Maori college launches recruitment campaign

One of the country’s leading Maori secondary schools has launched a recruitment campaign in a bid to lift its student roll in 2011.

First established in 1928, Hato Petera College on Auckland’s North Shore is a co-educational Catholic boarding and day school.

The college is targeting Maori communities in Auckland, as well as whanau (families) in rural areas to encourage them to send their tamariki (children) to Hato Petera.

One initiative is Te Waka o Petera – a cultural performance group made up of students, which is undertaking a promotional tour of community, church, school and kaupapa-based events.

Board chairman, Norm McKenzie, says the Maori Catholic influence – along with academic emphasis, keen sports participation and involvement in cultural activities – contributes to the unique atmosphere of Hato Petera.

The school’s small class numbers makes teacher contact time more focused and personalised to the specific needs of individual students. NCEA results in previous years show consistent above national average achievement.

“Since its inception, Hato Petera has contributed significantly to the development of Maori society and particularly to the production of dynamic Maori leaders who have had a huge influence on their communities, wider Maori society and, in some instances, on the nation state.”

Past graduates include the first Maori Catholic priest, Father Wiremu Te Awhitu; academic and writer Professor, Ranginui Walker; acclaimed artist, Ralph Hotere; former All Black, Walter Little; Te Ohu Kaimoana chief executive, Peter Douglas; and Dr Toby Curtis, a well-known academic and current advisor to the school.

Enrolments are accepted from students in Y9 to 13. For more information, please visit www.hatopetera.school.nz.