Makoura College
Makoura College is a state co-educational secondary school located in Masterton, New ZealandHistoryMakoura 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.FacilitiesThe school's classrooms are largely contained within two 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 for teen parents. Makoura College also boasts a state of the art computer lab with 25 PCs.2011 - The school is undergoing a huge refurbishment with one of the two Nelson blocks being stripped and rebuilt to house the junior school - Te Kura Teina - years 9 and 10 as well as the Wharenui. The other Nelson block is being demolished to make way for new classrooms.Potential closureIn 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 200 being received. A website was set up by former pupil Andrew Hutchby in support of the school remaining open, which received numerous responses, including one from former pupil Jemaine Clement, a member of comedy duo Flight of the Conchords. College students initiated a petition in support of the school, which received approximately 7,512 signatures. Local Member of Parliament John Hayes has come out in support of the school, and has suggested the replacement of the school's management.
