The new school year has begun with a name change for Edgecumbe College.

Yesterday was a “momentus” day for the school as it officially became Rangitaiki College  – Te Kura Tuarua ō Rangitaiki.

Principal Shelley Power said the ceremony honoured the past and the mana of the name of Edgecumbe College and welcomed the new name of Rangitaiki College and the renewal of the kura, with all the potential for positive change that would bring.

She was responsible for unveiling the first of the signs with the new name at the front of the school, assisted by the 2025 senior prefects.

“The unveiling brings to completion this part of the journey, but it is the first step on our pathway to becoming a better school for our community, one that is closely aligned with its location here on the Rangitaiki Plains,” she said.

“The new name is a wero for us – a challenge for us to step up and embrace our community, our students and our whanau on our journey forward.”

Ms Power said they were honoured to be supported by representatives from Ngāti Awa, parents, past students and local principals.

Reuben Araroa, Ngāti Awa chief executive and a presiding member of the school board of trustees, said in his speech that the school wished to acknowledge all who had contributed to making the Rangitaiki Plains a great place and who had invested in agriculture, horticulture and industry, both Māori and non-Māori.