Special Character
Te Aute College is one of only two Mihinare — Māori Anglican — schools in the world. Our school exists within the life of Te Hāhi Mihinare, the Māori Anglican Church, and within the authority and mission of Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa. The College operates as a state-integrated school, with its Special Character defined and protected through an Integration Agreement between the Crown and the Proprietor.
Te Aute College was founded in 1854 as a school for Māori children and was incorporated within the authority of the Te Aute Trust by Act of Parliament in 1862. It is a place where culture, faith, identity, and learning have always been woven together. The special character of Te Aute is Mihinaretanga — the life of the Gospel of Ihu Karaiti expressed through Māori language, tikanga, worship, and community.
Our tīpuna encountered the Gospel, recognised its truth, and drew it deeply into the life of their communities. The special character of Te Aute is shaped by three foundations: tino rangitiratanga as a people, with Māori language and tikanga as taonga that underpin every aspect of College life; affiliation with Te Hāhi Mihinare, within which the College promotes and practises Christian faith; and a learning environment that prepares students socially, culturally, physically, and spiritually for the world. Students participate in the worshipping life of the Church through daily karakia, regular chapel, and the Eucharist. They are formed not only in academic learning but in whakapapa, faith, character, leadership, and service.
At all times the College operates so as to maintain and preserve its Special Character. The Proprietor of the College is the Te Aute Trust Board, whose members are appointed by Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa on behalf of the General Synod of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.
Te Oranga Ake o te Iwi, o te Ao — the flourishing of life for the people and the world.
The special character of Te Aute College is determined by:
Our rangatiratanga as a people As Māori our language and tikanga are vital — they underpin our whole essence as a marae-based learning institution. Our culture permeates Te Aute’s very existence as a college.
Our affiliation with the Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia Within a warm and complementary relationship we are able to promote and practise our Christian faith.
Our learning environment Students are prepared socially, culturally and physically for the world outside school.