April 27, 2023
Culture and academics combine in Tipene rebirth
The educator chosen to lead a revived St Stephen’s College says it’s born out of frustration at seeing the mainstream system failing Māori boys.
Nathan Durie was the former deputy principal of Tipene under Te Ururoa Flavell shortly before the south Auckland Māori boarding school was closed, and he went on to found and head Manukura school in Palmerston North.
He told Radio Waatea talk host John Tamihere the model of English-style boarding school for Māori boys under the value set of the Anglican Church was past its use by date when he was there, but Mr Flavell’s attempt to bring tikanga and whakaaro Maori to the fore was resisted by the establishment.
He says over the past seven years a group of alumni led by Joe Harawira has worked closely with the church trust, and they’re now financially and philosphically ready to go create a school that combines cultural and academic achievement.
“Whilst NCEA and University Entrance are wonderful ticks to have alongside your name, bringing to fruition the confidence and capacity of young people is something that requires a level of competence. I don’t think we have a magic wand or a magic recipe. I think it’s the ability to start with the will and the skill to ensure that young Maori boys succeed,” Mr Nathan says.
Work is continuing to fix up the old school buildings, with the intention that Hato Tīpene will re-open at the start of the 2024 academic year.