An old boys' association has been set up dedicated to reopening the doors of an Anglican Maori boarding school.
St Stephens school in Bombay, south of Auckland, closed in 2000 because of financial and performance issues.
Te Mano o Tipene Association was formed at a meeting last month of about 100 past pupils.
The association's newly elected chairman, Joe Harawira, says they met for the first time at the weekend and are working alongside the schools' trust board which manages the property.
Another past student, Te Kani Kingi, says the group has an opportunity to consider different education models that will give Maori boys a great academic foundation.
