When Opunake High School was translated to a full post-primary school, it was evident that a new badge would have to be designed to replace the Opunake District High School (O.D.H.S.) badge which had served the school so well for thirty years. The Committee of Management, Staff and pupils set about the task with enthusiasm and many and varied were drawings presented. Finally from the drawings and suggestions made by Mr. Gifford, the school's art master, and by Mr. J. England, a member of the staff, a preliminary draft of the badge was made and after some modifications suggested by the committee, the final design was approved. The shield of the badge is now divided into three sections. In the lowest section appears
Mount Taranaki, symbolic of
the province. It is noteworthy, however, that this is the Ōpunake view of the mountain with Fantham's peak on the right. In the left section of the badge appears
Cape Egmont Lighthouse which is symbolic of the coastal part of the province which the School serves. It may also, however, be regarded as a symbol of the shedding of the light of knowledge to all those who come within the influence of the school. The open book and the torch of the spirit occupy the right section of the badge. The open book is, of course, the symbol of the wealth of knowledge which can be revealed and explained to all those who pass through the school; it is also symbolic of that free access to all sources of information and that right of free expression which we as people of a democratic country should value highly. The torch of the spirit is not easily explained. It stands for those intangible aspirations and standards of value which should be inculcated in every good post-primary school. A boy or girl who leaves the school should carry away something more than knowledge and developed skills, he or she should have become a better person through contact with the finest that literature, art, music and religion can offer. == Sport ==