Smart checked shirts, woollen vests and striped scarves are all part of the new Mount Aspiring College (MAC) uniform which is now being rolled out.

The uniforms are now available for students to purchase and wear and by the end of June most students should be wearing them to school, MAC principal Nicola Jacobsen said.

The colour scheme is reminiscent of the old uniform, following the same blue, grey, black and white colour scheme, but the itchy kilts and gender-specific items are gone: all students can choose between shorts, a skirt or pants, and there are two shirts. 

They can also choose from warm layers which include a cardigan, vest, scarf and v-neck jumper, plus hats and socks. 

“Our next steps with the uniform is to look at an appropriate blazer and tie option for students as optional uniform items,” Nicola said. “These options are in the design process and will involve community consultation.”

Students checking out the uniform in the new uniform shop.

The possibility of a new uniform for MAC was first floated in 2018 and former principal Wayne Bosley said the response to the idea was met “with a resounding yes”.

After a long process including consultation, design, finding suppliers and more, the new uniform is ready and there’s also a new uniform shop to purchase them from: The ‘U Shop’ opened last week at 21 Gordon Road.

This is a ‘transition year’ for the uniform so students who do not intend to return to college in 2022 will not need to purchase the new uniforms. There are some differences between junior and senior uniforms and students in Year 10 this year can purchase the senior uniform so they don’t have to buy a different uniform next year.

Students try out the new uniform at school.

The new uniform was first shown to families in November last year and MAC board of trustees chair Dr Ian Hall said the board’s uniform committee had worked over a long period to create a practical uniform that provides a refreshed image for students.

Nicola thanked MAC parents and whānau for their patience with the change in uniform.

“The feedback I have had from most students is that they really like the change and it’s a smart and comfortable uniform. Thanks to parents who have been sending through their feedback about the uniform.”

Nicola said a Rotary uniform fund, available for families who need assistance with purchasing the new uniform, can provide a $200 subsidy per student.  

PHOTOS: MAC