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Flag flies over Eastern Hutt for the first time in 26 years

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Shani MacKenzie and Satish Saini hoist the flag during Eastern Hutt’s centenary celebrations.

THE New Zealand flag has been hoisted over Eastern Hutt School for the first time in 26 years.

The flag raising ceremony took place during the school’s centenary celebrations over Labour Weekend.

The new flag pole was erected as a gift from the current pupils who held a market day to raise funds.

A plaque to mark the centenary was gifted by a parent of one of the school’s pupils and placed at the base of the staff.

Principal Julie Henderson says the flag will become a special part of school life for present and future students.

She says student councillors will be responsible for raising the flag each morning.

Eastern Hutt’s last flag pole was removed in 1989 after it was deemed unsafe.

Celebrations began on Friday night at a meet and greet for past pupils, staff and friends of the school.

Julie says guests took the opportunity to re-establish old bonds during the celebrations.

“Our vision was for people to have a meaningful experience and to reconnect with the past,” she says.

The flag raising on Saturday took place at the end of a busy day of celebrations, beginning with cultural performances and a cake cutting ceremony.

The cake was cut by 100-year-old guest of honour and former student, Eileen Smeaton, Mayor Ray Wallace and students Sam Gerrie, 5, and Eva Wong, 11.

This was followed by time for guests to visit classrooms, observe lessons and interact with pupils.

Celebrations also included the burying of three time capsules in a newly planted garden.

The capsules contained photos of the school, a letter from the principal and tea towels with self-portraits of the students printed on them.

Julie says the day was well attended, with over 200 registered guests.

Mayor Ray Wallace was impressed with the morning’s performances.

“The kids were fantastic. The youngsters’ performances, that’s what really made it.”

Adrian Gillies, whose daughter attends the school, also commended the pupils’ participation.

“I think it was a really special occasion, it was nice to see all the children involved.”

Thenuka Sabesan, 10, who spoke during the time capsule ceremony, said she enjoyed the day.

“I think it went great, I’m really happy I was here for the hundredth year of Eastern Hutt,” she said.

Former pupil, John Daniels, 76, thought the day was a success and was impressed with the turn out.

“There a few people that I haven’t seen since the 1940s. We had to sort of remember who each other was”, he said.

The centenary finished on Saturday night with speeches and a dinner at the Petone Working Men’s club.


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