The PORIRUA based Facebook group is well over the 20,000 members mark and has planned a home-coming event in the town next week.
The idea of the get-together has been a hit with 668 members confirming their invitations to join Dennis Jr Makalio celebrate the success of the recently established page.
“A local photographer, Claire Ziddich was offering a free photo shoot, I then thought ‘ask the group if they want to take a big photo,’ then the idea [of the home-coming] came.”
Mr Makalio also said that former residents of Porirua will be making their way home to join childhood friends enjoy the occasion.
“The reason we called it [the page] ‘Home-coming’, was because of those who are travelling home for the event,” says Mr Makalio.
Lana Ahnau of Porirua is one of the many people expected to be attending the gathering which will be alcohol and drug free.
“I’m looking forward to seeing people I have not seen for ages and hopefully some teachers that used to put me on detention,” says Ms Ahnau.
The festivity will also have games, activities running and food stalls that will be fundraising for good causes in the community.
“We’re trying to get the old school local bands back for the day and food stalls will also be there but only fundraising stalls from the community.
“We’re trying to bring back the old school games like handball, gutter board and bull rush,” say Mr Makalio.
Old college rugby photos of the renowned Beard Trophy dating back to the 1980’s can be seen on the PORIRUA page, having been uploaded by users. They are often the subject of lively conversations on the site.
Images of TV shows from the 80’s and 90’s, like the Knight Rider, The Warriors and Thunderbirds can also be seen to stimulate user comment.
Mr Makalio says the event will run for about three hours and will be held at Porirua Park on 19 August.
