Napier Boys' High School was founded in 1872 and originally amalgamated with Napier Girls' High School on the 29 January 1884. Established 16 years after Nelson College, Napier Boys' High School remains one of the oldest schools in New Zealand. The school was previously located on Bluff hill. In 1927, Napier Boys' High School relocated to Te Awa for expansion space. In July 1915, William Allan Armour became the new headmaster. Armour revolutionized Napier Boys' High School's academic and sporting aspects. He established the school's credibility and public reputation. In 1928, Armour helped to redevelop the school's campus and to honour his commitment, 'A' block was named after him. After the Napier 1931 earthquake, much of the campus was redeveloped in the Art Deco style. On the 20 November 1998, the Hawkes Bay [Harold] Holt Planetarium was built. On the 19 April 2002, chemistry teacher Reuben John Martin was arrested and charged for manufacturing Class A MDA, Class B MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, and Class C TMAs. Martin pleaded guilty to drug manufacturing charges on the 11 August 2003 and was released in 2012.