History & Notable North Dunedin Characters

North East Valley Normal School is the second oldest school in Dunedin and has served North Dunedin proudly.

Starting in 1851 it predates the establishment of the Otago Education Board by 5 years!

The first valley school was started by settlers and was therefore a private school.

The school day in 1851 began with Bible readings.

At this time North East Valley was thickly bushed with little clearings along its length. It was a popular picnic area. It had abundant bird life and with the bird song, the gentle stream – Lindsay's Stream – and unspoilt nature, it was a peaceful and safe place for the children of the inhabitants.

No definitive photo of the original school exists. It is known that it was built of long poles sunk into the ground with manuka nailed across the inside and the outside. Space between the manuka was rammed with clay and then plastered inside and out with the same clay. The school was barn-like, thatched, with small window spaces. It was divided into living quarters for the teacher and a single classroom. Warmth was provided by an open fireplace.

Mr. Ralph Geddie was the first teacher and he stayed for four years then taught throughout Otago.

The Education Board had a school built in the Valley in 1858 on the present site – about where the front playground is placed.

The roll grew and this rudimentary school needed extension. Later in 1882 a large stone building was built. This imposing structure is remembered with affection even though it was very cold in winter. It was regarded according to historical notes as being one of the best buildings in the colony!

The stone building was eventually demolished and the school buildings are now all wooden.

Some famous people who attended or taught at North East Valley School:

Click on the name to read more:

Armour, William Allan 1880 – 1967 www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3a19/1/1
School principal, educationalist

Begg, Jean 1886 – 1971 www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/begg-jean-cbe/1
Welfare worker and administrator, feminist

Elsom, Sarah Ann 1867 – 1962 www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3e8

Florist and businesswoman

Finlay, Harold John 1901 – 1951 www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/4f12

Palaeontologist, composer (brother of Dr Martyn Finlay, Member of Parliament)

Finlay, Martyn 1912 – 1999 (Dux of the School 1924) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martyn_Finlay
Member of Parliament

Mackenzie, Thomas Noble 1853 – 1930 www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3m18/1/1
Storekeeper, explorer, conservationist, politician, marketing agent, prime minister, diplomat

Stuart, Wilhelmina Magdalene 1895 – 1985 www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/4s53
Telegraphist

Fred Hollows 1929 – 1993 http://www.hollows.org/content/TextOnly.aspx?s=44
Eye doctor and philanthropist

Harry Miller
H.V. Miller, (Harry Vye Miller) 1907-1986, born Lawrence 7 June 1907, youngest of 5. Harry taught at NEV and is a well-known artist, whose works are held in the Dunedin Public Art Gallery and the Hocken Collections, Dunedin. Trained as teacher in Dunedin, including specialist art course. Combined teaching with active career as artist. He was prominent in the Otago Art Society. He taught at NEV School around 1950-51. His earlier work was in oils, but he turned to watercolour later. He taught many children art from his studio at his home in Rolla Street, Mt Mera. Not much is available on the net about this prominent local artist. If anyone can help the school research his biography, please contact the school office 03 473 8246

We are a friendly community school.

The school is a family and for many families, we are their school.