History of the School

The earliest photos in the school archives are dated 1963, (click on the thumbnails below to see the full sized photos).

Elwyn Richardson was the first Principal of Hay Park School. He has been described as an innovative ‘pioneer’ New Zealand educator. His approach to teaching emphasised the importance of encouraging children to express their thoughts and emotional responses in relation to their own experiences. Today this child-centred approach is accepted as the norm and is particularly relevant considering our “…children’s diverse cultural, linguistic and experiential backgrounds.” Back in the 1950s and 60s, however, it was definitely not considered the norm. First at Oruaiti School and then at Hay Park School he encouraged children’s natural curiosity and led them to attempt to make sense not only of their feelings and experiences, but also of the physical world around them in their art and in their writing.

In 1964, while Principal of Hay Park School, Richardson published his book 'In The Early World' about his experiences at Oruaiti School. Here is a description of the book by its publisher:

“Although In the Early World was first published in the 1960s it is as relevant now as it was then. Integrated curriculum, values education, the arts, inquiry learning, philosophy, and creative thinking are all part of the story told in this remarkable book.
‘New Zealand's reputation for innovative and creative educators has depended on the courage and wisdom of teachers like Elwyn Richardson. In the Early World is a story about learning, told by a teacher who believed passionately that creative thinking and intellectual growth are inextricably linked.

‘It is timely in the 21st century to recapture teaching as an art. 'In the Early World' inspires teachers to take risks, to contemplate values and philosophies as central to the learning-teaching process and to adapt prescribed curriculum to the children's own desire to explore, inquire and create.’
Centre for Professional Inquiry, Auckland College of Education

In the Early World is one of the great books about New Zealand education and is unique in presenting creativity at the centre of children's learning.”

To find out more about Richardson’s teaching methods order his book from the New Zealand Council for Educational Research.

There are photos in the school archives that show Elwyn Richardson as Principal in 1963 and 1965 (see below). Former pupils, Cheryl Eales and Paul Williams, remember Richardson. Linda Stevens, also a foundation pupil, remembers Elwyn Richardson with affection. She remembers sitting in ‘houses’ made of cardboard ‘grocery’ boxes to write, and the printing press set up by Richardson. Shirley Baskett also has fond memories of Richardson: “He was the most fantastic headmaster and teacher ever. My entire life has been impacted by my time at this school. I write for a living and this is due to his influence.” Paul Williams remembers the school magazine and the printing press. Diane Macleod, who attended school from 1963-5 cites Richardson as her ‘most influential teacher’. “(I) loved writing stories, doing the lino cuts and setting type for the printing press. I remember we used to have heaps of fun running along with the old tyres at playtime and on sports day. Used to spend ages making a "guy" for the November 5th Bonfire at the school!”