Waihi College is currently working on a very special project – building our digitised archives through the library link on our website. In 2023/2024, our hall underwent a significant upgrade. The project included a full repaint, the installation of a beautiful Matariki constellation feature, refreshed values posters, and new electronic blinds.
As part of this upgrade, the historic photographs that once lined the hall were carefully removed. Many were beginning to fade, and we had reached capacity for displaying new additions quite some time ago. These treasured images are now being thoughtfully archived by our librarian, Mrs Sutton. Digital archiving is a detailed and time-intensive process, and it will take some time to complete, however, we’re proud to be undertaking this step so we can honour the stories, faces and milestones that have shaped our kura over the years.
How can you help? We would love to hear from anyone in our community who may have historic Waihi College photos they’d be willing to loan us. We will digitise them and return the originals to you, with the goal of making our archives as rich and comprehensive as possible. We’re also hoping to fill a small gap in our records: we are seeking the names of our Head Students for 1974 and 1975. We have 1973 (A. Williams and J. Bleutt) and 1976 (J Griffioen and V. Niukapu) but no record of who led our school for those few years in between. If you can help us fill in the missing pieces, please get in touch with Wendy at wendys@waihicol.school.nz
Together, we can preserve and celebrate the history of Waihi College for generations to come.