Mates in a class of their own

Otahuhu College principal Bill Gavin admits he sometimes envies his wealthy neighbour, King's College. And King's headmaster John Taylor admits he and Bill Gavin do not always agree.

But both men are adamant that their schools have benefited from their proximity and the resulting relationship.

Now the two are retiring - Mr Gavin at the end of this year and Mr Taylor at the end of next year - leaving a legacy of cooperation between one of the poorest schools in the country and one of the richest.

After 16 years leading Otahuhu College and nearing 59, Mr Gavin decided to retire a couple of months ago. Mr Taylor, who turns 60 next month, has been at King's since 1987.

Neighbours on Mangere Rd in South Auckland, their schools are miles apart in character. King's College is among the top private schools in the country, costing up to $18,000 a year for full board and tuition.

Although it started admitting girls in 1980, its motto remains Virtus Pollet - manliness prevails.

It is proudly conservative, superbly equipped and beautifully set in 26 ha of tranquil landscaped grounds.

Up the road at Pacific Island-dominated Otahuhu College, where the motto is Kia Tamatane - be like Tamatane (a rascal who makes good) - English is a second language for many, and teachers have had to break with tradition to educate their students.

By broadening the traditional curriculum, the 70-year-old school has succeeded in having more students leave with recognised qualifications than any other decile-one school - 82 per cent, compared with the 68 per cent norm. Decile one is the lowest of 10 socioeconomic rankings for schools.

Mr Gavin says there have been times when he has envied the excellent facilities at King's and the calm the school presents.

"But that envy doesn't turn into something negative. It's more a matter of what could we do with those resources."

He gets the feeling his students enjoy being next door to King's. Every year there is a highly successful exchange day, when sixth formers swap schools and there is frequent cultural and sporting interaction.

There might have been difficulties in the earlier days, especially when rugby rivalry was at its most intense but Mr Gavin says the two student bodies have no real problems getting along.

Mr Taylor says King's has strengthened its identification as a South Auckland school in recent years, and "the very special relationship" with the neighbouring college is part of that.

A visit to Otahuhu College's marae in 1989 inspired the formation of King's kapahaka group and the annual sixth form exchange is enjoyed by everyone.

A champion of traditional curriculum and examinations, Mr Taylor says he and Mr Gavin, a proponent of the new National Certificate in Achievement, have had interesting discussions over the years.

"But Bill has always been able to see both sides of the debate and I hope I have too. We have a great deal in common. I have a lot to thank Bill Gavin for."

For his part, Mr Gavin says Mr Taylor has been "a wonderful colleague".

Both men intend to carry on working in education when they retire. Both will always carry a piece of South Auckland with them.