Monday 13th July 2026
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing that being an Old Boy doesn't end when you leave New Plymouth Boys' High School – it simply evolves into a lifelong connection with the School and each other.
Over recent months, I've had the pleasure of meeting and reconnecting with many of you at a range of events, including the Auckland Gathering, the Old Boys' AGM, and our recent sports exchanges. Every conversation has reinforced the strength of our Old Boys' community and the pride so many of you continue to have in NPBHS.
Looking ahead, we're excited to create even more opportunities for Old Boys to reconnect through regional gatherings, reunions, sporting events, and by celebrating the achievements of our alumni. There is plenty to look forward to, and I hope you'll continue to stay involved and connected with the School.
It is a privilege to help foster these connections, and I look forward to meeting many more of you at future events.
Warm regards
Jade Tyrrell
Alumni Manager
FEATURED OLD BOY:
Old Boy Michael Collins has been appointed as New Zealand Rugby's inaugural Chief Rugby Officer, one of the most influential leadership positions in New Zealand rugby.
Michael has enjoyed a distinguished career both on and off the field. After representing Waikato and the Chiefs as a player, he moved into rugby administration, serving as Chief Executive of the Taranaki Rugby Football Union before leading the Chiefs franchise. Most recently, he has been Director of Sport at Bond University on Australia's Gold Coast.
In his new role with New Zealand Rugby, Michael will oversee professional rugby operations, community rugby, competitions and tournaments, while working closely with stakeholders across every level of the game. The position has been created as part of New Zealand Rugby's new high-performance structure and reflects the organisation's commitment to strengthening rugby from the grassroots through to the international game.
Michael's appointment is a proud moment for New Plymouth Boys' High School and the wider Old Boys' community. His leadership, vision and dedication to the sport continue to make a significant contribution to rugby in New Zealand.
Congratulations, Michael, on this outstanding achievement. We wish you every success in this exciting new chapter.
RECENT EVENTS:
The annual Old Boys' Association AGM was held on the day of the New Plymouth Boys' High School versus Palmerston North Boys' High School Sports Exchange, with an excellent turnout, including members of the 1966 First XV.
It was a pleasure to welcome everyone back to the School for a tour of the campus before gathering in the marquee for lunch and the AGM. The day concluded with the opportunity to watch the First XV take to the field at the Gully.
This year also marks one year since the installation of the artificial turf, and it has quickly become one of the busiest facilities on campus. The Gully is now in use from 9.00am to 9.00pm on most weekdays, supporting Physical Education classes, school sport, community football, rugby, touch rugby, and weekend competitions.
During the school day, the turf is used extensively by our Physical Education department. Our 1st XV and football programme also benefit from regular training sessions on the surface. After school and into the evenings, local football clubs, social competitions, and community groups make full use of the facility, while weekend rugby and football fixtures ensure the Gully remains active seven days a week.
The exceptional level of use highlights the significant value the artificial turf has brought to both the School and the wider community, providing a high-quality facility that is enjoyed year-round.
At the end of April, we held our bi-annual Old Boys’ event in Auckland following the annual Auckland Grammar School sports exchange. It was a fantastic evening with a great turnout, providing an opportunity for Old Boys to reconnect, hear about what is happening at the School, learn more about the newly established NPBHS Perpetual Fund, and Comradeship Clubs.
We look forward to returning to Auckland in 2028!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Old Boys and friends of the School are warmly invited to support New Plymouth Boys' High School as we take on Westlake Boys' High School in our annual rugby exchange on Saturday, 18 July in Auckland.
Fixtures
- 1st XV: 11:00am – Field 1
- 2nd XV: 9:30am – Field 1
- Year 10A: 9:30am – Field 2 (Bottom of the Hill)
- Year 9A: 9:30am – Field 3 (Bottom of the Hill)
Our annual Sports Exchange against Napier Boys' High School returns to New Plymouth Boys' High School on Saturday, 25 July, with an exciting day of rugby and basketball on home turf. Parents, caregivers, whānau, Old Boys, and supporters are warmly invited to come along and cheer on our teams. If you can't make it to The Gully, the Super 8 1st XV rugby match will be streamed live on Māori+ YouTube.
Fixtures
- Year 9A Rugby: 8.45am | The Gully
- Junior Basketball: 9.00am | NPBHS Centennial Gym
- 1st V Basketball: 11.00am | NPBHS Centennial Gym
- 2nd XV Rugby: 10.30am | The Gully
- 1st XV Rugby: 12.40pm | The Gully
We warmly invite our Old Boys to join us for an evening of reconnecting, reminiscing, and catching up with fellow alumni in Christchurch. Whether you left the School recently or many years ago, we'd love to see you there for an enjoyable evening of great company and conversation.
Date: Sunday, 26 July
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Pegasus Arms Restaurant & Bar, 14 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch
Please complete the registration form below to confirm your attendance. We look forward to seeing you there.
