Nau Mai Haere Mai ki Aorere College
Aorere College currently has approximately 1700 students and provides a broad learning environment with a clear focus on academic achievement underpinned by Ngā Mātāpono. These principles are embedded in how we work with our community and whānau to ensure achievement for all students. The school offers a range of performing arts, cultural and sporting opportunities that enhance school life.
Whakakitenga - Our Vision
Tū Rangatira, Tū Motuhake, Tū Hārewa
Strong in our culture and identity, connected with our community, successful in our aspirations.
"Aorere, stand proud, on your own two feet, fly like a bird."
Tihi - Our Crest
The Crest design of two delta wings flying over the globe represents the concept of flight in the wider sense: flight into the unknown and soaring above the world. Another function of a school is to link the past with the present day. With this view, it was decided to link the Maori name with a motto from classical times and a crest that incorporated a modern symbol.
Te Hononga - Our Connections
Te Hononga is the name of this taonga designed for Aorere College. This name captures many meanings related to our school including our diverse cultural connections, our links to our local area, and the bonds with our community and local mana whenua. Our school is a joining place where strong bonds between students, staff, and whānau are built and where we unite to prepare for the future.
This design represents Aorere College and its relationship with mana whenua, Te Ākitai Waiohua - the indigenous people of this local area and community. It shows Kaiwhare (a sting ray) and Hape (an ancestor of Tainui) in the middle. Kaiwhare is now known as the kaitiaki who brought Hape to Aotearoa from Hawaiki. The colours of blue represent Te Moana nui ā kiwa - the Pacific Ocean our close connections with Polynesian whānau from the Pacific. All people in Aotearoa are connected as we have all come here via the Pacific Ocean. The green represents Te Taiao - our environment.
Artist: Hamuera Pugh
Aorere - Our Name
Aorere is a Māori word and was chosen for the school name because of its association with flight and the idea of widening horizons.
The name 'Aorere' was selected after consultation with a number of authorities in the Māori language and traditions. It was the nearest school to the International Airport. Both aviation and education were concerned with the object of widening person's horizons. The ancient Māori had no word which was the exact equivalent of flight, but Aorere signified flight in the modern sense with all its associated emotional meanings e.g. flight into space or into knowledge.
Whakapepeha - Our Motto
The school motto Virtus Caelum Recludit translates as 'Character opens the way to the Heavens.'
In this context, the heavens relates to achieving success and higher goals. Character suggests qualities such as integrity, honesty, reliability, trustworthiness, sincerity, responsibility, caring for others, and being hardworking. The message is that good character allows you to achieve success and higher goals.
Tō Tātou Kura - Our School
Ō Tātou Tauira - Our Students
Here are the character attributes defined by our values that we expect of our Year 13 Graduates.
Rangatiratanga
Demonstrate leadership through service to their culture and communities with a commitment to social justice.
Manaakitanga
Stand strong in their identity and care for the mana of others.
Whanaungatanga
Are inclusive and form connections through valuing the perspectives of others
Hiranga
Determine and celebrate their successes through learning
Kaitiakitanga
Are resilient and work collaboratively to problem solve in order to protect the future
Tikanga
Are strong in their values and respect those of others.
