Matt White

from Wairarapa Midweek Wed 8th March

by Wairarapa Times-Age

Learn, engage, act, dare: preparing for life

Te Ati Awa, Principal, Wairarapa College

“It’s an honour and a pleasure to lead Wairarapa College,”

Matt White says. “This is a community school with a proud history. We have some fourth-generation students, and staff members who were once students here.”

In February 1923, Wairarapa College

(known then as Wairarapa High School) opened its doors with a roll of 222 students and six staff. One hundred years later, the school boasts 1,037 students and more than 100 staff: the largest school in the Wairarapa. “What makes Wairarapa College special is the people. Our staff, some of whom have been here for over 20 years, are committed to providing students the opportunity to develop their full potential. They’re helping to realise our vision of taking on life’s challenges with wisdom and courage: kia mātau, kia māia. Our vision for our students originates from the vision for the school on the day it opened.

Dr. George Uttley, Principal in 1923, focused on fostering the full character of young people.”

The centenary is an opportunity to reflect on how tradition and innovation meet at Wairarapa College. The original Sutherland Block sits amongst modern high-tech buildings and teaching facilities. Traditional values underpin modern teaching and learning.

“Welcome - or welcome back - to our school and the Wairarapa College Centenary celebrations.”

Gretchen Dean Chair, Board of Trustees Wairarapa College

“Wairarapa College is 100 years old, and we are so proud to be celebrating this historic occasion with you,” says Gretchen Dean.

“Wairarapa College, is a state coeducational secondary school with over 1,000 students. Through name changes and mergers, the school has always been and will always be, a people-centred learning environment.”

“We have a proud history of serving Wairarapa as its largest community school. Our vision of wisdom and courage emphasises well-being, effective teaching practice and the fostering of strong connections with the Wairarapa community.”

Gary Caffell Mayor, Masterton District Council

Wairarapa College is one of the touchstones of life in Masterton, providing a fantastic foundation for thousands of young people over 100 years. More than a few have used what they learned to give back to the district.

Previous Masterton mayors are a roll call of past students.

Frank Cody, mayor from 1974-86, was at the school. Frank was followed by old boy Bob Francis, mayor until 2007.

Another old boy, Garry Daniell, then took on the role, serving until 2013.

Lyn Patterson, mayor from 2013-2022,

“This coming weekend, as the hard work of the Centenary Committee comes to fruition, we celebrate our broader Wairarapa community as well as our alumni. It is also an opportunity to reflect with pride on where we have come from, where we are now, and where we plan to go. Wairarapa College has great teachers, strong leadership, amazing students, and a supportive wider community. We go from strength to strength.”

“It’s not too late to register for the three days of exciting events we have on offer – check out our website at www.waicolcentenary.nz.” served on the Board of Trustees for the college.

Gary says: “I coached junior rugby at the school for several years, which thoroughly enjoyed.”

Since 1923, numerous former pupils have also served as councillors and staff of Masterton District Council and its predecessors.

Among current councillors, Marama Tuuta, Stella Lennox, Tom Hullena and

Craig Bowyer all attended Wairarapa College –Marama and Tom, also a former teacher at the college, went on to be principals at other Masterton schools.

“I have no doubt Wairarapa College’s significant positive influence on our community, and our Council, will continue.”

“Congratulations on the ton!”

Jason Kerehi Chair, Wairarapa College Centenary Committee Iwi Representative on Wairarapa College’s Board of Trustees

“Wairarapa College centenary honours the teachers and students who have, through successive generations, built the college into what it is today,” Jason Kerehi says.

An old boy himself (1980-1984), Jason’s children are the next generation to attend Wairarapa College. “I enjoyed my time at the school and made a lot of good friends there.”

“WaiCol is the premier college in Wairarapa and has significant reach into the region’s farming and rural communities through its school farm and Poto House, the on-site hostel.”

“The reunion is all about connection. Events over the past few years have shown us that life is too short. It’s the people who matter – many of whom still live in the community.”

Iwi, mayors, and the education community - former principals of the college and principals of feeder schools – have been invited to the opening.

“Our current students will be a big part of the centenary hosting: guiding, entertaining, and participating in events such as the golfing tournament with old boy Sir Bob Charles, the opening pōwhiri, an arts and a cultural concert.”

“I encourage all former students and staff to join us. Nau mai, hoki mai ki Te Kāreti o Wairarapa.”