United Support for Hato Petera College

United Support for Hato Petera College MEDIA RELEASE: 4 August 2016

Hato Petera Board of Trustees (BOT), the Principal and Hato Petera Ltd (previously the Whanau Trust), along with past students have united to ensure the survival of this iconic Māori boarding school.

Bishop Patrick Dunn last week announced a consultation period and indicated the possibility of closure sending shockwaves of concern through the school community. The first in a series of consultation hui have been held tonight.

Principal John Matthews says we have been humbled by the number of very passionate calls in support of the school continuing into the future.

“The school is financially viable, we are breaking even and are no longer in debt.

“Academic rates are positive and consistently solid, we punch above our weight. Hato Petera provides a basic but full curriculum with a participation rate above 80 percent.

“To suggest the possibility of shutting the doors is just scaremongering and you have to wonder as to the true motivation behind the consultation process.

“Why is this consultation taking place now? And why is it necessary to move so quickly?

BOT Chairman Mate Webb says Hato Petera College is the only Catholic Māori co-ed school in the country and the last Māori boarding school north of Hawkes Bay.

“Closure of this historic educational institute is just not acceptable, and we are appealing to Te Ao Māori to continue their support.

“Parents may fear closure is imminent but perhaps the Bishop has jumped the gun.”

Hato Petra Ltd Chairman Rudy Taylor says the only risk to the long term viability of the school is a fall in the number of students. Being told by the Bishop the school may shut just sends a mixed message to the families.

“The forced closure of the hostel last year impacted on the numbers but the whanau put aside their squabbles, they came together and pitched in to restore the building.

“Clearly the battle is not over yet and as we have demonstrated the whanau will pull out all the stops to keep our school open.”

ENDS

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