Minister praises Auckland college for all-round excellence

By CathNews New Zealand

March 10th, 2026

Erica Stanford and Br Darren Burge cut a ribbon at the building inauguration (Marist Star)

Education Minister Erica Stanford has warmly praised Auckland’s Sacred Heart College as a rare institution that excels in many areas.

Ms Stanford was joined by civic and religious leaders on March 6 at the official inauguration of the Fergus Science Centre and Archives at the college. The facility is named in honour of the late Br Fergus Gilbert, who gained recognition as one of the most distinguished science educators in the country.

Ms Stanford offered warm praise for the school, describing Sacred Heart College as one of the rare institutions that excels not merely in one domain but across the board – academically, musically and athletically. She cited alumni including several great musicians and former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick as testament to the breadth of the College’s achievement.

Addressing the students directly, Ms Stanford spoke of the enduring value of the education they are receiving – not just the academic grounding, but the values of excellence, ambition and hard work that the College instils.

“Those are things you will carry with you for the rest of your life,” she said. “They will set you up for success.”

The education minister encouraged students to remain connected to the school after they leave – to come back, give back and remain part of the alumni community.

“This school is giving you an incredible opportunity that will change your life,” she said. “Don’t forget this place.”

Board chair Matthew Harris spoke of the importance of educating young men to think.

He argued for an integrated education in which scientific rigour and humanistic understanding are held together. The student who masters chemistry, he said, should also grapple with Shakespeare; the engineer of tomorrow should know something of history, art and faith. Br Fergus, who combined scientific distinction with a life of service, understood both those truths instinctively.

The day began with a dawn ceremony honouring Māori traditions and acknowledging the land on which the College stands.

As the morning’s formalities drew to a close, the gathering moved to the building entrance for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Br Darren Burge, provincial of the Marist Brothers’ Star of the Sea Province, and Ms Stanford cut the ribbon, and Auckland Diocese vicar general Msgr Bernard Kiely blessed the new building.

FULL STORY

Sacred Heart College opens new science centre (Marist Star)