Training blasts batter school's legacy

Brad Molan, 13, surveys the damage to the old squash court at St Stephen's School. Photo / Steven McNicholl

A dilapidated but once-proud Maori boarding school has been opened up to Fire Service, police and Army training - and as a result now has even more holes in it.

St Stephen's School, south of Auckland, was closed in December 2000 after the Government cut funding following concerns over management and student health and safety.

The school had educated many prominent Maori leaders, including Hone Harawira, Te Ururoa Flavell and the Maori King, Tuheitia. But for at least three years, until the middle of last year, the Army and emergency services used the property for several training activities, including urban-warfare simulations.

A Herald tour of the school found used smoke grenades and spent 9mm shells in the science block.

The deputy chairwoman of the St Stephen's and Queen Victoria School trust board, Tui Gordon, said the initial reason for allowing forces to train was to stop recurring vandalism.

"I think they had a couple of arson attempts ... Every time they had these exercises things would be very quiet for a while."

Neighbour Megan Lowe remembered when the building next to the school pool was blown up by the armed forces tactical unit. "My friend's house is on the main road in and the pictures fell off her walls."

A neighbour who did not wish to be named remembered hearing the blasts.

"I thought, what are they trying to do? Desecrate the whole thing? My dad went here, my brothers - it makes me weep."

Major Christian Dunne says the Army and the police paid an annual fee to use St Stephen's for training and the board said which buildings they could operate in.

Miss Gordon says the board will meet soon to discuss the future of the school and has engaged with stakeholders of the old boys' association and the Anglican Church.

Former St Stephen's chairman Joe Harawira - speaking on behalf of ex-students - told the Herald his vision for the school was to see it reopened, with a new curriculum and new goals.