UNIFORM & APPEARANCE

In 2026 we launched a refreshed uniform.  Our goal was to develop a uniform that is smart, comfortable and flexible.  Students can choose from a wider range of uniform items, and choose how they put these together.  For example, we have introduced some new items such as a polo, a hoodie, a PC lavalava, a vest and a fitted short. 

Where possible, we have also worked to maintain or reduce the costs of items.  With this in mind, we are slowly rolling out the refreshed uniform.  While all levels are able to purchase the new uniform items from late 2025, it is not compulsory for any year level to do so.  We expect and hope that our incoming Year 9s will want to purchase the new items, but if they have access to second-hand items from the old uniform, they are able to wear this. 

New Uniform Photos

• Earrings: Students may wear earrings that are studs or small sleepers. Students may have more than one ear piercing. Looped earrings or dangling earrings that could get caught or pose a health and safety risk for students are not permitted. 

• Necklaces: Students may wear a necklace or taonga. They should not be dangling outside their clothing during activities or classes where they can get caught and cause a health and safety hazard.

• Rings: Rings may be worn except in situations where they may be a health and safety risk

• Bracelets: Bracelets may be worn except in situations where they may be a health and safety risk

• Facial piercings: Students are able to have a single nose piercing (eg: side of nose or septum). No other facial piercings including lips, eyebrows, nose (other than described above). 

• Facial hair: It is up to families to determine what is right for them around student facial hair. We expect any facial hair to be tidily groomed. Students representing the school in a formal capacity may be asked to be clean shaven for particular events. 

• Make up: Students can wear natural, discrete make up 

• Nail polish: Allowed, but nails must be suitable lengths for safety at school and working effectively (e.g. nail length must ensure safety in PE, or being able to use a keyboard and type effectively in classes). 

• Hair: It is up to families and students to determine what is right for them when it comes to hair colour.  Extreme hairstyles (such as razored skinheads) are not permitted.

Parents and caregivers are asked to ensure that uniforms and footwear are in good order at the start of each term; and that students leave home each day in the correct uniform. Please speak with the year-level deans if you require assistance.

If students don’t have the correct uniform on the day, they must provide the deans a note from a parent/caregiver explaining the reason.  Spare uniform will be loaned for the day unless the reason is medical, and then they will be issued a uniform pass.

We expect that students wear approved items of uniform well and with pride. They should look good, feel good and be a visible part of our community.

Correct uniform must be worn to and from college, and on all college occasions, unless a uniform exemption pass has been granted.

Regulation Uniform Items

NB: Students involved in workshop technology/ science/ food and nutrition classes MUST have shoes that cover the whole foot during practical lessons.

Please note that regulation uniforms are only available from the College Uniform Shop or the NZ Uniform Paraparaumu College online shop.  Items from other retailers are non-regulation and are not approved by the Board for students who attend the College.  The only exception is the socks, these must be plain black and either crew or ankle.  These can be purchased from our outlets, or from a retailer of your choosing.

PE Uniform

• Physical Education classes (including OE/PS/SL): Students are expected to fully change out of their school uniform and into appropriate clothing for physical activity. 

  • Juniors must wear the PE house top and are encouraged to wear the PE shorts (athough leggings or alternative “activewear” on the bottom are acceptable). 

  • Seniors must be fully changed into activewear that suits the PE course activities.

This policy acknowledges that the clothes people choose to wear are an expression of their own identity.  Students, however, are expected to dress in a manner suitable for an educational environment. Furthermore, we look to our Year 13 students as role models who set the tone for the younger students.

Guidelines

• A suitable standard of dress is one that is smart but not necessarily formal

• Clothing should be clean and in good condition (not ripped or torn)

• Tops must be long enough to cover the top of shorts/pants/skirts

• Low-riding shorts, pants, skirts and low-cut tops are not acceptable (underwear should not be visible)

• Bare feet are unacceptable.  Shoes which enclose the feet must be worn in workshops, laboratories and practical rooms.

• Clothing should not include anything related to alcohol, drugs or have offensive images or text

Please note: Where the college management considers dress to be unsuitable, they reserve the right to send students home to change.

When wearing the College blazer the following must be worn:

• College skirt (skirt to be knee length), or

• College-branded lavalava, or 'ie faitaga

• College plain navy wool/poly blend trousers 

• College shirt

• College tie 

• College socks with green-stripe, or plain black ankle or crew socks 

• Plain black tights may be worn with the skirt as an alternative to socks

• Plain black lace-up or slip-on shoes that are on or below the ankle

The uniform shop will be open the following days at the beginning of the year:

Tues 20th - Fri 23rd January 9am till 2pm 

No bookings required, there will be fittings and purchases available for uniform. 

We have an onsite school uniform shop where uniform items can be purchased. Please note, we are no longer accepting second-hand uniform to sell on behalf of parents/caregivers.  However, if you have any uniform you wish to donate, please drop this in to the College office.

Shop hours​​​​​​​

• Tuesday and Thursday: 1:30pm to 4:00pm (term time only). 
• At the end of each year, the shop has a booking system for any incoming students.  Bookings can be made via School Interviews.  A booking code will be emailed to you at the time of enrolment.  
• Any additional opening hours will be advertised on this website and on social media. 

Payment information  

Please be advised, we do not currently have facilities for credit card payment.  Please pay by Eftpos, cash or existing automatic payment. 

Contact Us

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Uniform Shop (04) 902 5170 Ext 856 or uniform@pcol.school.nz  

Order Online & Quotes

You are able to order directly from NZ Uniforms, who are the supplier of our uniform.  NZ Uniforms - Paraparaumu College

They are also able to provide a WINZ, Oranga Tamariki, Ministry of Education, Trusts, Charities, Whanau & Family quote option.