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NPBHS

The History

New Plymouth Boys' High School is now in its second century of vigorous activity. The Hostel is just a little less venerable having begun its life in 1911 when the headmaster, Mr W Moyes, saw its introduction as essential for the growth and character of the school. The initial group of boarders numbered just nine on 1 July 1912 and by 1914 had reached forty-seven. Apart from a decline experienced during the depression, the roll increased steadily to over three hundred in the 1950's and 60's. During this time one third of the school were boarders accommodated in four Houses - Moyes 1911, Carrington 1916, Pridham 1927 and Niger 1943.

 

During the 1970's there was a steady and finally alarming decline in boarding. By 1979, Pridham House was empty and condemned as a fire risk (it used to house 110 boys) and Niger house was empty and derelict. At the end of 1979 just 120 Boarders remained and Moyes and Carrington Houses were in a poor state of maintenance, both Pridham and Niger had been demolished by 1980. A new Board of Governors, a determined Headmaster and keen Hostel staff resolved to avoid closure and work to recovery. By the centennial in 1982 numbers were up to 140, cash reserves were accumulating and the department of Education and Minister of Education (Old Boy Mr Merv Wellington) were sympathetic. Refurbishing began in earnest and the roll continued to grow, as did boarder performance. In 1987 a new 'Niger' was built near Carrington and the roll exceeded 170. An extension to Niger House in 1992 increased its size to 32 beds and the Hostel to 194. The changes to the kitchen in 1993 gave us further senior accommodation and a 1994 roll of 198. Mr French-Wright's arrival, and enthusiasm, gave the Board the confidence to proceed with stage 1 of its buildings modernization programme. The new building being occupied in September 1997. This development is the board's response to the high demand for boarding places, lifts the roll to 220 and ensures that the accommodation offered meets the expectations of parents well into the 21st century. In 2005 Moyes House renovations were completed. The new wing was re-named in 2007, Carroll House in honour of the contribution Max Carroll and his family have made to the hostel.

In 1988 boarding was constituted one of the schools four houses (Hatherly) and to celebrate - won the inter-house competition first time up.

The Hostel has known many personalities in the past, foremost being the great headmaster, Bill Moyes and the long serving John Hatherly who lived in the Hostel as a master from 1940 until 1974, of which the last 18 years were spent as Senior Hostel Master. Today the Hostel has a Senior Hostel Master, Senior Master of Moyes, a Senior Master of Carrington House, five Assistant House Masters and two Matrons. Add to this the kitchen, cleaning and laundry staff and up to 220 boys and it can be seen that the Hostel is a thriving unit within the broader boundaries of the school. The Hostel aims to reinforce the traditional goals of NPBHS for all its students. High academic achievement, strong sporting achievement, positive social development, self-respect and the ability to give without expecting to receive in return. In achieving these things it is hoped that a student completing his time in the Hostel will come to love the place and in future consider sending his own sons to his 'Old School'.