What in the blue blazers? Proposed Hillcrest High School uniform overhaul sparks backlash

Wednesday, 27 May 2026

Tara Hills is not happy about Hillcrest High School's proposed uniform changes, calling them tone deaf.

Some Hillcrest High School parents are pushing back against a proposal to introduce uniforms for Year 13 students, describing the move as unnecessary, costly and “tone deaf”.

Under the proposal, Year 9 to 12 students would wear the same navy blue blouse or shirt, while Year 13 students would wear a white dress shirt.

All students would wear the same skirts, shorts or trousers.

Hillcrest High School principal Christine Williams says the changes are for safety reasons and to identify students (file).

The proposal is still being considered by the school’s Board of Trustees but it has already sparked debate among families over the cost and value of Year 13 uniforms, while the school says they would improve student identification and safety on campus.

Tara Hills, who has two children at the school and another who has since left, said she could not see the point of the changes.

“I just don't see any benefit. There's nothing wrong with the current uniform.”

Principal Christine Williams told the Waikato Times the idea had first been explored by the previous board for health and safety reasons.

Hillcrest High School is proposing a uniform change for Year 13s, starting next year.

“We were dealing with teenagers who did not attend our kura coming on to our grounds and causing issues.”

With nearly 1800 students on campus, Williams said it could be difficult to tell whether students out of uniform belonged at the school.

“And if they've come on to do something that's not good, it's too late knowing they're not part of our school before something's happened.”

Williams said her preference was for all students to wear the same uniform, but Year 13 students wanted to look different from younger year levels.

Tara Hills estimated the changes would cost her family about $660 over three years.

Another option considered was making blazers compulsory, but Williams said feedback showed most families were not in favour. Blazers would remain optional for Year 12 and 13 students.

“We've heard a lot from our students that they love that every other school in town has blazers. And they feel like they want that too.”

Hills estimated the changes would cost her family about $660 over three years, including new shirts, skirts and an optional blazer.

“Without these changes, my uniform bill would be zero. Because I've already got the senior and junior uniform. I don't need any more pieces,” Hills said.

Williams disputed claims the changes would increase costs, saying the new system would save parents about $160 because students would not need separate bottoms for junior and senior uniforms.

Currently, Year 13 students are not required to wear a uniform.

Hills said her daughter had heard some students were considering not returning next year because of the proposal.