Matamata College
Co-ed state secondary, year 9–13 school
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Matamata College is a co-educational state secondary school located in Matamata, New Zealand.
| Matamata College | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | |
 | |
Firth St, Matamata | |
| Coordinates | 37.8173°S 175.7699°E |
| Information | |
| Type | Co-ed state secondary, year 9–13 |
| Motto | Quality Education for All |
| Established | 1918 |
| Ministry of Education Institution no. | 124 |
| Principal | Angela Sharples |
| Enrollment | 779 |
| Equity Index | 479 |
| Website | matamatacollege.school.nz |
History
The college was declared open on 11 February 1924 by the Minister for Education, James Parr.[1]
In July 2012, a student was killed by a train after he ran out from several trees alongside the tracks outside the school.[2] In March 2025, a 13-year-old girl named Sarie Morton was struck by a train shortly after class at 3:15 PM.[3] Consequently, the mayor of Matamata-Piako, Adrienne Wilcock, stated that she was assisting authorities in regard to implementing protective measures, such as a trackside fences or barriers.[4]
Enrolment
As of October 2025, Matamata College has a roll of 779 students, of which 211 (27.1%) identify as Māori.[5] The school has an Equity Index of 479,[6] placing it amongst schools whose students have above average socioeconomic barriers to achievement (roughly equivalent to decile 4 under the former socio-economic decile system).[7]
Notable alumni
- Anne Taylor – netball player[8]
- Brendon Leonard – rugby union player
- Casey Williams – netball player
- Catherine Tizard – Governor-General
- Craig Innes – rugby union and rugby league player
- Judith Collins – politician; former National leader
- Julie Hawkes – squash player
- Lyn Grime – Olympic hurdler[9]
- Murray Taylor – rugby union player
- Nicola Browne – cricketer
- Richard Nunns – Māori traditional instrumentalist of Pākehā heritage
- Shane Dye – jockey
- Warwick Taylor – rugby union player
Historic imagery
Aerial and front view of Matamata College in 1978.
Aerial view of Matamata College in the 1940s
Front of Matamata College in the 1950s
