136 | Mangawhai Education Trust T T Karen Phelps Transforming education in Mangawhai COMMUNITY A groundbreaking educational initiative is taking shape in Mangawhai, Northland, as the community welcomes its first independent secondary school, Mangawhai Hills College. The school’s opening on February 10, 2025, represents a significant milestone for the growing coastal town, and demonstrates the power of community collaboration and business partnerships. “It’s been a whirlwind, but we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved in a short time,” says Jill Corkin, chairperson of the Mangawhai Education Trust, the not-for-profit charitable organisation behind the school. The establishment of the school addresses a significant gap in local education opportunities, with the Ministry of Education having no plans for a state secondary school in the area in the foreseeable future. Jill says this prompted the community to take matters into its own hands, leading to a 24-month journey of planning and development. She says the project has garnered substantial support from local businesses and philanthropists, securing $1.5 million in donations to date. “Our first significant donor, Mike Daniel, a Northlander who has been very keen to see a school get established to service the area, allowed us to hope we could get the project underway,” explains Jill. “Tara Iti Golf Club and its members have also got behind the school as that business employs hundreds of people and the owners are very philanthropic.” In a strategic partnership with Mangawhai Hills Limited, the school has secured leased land in a new development on the town border. The arrangement exemplifies the project’s focus on creating mutual benefits for the community. “It’s a win-win, as it’s great for the development as well to have a school,” says Jill. The development’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the school’s values, incorporating its own wastewater system and solar electricity. The school will be part of this infrastructure. The school’s establishment is proving particularly attractive to local businesses and organisations, creating what Jill describes as a Contact us today! * House only. Discover the ease of home ownership with pre-built, transportable homes Explore our Akoranga range today, classrooms designed to inspire and accommodate the next generation of brilliant minds Family owned & operated, trusted for over 85 years 0800 KEITH HAY www.keithhayhomes.co.nz
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