History & Cultural Narrative
a thriving ecosystem of flora and fauna
The suburb of Hillmorton and much of south-west Christchurch was swamp and marshland that was a thriving ecosystem of flora and fauna.
About 800 years ago the first Māori iwi to settle here were Waitaha who were superseded by Ngati Mamoe and then subsequently Ngai Tahu. The Māori settled and travelled through this area which was an integral part of their mahinga kai (working of natural resources).
They used plants, stones, fibres, birds, fish and more for sustaining themselves and trading with others. These objects and resources now make up the names of the classrooms in 22 classroom block called Aonga Ake.
Where It All Began
As Europeans arrived and settled they wanted workable land for expanding farms and production. Many landowners like Sir Cracroft Wilson commissioned drains to be constructed in order to improve the land for farming purposes. This resulted in urbanisation of suburbs like Cashmere, Hoon Hay, Spreydon, Halswell and Hillmorton. Eventually there was a need for a High School to accommodate the growth in population in the area.
Before the school was built the area was still semi rural with many paddocks and livestock in neighbouring sections. The school started with a small intake and grew steadily over the years. The roll once peaked at approximately 1100 students before dropping to under 600 in the 2000s.
The earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 did not result in massive physical damage to the school, but they were the catalyst for change when the neighbouring Manning Intermediate School was shut down and Hillmorton became a Year 7 to Year 13 school. Another significant consequence of the earthquakes was the damage in the East of the city, which pushed many families west to new subdivions and better land. The roll of the school in 2023 is now the highest it has ever been, topping 1250 students.
Since Hillmorton High School or Horomaka was built in 1961 as a secondary high school it has had many successful alumni students like Mike McRoberts and Kris Faafoi. The school has also had teachers that have represented Aotearoa or made other significant achievements like Gilbert Enoka, Melissa Ruscoe and Haidee Tiffen.
Reverend Joseph Twigger
Throughout the years there have been many theories about the origin of the name Hillmorton and the spelling of it. One theory states that R.M Morton owned land in the area and the land was named after him.
However, the most commonly accepted theory is that Hillmorton was the name of Reverend Joseph Twigger’s farm of 1876 which was named after Hillmorton near Rugby in England. The Christchurch Press first used the name in October 1876 when Mr Twigger sold some land in the suburb of Hillmorton.
The Name Horomaka
The origin of the school Māori name Horomaka was from a famous Waitaha ancestress who was married to an equally famous man. During a battle alongside the Upper Heathcote River she was killed and her body was left there. Rikki Ellison , the Rangatira from Taumutu (who is represented on our waharoa) designated the area of land between Hillmorton and Hornby to be called Horomaka.
Sir Cracroft Wilson
The school crest—a Bengal tiger—originates from the family crest of Sir John Cracroft Wilson, the former owner of the nearby Cashmere estate. The tiger symbolizes beauty, strength, and fiery determination. Wilson’s connection to India is reflected in Christchurch street names such as Cashmere Rd, Bengal Drive, Madras St, and more. Over the years, the school has used various versions of the tiger logo for different purposes.
John Cracroft Wilson was a judge, farmer, and politician. His mother, Elizabeth Cleminta Cracroft, inspired the inclusion of her maiden name in his. After serving in India, Wilson moved to New Zealand with his family and a retinue of Indian attendants, as well as livestock, plants, and seeds. He established the Cashmere estate at the foot of the Port Hills by draining swampy land and heavily investing in its improvement.
Known for his bold personality and public service, Wilson was both admired and criticized. He exhibited livestock, particularly Lincoln sheep, at agricultural shows and was active in local politics, though his Masters and Servants Bill of 1865 earned him a reputation for favoring employers over workers. Described as “Toryism on two legs” by the Lyttelton Times, he was seen as haughty and egocentric but was also recognized for his honesty and public spirit.
Timeline of Sir John Cracroft Wilson
Birth and Early Life
John Cracroft Wilson is born and baptized in Mangalore, Madras Presidency, India.
Departure from India
Wilson leaves India due to failing health. He sails from Calcutta aboard the Queen with his wife, daughter Emma, Indian attendants, and a variety of exotic livestock, plants, and seeds.
Arrival in New Zealand
Arrives in Lyttelton, New Zealand, after a protracted journey aboard the Akhbar, during which 1,200 sheep were jettisoned.
Establishment of Cashmere Estate
Wilson purchases swampy land at the foot of the Port Hills, drains it, and names the property “Cashmere.” He begins working on improving the estate and building his legacy.
Return to Canterbury
Resigns from service in India. Returns to Canterbury, New Zealand, aboard the Armenian with his wife, servants, 52 horses, two hares, and a Bokhara jackass.
Agricultural Success
Becomes a prominent exhibitor of livestock (especially Lincoln sheep) at agricultural shows and invests significantly in developing Cashmere estate.
Political Controversy
Criticized for proposing the one-sided Masters and Servants Bill, which reflected his conservative political views.
Death and Legacy
Sir John Cracroft Wilson dies at his Cashmere estate in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Aonga Ake
Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei”
Seek the treasure that you value most dearly, if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.
Papatūānuku
We acknowledge the vital importance of our role as being
kaitiaki. Nourishing our wairua/spirit with
an appreciation for life which is enriching to our
wellbeing.
Ranginui
Guidance, belief and achievement. Having high
expectations of one’s self, whāia te iti kahurangi.
– Strive to be your best. Developing a mindset
that you can achieve anything you put your
mind to. The Moko represents the ‘rites of
passage’ the developmental stages of maturity,
with a secure sense of identity and walking a
life of mana, of purpose.
Tūmatauenga
Tūmatauenga stands as a warrior above
Papatūānuku displaying bravery and zest,
with his passion for life and learning.
Mahuika
Mahuika, igniting our fire for learning. This
also depicts values of Mana and Manaakitanga
- The fires that always stay burning are to
remind us of these important values that
help nourish and sustain the wellbeing of
our ākonga, whānau and communities.
Ahi/fire and smoke– Depicts Mahuika leaving
a trail to inspire ākonga to follow – Also,
to find the light inside of themselves.
Tāne-nui-a-rangi
Tāne-nui-a-rangi honours the characteristics
of love, courage and humanity. He separated
his parents to create light, essential in
developing growth & wellbeing for life to
exist. The birds symbolise the three kete
and the fourth bird/manu depicts the
Mātauranga/knowledge and character
strengths our ākonga bring with them.
Poutama of Tāne-nui-a-rangi
Poutama of Tāne-nui-a-rangi is showing the
different levels of learning and development
to strive for.
Tāwhirimātea
Tāwhirimātea is our guiding winds, which
helps us navigate our waka in a safe
direction towards our values, goals of
learning and life aspirations.
Rākaihautū
Rākaihautū on his waka, continually moves
forward through difficult challenges. Which
also feeds into Papatūānuku through his
Kõ/digging stick – using the Mauri/spiritual
essence, creating the plains, lakes and
rivers throughout Te Waipounamu/South
Island, helping us to nourish and sustain
our wellbeing.
Tangaroa
Along with guiding Rākaihautū on his waka,
acknowledges our connecting awa/river
Ōpāwaho with the abundance of fish lives
such as tuna/eels, ika/fish, īnanga/whitebait,
kererū/pigeon and many other birds and
fish species.
