The Ministry of Education has placed Mangakōtukutuku College in Hamilton under the supervision of a limited statutory manager (LSM), Dr. Shane Edwards, due to emerging challenges shortly after the school’s opening.
The college opened this year and was established on the premises of the now-closed Melville high school and intermediate, faced issues including a lockdown prompted by a brawl and arrests, highlighting concerns over inadequate safety and communication.
Dr. Edwards is tasked with overseeing the school’s governance, enhancing communication strategies, and ensuring the safety of students and staff.
According to a report in state media, the LSM’s intervention aims to ‘stabilise’ the school environment and restore trust among parents, some of whom expressed dissatisfaction with the school’s communication and decision-making processes.
