Aorere College

Above us, planes carve paths through the Auckland sky. This constant aerial ballet plays out over Aorere College. Aorere College opened its doors in 1964, initially known as Papatoetoe West Post Primary School. The name Aorere, a blend of the Māori words “Ao” (sky) and “Rere” (to fly), was chosen in 1965. This name symbolizes the school’s aspiration for its students to soar to great heights, mirroring the planes taking flight from nearby Auckland Airport. The founding principal, Charles Herbert, envisioned Aorere College as a place where students could reach their full potential. He wanted them to excel in every facet of their learning and achievements. This vision is still alive today at Aorere College. The current principal, Leanne Webb, leads a diverse student body of about 1,380 students and a staff of around 150. Aorere College, like many New Zealand schools built in the 1960s, originally featured the distinct H-shaped classroom blocks of the Nelson Two-Storey standard plan. However, the campus has evolved over time. A second gymnasium, named the Colin Pascoe Gymnasium after the school’s second principal, was opened in 2010. The hard technology facilities also underwent a significant remodel and expansion in 2018. Today, Aorere College boasts modern amenities, including campus-wide 1GB Wi-Fi, five computer labs, and approximately 1,200 Chromebooks, all powered by the G Suite for Education ecosystem. Aorere College has nurtured many talented individuals who have gone on to make their mark in various fields. Among its notable alumni are professor of Neuropsychology Donna Rose Addis, former All Blacks rugby player Keven Mealamu, and members of the operatic pop trio Sol3 Mio, Pene and Amitai Pati. From its humble beginnings to its current state, Aorere College continues to inspire students to reach for the sky, just like the planes that grace the airspace above.