James Cook High School is a state co-ed secondary school in the South Auckland suburb of Manurewa, New Zealand. At the end of 2026, James Cook High School will be changing its name to Te Haikura A Kiwa.
History
James Cook High School opened in February 1968. Like most New Zealand state secondary schools of the era, the school was constructed to the Nelson Two-Storey standard plan, characterised by its two-storey H-shaped classroom blocks.
The name chosen for the school was met with widespread interest and approval, as 1968 was the bicentennial of the commencement of Captain Cook's voyage on the Endeavour into the south seas of the Pacific.
The James Cook High School crest was originally a broad shield design with a gold heraldic ship with full white sails and red pennants in the centre. The ship is sailing through two waves. The four gold stars are in the form of the Southern Cross. The school's insignia and uniform were modernised in 2013 and 2014. Both the crest and motto were inspired by the name 'James Cook.'
The James Cook High School School colours are Royal Blue and Gold. The motto 'Endeavour' was the name of James Cook's ship. 'Endeavour' implies: a goal to be striven for, strength of character, a determined, unrelenting effort which never slackens in spite of initial failures, the hope and faith to face new challenges, to surmount new obstacles, and above all, the giving of our best in all the activities of life, whether they be moral, social, cultural or academic.
Officially by 2027, James Cook will fully transition into Te Haikura a Kiwa. Te Haikura a Kiwa technically translates to Kiwa Highschool. A whole new direction has been marked for Kiwa where everything will be rebranded from 2027 onwards.
Enrolment According to a 2021 ERO report, the school's ethnic composition includes over 40% who identify as Māori and 45% who are from Pacific heritage. Samoan, Tongan and Cook Islands Māori students make up the largest Pacific nation groups.
As of , James Cook High School has a roll of students, of which (%) identify as Māori.
As of , the school has an Equity Index of , placing it amongst schools whose students have the socioeconomic barriers to achievement (roughly equivalent to deciles 1 and 2 under the former socio-economic decile system).
History of Principals +NameFromToMs. Tina FilipoJanuary 2024PresentMr Grant McMillanMay 2016October 2023Mr Vaughan CouillaultJune 2012February 2016Mr Bryan Smith19942012
Notable alumni
Stephen Berry – politician and political commentator Peta Hiku – rugby league player Kenny Bromwich – rugby league player Mavina Davis, Maybelle Galuvao, and Lavina Williams – singers, members of Ma-V-Elle Scott Dixon – motor racing driver Joe Galuvao – rugby league footballer Gustavia Lui – businesswoman Lelia Masaga – rugby union player Joe Rokocoko – rugby union player J Williams – singer and entertainer
References
External links School website