Small Wins, Big Progress

Who was involved?

• Tangata whenua
• Howick Local Board
• Howick College Board & Senior Leadership Team
• Howick Coast Kahui Ako Leader
• Waipaparoa Kahui Ako Leader
• Community Development Office & International Students Department Staff
• Student Leaders

What was the initiative or win?

Blessing and Official Opening of the new Community Development building – this new office building located at the front of the school, which houses both the Community Development Office and the International Students Department under one roof, aims to be the focal point where relationships will be strengthened between Howick College and its wider community. 

When and where did this take place?

Thursday 20 May, Sunrise

What big progress movement has occurred because of this win? 

Having recognised the synergy between the two departments, Howick College established its new structure of incorporating the International Students Department as part of the Community Development Office.  The school’s vision is to bring a more cohesive approach and inclusion for both our domestic and international community, reaching out to our students, parents and alumni, at a global scale that is well beyond our front doorsteps.

The establishment of Howick College’s Community Development Office isn’t an overnight success story, but rather a courageous commitment by the Howick College Board and the Principal, Mr Iva Ropati, to pursue a long term vision with a view to enriching and future-proofing the School and its people for generations to come.

Any future impacts this change will have on your institute?

The dedication and commitment by the Howick College School Board and its Senior Leadership Team to invest in this new structure and the physical space has been a trailblazing vision, which has already created some very positive feedback among the wider school community. The alignment between the International Students Department and the Community Development Office will see relationships being fostered and better managed to create further philanthropic support for the School in the future.

Anything else you may wish to add?

To our knowledge, Howick College is the first state school in New Zealand to integrate the International Students operation with the school’s Community Development function, and in so doing, recognise the importance of the school’s community being viewed and treated as one.

Story covered by the local newspapers – https://www.times.co.nz/news/howick-college-opens-new-door-to-community/