St Mary’s College in Auckland celebrates 175-year milestone

St Mary’s principal Sarah Dwan told Breakfast that there can’t be many schools in New Zealand that have reached such a milestone.

She outlined the story of the Sisters of Mercy arriving in Auckland on April 9, 1850. The sisters, led by Mother Cecilia Maher, “were here because the local Māori had asked Bishop Pompallier for some wahine tapu to teach their children”.

“The journey from St Leo’s Convent in Carlow, Ireland, was pretty arduous. It took eight months. On that journey, the sisters actually learned te reo from Bishop Pompallier so that they could greet the local Māori in their own language when they arrived,” Ms Dwan said.

“The Auckland they arrived [at] was very different. Its population was about 3000. On the day they arrived, Māori, Irish, all denominations turned out to welcome them.

“They went from landing to the old stone cathedral of St Patrick and St Joseph, and within days they were teaching.”

In 1852, the school moved to Hobson St and then, in 1863, to its present College Hill site. It became known as St Mary’s College in 1917, Ms Dwan explained.

“We were integrated in 1982 and today we have a broad, diverse student population of 1,000 who are so proud to carry on that legacy.

“Our vision is 21st-century women of mercy,” Ms Dwan said. “The girls are amazing and really go out into the world ready to make a difference.”

On April 5, sisters, partners and friends gathered in the Cathedral of St Patrick and St Joseph with Bishop Steve Lowe to give thanks for 175 years of presence and ministry in this country.

There will be celebrations throughout the year, but the major event will be at Labour Weekend. It will include an official welcome, school tours, high tea, exhibition sports games, gatherings of various groups, displays from the archives and a jubilee dinner hosted by the Past Pupils Association.

On October 26, Mass will be celebrated at the cathedral, followed by an afternoon at the college featuring cultural and musical performances.

FULL STORY

Watch Breakfast S2025E46 | TVNZ+ (Breakfast/TVNZ – login required; video available until April 13)

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St.Mary’s College – 175-Celebrations (St Mary’s College)