Consultation over Hato Petera viability

Hato 1

The Catholic Bishop of Auckland, Bishop Patrick Dunn, the proprietor of Hato Petera College, has, with the approval of the Minister of Education, initiated a consultation process about
the long term viability of Hato Petera College, which could include possible closure of the school. Hato Petera College is a co-educational Year 9-13 state integrated school located in Northcote on Auckland’s North Shore.

The July 1 roll was 49 students, with all of these students identifying as Maori.

Bishop Dunn said he has concerns about the low number of students enrolled, the impact the low roll has on the breadth of curriculum that can be offered, the financial position of the school, breaches to the integration agreement, and the breakdown in the relationship between the Board of Trustees and Hato Petera Ltd (previously Te Whanau o Hato Petera Trust Board) which impacts on the governance of the school.

“I know this will cause some uncertainty for families with sons and daughters attending Hato Petera. I also recognise that Hato Petera College has a proud history and plays an important
part in the lives of many individuals and families. However, on balance, I believe the time is right to make informed decisions on the future of the school for our young people,” Bishop Dunn said.

The college’s key stakeholders will be consulted with the process including three hui for parents, whanau, past pupils and other interested members of the community.

Anyone with an interest in the school can find more information on the Auckland Catholic diocese’s website http://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz.

Interested individuals and groups are encouraged to become involved in the process and have until Wednesday, September 7 to provide written submissions.

After the consultation process has concluded, the proprietor will report the outcome to the Minister and a decision will be made.

Any final decision concerning the cancellation of the integration agreement and the possible closure of the school will be made in time for students, parents and whanau to plan for 2017.

Regardless of the findings of the consultation, the school will continue to operate as usual for the rest of the 2016 school year.

Bishop Dunn noted that the consultation is about the school itself, not the hostel or the school site as any decisions about these aspects would be made once the school’s future has been decided.

“However, to allay any concerns I can confirm that if at the end of the process the school did close, the site will not be sold and should be used for education purposes.”

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