Orewa College alumni band Th’ Goodside returned to their former kura to inspire students, donate a signed guitar, and celebrate their musical journey. A full-circle moment for the band and our school community.

Th’ Goodside Returns to Orewa

A guitar, a gig, and a full-circle moment for four Orewa College alumni.

Orewa College welcomed back former students and musicians Harry Le Cheminant, Visko Bryers, Grant Heynes and Ollie Wallace-Pram, who now perform as the band Th’ Goodside. Returning to the school where their journey began, the band gifted a custom signed guitar to student Ludwig van Straaten as part of the Orewa College Talent Quest.

The visit was about more than music. It was an opportunity to reconnect with the kura, encourage current students, and thank the community that helped shape their path.

The four musicians once performed together as Bliss while at Orewa College, where they won Stage Challenge, now known as Showquest. In 2023, they represented Auckland in the Dig the Gig national finals, with the goal of performing at the iconic Whisky a Go Go venue in Hollywood.

As part of their campaign to boost votes, the band partnered with school staff to create a giveaway. One lucky student who submitted a vote would win a guitar signed by the band. The prize was awarded at the school’s Talent Quest.

Teacher Gail Boshard, who was instrumental in rallying support across the kura, said the visit brought a sense of pride and connection.

"These students gave so much to our school, and it was a privilege to help them give something back," said Gail. "They were always involved in creative projects and brought real heart to what they did here. Supporting both their dream and our current students was really special."

Gail worked closely with other staff to coordinate the giveaway, helping ensure that both the band’s goals and the student community were supported. The event demonstrated the strong ties that exist between past and present students at Orewa College.

The gesture of giving back a custom instrument was a symbol of inspiration and whanaungatanga, reinforcing the message that students from Orewa College can go far, and that their kura will always welcome them home.

 📸 Photo credit: Madeleine Edwards-Croul