After 42 years, Penny Oliver has retired as secretary for the Hororata Primary School.

Penny has been a steady, smiling presence for over four decades at the Hororata Primary School. She’s much more than the school secretary—she’s the one who welcomes every child in the morning, patches up scraped knees, and knows every student, family, and teacher who has passed through the school. For many past students, Penny is one of their fondest school memories.

Beyond the school gates, Penny has dedicated a lifetime of service to the community, contributing to numerous committees and always rolling up her sleeves to get things done.

She is retiring from her role at the school, but Penny will always be part of Clan Hororata and looks forward to volunteering at the Hororata Glow Festival and helping with the Hall project. Penny's contributions will always be valued around any community table, on any committee.

The community came together to celebrate Penny and her service to the school at a potluck dinner on the 28th of February. It was a fabulous night in the Hororata Hall, thank you to the many people who made it possible.

Hayden Jones from TVNZ visited the school on Penny's last day to film a story for 'Good Sorts'. This will air Sunday 9th March at the end of the 6pm news.

A poem that was read on the night of Penny's party:

Penny, Keeper of the Pages

For years you've held the steady pen,
Through meetings long and back again.
With notes so neat and minutes tight,
You kept the records clear and right.

Through halls and clubs, through highs and lows,
You steered the way as each year flows.
A keeper of the past and new,
Reminding us of what is true.

The Domain’s heart, the school’s strong guide,
The one who stood right by our side.
Committees came, committees went,
But your service never bent.

Now as you step back, take a bow,
We thank you here and thank you now.
For all the words, the plans, the care,
This town is stronger—you were here.

But Penny, don’t stray far away,
There’s always more to do, we say!
For in this place, your heart will stay,
A part of Hororātā, forever aye.