--- title: '1973 - 2023 Timeline' url: 'https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/1973-2023-timeline' markdown: 'https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/1973-2023-timeline.md' date: '2026-09-14' description: 'Telegram pictured above by Norman Kirk (NZ Prime Minister 1973) ... "CONGRATULATIONS OF THE OPENING OF YOUR SCHOOL TODAY AND EVERY BEST WISHES FOR ITS FUTURE. IT IS PERHAPS AUSPICIOUS THAT THE OCCASION FALLS ON THIS IMPORTANT DAY IN NEW ZEALAND HISTORY - WAITANGI DAY" - Norman Kirk Green Bay High …' --- # 1973 - 2023 Timeline 1973 - 2023 Timeline Growing Confidence ![Telegram](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/c/a/8/1/2/ca812b20dce6868bd555ac60c63055955a744820-telegram-norman-kirk-opening-of-gbhs.jpg "Telegram") Telegram pictured above by Norman Kirk (NZ Prime Minister 1973) ... "CONGRATULATIONS OF THE OPENING OF YOUR SCHOOL TODAY AND EVERY BEST WISHES FOR ITS FUTURE. IT IS PERHAPS AUSPICIOUS THAT THE OCCASION FALLS ON THIS IMPORTANT DAY IN NEW ZEALAND HISTORY - WAITANGI DAY" - Norman Kirk Green Bay High School opened its doors on 6 February 1973, with a grand total of 350 students, Green Bay High School has grown considerably and changed significantly over the past 50 years - with a current roll of over 1700 students! A 25th Jubilee was held in 1998, and 50th milestone was celebrated this year, in July 2023, with a full programme of day and evening celebratory events, blending the past with the present, reconnecting students, staff and our community. Our school has changed and evolved over the years, with new buildings and refurbished facelifts, as well as the introduction of a school zone and the implementation of a school uniform. However, what remains the same is that we are still proudly a school that serves its local community. Green Bay High School has always prioritised strong relationships between students and teachers. We are proud to be a community school, and if our current ‘enrolment season’ is anything to go by, we are a popular choice of secondary school for local whānau residing within our school zone. #### Moving With The Times: **1973** - 6 February: Establishment of Green Bay High School - roll of approx. 350 students - Principal Des Mann - 1 June 1973: Green Bay High School Board of Governors (Board of Trustees) comes into force. Previously vested in the Kelston High Schools Board of Governors \[Olive Taylor\] - interim administration **1978** - Kākāriki Marae built **1980** - Technological Times (!): Apple 2 computer, a colour television set, card reader, printer and desk drive for the 7th Form Applied Maths class **1981** - The ‘Reading Room’ established - (B1) with illustrated door by Dylan Horrocks - Felling, blessing, delivery and carving of two Totara from Minginui Forest - for the Kākāriki Marae Wharenui **1982** - GBHS holds its first full-school fundraising event - ‘Work Day’, where all students worked an 8 hour day doing various jobs throughout the community, raising $14,000 to go towards computers and library books **1983** - First Auditorium opened **1984** - Des Mann retires **1985** - Karen Sewell (previously Deputy Principal) takes position as Principal of GBHS **1986** - GBHS celebrates its first Peace Day on 6 August (Hiroshima Day) **1987** - GBHS introduces Vertical Form classes and the Co-Op **1992** - Fire in B Block following arson attack **1997** - Karen Sewell retires (March) 1997 - Lionel Devaliant (previously Deputy Principal) takes over as Principal of GBHS **1998** - 25th Year Reunion **2000** - GBHS roll of less than 600 students **2003** - Te Reo Māori bilingual unit begins at the request of parents and with the support of the Board of Trustees - based out of GBHS’ Kākāriki Marae - GBHS begins ‘horizontal’ Form Classes - Gateway Programme starts **2004** - GBHS’ financial position is identified as a ‘cause for concern’ by the Ministry of Education, and is appointed a Limited Statutory Manager “to oversee the review and improvement of the school’s financial management and personnel systems.” - GBHS roll sits at 1050 students - GBHS reverts back to Vertical Forms **2005** - GBHS has approx. 800 students - Lionel Devaliant retires on 15 April after 8 years as Principal, and 7 years as Deputy Principal of GBHS - Morag Hutchinson takes her place as the new Principal of GBHS on 9 May **2006** - New Technology block opens at GBHS - GBHS roll sits at 850 students - Peace Trophy donated to GBHS on Peace Day by Mr Bowie, father of Agnes Bowie **2007** - GBHS breaks tradition, rolling out a school uniform with Yr 9 and Yr 10s - Opening of new Visual Arts and Science blocks - Reinstatement of ‘horizontal’ Form Classes; moving away from the traditional Vertical Form Classes **2008** - GBHS roll approaches 1000 students **2011** - Opening of the extension/refurbishment of the Auditorium and Performing Arts Centre **2013** - New school logo introduced - School Zone come into force - Green Bay High School Board of Trustees implements an enrolment scheme/school zone as directed by the Ministry of Education **2014** - F Block renovated - first time in 40 years (!) - GBHS roll reaches 1300 students **2016** - Kaumatua and foundation staff member Pat Heremaia passes away in May, and is laid to rest at Te Moengaroa Urupa, in Taranaki **2017** - Tiger Turf installed on back courts **2018** - Principal, Morag Hutchinson, retires after nearly 13 years at GBHS - Founding Principal, Des Mann, dies on 20 August, aged 93 **2019** - Fiona Barker takes on role as Principal of GBHS **2020** - Newly refurbished library opened at GBHS **2022** - New prefab classrooms - G block extension **2023** - 50th Celebrations Event **2024** - H block extension **2025** - GBHS Roll reaches 1800+ students - New two storey Science Block commences [50th EVENT PHOTO GALLERY](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jlm4A-5YFnwvIl09IORz9QFDfo0tKIMg?usp=sharing) [Founding Principal, Des Mann](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/founding-principal-des-mann) [Celebrating 50 Years](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/1973-2023-timeline) [Kākāriki Marae (1976)](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/kakariki-marae) [Whare Akoranga](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/whare-akoranga) [Join Our Alumni](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/share-your-story) [School Yearbook ARCHIVES](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/yearbook-archives-and-alumni) [Class Lists/Alumni](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IJ_PJOeL0myskS1IgDN2uNzrbw5_Juw7_AlrxeGJuj0/edit?usp=sharing) School News Keep up to date with all the latest news from Green Bay High ![spain 2026](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/9/9/3/6/f/9936f53046ef38ac67a612d5227b29dc2e5c5bff-spain-2026.jpg "spain 2026") SPAIN Trip 2026 Cultural Immersion 21st September 2026 at 12:20pm [SPAIN Trip 2026 Cultural Immersion 21st September 2026 at 12:20pm](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/spain-trip-2026) ![school.kiwi](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/5/5/0/9/2/550921481b8262cbb6c35a3129aa0338f1676cef-reporting-absences1.jpg "school.kiwi") Reporting an Absence Web Portal 18th September 2026 at 7:50am [Reporting an Absence Web Portal 18th September 2026 at 7:50am](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/reporting-an-absence) ![sunsmart image](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/a/4/9/f/c/a49fccd6f7bb103edb3e796c79a596189bb86098-blood-drive2x-3.jpg "sunsmart image") Be SunSmart UV Rays 17th September 2026 at 9:50am [Be SunSmart UV Rays 17th September 2026 at 9:50am](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/be-sunsmart) ![lifechanger](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/0/d/8/8/0/0d880fd3a80c18b07349d348a5578b5f1d88811e-lifechanger-image.jpg "lifechanger") LifeChanger Year 9 17th September 2026 at 9:10am [LifeChanger Year 9 17th September 2026 at 9:10am](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/lifechanger-programme) ![](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/b/3/4/e/c/b34ec390b82933cdd3498d35fafe5afdf346c16d-pasifika-performers.jpg) Pasifika Performance All welcome! 17th September 2026 at 7:20am [Pasifika Performance All welcome! 17th September 2026 at 7:20am](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/pasifika-performance) ![goethe](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/e/d/d/b/a/eddba04369b137be1df80de940d338e8a2107958-goethe2x-1.jpg "goethe") Lifelong Learners Inspiring Teachers 15th September 2026 at 12:20pm [Lifelong Learners Inspiring Teachers 15th September 2026 at 12:20pm](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/lifelong-learners) ![](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/e/9/0/c/3/e90c3d26fa5a33e76070f14dd4370d50e73b6b3e-green-impact.jpg) Green Impact EcoMatters 15th September 2026 at 7:50am [Green Impact EcoMatters 15th September 2026 at 7:50am](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/green-impact) ![ebikes](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/d/4/6/4/0/d4640a2047ba577366d0d8b8d1ed65b0ddce4d99-scooter2x-1.jpg "ebikes") Safety Message E-Bikes 15th September 2026 at 7:45am [Safety Message E-Bikes 15th September 2026 at 7:45am](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/safety-message) ![front of admin](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/7/b/4/f/0/7b4f007dab5c417fa21edfcec072adb083763c94-become-an-agent.jpg "front of admin") Parent Contact Detail… #### Communication is important to us. **Emails and phone calls… 15th September 2026 at 7:42am** [Communication is important to us.](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/parent-contact-details) ![front of admin](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/d/e/5/2/b/de52b95737e90cc36f98342543ba3d8758a7ec70-become-an-agent.jpg "front of admin") Parent Contact Detail… #### Communication is important to us. **Emails and phone calls… 15th September 2026 at 7:42am** [Communication is important to us.](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/parent-contact-details-2) ![vision west](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/1/9/1/3/f/1913fe56b0654f850156080e42e155d0f781fb63-vision-west.jpg "vision west") Visionwest Community Support 11th September 2026 at 3:22pm [Visionwest Community Support 11th September 2026 at 3:22pm](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/visionwest) ![Student trustee](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/f/8/9/1/5/f891577050a67b07fe88531def6993c9e9accfd9-student-trustee-20272x-2.jpg "Student trustee") Student Trustee Voting Results 11th September 2026 at 11:33am [Student Trustee Voting Results 11th September 2026 at 11:33am](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/student-trustee) [Read more news](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news) Calendar Sep 23 10SPS Term 3 Squash Tournament (S/E) 11:20am Titirangi Squash Club Sep 23 10SPS Term 3 Squash Tournament (S/E) 11:20am Titirangi Squash Club Sep 24 SPAIN TRIP 2026 overseas (EOTC) 8:00am Seville, Barcelona, Salamanca and Madrid Sep 24 SPAIN TRIP 2026 overseas (EOTC) 8:00am Seville, Barcelona, Salamanca and… Sep 24 BOT Meeting (5pm - 7pm) 5:00pm Sep 24 BOT Meeting (5pm - 7pm) 5:00pm Sep 25 End of Term 3 Sep 25 End of Term 3 Sep 26 EPRO8 Jnrs Semi-Final (EOTC) 9:00am Henderson High School Sep 26 EPRO8 Jnrs Semi-Final (EOTC) 9:00am Henderson High School Oct 12 Start of Term 4 Oct 12 Start of Term 4 Oct 14 10GER Film Fest (EOTC) 9:00am Devonport Oct 14 10GER Film Fest (EOTC) 9:00am Devonport Oct 20 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 9:45am Salvation Army, New Lynn Oct 20 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 9:45am Salvation Army, New Lynn Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #1 11:25am Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #1 11:25am Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #2 12:30pm Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #2 12:30pm Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 22 GBHS Sport Award Evening 6:30pm GBHS Auditorium Oct 22 GBHS Sport Award Evening 6:30pm GBHS Auditorium Oct 23 L2 Folio Exhibition Oct 23 L2 Folio Exhibition Oct 26 Labour Day - public holiday Oct 26 Labour Day - public holiday Oct 27 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 11:05am Salvation Army, New Lynn Oct 27 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 11:05am Salvation Army, New Lynn Oct 29 Y9 LifeChangers workshops 8:40am Oct 29 Y9 LifeChangers workshops 8:40am Oct 29 BOT Meeting (5pm - 7pm) 5:00pm Oct 29 BOT Meeting (5pm - 7pm) 5:00pm Sep 23 10SPS Term 3 Squash Tournament (S/E) 11:20am Titirangi Squash Club Sep 23 10SPS Term 3 Squash Tournament (S/E) 11:20am Titirangi Squash Club Sep 24 SPAIN TRIP 2026 overseas (EOTC) 8:00am Seville, Barcelona, Salamanca and Madrid Sep 24 SPAIN TRIP 2026 overseas (EOTC) 8:00am Seville, Barcelona, Salamanca and… Sep 24 BOT Meeting (5pm - 7pm) 5:00pm Sep 24 BOT Meeting (5pm - 7pm) 5:00pm Sep 25 End of Term 3 Sep 25 End of Term 3 Sep 26 EPRO8 Jnrs Semi-Final (EOTC) 9:00am Henderson High School Sep 26 EPRO8 Jnrs Semi-Final (EOTC) 9:00am Henderson High School Oct 12 Start of Term 4 Oct 12 Start of Term 4 Oct 14 10GER Film Fest (EOTC) 9:00am Devonport Oct 14 10GER Film Fest (EOTC) 9:00am Devonport Oct 20 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 9:45am Salvation Army, New Lynn Oct 20 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 9:45am Salvation Army, New Lynn Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #1 11:25am Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #1 11:25am Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #2 12:30pm Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #2 12:30pm Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 22 GBHS Sport Award Evening 6:30pm GBHS Auditorium Oct 22 GBHS Sport Award Evening 6:30pm GBHS Auditorium Oct 23 L2 Folio Exhibition Oct 23 L2 Folio Exhibition Oct 26 Labour Day - public holiday Oct 26 Labour Day - public holiday Oct 27 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 11:05am Salvation Army, New Lynn Oct 27 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 11:05am Salvation Army, New Lynn Oct 29 Y9 LifeChangers workshops 8:40am Oct 29 Y9 LifeChangers workshops 8:40am Oct 29 BOT Meeting (5pm - 7pm) 5:00pm Oct 29 BOT Meeting (5pm - 7pm) 5:00pm [It’s Term 3, Week 10](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/calendar-and-dates) [Term Calendar](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/calendar-and-dates) Community ![be the best](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/3/c/c/d/2/3ccd2869c1919464953330b34fbac5a79d3e6dcc-be-the-best.jpg "be the best") Enrolment School zone, prospectus, enrolment packs, term dates and uniforms. [Enrolment School zone, prospectus, enrolment packs, term dates and uniforms.](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/home) ![school.kiwi](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/a/3/1/b/2/a31b28a267ae920da3d26af6f594c8e2bda8f3c0-schoolkiwi.jpg "school.kiwi") Web Portal school.kiwi - Notify us of an absence and keep up with notices and other school information. [Web Portal school.kiwi - Notify us of an absence and keep up with notices and o…](https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/) ![leaders smile](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/b/6/8/f/c/b68fcd6970dd942e9e8cefd035757ff373986f53-leaders-smile-.jpg "leaders smile") Wellbeing & Support Support for students and their whānau from experienced counselling and support services. [Wellbeing & Support Support for students and their whānau from experienced coun…](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/student-life/wellbeing-and-support) ![football goal](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/d/d/f/9/8/ddf983d77391f452ea1beca8a03c66d4e3cdb808-football-goal.jpg "football goal") Sports Draws Keep up with the latest fixtures and results for all GBHS sports teams. [Sports Draws Keep up with the latest fixtures and results for all GBHS sports t…](https://drawsresults.sportsrunner.net/school/?org=CSA&club=GC&style=club) ![coffee and chat](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/c/c/f/a/2/ccfa2d0cb11e40a7bc73d3d7edbeb3532e59aa78-coffee-and-chat.jpg "coffee and chat") International Information and resources for international students, families and agents. 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[International Information and resources for international students, families an…](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/international/welcome-to-new-zealand) Be Social `Instagram plugin is disabled` [Find us on Facebook](https://facebook.com/gbhsnz) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/gbhs_official) Navigate - [ Home ](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/) - [ About Us ](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/about-us) - [ Enrolment ](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/enrolment) - [ Learning ](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/learning-areas) Contact Contact us: [https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/contact\_us](https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/contact_us)Green Bay High School 143 - 161 Godley Road, Green Bay Auckland 0643 New Zealand PO BOX 80002 | | | |---|---| | Tel | [+64 9 817 8173](tel:+6498178173) | | Absences | [Ext. 234 or press ‘1’ (one)](tel:+6498178173,234) | | Email | | | CONTACT US | [https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/contact\_us](https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/contact_us) | For contact details of individual staff, including Year level deans, please navigate to our [staff directory](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/about-us/staff) Kōtuitui Community Green Bay High School is proudly part of the Kōtuitui community of learning, a learning network of 12 West Auckland schools. To learn more about the Kōtuitui community please click [HERE](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/community/kotuitui). [![Kotuitui Community of Learning](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/user/themes/gbhs/images/kotuitui.svg)](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/community/kotuitui) --- ## Navigation - Previous: [Join our Alumni](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/share-your-story.md) - Next: [Graduating Class Lists](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/graduating-class-lists.md)