"Not many people could say that," Mr Latta, now a psychologist and author, told pupils at the school yesterday.
Mr Latta, who said he was "never one of the cool kids", did not want to participate in the swimming sports and sneaked into a classroom to do his science homework.
It was a strange feeling returning to the school, which was a very different place to him now.
Mr Latta was in North and East Otago yesterday as part of Youth Week, speaking at East Otago High School, St Kevins College, Waitaki Girls High School and Waitaki Boys.
He told pupils at Waitaki Boys that there was "bullying big-time" at the school when he was there. If he had his time over again, he would have done more about it.
Pupils had a choice to either stand back and not get involved, or "step up" and make a decision to do something about it, which made school a better place.
The culture of Waitaki Boys was now very different and he said the boys were lucky to be at the school.
Mr Latta also spoke at an Oamaru luncheon about dealing with teenagers. He said it was important to have a realistic expectation about their behaviour and not expect them to be like adults.
Parents needed to hold them accountable for their behaviour.
•Nigel Latta's latest book, ODT Weekend Magazine, Saturday.
