The first assembly of Awatapu College, Palmerston North's fifth state high school was held in an uncompleted courtyard on February 2, 1976. Mr J Wall, the Principal, welcomes the 240 third form pupils. Also present were the college's independent board if governors, representatives of the parents committee and the mayor Mr B G Elwood. Mr Wall (left) walks for Mayor Elwood.

The first school at Newbury, near Palmerston North, was established in 1878, and enlarged in 1881. The school was originally known as Taonui School but was changed to Newbury in 1904 owing to confusion wth the Feilding School of that name.