The Class of ’76 Golden Jubilee Reunion showed just how powerful old school friendships can be, even 50 years on. Held in Taupō over the weekend of 20–22 March, the gathering brought together classmates, partners and special guests for three memorable days.

A highlight for many was the visit to Tihoi Venture School – a place that was only a vision during the group’s school years. They wanted to experience the campus vibe to see what they missed out on. Tihoi staff Peter, Nicola, Renato and the team hosted the guests with extraordinary warmth. The lunch, tour and hike brought back vivid memories of school days and shared adventures, while the now legendary sirloin steak quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend.

Many of the group stayed at the Wairakei Resort, where they held an informal Friday evening meet-and-greet. Banter and conversations quickly reminded everyone that while the years may pass, the camaraderie remains. Saturday offered golf, relaxation and plenty of time to reconnect beside the pool and across the resort grounds.

The Gala Dinner was the centrepiece of the reunion, with 39 guests gathering in the Fairways function room for a dinner and entertainment. Guests of Honour Mike and Judy Shaw joined Bill Holden (original Tihoi staff), whose stories of the early Tihoi years captivated the room, while keynote speaker Collegian Dr Rod Carr delivered an insightful speech. 

One of the evening’s standout moments came when the band “Seventy Six Collegians” took the stage. Featuring school friends Stuart Wise, John Pope and Paul Holdom, the group brought energy, humour and more than a little rock-and-roll spirit to the occasion, with plenty of enthusiastic audience participation.

Special credit belongs to Paul “Gus” Holdom, whose organisation, enthusiasm and attention to detail helped make the entire weekend such a success. From the planning through to the final farewell, the reunion reflected the care and commitment that went into bringing classmates back together after half a century.

For the Class of ’77, the message from the Class of ’76 is simple: a 50th reunion is absolutely worth it. What began as a gathering of former classmates became a joyful celebration of lifelong friendships and shared memories that still matter deeply, five decades later.