# Makoura College

Makoura College (spelled Makora College prior to 1990) is a state co-educational secondary school located in Masterton, New Zealand. The school opened in 1968 as the town's second state secondary school, alongside Wairarapa College. Serving Years 9 to 13 (ages 12 to 18), the school has a roll of 276 students as of August 2024.

## History

Makoura College was established in 1968 to cope with an expanding youth population in the Masterton district. It began with a roll of approximately 800, and was governed by the same Board of Governors as nearby Wairarapa College.
The college was sited on the eastern side of Masterton, close to several primary schools, and a then government-owned printing press.
During the Tomorrow's Schools reforms of the late 1980s, a stand-alone Board of Trustees was instated.

## Facilities

The school's classrooms are largely contained within two 2-story H-shaped Nelson Blocks, although a technology block and arts block also house classes pertaining to their subject areas. The school also contains a hall, library, gymnasium, multi-purpose sports turf and Teen Parent Unit. Makoura College also has a computer lab with 25 PCs.
In 2011 The school was refurbished. One of the Nelson blocks was rebuilt to house the junior school Te Kura Teina years 9 and 10 as well as the Wharenui. The other Nelson block was demolished and replaced by new classrooms.

## Potential closure

In early April 2008, a private meeting was held between the Ministry of Education, the Makoura College Board of Trustees chairperson and the Wairarapa College board chairperson. Since the meeting, the Makoura College Board has disclosed that it feels that the college should be merged with nearby Wairarapa College or closed. The board blamed the closure on a declining roll, which it suggested was the result of a declining population and "the socio-economic, racist and snobbish attitudes that have developed in Masterton around the so-called East/West divide". A public meeting was held to discuss the consultation, and submissions were invited to the Board of Trustees, with approximately 225 being received. College students initiated a petition in support of the school, which received approximately 7,512 signatures. Local Member of Parliament John Hayes came out in support of the school and suggested the replacement of the school's management.
On 7 August 2009, the Board of Trustees announced its resignation The Board was replaced by commissioner Tim White. The Principal, Chris Scott, also resigned and was replaced in December 2008.
Former pupil Jemaine Clement and Flight of the Conchords partner Bret McKenzie played a concert to an audience of 2,000 on 31 March 2009, raising 70,000 dollars for the school.
In 2018, the college celebrated its 50th Anniversary Reunion.

## Principals

| Period | Principal |
| 1968–1975 | Noel Scott |
| 1975–1985 | Noel Preston |
| 1986–1990 | Allen Chang |
| 1991–1997 | Paul Towers |
| 1997–2008 | Chris Scott |
| 2008–2015 | Tom Hullena |
| 2016–2019 | Paul Green |
| 2020–2023 | Marion Harvey |
| 2023–2023 | Victoria Kerr |
| 2023–present | Simon Fuller |

## Notable alumni

* Jemaine Clement – comedian, musician
* Andrew Judd – politician, activist