Hillcrest High slows down new senior uniform plan after parent pushback

Thursday, 11 June 2026

Plans to put Year 13 students at Hillcrest High School into uniform will be phased in over three years after pushback from some parents.

Some students will also get subsidies from school coffers to help out after concern over the cost of the kit-out, with hopes prices will drop once a second hand uniform market gets up and running.

The changes, and partial change of course in response, were grappled with by the Hillcrest High School board of Trustees at a Tuesday night meeting.

The Waikato Times attended after covering the concerns of parent Tara Hills, who was worried by the speed of the changes and fears the costs would mount quickly for families with multiple children.

The Board initially refused entry to a Waikato Times visual journalist seeking to cover the meeting but relented after it was pointed out it was open to the public under legislation.

The school previously told the Times the change had first been explored by the previous board for health and safety reasons so staff could identify anyone who was not meant to be on school grounds.

Board member Shona Pryor said at the meeting that feedback indicated a one-year transition to the uniforms was “too fast”.

“We were very aware of the cost of changing. We wanted to think about how we could deliver on a new uniform, without having to change it in one year.”

“Part of that support around the cost is trying to extend that transition plan so it's not all in one year, trying to minimise the cost burden.”

Feedback showed a strong preference for a phased rollout starting with Year 9s next year.

“It will just filter through into it eventually and, in 2030 everyone will actually end up in the new uniform.”

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

The new uniform will be phased in from 2027 to 2030.

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

Existing shorts, trousers, jerseys, jackets and PE gear can continue to be worn during the transition.

Shirts will cost $50 each, while skirts will cost $70.

Blazers will be optional for Year 12 and 13s and the price had dropped to $190.

“Changing to one uniform throughout and the Year 13 shirt change actually ends up being cheaper overall through the five years.”

She said the phased rollout was “the best approach to getting everyone in uniform”.

The board estimates a second-hand market for the new uniform items will be running by 2028.

“It takes a while for that second-hand uniform to come through. But once it gets in there, it's actually a cheaper option overall.”

The board also decided to use school funds o subsidise uniform costs by 30%.

The subsidy will be managed using gift cards from the school’s uniform provider, NZ Uniforms with cards distributed by the school to specific students.

Deputy board chairperson Karen Smyth said the school’s “healthy accounts” meant it was in a position to offer discounts.

Principal Christine Williams pushed for the 30% subsidy, saying the school should “subsidise as much as we can”.

Tara Hills has two children at Hillcrest and attended Tuesday’s meeting.

She told the Waikato Times she was pleased concerns about the cost had been listened to.

“The fact they’re looking at doing that 30% subsidy means that not only is it cheaper for us buying the uniform but hopefully anyone else coming in.”

Hills said the changes also allow students to wear their old uniforms for longer.

“The senior girls can just wear their senior skirt next year. They don't have to buy the new skirt. All they have to buy is the shirt.”