Fight to save historic Hawkes Bay school

Te Aute College's roll has dropped below 100, half its capacity. File Photo / Hawkes Bay Today

Owners and management of Te Aute College have taken the rare step of seeking a Commissioner to help save the historic Hawkes Bay school from extinction after 156 years as a stalwart of Maori education in New Zealand.

Te Aute was founded in 1854 and has produced such esteemed alumni as Sir Apirana Ngata, Howard Morrison, George Nepia, Dr Pita Sharples and Piri Weepu.

The move was agreed by Te Aute Trust Board and Te Aute College Board of Trustees on Sunday, a formal approach to the Ministry of Education is expected almost immediately and hopes are a Commissioner could be appointed within weeks.

In a statement made jointly with Board of Trustees chairman John Tangaere, Trust co-chairman Whatarangi Winiata said recent discussions with representatives of Minister of Education Anne Tolley had been positive.

His board would be involved in the appointment and terms of reference, and it is was hoped the BOT will continue involvement in the school beside SH2 at Pukehou as an advisory group.

Mr Tangaere emphasised the move did not result from anything the Board of Trustees had done, and was related to capability to fund the school from originally intended sources dating back to the Anglican Maori boys school's founding in the village of Te Aute in 1854.

Ministry of Education group manager of education, curriculum and performance Jeremy Wood confirmed neither the Minister nor the Ministry had sought the appointment of a Commissioner.

Mr Tangaere said a Commissioner would "enjoy the endorsement of the two Boards and will be drawn from outside the Ministry".

Authorities and resources beyond those currently available to the college will be assembled, particularly in the areas of curriculum development, financial management and the development of kaupapa Maori frameworks.

"It is recognised that a Commissioner to Te Aute College will require highly perfected skill sets and competencies to ensure the iconic school with its long and proud history of contributions to the nation remains open," the statement said.

Mr Winiata said: "There is the understanding that the selection of a commissioner will not proceed without agreement from the Trust Board, who will participate in the nomination and appointment process and also assist in the preparation of the terms of reference.

We have assured the Board of Trustees that we will consult with them in these respects."

Mr Tangaere welcomed the initiative and expected it would increase confidence in the College and the willingness of parents to continue to support the school, the roll of which had dropped below 100, half its capacity.

- with NZ Herald staff