Aorere College
Aorere College is a New Zealand co-educational state secondary school that was established in 1964 in the Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe. The current principal of the college is Leanne Webb. As of, there are approximately students, and around 150 staff at Aorere College.
History
Aorere College was founded in 1964 under the tentative name Papatoetoe West Post Primary School, to serve Māngere East and Papatoetoe West, and to ease overcrowding at Papatoetoe High School. The founding principal, Charles Herbert, decided on a new name and the school was renamed Aorere College in 1965. The name is a portmanteau of the Māori words Ao and Rere, indicating the school's vision for its students "to rise up and climb to the greatest heights in every aspect of their learning and achievements". It also reflected the school's proximity to Auckland Airport.In 2015, Aorere College was put on a 4–5 year Education Review Office cycle due to the school's high level of administrative and academic offerings.
Enrolment
As of, Aorere College has a roll of students, of which identify as Māori.As of, the school has an Equity Index of, placing it amongst schools whose students have socioeconomic barriers to achievement.
Facilities
Like many New Zealand secondary schools built in the 1960s, Aorere College was constructed to the Nelson Two-Storey standard plan, distinguished by its two-storey H-shaped classroom blocks. Subsequently, new buildings have been added to accommodate increased student numbers. Developments include a second gymnasium, the Colin Pascoe Gymnasium opened in 2010 and named after the school's second principal, and remodelling of and extension to the hard technology facility in 2018.The school now has 1GB Wi-Fi across the campus, five computer labs, and approximately 1200 Chromebooks. All students have access to the G Suite for Education learning ecosystem.
Notable alumni
- Donna Rose Addis – professor of Neuropsychology, University of Toronto
- Gary Troup – New Zealand cricket, Former deputy mayor of Manukau City
- Andrew John Pullan – applied mathematician, professor of Engineering, University of Auckland
- Keven Mealamu – retired rugby union player, All Blacks and Blues
- Pene and Amitai Pati – members of the operatic pop trio Sol3 Mio
- Lorna Suafoa – ex Silver Ferns netball player
- Marata Niukore – current NRL player, Parramatta Eels
- Dei Hamo – hip hop artist
- Mark Hunt – World K1 Kickboxing champion and UFC fighter