What if the walls of Macleans College could talk? They would tell tales of a family’s legacy and a community’s growth. Macleans College is a co-educational state secondary school. It is located in Eastern Beach, Auckland. The college’s story begins with the MacLean family. Robert and Every Maclean immigrated to New Zealand from Scotland. They farmed the land where the school now stands. The surrounding reserves were also part of their farm.
The school opened in 1980. Governor-General Sir David Beattie was there. The first roll had 199 students. Colin Prentice was the first principal. He later became director of World Vision in New Zealand. Allan McDonald then served as principal in 1989. Byron J. Bentley took over in 2000. Steven Hargreaves has been principal since 2018.
Macleans College is known for its Whanau House system. Students are placed into one of eight houses. Each house is named after a significant New Zealander. These figures influence the house’s environment and charity work. The houses are Hillary, Kupe, Rutherford, Mansfield, Te Kanawa, Batten, Snell and Upham. Hillary House had to be rebuilt after a fire in 1991 and reopened in 1992. Mansfield House was opened in 1984. It provided temporary classrooms beforehand. The newest house is Upham. It opened in 2003. The Whanau plan divides the school into smaller communities. Each house has about 300 students.
Macleans College stands in Macleans Park. It is the largest passive reserve in Howick/Pakuranga. The school’s location offers views of Eastern Beach. The land was purchased by Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki in 2021. Each Whanau House has a one-story building. This is because of building restrictions in the area. The houses feature classrooms, science labs and common areas. The school also has specialized buildings. These include science, technology, arts, music and engineering facilities. There are also gymnasiums. One is named after Barbara Kendall. The Colin Prentice auditorium hosts performances.
Macleans College has a diverse student body. As of 2024, the school has an Equity Index of 389. This indicates fewer socioeconomic barriers for students. A large number of international students attend Macleans College. They come from China, Germany, Japan and other countries.
Macleans College has achieved high academic results. In 2013, most students left with NCEA Level 1 or IGCSE. Many also held NCEA Level 2 or AS. A significant number achieved University Entrance standard. Macleans College alumni have excelled in various fields. These include sports, politics and journalism. Notable alumni include cricketers Andrew and Derek de Boorder. Colin Craig was the founding leader of the Conservative Party of New Zealand. Barbara Kendall is a windsurfing Olympic medalist. Cameron Norrie is a tennis player. Ingrid Leary is a Labour MP.
Today Macleans College continues to grow. It provides a high-quality education in a unique environment. The MacLean family’s legacy lives on. The school’s motto “Virtue Mine Honour” reflects its values. Macleans College stands as a beacon of learning in Auckland. Its story is one of community, achievement and enduring spirit.