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Download AudioFeilding-based Maori Catholic boarding school Hato Paora is preparing for 75th Jubilee celebrations over Labour Weekend.
Tumuaki and old boy Nathan Mathews says while four Maori boarding schools have closed over the past 30 years, there is still great value for pupils and for Maoridom in that educational environment.
“All the students living on site in a 24 hour a day, seven day a week scenario allows them to become comfortable and confident within that context and then you see the educational achievement levels as a result of that. Living that environment, and any boarding school ex-student will tell you, the friendships you build from living so closely together are definitely friendships you have for life,” he says.
Hato Paora has produced a number of outstanding Maori leaders including the first Maori Catholic bishop, Max Mariu, kapa haka legend Morvin Simon and Whanganui leader Sir Atawhai Taiaroa.
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