150 Years Of Connection And Learning At Mt Cook School

150 years of education, diversity and inclusion will be celebrated in Mt Cook, Wellington next month when the current school gathers with past students, teachers, whanau and supporters to mark this important milestone.

This is a particularly special occasion for one immediate past pupil, Sara Ha-Morris and her whānau. Sara’s great, great, great, great grandmother Sarah Wilkinson was the first teacher/principal at the Mt Cook Girl’s School that opened on 10 November 1875. An infant’s school and boy’s school were also established in 1875 and together formed what was then known as Buckle St school - now Mount Cook School.

Now living in Korea, after a move with her whānau last month, Sara says, “it feels really special to have that connection. It’s amazing to know that I’ll always have that link to Mt Cook School”.

Principal, Adrianne McAllister, says the current students are really enjoying learning more about what school was like over the 150 years through both research and for the more recent experience, talking to past pupils.

Notable alumni include William (Billy) James Hardham, the first ever New Zealander to be awarded a Victoria Cross.

‘When you look through the history, it’s also wonderful to see that Mt Cook School has always been a welcoming place known for its multi-cultural community. Today we have over 30 nationalities represented in our school community and we look forward to celebrating together at the end of August with events centred around our themes of “Whakapapa” and “Belonging”.

I think Sarah would be very happy if she saw the thriving school we are today.’

Celebrations are happening on 30th and 31st August 2025. 

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