Merged Gore school named Māruawai College
“The name of the new school had been gifted as part of its te Tirirti o Waitangi partnership with its iwi as part of the Board of Trustees consultation process.’’
The new name of the Longford Gore Merged School has been confirmed.
Māruawai College was revealed as the new school name, along with the new school logo, infront of about 350 members of the community on Wednesday night.
Māruawai College Principal Melanie Hamilton said it was incredible to have the community there to celebrate such a special announcement.
“The name of the new school had been gifted as part of its te Tirirti o Waitangi partnership with its iwi as part of the Board of Trustees consultation process,’’ she said.
Hokonui Rūnanga Kaitoko Matauranga Jo Brand said it was exciting to be involved with such an historic moment within the community.
“We have worked in collaboration with both schools and community to gift such a special name, and we’re looking forward to the future of Māruawai College and watching every student succeed,” she said.
Longford Gore Merged School Board of Trustees Presiding Member Leah Wilson announced the highly anticipated name to a crowd of students, staff, parents, iwi, dignitaries and community, and the significant meaning behind it.
“Our school is based in the heart of the Mataura Valley, which was known as Māruawai, meaning the Valley of Water.
“This area has a rich history and cultural identity, and together with the contributions the two schools have made to this area, this history will be incorporated into our school’s new brand reflecting our hard working rural, inclusive community.
“Māruawai College will endeavour to both reflect and celebrate all of this,” she said.
The pupils were excited about the new name, logo and the opportunities the merger would bring, as it would allow them to access a wider range of subjects, extracurricular activities, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Māruawai College students also presented the school’s new logo and colours.
Gore High School Year 12 student Jayden Broome said he was involved in student workshops to help with input in designing the new school logo.
“It’s really cool to see our ideas incorporated within the new logo design and to have our opinions really heard,” he said.
Tuatahi Creatives CEO Jordan Tuhura said they wanted to incorporate a variety of significant elements to create the logo.
“Drawing inspiration from harakeke (flax), the logo signifies the weaving together and connection between the two schools, students, the teachers, the community and the taiao (natural environment) of Gore.
“The shield-like structure is to pay homage to the predecessor logo of Gore High School, acknowledging the whakapapa of the school and signifying continuity and resilience.
“The colours of green and navy reflect the local environment of the Hokonui Hills, Longford Intermediate, and the Mataura and Clutha rivers, with the gold representing the school’s aspiration for its students to shine brightly,” he said.
The merger will not only benefit the students and teachers, but the community as a whole.
Mrs Wilson said the new name represented a significant point in time for the school and region.
“We’re coming together with Gore’s heritage and bi-cultural ancestry ensuring a multi-cultural future, but beyond that it’s a celebration of an extraordinary asset for our community and a world-class learning environment for our students,” she said.
Chairperson of the Gore High School Foundation Lindsay Wright said the Foundation will continue supporting the school.
“We will continue to support Māruawai College and its new livery, and will all remain mindful of the long and rich heritage of Gore High School,” he said.
The state-of-the-art school will be a place where students can learn and grow in a supportive and inclusive environment, and offer more programmes and events that are open to the public, such as performances, art exhibitions, and sporting events.
These benefits will be supported by a complete rebuild of the school buildings on the Gore High School site.
Māruawai College will officially open its doors at the start of the next academic year.