Aorere College
Aorere College is a New Zealand co-educational state secondary school (Years 9–13) that was established in 1964 in the Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe. The current principal of the college is Greg Pierce. As of March 2020, there are approximately 1647 students,[1] and around 150 staff at Aorere College.
| Aorere College | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Address | |
| |
Portage Road Papatoetoe , 2025 | |
| Coordinates | 36.982°S 174.8334°E |
| Information | |
| Type | State secondary, day |
| Motto | Virtus Caelum Recludit (Character opens the way to the heavens) |
| Established | 1964 |
| Ministry of Education Institution no. | 96 |
| Principal | Greg Pierce |
| Years | 9–13 |
| Gender | Co-educational |
| School roll | 1647[1] (March 2020) |
| Socio-economic decile | 2D[2] |
| Website | aorere.ac.nz |
History
Aorere College was founded in 1964 under the tentative name Papatoetoe West Post Primary School, to serve Mangere East and Papatoetoe West, and to ease overcrowding at Papatoetoe High School. The founding principal, Charles Herbert, decided on a new name and the school was renamed Aorere College in 1965. The name is a portmanteau of the Māori words Ao (clouds or sky) and Rere (to fly), indicating the school's vision for its students "to rise up and climb to the greatest heights in every aspect of their learning and achievements". It also reflected the school's proximity to Auckland Airport.[3]
In 2015, Aorere College was put on a 4–5 year Education Review Office cycle due to the school's high level of administrative and academic offerings.
Facilities
Like many New Zealand secondary schools built in the 1960s, Aorere College was constructed to the Nelson Two-Storey standard plan, distinguished by its two-storey H-shaped classroom blocks. Subsequently, new buildings have been added to accommodate increased student numbers. Developments include a second gymnasium, the Colin Pascoe Gymnasium opened in 2010 and named after the school's second principal,[4] and remodelling of and extension to the hard technology facility in 2018.[5]
On-going renovations and upkeep to school buildings and infrastructure underpin the aim to provide a safe and state-of-the-art learning environment for students. The school now has 1GB Wi-Fi across the campus, five computer labs, and approximately 1200 Chromebooks. All students have access to the G Suite for Education learning ecosystem.
Notable alumni
- Donna Rose Addis – professor of Neuropsychology, University of Toronto
- Gary Troup – New Zealand cricket, Former deputy mayor of Manukau City
- Andrew John Pullan – applied mathematician, professor of Engineering, University of Auckland
- Keven Mealamu – retired rugby union player, All Blacks and Blues[6]
- Pene and Amitai Pati – members of the operatic pop trio Sole Mio[7][8]
- Lorna Suafoa – ex Silver Ferns netball player
- Marata Niukore – current NRL player, Parramatta Eels
- Dei Hamo – hip hop artist
- Mark Hunt – World K1 Kickboxing champion and UFC fighter
References
- "New Zealand Schools Directory". New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
- "Decile Change 2014 to 2015 for State & State Integrated Schools". Ministry of Education. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
- "About Us — Our Past". aorere.ac.nz. Archived from the original on 11 June 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
- Colquhoun, Jessie (13 April 2010). "College gets new gym". Manukau Courier. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
- "Main Contractor for construction (Tech Block, Weights Room, Nelson Blocks) at Aorere College ROI". Ministry of Education. 2018. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
- "Two worlds of school rugby: 20 years on, Mealamu is still an inspiration". The New Zealand Herald. 29 July 2013.
- "Young musicians in it for the love of music". The New Zealand Herald. 23 May 2015.
- "Special report: Southsiders' talent making waves in the wider world". The New Zealand Herald. 10 December 2013.