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Foundation Generation Morning Tea

For the First Generation of Orewa College Students, 1956 to 1966.

In 2026, Orewa College marked 70 years of learning, friendship and community on the Hibiscus Coast. Since 1956, generations of ākonga and kaiako have walked through our gates, and the Foundation Generation Morning Tea was a chance for our earliest students and staff—those who attended in the days of Orewa District High School—to return home, reconnect with old friends, and share the memories that shaped our school's first chapter.

On Wednesday 19 August, foundation students from 1956 to 1966 arrived with spouses and caregivers at the Arts & Events Centre for a morning of good company, a cuppa, and plenty of nostalgia. Current ākonga hosted and served throughout the event, with hospitality students preparing morning tea and baking a special cake to honour 70 years of our kura.

A highlight of the morning was a visit to the OC Museum, where archival photo boards, old uniforms and the original principal’s logbook sparked lively conversations across generations.

“It was a phenomenal morning,” said Deputy Principal Linda Rubens. “To see our foundation students reconnecting with old friends, and our ākonga hosting them so beautifully, showed exactly what this kura is built on. That connection across generations is what OC70 has been about.”

Thank you to everyone who came home to celebrate with us, and to the staff and students who helped make the morning so memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

A few quick answers to common questions about Foundation Generation events and OC70 celebrations.

  • Who was the event for? Former students, kaiako, spouses and caregivers from Orewa College's first decade (1956 to 1966), when the school was known as Orewa District High School.
  • Where was it held? The Orewa College Arts & Events Centre.
  • How long did the morning tea run for? The event ran from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
  • Can I still view the OC Museum? The pop-up OC Museum exhibition has now been dismantled following the celebrations, but discussions are underway to establish a permanent display space for these historical items and archives.
  • Where can I collect photos or memorabilia lent for the event? Any original photos or memorabilia brought into the kura for display can now be collected from Main Reception.
  • Will there be a 75th anniversary celebration? Yes, Orewa College intends to celebrate again for our 75th anniversary in 2031.
  • How can I stay updated about future alumni and community events? Keep an eye on our school newsletter and follow Orewa College updates for upcoming alumni opportunities.