Maori College Launches Recruitment Campaign

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.

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.

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.

Upcoming performances include the Onepoto Primary School Cultural Festival (Friday November 19) and Te Whanau Tu Tonu o Oruamo Whanau Day at Birkdale North Primary School (Sunday November 21).

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.

Another distinct characteristic is the school’s small class numbers, making 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 in 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.

“We encourage whanau and the alumni of Hato Petera, Nga Tauira Tawhito – both in Auckland and throughout the country – to engage in our whanau success strategy and make Hato Petera their school of choice.

“An increased roll will enable the school to increase its staffing levels, expand its curriculum offerings and offer our students more opportunities to learn in a Maori Catholic environment.”

Enrolments are accepted from students in years nine to 13 and whanau tours take place at the Northcote school in College Road every Wednesday at 3pm. For more information, go to the website, www.hatopetera.school.nz

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