Mr Andrew Mackenzie joins the Sancta Maria College whānau as our third Principal, leaving his previous school, Macleans College where he was Associate Principal. Mr Mackenzie was formally welcomed, alongside all of our new staff and students, with a mihi whakatau on Monday 2 February 2026.
Mr Mackenzie thanked his whānau, invited guests, tangata whenua and manuhiri for their support, guidance and aroha in the roles they have played in getting him to Sancta Maria College’s Principal. He also welcomed all new staff and students coming into our kura.
He delivered his and the college’s expectations to the student community. A portion of his speech is below:
“I have high expectations of you – I will push you because I believe you are capable young people and I want you to flourish both in the present and in the future. I expect three things of you. Three things that we can all do – there is no opting out.”
1. I expect you to work hard.
That doesn’t mean you have to be top of the class – it means trying your best in everything you do and not giving up when things are difficult. It means turning up every day and not taking short cuts. There is no hack for success – success comes from hard work.
2. I expect you to get involved in all the opportunities on offer at Sancta Maria College – sport, service, music, performing arts.
Getting involved helps you build confidence, develop friendships, and create memories that last far beyond your time at school. You are responsible for your life – take the first step; join the team, join the performance group, join the activity.
We take our guidance from Mary, the mother of God – “Hine i whakaae” – “the women who said yes”.
Say yes to things that will allow you to flourish.
3. Most importantly I expect you to look after each other – we are guided by our values of Aroha, Faith, Hope and Respect.
We pray together, we worship together, we trust in God, and we look each other. We are a family; we look after our family.
“He waka eke noa” – it is at the heart of our college haka – “we are all in this together”.
We look forward to Andrew’s continued guidance and leadership as our new Principal.
