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This week, the doors of Waikohu College close,
but will reopen soon as an area school.
A move that is being welcomed by the community and families of the school
as it will enable children to learn from home.
Waikohu is in Te Karaka, near Gisborne.
Irena Smith has this report.
Three generations of the Brown Family,
Waikohu is their school and their family.
All 15 of my children came here.
Te Araiwini is a member of the Board of Trustees,
she is a strong supporter of her grandchildren
and glad they are able to stay here and attend the new school.
Next year, my younger sister and cousin
will be coming to this school,
which is a good idea because we can keep an eye on them.
The community voted to have an area school
after they were told by the Ministry of Education
the college would be closing.
It's a shame,
but I think the main thing is there will be another school.
The community's concerned that their children
would have gone to Gisborne,
where they could have easily lost their culture and sense of identity.
I didn't want to go to town for school,
cause this is where my grandparents and my parents are.
I want to stay close to them.
I want to be able to look after my younger siblings in the new school.
All of the students here are Maori, and they have an 80% pass rate.
The school will hold a closing concert on Friday.
Although the time is up for the college its spirit will stay strong.
Irena Smith, Te Karere.