Kia ora e te whānau o Mākoura College
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Kia orana, Ni sa bula vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu.
As we near the end of Week 4 of Term 1, I want to acknowledge what has already been an outstanding start to 2026. There is a strong sense of momentum across our college — in our classrooms, in our culture, and in our results.
A Growing College
This year we have welcomed our largest roll in 20 years. Mākoura College continues to grow — not just in numbers, but in confidence, performance and reputation across the Wairarapa.
Families are choosing Mākoura because they see a college on the rise. A college that believes in its young people. A college that combines high expectations with strong relationships and meaningful opportunities.
Growth of this kind does not happen by accident. It reflects the hard work of our staff, the success of our students, and the trust of our community.
Exceptional 2025 NCEA Results
Our 2025 NCEA results were outstanding:
Level 1 – 92%+ achievement
Level 2 – 92%+ achievement
Level 3 – 92%+ achievement
Achieving over 92% at every NCEA level reflects a college that is performing consistently and confidently across Years 11–13.
Behind every percentage is a young person who set goals, showed resilience and backed themselves to succeed. These results reflect strong teaching, clear expectations and the partnership we share with our whānau.
At Mākoura College we pursue excellence through our values:
Whaia te Tika – Pursue what is right.
Whaia te Pono – Pursue what is true.
Whaia te Aroha – Pursue what is good and compassionate.
When we live these values every day, success follows.
A Strong Start to 2026
After two weeks of orientation and whakawhanaungatanga, we have now completed our first full week of timetabled classes — and the start has been impressive. Classrooms are calm, focused and purposeful. Students are wearing their uniform with pride.
There is a positive, respectful tone across the grounds. Our Year 9 students have stepped confidently into a high-performing college. They are joining a school with ambition — and they are already contributing to it. Regular attendance remains one of our highest priorities in 2026. Every day matters. When students are present, engaged and ready to learn, they give themselves the very best chance of success. Thank you to our whānau for your support in ensuring students are organised, punctual and prepared. Strong starts set the tone for the year ahead.
Welcoming New Staff
We are delighted to welcome new staff members to Mākoura College in 2026:
- Maioha Riwai-Couch – Te Kōhanga Mātauranga
- Rhys Lewis-Woodley – Digital Technology, Science and Mathematics
- Adrian Jackman – Visual Arts
- Scott Neilsen – Humanities and Futures
- Macy Ngātuere – Humanities
Each brings expertise, energy and a deep commitment to our young people. Great schools are built on great staff, and we are fortunate to have a team focused on inspiring our students and getting stuff done.
Introducing Our 2026 Prefect Team
Our newly appointed Prefect Team has already begun their leadership journey with maturity and purpose. They represent service, integrity, confidence and pride in our college.
Leadership at Mākoura is not about titles — it is about influence, example and lifting others. We look forward to the positive impact this group will have across the year.
