On September 14, 2024 the opening of the new TIPENE will take place before the Orientation Camp. This is a special occasion to celebrate the past, reflect on the present and look forward to the future.  This event marks a significant milestone in the journey of the re-opening of TIPENE and will include blessing of the buildings and an opportunity to share the new spaces.  

2024 Opening Powhiri – Register Here  

TIPENE – St Stephen’s is situated on Auckland’s Bombay Hills and is preparing to welcome its first new cohort in 2025. The school faced a challenging period of neglect for twenty-five years but is now making a comeback, largely due to the dedication of former students and our new Tumuaki Nathan Durie & Yvette McCauland . Despite the dilapidated condition of its original walls, Harawira remains optimistic about the school’s revival, expressing both the challenges faced and the progress made.

The St Stephen’s Old Boys Association has expressed concern over the Government’s apparent reluctance to approve their application to reopen the school. The school, which was closed 23 years ago, is set to reopen in February 2021 under the leadership of Nathan Durie and Yvette McCausland-Durie. Things were unclear in the Governments dealings regarding the application, which was submitted almost two years ago. In an open letter dated September 25, Joe Harawira, expressed his disappointment and frustration with the evasive and cryptic behavior.

The re-opening of the oldest Māori boarding school in Aotearoa, TIPENE/St Stephen’s School, is progressing positively as Nathan & Yvette, the prominent power couple has confirmed their return to oversee its re-establishment. Despite the challenges ahead, they are enthusiastic about addressing them.

“He nui ngā mahi, kua timata kē mātou ki te whakahōungia, ki te whakariterite, ki te whakaora anō ētahi o ngā where tawhito. Nō reira, āe, he nui ngā mahi. Engari, tā mātou waimarie i tēnei wā ko te poari o Tīpene me Wikitōria tērā i whakautu.”