College Events

Key Opens Rebuilt One Tree Hill College

13 March 2009

Prime Minister John Key opened and rededicated the revamped One Tree Hill College, Penrose, on the morning of Friday 13 March - the most important occasion for the college since it started in 1955.

Mr Key unveiled a plaque celebrating the completed $15 million rebuilding programme at the college, formerly known as Penrose High School.

His visit coincided with a spectacular improvement in the college's fortunes, including a growing student roll, significant academic and sporting achievements and the rehanging of the college's world-class art collection.

The college's Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees used the occasion to recognise some of the many people who have made a significant contribution to the college's success in its 54-year history.

The college's new music suites were dedicated to two past students who made their name as singers - Tina Cross (born 1959) and the late Ricky May (1943-1988). Members of May family were present at the ceremony and Ms Cross sang before the audience. There were also performances by the college's Kapa Haka Group and Tongan Cultural Group.

Plaques were presented to honour the following:

Rotary Lobby, in recognition of the long friendship and support from the Rotary Club of Penrose to the college.

Marilyn Wales Auditorium (the former college hall), in recognition of the leadership and governance of Mrs Marilyn C. Wales (née Morse), chair of the Board of Trustees from 1999-2006.

Murray Print Memorial Knowledge Centre, in recognition of the contribution of the college's second principal, the late J. Murray Print (1923-1990). The former library had been dedicated in his honour.

Ron Stacey Memorial Gymnasium, in recognition of the leadership of the foundation principal, the late Ronald S. Stacey (1909-1983). The former swimming pool (on the site of the new gymnasium) had been dedicated in his honour.

Wallace Crossman Art Department, in recognition of Wallace Crossman's contribution during the time he taught art at the college (1961-1979). Mr Crossman and Mr Print developed the college's art collection.

A ticket-only cocktail party to celebrate the art collection was held at the college on the evening of 13 March. It was attended by art lovers, past students and friends of the college to highlight the national importance of the collection, which includes significant works from Colin McCahon, Gretchen Albrecht, W.A. Sutton, Pat Hanly, Robin White, Toss Woollaston, Allen Maddox, Nigel Brown and Ralph Hotere.

MC for the evening was foundation student Stewart Macpherson (born 1942), who has made his name in entertainment and show promotion. He was honoured with the college's prestigious Golden Jubilee Award, instituted by the alumni committee in 2005 to recognise outstanding success by past students.

Also present at the function were: Wallace Crossman, who donated a new work to the collection; Mrs Lyndal Print, widow of former principal Murray Print, who established the collection in 1969; and curator of the collection, Paul Baragwanath.

The event raised money for the maintenance and expansion of the collection as part of a new vision for art at One Tree Hill College.

Photos, from left to right (click for a larger view):

Prime Minister John Key unveiling a plaque at the official opening of One Tree Hill College, Auckland, 13 March 2009.
Prime Minister John Key (right) with One Tree Hill College principal Iva Ropati at the official opening of the college, 13 March 2009.
Tina Cross singing at the official opening of One Tree Hill College, Auckland, 13 March 2009.