- Makoura College
-
Makoura College 
Location Makora Road,
Masterton,
New ZealandCoordinates 40°57′43″S 175°39′58″E / 40.9620°S 175.6662°ECoordinates: 40°57′43″S 175°39′58″E / 40.9620°S 175.6662°E Information Type State Co-educational Secondary Years 9-13 Motto Strive Established 1968 Ministry of Education Institution no. 243 Commissioner Tom Hullena School roll Approximately 273 Socio-economic decile 3 Website makoura-college.school.nz Located in Masterton, New Zealand, Makoura College is a state co-educational secondary school, founded in 1968.
Contents
History
Makoura College was established in 1968 to cope with an expanding youth population in the Masterton district. It began with a roll of approximately 800, and was governed by the same Board of Governors as nearby Wairarapa College.
The college was sited on the Eastern side of Masterton, close to several primary schools [1], and a then government-owned printing press.
During the 'Tomorrow's Schools' reforms of the late 1980s, a stand-alone Board of Trustees was instated.
Facilities
The school's classrooms are largely contained within two Nelson Blocks, although a technology block and arts block also house classes pertaining to their subject areas. The school also contains a hall, library, gymnasium, multi-purpose sports turf and Teen Parent Unit for parents of teens[2]. Makoura College also boasts a state of the art computer lab with 10 PCs.
Potential closure
In early April 2008, a private meeting was held between the Ministry of Education, the Makoura College Board of Trustees chairperson and the Wairarapa College board chairperson.[3]. Since the meeting, the Makoura College Board has disclosed that it feels that the college should be merged with nearby Wairarapa College or closed. The board blamed the closure on a declining roll, which it suggested was the result of a declining population and "the socio-economic, racist and snobbish attitudes that have developed in Masterton around the so-called East/West divide."[4][5]. A public meeting was held to discuss the consultation, and submissions were invited to the Board of Trustees, with approximately 200 being received[6]. A website was set up by former pupil Andrew Hutchby in support of the school remaining open, which received numerous responses, including one from former pupil Jemaine Clement, a member of comedy duo Flight of the Conchords[7]. College students initiated a petition in support of the school, which received approximately 7,512 signatures[8]. Local Member of Parliament John Hayes has come out in support of the school, and has suggested the replacement of the school's management[9].
On the 7th of August, 2008, the Board of Trustees announced its resignation[10] The Board has since been replaced by a commissioner, Tim White. The Principal, Chris Scott, also resigned. A new principal was appointed in December 2008 and the school has continued attracting an improved year 9 role in 2009 and seems to be building towards a stronger future despite working with difficult students and a shortage of funding. Ex pupil Jemaine Clement and Flight of the Conchords partner Bret McKenzie played a benefit concert to a 2000 sold out local audience in the town on March 31 2009 giving the school both a financial boost and a powerful show of support for the school and its pupils.
Notable alumni
Jemaine Clement - comedian, musician
References
- ^ http://www.age.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3778033&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=
- ^ http://www.makoura-college.school.nz/index_frame.htm
- ^ http://www.age.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?thesection=localnews&storyid=3769011
- ^ 'Considering the Options: draft for community consultation,' Makoura College Board of Trustees, 2008.
- ^ http://www.makoura-college.school.nz/pages/MakouraReport_Consultation.pdf
- ^ http://www.age.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3778858&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=
- ^ supportmakoura
- ^ http://www.age.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3780262&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
- ^ http://www.age.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3778041&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=
- ^ http://www.makoura-college.school.nz/pages/Full_Consultation_Report.pdf
External links
- Makoura College website
- Local newspaper editorial at age.co.nz
- 'Support Makoura' webpage at googlepages.com
Categories:- Masterton
- Secondary schools in the Wellington Region
- Schools in the Wairarapa
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