The Hato Petera Whānau Trust is looking at making the school an Endowment College. Despite facing possible closure a few months ago, the Trust have managed to turn things around.
Weeks of sweat and labour have finally come to fruition.
Earlier this week, the operation and boarding warrant of fitness licences for five of the school's hostels were approved and signed off by the Ministry of Education (MoE).
Murray Painting, Chairman of Te Tarahiti Whānau o Hato Petera says, "We are all high in spirits. We've met the task at hand. Even though it's been a huge and hard undertaking, we've achieved what we set out to do."
Hato Petera principal John Matthews says, "There are no words to express how much we appreciate those who've worked tirelessly to get our boarding homes up to scratch."
Now our doors will stay open.
Fortunately, one new student, Indi Tohu-Lock (Taranaki) has found a new school following the closing of her former school, Turakina Māori Girls College, last year.
She has the support and aspirations of her family, like all parents for their children.
Her uncle Mark Smith (Ngāpuhi) says, "We want our girl to excel in whatever she pursues in education, just like the summit of her Taranaki mountain."
The Whānau Trust will seek assistance from other funding agencies to increase their budget to renovate the remaining hostels and school facilities this year.