While Hagley has been flourishing and growing over the last decade, the trees planted at the 2008 150th Anniversary to commemorate 16 decades of education at Hagley have been struggling.

It's become increasingly apparent that the trees' location on the walkway from the main steps, with inadequate shallow planting arrangements, has placed them under stress over several years. To preserve a significant part of our history, the trees have been re-planted at the edge of the main grassed area to create a pathway and seating area students and staff can enjoy in a prominent part of the school. This new area will continue to acknowledge and preserve our 160 year old legacy as we move towards our redevelopment.

The trees commemorate the opening of Hagley's oldest ancestor, the Christchurch Academy, the school Charles Fraser founded in 1858. Our whakapapa begins in 1858, then Christchurch High School in 1864, West Christchurch School in 1873, West Christchurch District High School in 1904, Christchurch West High School in 1936, Hagley High School in 1966 and then in 1991, Hagley Community College, Te Puna Wai O Waipapa – our place now.

Tree planting in itself is significant for Hagley. It remembers an 1863 event when first principal Charles Fraser planted several oaks on the Hagley site to mark the  marriage of the Prince of Wales (Queen Victoria's oldest son). It also marks the year the school  was moved 400 metres south from Hospital Corner to our current site.

Our 17th cherry tree to commemorate 170 years will be planted next year.