Letters

Hutt Hospital class of ’66 reunion

May 14, 2026

Recently 17 retired nurses gathered in Wairakei, Taupō to celebrate 60 years since they began their nursing training.

Allison Jamieson's Hutt Hospital nursing cohort in 1966. Jamieson is second from right, sitting.

On April 4, 1966, 26 young women started the three-year training program at Lower Hutt Hospital, with 19 graduating in August 1969.

Some who did not graduate attended while, sadly, three have passed away, so we have nineteen current members.

The friendships begun in the nurses’ home have strengthened and lasted through all that life has thrown at us!

We have had regular reunions around New Zealand and even one in Brisbane!

Allison Jamieson (front row, third from right) was one of the Hutt Hospital-trained nurses who trained in the 1960s still keep in regular touch. This year they gathered in Taupō in March to mark 60 years since they started training together.

This year, 17 of us descended on Wairakei Resort in Taupō at the end of March for a weekend filled with chat, laughter, fun activities, food and, of course, shopping.

Our prelim class enjoyed a wonderful celebration meal at a Taupō restaurant.

— Allison Jamieson
Plimmerton

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