Mount Aspiring College (MAC) has shared the design for its new uniform, which students can start wearing in term two next year. 

The colours of the uniform’s items are blue, grey, black and white, with a wider selection of items than the existing uniform has, and minor differences between new junior and senior students’ options. 

“It is important to note that the new uniform has been designed to not be gender specific,” MAC board chair Dr Ian Hall said in an email to parents. “This means that students will be free to combine items from any of the new uniform items that will be available to them.”

Ian said the board of trustees’ uniform committee had worked over a long period to create a practical uniform that will provide a refreshed image for the college's students.

Senior students' summer uniforms.

Students can choose between shorts, a skirt or pants, which those in years 7-10 will wear in grey. Older students will wear the same options in black. 

The blue and white checked shirt, for students of all ages, is available with both short and long sleeves.

All students will also choose from the same warmer layers: there is a cardigan, vest, scarf and v-neck jumper available. 

Options for senior students in winter. 

The board was excited about the new uniform and believes students “will wear the uniform with the pride that it deserves”, Ian said.

Next year will be regarded as a “transition year”, he said, whereby students will be able to continue to wear current uniforms. 

Students in senior years wearing mufti will next year be able to continue to do so, and new students arriving next year will also wear mufti until term two.

The uniform design had a mixed reception from some parents and students the Wanaka App spoke to.

Junior options for winter.

One family had a junior student who couldn’t wait to “look smart”, and a senior student who was disappointed not to be able to wear mufti.

One parent also criticised the decision to create a uniform for senior students, saying mufti is something students look forward to for years, but said they appreciated the “wear-what-you-want aspect” of the new uniform. 

Another questioned the decision to introduce a new uniform next year given the financial impacts of COVID-19 on the community and said they were concerned the short transition period could create further undue cost.

No final decision has yet been made on whether or not the uniform will include a blazer, Ian confirmed to the Wanaka App. There will be more consultation in term one, 2021, “on the degree of formality i.e. the role, if any, of blazers and ties for the students,” he said.

The committee is currently working with its preferred supplier to get samples of the items and negotiating pricing, but expects the uniform will be available for purchase both at the school and through an online shop before term two next year.

IMAGES: MAC