Oamaru Catholic schools await combined board sign-off

By CathNews New Zealand

July 29th, 2025

(St Kevin’s College)

Catholic primary and secondary schools in Oamaru are awaiting Government sign-off to combine their school boards into one body. Source: Oamaru Mail.

New Zealand School Boards Association (NZSBA) Otago regional executive chairman and St Kevin’s College board member Eugen Dupu said that, over the past 18 months, St Kevin’s College and St Joseph’s School had been exploring the possibility of a shared governance model.

“Through wide consultation — including input from both school communities and independent facilitators — there has been strong support for a single combined board, while maintaining the individual identity and character of each school,” he said.

The proposed model would bring more cohesive leadership, as well as strengthened Catholic stewardship and enhanced students and whanau support, he said.

“We are now in the final stages of working with the Ministry of Education, with guidance from the NZSBA, to formalise the new structure reflecting the overwhelming support received from both school communities.”

The school hopes the changes will be in time for the school board elections, taking place nationwide in September.

Mr Dupu said school boards strengthened governance and achievement, reflected communities, monitored student wellbeing and encouraged local decision-making.

He anticipates the St Kevin’s elections will be a “positive opportunity to renew and refresh community involvement”.

Earlier this year, it was announced that St Joseph’s School in Oamaru was to relocate to a new site at St Kevin’s College, the Otago Daily Times reported.

A $3 million-plus redevelopment on the new site was formally announced.

It was envisaged that the development would be done in two phases, with work likely to commence late this year.

Catholic Diocese of Dunedin education manager Paul Olsen said funds held by the Bishop of Dunedin, under the existing state-integrated schools funding agreement, would cover the cost.

“It’s a replacement of an existing facility,” he said.

FULL STORY

Combined model for school boards sought | Otago Daily Times Online News (Oamaru Mail/ODT)

$3m school redevelopment on new site announced | Otago Daily Times Online News (Otago Daily Times)