Potens Pollensque: capable and strong
King's College Taylor House shield
Taylor House was established in 2006 as a home for the day girls of King's College. It began as part of Middlemore Lodge, but the differing needs of day and boarding girls meant that a new facility was required.
In late 2005, Headmaster Mr Roy Kelley decided that it was time to split Middlemore into two Houses to better care for the separate pastoral needs of day and boarding students. The opening of Taylor House in August 2006 was an important occasion for King’s College. It signified the growing strength of the girls’ programme at the College.
In 1980, the first girls arrived at King’s, numbering 15 in total. This number rose to 52 by the end of the decade. Under the leadership of Headmaster John Taylor, the number of female students continued to climb, reaching 97 in 1995 and 125 by his retirement in 2002. John Taylor was a passionate supporter of girls at King’s College; it was an obvious choice to name the new House after him.
The statue in the garden was a gift given at the opening of the building from John Taylor and his wife, Sarah. It is called “Mana Wahine”, resonating with the House motto which means capable and strong—an apt descriptor of Taylor students.
The Taylor Logo
- The shield features the Taylor House colour which is a deep purple. This was chosen for its regal and religious connections and its similarity in the colour palette to Middlemore Lodge’s maroon. It recognises the origins of girls at King’s.
- The fleur-de-lys (flower of light) show feathers that are, in heraldry, the sign of willing obedience and serenity of mind.
- Ermine indicates leadership and the connection with Middlemore House through the symbol that appears on the right side.
Housemaster: Robyn Wright (r.wright@kingscollege.school.nz)