Hukarere Girls’ College to celebrate 150 years

Atereano Mateariki Paea Wilson | Hukarere Girls' College to celebrate 150 years

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Hukarere Girls’ College, New Zealand’s oldest Māori boarding school for girls, is organizing a reunion to celebrate 150 years.

Founded in 1875 by the Anglican Church Missionary Society in Napier, the school’s mission is to equip students with the knowledge and resilience needed to thrive in a rapidly changing society while preserving and honouring te reo Māori and tikanga.

Old Girl Paea Wilson says the celebrations will unite past and current students, celebrating the school’s history, and stories while featuring wāhine Māori guest speakers who are leaders across Aotearoa and the world.

A special guest will be the school’s oldest former student.

“The oldest ex-student I know currently, she one of our matriarchs, Tamari Hill. She is currently still here with us, and she is in her 90s living here in Hawke’s Bay. And so she’s been a huge matriarch of school, not just in as a previous student, but also in Te Ao Māori and Māori health. So yeah, it’s exciting. We’re excited,” says Wilson.

The celebration is set to take place in July next year.

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