The school was established and staffed in 1928 by the Mill Hill Fathers and later the Marist Brothers provided staff.

Eruera Maihi Patuone, the Ngāpuhi chief was also concerned in the sale because his wife at that time was Riria, a member of the Hauraki tribes.

This was with an enrolment of 13 students (Taniere Erihe, George Harris, Nahi Horomona, Akutina Karehana, Hakopa Karora, Petera Mahuta, Kamira Matini, Denis Murphy, Hare Parenara, Timoti Rewi, Gabriel Tohiraukura, Wiremu Tuiri, Kaperiere Waipouri[13]).

[17] From 1933 to 1960, the Rector was the Dutchman Dean Martin Alink (Pa Matene) [18]) who himself physically constructed much of the college as well as being the superior of the Mill Hill mission in New Zealand.

[21] At the end of 1969 the Mill Hill Fathers withdrew from the college and its administration was in the hands of the Marist Brothers from January 1970.

[2] Hato Petera College was established to support Maori Catholic children of modest backgrounds.

[23] The curriculum also included "the pillars that derive from the vision" of St Marcellin and the Marist Brothers "and followers of his charism – his spirituality."

They were integrated with the "core Māori values" into religious instruction, ceremonies, observances and procedures of college life.

These core values were: Tapu (dignity), Mana (honour), Tika (truth), pono (integrity) and Aroha (love).

[24] At the centre of school life were particular institutions, Te Kamaka Marae, Whare Karakia and Kāinga Noho.

It paired kura pupils with second and third year tertiary students from AUT University to encourage effective exam preparation, homework assistance and positive study habits.

This mentoring was designed to encourage academic values to help students reach their tertiary, and higher education, aspirations.

Already in place at this time were Mrs Rose Silay, as Deputy Principal and Director of Religious Observances and Shanan Halbert as Operational Manager.

[citation needed] The college offered a full range of sports for its students on its large 15-hectare (37-acre) campus and at nearby facilities.

[32] The Bishop of Auckland, as the owner of the land, indicated that he would like it to continue to be used for educational purposes consistent with the original deed of gift from the Crown.