playing soccer for Hargest.
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.
20th Anniversary Reunion
James Hargest High School celebrates two decades of education and achievements in Southland.
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.
Aerial View of the Layard Street Campus
An aerial photograph displaying the expansion of classroom blocks, assembly hall, prefabs, fields, and surrounding residential developments in north-east Invercargill.
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.
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".
Rhodes Scholar
Christine French (a pupil from 1971 to 1975) became James Hargest’s first Rhodes Scholar in 1981, later being appointed a High Court Judge in 2008.
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".
Principalship of Robert Cumming
Robert C. Cumming introduced active marketing, Open Nights, Thursday sports, and outdoor education expansions.
School Production "Oliver!"
School Production - "Oliver!".
School Production "The Mikado"
School Production - "The Mikado".
Standalone Board of Trustees
In 1986, James Hargest separated from the combined Southland High Schools Board to establish its own independent Board of Governors (led by Pat Gee). This transition culminated in 1989 under the Government's Tomorrow's Schools administrative reforms.
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".
Campus Enhancements
The PTA and Board raised funds for a new cafeteria/social center, technology block upgrades, a secondary gymnasium, and a childcare center.
30th Anniversary Reunion
Celebrating 30 years alongside the opening of new campus social facilities and cafeteria updates.
School Production "South Pacific"
School Production - "South Pacific".
School Production "The Sound of Music"
School Production - "The Sound of Music".
Kaupapa Maori & Arts Integration
Te Reo Maori instruction was formally established in 1990. In 1996, the Whanau Support Group was established, leading to first-place honours in regional Kapa Haka competitions, the installation of custom Tukutuku panels, carvings (whakairo), and artwork across the campus.
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!".
Paul O'Connor Era
Paul W. J. O'Connor assumed the role of Principal in 1993.
School Production "Half a Sixpence"
School Production - "Half a Sixpence".
Major Rebuilding Projects
The campus underwent major modernization during the 1990s, including the completion of the Hargest Centre complex in 1994, remodeling of E and F Blocks, a new front entrance, and dedicated music and horticulture facilities.
Official Opening of the Hargest Centre
The Hargest Centre complex was officially opened at the Senior Campus by former dual-code All Black and Black Cap Brian McKechnie.
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".
40th Anniversary Reunion
Four decades of Hargest history celebrated as modern facility redevelopments take shape.
School Production "The Sound of Music"
School Production - "The Sound of Music".
School Chamber Music Finalists
A photo of Blair S., Sarah G., Adeline L., and music teacher Marjorie Wellington.
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".
Opening of $2.2M Library & Guidance Centre
The $2.2 million Information Centre, Library, and Careers/Guidance suite was officially opened by alumna Justice Christine French and Murray Frost.
School Production "Big River"
School Production - "Big River".
The 2005 Reorganisation Merger
Following an Invercargill school network review by the Ministry of Education, James Hargest High School merged with Rosedale Intermediate and Collingwood Intermediate in 2005 to form James Hargest College.
Dual-Campus Structure
The new College catered to Year 7–13 students operating across two nearby sites on Layard Street: the Junior Campus (Years 7–8) and the Senior Campus (Years 9–13).
School Production "Les Misérables"
School Production - "Les Misérables".
School Production "Jesus Christ Superstar"
School Production - "Jesus Christ Superstar".
Modern Facilities & Academic Achievements
Between 2005 and 2008, the Junior Campus classrooms and library were completely redeveloped, while the Senior Campus opened a state-of-the-art Information Centre library and Careers/Guidance suite. By 2008, total student enrolment exceeded 1,700 pupils. In 2007, student Kevin Lo set a national record by earning seven NCEA Level 3 New Zealand Scholarships in a single year.
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.
Ka Hikitia – The Step Up
A photograph capturing Year 9 students and teachers marching from the Junior Campus to the Senior Campus along Layard Street to mark the start of the 2008 school year.
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!".
50th Golden Jubilee Celebrations
Hundreds of former pupils gathered at James Hargest College for the 50th Golden Jubilee (29 Jan–1 Feb 2009). The weekend included a powhiri, school tours, planting of a golden elm tree, an official dinner with guest speaker Jon Gadsby, and Jonathan Tucker’s production of Brigadier. Foundation pupils, including first head girl Lesley Wright (nee Wilkes), returned to commemorate the 1958 opening year.
School Production "The Pirates of Penzance"
School Production - "The Pirates of Penzance".
Eddie Dawkins Wins World Cup Sprint Gold
Hargest alumnus Eddie Dawkins won gold in the men's sprint at the UCI Track Cycling World Cup in Beijing, setting off a decorated international track cycling career.
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".
Nathan Cohen Wins Olympic Gold in London
Former Hargest student Nathan Cohen won gold in the men's double sculls at the 2012 London Olympics (alongside Joseph Sullivan), following back-to-back World Championship titles in 2010 and 2011.
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".
Peter Beck – Innovation & Aerospace Achievement
Hargest alumnus Peter Beck established Rocket Lab into an international aerospace leader, pioneering commercial satellite launches with the Electron rocket.
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".
Ko te Kakahu Huruhuru o Hemi Hakena
Constructed across 8 collaborative workshops, Ko te Kakahu Huruhuru o Hemi Hakena was created by 190 past pupils, staff, students, and whanau under master weaver Robin Hill and helper Margie Bell. Built in collective woven panels, its design incorporates Tane's three baskets of knowledge (Te Kete Aronui, Te Kete-Tuauri, Te Kete-Tuatea), Poutama, Koru, Ng? Maunga, 3 Rakau, Nga Hau e Wha, and the Hargest Lion. Embedded within the cloak is a sacred albatross feather gifted back to the kura by Associate Principal Nadia Rose upon her retirement in 2017 after 42 years of service.
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.
Retirement of Four Long-Serving Staff (118 Years Combined)
A century worth of teaching experience left Hargest at the end of 2020 with the retirement of four long-serving teachers: Stuart Elder (started in 1978 and introduced early computing models like the BBC Micro and Commodore 64), Marion Elder (started in 1994), English teacher Lesley Horner (27 years service), and Deputy Principal Jenny Elder (23 years service).
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".
2021 NCEA Scholarship results: 8 Scholarships across 6 subjects
James Hargest College's top scholars earned 8 NCEA Scholarships across 6 different subjects in 2021, and 15 students gained Excellence Endorsements at Level 3 NCEA. Scholarships: Finn C. (Outstanding Scholarship in Statistics and Scholarship in Music), Holly M. (Outstanding Scholarship in Music), Corbin F. (Accounting), Olivia H. (Biology), Emily D. (Geography), Alice M. (English, Year 12) and Dylan M. (English). Level 3 Excellence Endorsements: Regan C., Megan D., Ella D., Charlie F., Elise G., Madison G., Daniel H., Madison H., Elijah K., Natasha L., Gemma M., Sophie O., Teegan S., Ethan T. and Tessa W.
100 Club 2021: students celebrated for the highest academic success
The James Hargest College 100 Club celebrates the highest academic success. Students must earn the required Excellence credits in one calendar year and achieve almost all, if not all, of the credits on offer at Excellence level. The students pictured who earned a place in 2021 were Doris S., Benjamin S., Benjamin E., Sean B., James B., Ryder M., Lilly S., Katie M., Alice M., Charly F., Halle F., Brianna L. and Sewmi D. They were to be celebrated formally at an assembly in Term 2 2022.
School Production "Mamma Mia!"
School Production - "Mamma Mia!".
Junior & Senior Campus Building Projects Commenced
Surveying began for the new $2M+ Junior Campus redevelopment (breakout spaces and new facilities) and the preliminary siting for the 14-classroom Senior Campus B-Block replacement.
Schoolwide Health & Mobile Phone Policy Introduced
In response to health guidance, mandatory mask protocols were established alongside a new Years 7–11 mobile phone hand-in policy during class time.
Retirement of Long-Serving Foods Teacher Pat Foster
Mrs Pat Foster retired after decades of teaching generations of Southland families in the James Hargest Home Economics / Foods Department.
LEO Club Raises $552 for Charity
The JHC LEO Club raised $552 through their annual Valentine's Day fundraiser delivering balloons, chocolates, and messages to students and staff.
Caroline Raynes appointed Associate Principal at the Senior Campus
Caroline Raynes was appointed to the Associate Principal role at the Senior Campus, effective from the start of Term 2, 2022. An alumna of James Hargest High School, she returned to teach at James Hargest College in 2005 as a beginning teacher of Health and Physical Education. Over the years she has been a Dean, Head of House (Watson), Year 9 and 10 camp organiser and relief coordinator, and was the elected Staff Representative on the Board of Trustees. Her new role covers the day-to-day organisation and operation of the Senior Campus, the attendance system, and oversight of Pastoral Care, Deans, the House System, the Guidance Department and Staff Professional Development.
New cricket pitches completed at both the Junior and Senior Campus
New cricket pitches were completed at both the Junior and Senior Campus by the end of Term 1 2022, as reported to the school community by Board of Trustees Chairperson Chris O’Connor.
Junior Campus turf project and planning for the new build
A lot of work took place at the Junior Campus over Term 1 2022. The turf project continued to make progress despite some frustrating delays, and trees were cut back at the campus. Al Pannett updated the Board of Trustees on the plans for the new build and was working closely with the lead designers, while departments affected by the new build gave feedback on what they wanted to see and their priorities.
JHC cyclists set New Zealand records at the National Track Cycling Championships
JHC cyclists performed strongly at the 2022 National Track Cycling Championships in Cambridge. George M. won gold in the U17 Boys' Team Sprint in a New Zealand record time and silver in the U17 Boys' 500TT. Finn E. and his teammate broke the national team sprint record earlier in the championships, and George and his teammate then broke it again in the final, riding 33.885. George achieved this despite a serious high-speed crash at training only three weeks earlier. Riley F. won gold in the U17 Girls' Team Sprint in a new national competition record time. Ronan S. won gold in the U19 Men's Keirin and silver in the U19 Men's Team Sprint, with silver also to Marshall E. and Charles T. Bronze medals went to Zadie S. (U17 Girls' Madison), Kayne B. and Finn E. (U17 Boys' Team Pursuit) and Ruby B. (U19 Women's Team Pursuit). Charles T. reached the A Final of the U19 Men's Keirin, with Scott H. and Conrad C. in the B Final.
Covid-19 disruption: year levels rostered home and parent interviews move online
In March 2022, with Covid-19 cases in Invercargill close to their peak, the College moved to rostering individual year levels home in order to staff the school. Attendance hovered just over 80% on most days, about 10% below usual, and the College reported to the Ministry of Education daily. Year 10-13 parent-teacher interviews were held virtually on Wednesday 6 April 2022 (3 - 7.30pm) following positive feedback on the virtual Year 9 interviews. The College hoped to move to the Orange setting from Term 2, allowing larger gatherings and assemblies to resume, with settings due to be announced on 4 April.
40 Hour Famine: JHC fundraising total passes $150,000
Hargest has a proud tradition of making a difference in the world through the 40 Hour Famine. The College's fundraising over the years totals more than $150,000, which was recognised in 2022 when Charly F. was one of thirty students selected from around New Zealand for an online World Vision Leadership Summit. The 2022 Famine was scheduled for 1 - 3 July.
School Production "Head over Heels"
School Production - "Head over Heels".
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".
Official Introduction of the JHC Lavalava
Following a student-led proposal and design process, the Lavalava was officially added to the James Hargest College uniform code.
Guidance Department Waharoa Unveiling
Unveiling and blessing of the new Waharoa in the Guidance Department.
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