Refurbished Hato Pāora College hostel opened

Whānau, staff and both former and current students gathered at dawn on July 19 for this occasion, welcoming the new day and the kaupapa.

The hostel is named “Kapuera”, in honour of Fr Isaac Gupwell SM, who brought to life the vision of his confrère, Fr James Riordan SM. Fr Gupwell became the first rector/principal of the school in 1947 and invested tirelessly in the school for the ensuing 50 years.

For this commitment, he was acknowledged by being named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

The two dormitory corridors are named after notable old boys: Mātua Morvin Simon, historian, composer and staff member of Hato Pāora; and Bishop Max Mariu SM, the first Māori to be a bishop in Aotearoa New Zealand.

After the formalities on July 19, the hostel was celebrated with a big breakfast in the college dining room, where guests were treated to a number of waiata sung by the tauira/students of Hato Pāora.

This hostel is an investment in the continuation of Frs Riordan and Gupwell’s vision: providing the opportunity for education in the dual special character of the college – Māoritanga and Katorikatanga (the Catholic Faith).

FULL STORY

Kapuera Hostel Honours the Legacy of Hato Pāora’s Founders (By Nick Wilson/Tūmanako/Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North)