Māngere College

From a humble beginning over fifty years ago, Māngere College has grown to become a beacon in its South Auckland community. Māngere College first opened its doors in 1971. It stands proudly on Bader Drive, a testament to its enduring mission: “Seek the Heights.” This motto, coupled with the vision of “excellence in education for the students of Māngere,” shapes everything that happens within these walls. Māngere College isn’t just a school. It’s a vibrant hub reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of its students. With a roll of over 700 students, Māngere College embraces diversity. A significant portion of the student body, around 75%, are of Pacific heritage, representing cultures from Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. Māngere College also has a strong Māori presence, with Māori students making up 20% of the population. The school celebrates its multiculturalism by offering language courses in te reo Māori, gagana Samoa, Lea Faka-Tonga, and te reo Māori Kuki Airani. Māngere College is deeply committed to the success of all its students. The school has set ambitious achievement targets, including all Year 9 and 10 students achieving at the expected levels of The New Zealand Curriculum. They aim for every student, in every subject, to achieve 14 or more credits at NCEA levels 1, 2, and 3. Furthermore, they strive for a 35% University Entrance rate for Year 13 students. The school monitors a wide range of data, from attendance and retention to achievement outcomes across different ethnic groups. This data-driven approach allows them to identify areas for improvement and ensure equitable opportunities for all. Māngere College also prioritizes student well-being, regularly conducting student satisfaction surveys and tracking how well students are meeting expectations for behavior, respect, and responsibility. The school underwent a significant leadership transition in 2016 with the appointment of a new principal. This ushered in an era of change, including the appointment of many new staff members and the reshaping of the senior leadership team. A key focus has been on improving outcomes for Māori students, re-establishing te whānauora roopu as a platform for Māori whānau, students, and staff to lead improvement initiatives. The commitment to biculturalism is woven into the fabric of Māngere College, with school leaders modeling te reo Māori me ōna tikanga. The school also fosters a culture of respect and inclusivity, valuing the diverse languages, cultures, and identities of its staff, students, and their whānau. This creates a welcoming and supportive environment, especially for students who are refugees or new to New Zealand. Māngere College’s story is one of growth, adaptation, and unwavering dedication to its students. It’s a story of embracing diversity, striving for excellence, and empowering students to “Seek the Heights.”