our crest

KIA MATAARA - BE VIGILANT, CHOOSE WISELY

The College motto Kia Mataara was suggested by Sir Turi Carroll K.B.E, O.B.E who in addition to being a leader of the local Māori people was also a member of the College Board of Governors.

The former Wairoa Borough Council adopted the crest from the coat-of-arms of Clydebank in Scotland and the College has used this crest too. The crown and shield was adopted as it signifies allegience to the British Crown and the St Andrew’s cross is an emblem that reminds us of a Christian cross and carries a message of sacrifice. The College added its own quarterings of the shield. These are the house emblems which are derived from the Māori migration canoes. The symbolism of the coat-of-arms is to promote school unity.