Bishop disappointed at Hato Petera decision

The Minister of Education has made the decision not to close Hato Petera College on Auckland’s North Shore.A co-educational Year 9-13 state integrated school, on July 1 it had a roll of 49 students, with all of these students identifying as Māori.

Bishop Patrick Dunn, as proprietor of the school, is disappointed in the decision.

In July this year, Bishop Dunn initiated an extensive consultation process on the long term viability of the college, with the possibility of closure. This consultation process was undertaken by three independent education consultants and included six public hui and four stakeholder hui, along with a number of submissions by interested parties. The consultation process focused on the following key concerns about the college’s long term viability:

• the low roll

• the limited breadth of the curriculum being offered to students

• the college’s financial position

• the college’s breach of the Integration Agreement

• the breakdown of relationships between the Board of Trustees and the governing body responsible for the boarding hostel.

Bishop Dunn said: “After considering all of the information from the consultation process, my concerns remain. In particular, the Consultation Report questions the ability of the college to provide an education that best meets the needs of students, and the opportunities for them to excel to the best of their abilities in the rapidly changing education environment of the 21st century. Having said this I will respect the decision of the minister.”

The Bishop will work with the Ministry of Education going forward.

But Auckland diocese announced that from 2017, Hato Petera College will operate as a college for day students only. No hostel facilities will be available.

On October 7 this year, the Ministry of Education revoked the hostel licence “out of concern about the ability of the hostel management and staff to provide a safe environment for boarders”. Consequently whanau of boarders had to make  alternative living arrangements for their rangatahi.