Northland School

Northland School Centennial

Picnic Days

The Northland School picnic is a school tradition that has been going on since the very beginnings of the school. It started in 1907 and has been held annually ever since. That is providing the weather permitted.

The first ever Northland School Picnic was held on Thursday the 7th of February 1907. The children walked down to Wilton's Bush. In the beginnings of the picnic tradition most of the emphasis was placed on the food and the school parent committee would fundraise money to buy students food. Something they wouldn't dream of doing now.

Later on people were transported by Harry Platt's dray. This option however was only open to mothers and younger or disabled students. School picnics were also held at places such as Donald's Tea Gardens Karori, Days Bay, and Lyall Bay.

In 1938 the school picnic was held at Maidstone Park and proved to be a huge success. It was attended by 181 students of the school at that time as well as 85 adults and 10 previous pupils of the school.

Now the school picnic is held at Wainuiomata Pool and is a whole day outing for everyone. The school no longer purchases food for the students. The students are tested on their swimming ability there. Every single student looks forward to the school picnic at the start of the year.

Overall the school picnic is a great event that is a strong part of the school's roots and traditions.