Rongotai College is a state single-sex boys' secondary school in the southeastern suburb of Rongotai, Wellington, New Zealand. Serving Years 9 to 13 (ages 12 to 18), the school has 622 students as of July 2015. About 40 percent of the students are of European heritage, 20 percent identify as Pasifika, and 15 percent are Maori, and there are various Middle Eastern, Asian, and African students. A highlight for the school is the annual McEvedy Shield athletics event. Location The school stands on the Rongotai isthmus which separates Lyall Bay and the Cook Strait to the south from Evans Bay on Wellington Harbour to the north. Having the sea on two sides gives it a particularly bracing microclimate, with gusty winds from the north and, in winter, icy blasts from the south. It is bounded to the east by Wellington Airport, and residential Rongotai to the West. Wellington's city center is a few kilometers to the northwest. History Rongotai College was opened in 1928 with Mr. Fritz Martyn Renner as its first headmaster and a teaching staff of seven. It was started as an "overspill" for Wellington College, which was overstretched, and Rongotai became the new school for Wellington boys in the eastern suburbs. Rongotai College originally accepted enrolments from students of Intermediate School age. However, when Evans Bay Intermediate School opened its doors in 1964, it became purely a secondary school, catering to young men in what are now called years 9 to 13. The Assembly Hall, known as the Renner Hall, was opened in 1966 and is named after the founding headmaster. Achievement The 2013 ERO report was favorable while pointing out areas for improvement, for example in monitoring achievement and attendance levels. School leadership Principals Houses The four houses at Rongotai College are named after the school's first four headmasters, Renner (Red) Heron (Blue) Lock (Green) Mackay (Yellow) Notable alumni Dates denote period enrolled as student The Arts Andrew Fagan (1976–1979) – writer, singer and songwriter, former frontsman for The Mockers Tofiga Fepulea'i – actor and comedian, member of the stand up comedy duo Laughing Samoans Kyle Lockwood (1991–1995) – architectural designer, designer of the Silver fern flag Ben Lummis (1992–1996) – singer, New Zealand Idol winner Lani Tupu (1969–1972) – actor Gordon Walters – artist and designer Clive Revill (1944–1947) – actor, singer, Two time Tony Award nominee, Golden Globe nominee Science Dr Barry Dent (1973–1977)