Heretaunga College is a state coeducational secondary school located in Upper Hutt, New Zealand. The school has approximately 848 students from Years 9 to 13 (ages 12 to 18).
The college grounds are a large area with primary access via Ward Street (which runs North-West to South-East) and secondary access via Blockhouse Lane and Fortune Lane. The adjacent Blockhouse is a 1860s relic of the New Zealand Wars (although it never saw action), which is currently managed by Heritage New Zealand. The adjacent Fortune Lane was one of the first residential areas in Upper Hutt, but no original buildings remain.
Heretaunga offers a broad range of classes and subjects throughout all year levels. Facilities include a new art suite and technical block along with three specialist computer labs. The College also has an English Language Centre, and there is a comprehensive English as a second language programme available.
Demographics
At the February 2014 Education Review Office (ERO) review, Heretaunga College had 762 students enrolled, including 39 international students. 48 percent of students were male and 52 percent were female. 67 percent of students identified as European (Pākehā), 20 percent identified as Māori, 6 percent as Asian, 5 percent as Pasifika and 2 percent as another ethnicity.[4]
Heretaunga College has a socio-economic decile of 6 (step N), meaning it draws its school community from areas of moderate socioeconomic disadvantage when compared to other New Zealand schools.[2]
Notable alumni
John Banks – politician, former MP (1981–99, 2011–14) and Mayor of Auckland City (2001–04, 2007–10), radio host[5] (also attended Avondale College)
Sydney Josland (science teacher c. 1961–72) – bacteriologist at the Wallaceville Animal Research Centre (1929–54) and chief bacteriologist at the National Health Institute, Department of Health (1954–60)
Dave Rennie (attended c. 1977–81) – professional rugby coach[9]