THE YEAR THAT WAS Celebrating a Year of Learning and Community
As the tides of Te Tai Tokerau rolled through another year, Community Education Whangārei
stood proud as a beacon of lifelong learning, creativity, and community spirit
Our programme was rich with variety cherished regular classes continued to thrive, while a wide array of new offerings brought fresh energy and inspiration to our learners
We were fortunate to have many of our beloved tutors return sharing their expertise and aroha with familiar faces and newcomers alike New Kaiako also joined our whānau bringing vibrant perspectives and invigorating ideas that have helped shape a dynamic learning environment
This year, we also said a heartfelt farewell to one of our most treasured tutors Sally McGunnigle who has taught Photography with CEW for an extraordinary 26 years Sally’s dedication, creativity and warmth have left a legacy and she will be deeply missed by all of us in the CEW community
Our learners continue to inspire us with
their diversity and determination From a 98-year-old student proving that age is no barrier to learning to a curious 12-year-old (with parental supervision), we ve seen that the thirst for knowledge begins early and never fades (please note approval is required for students under 16 years of age in all classes)
As we look ahead we warmly welcome new tutors who wish to share their skills, and we invite suggestions for new classes that reflect the needs and passions of our community CEW is a place where learning is shared stories are woven and connections are made guided by the values of manaakitanga ako and whanaungatanga
Here’s to another year of growth, creativity, and connection in the heart of Te Tai Tokerau with Community Education Whangārei 0274 285 142, www.cew.ac.nz, cew@kamohigh.school.nz
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COMMUNITY EDUCATION WHANGĀREI
THE YEAR
Community Education Whangārei
Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Tukutara
Hurapaki School
Te Kura Kaupapa O Pukemiro
Kaitaia Primary School
Opononi Area School
Ahipara Primary School
Broadwood Area School
Huanui College
Onerahi Primary School
Tikipunga High School
Maunu School
Tauraroa Area School
Whau Valley School
Raurimu
THE YEAR THAT WAS HURUPAKI SCHOOL
2025 at Hurupaki School will be remembered as a standout year, brimming with connection, vibrant learning, and wonderful achievements
From the first day our kura was alive with energy curiosity and the strong spirit of whanaungatanga that makes our school so special We strengthened our community bonds early on with a brilliant Whānau Day and demonstrated our commitment to the environment during the Wetlands Working Bee Cultural pride was a central theme that included a senior class visit to Ngāraratunua Mārae, our magical Pō Puanga Night under the stars, and our immersive Māori and Chinese Language Weeks
Innovation took a massive leap forward this year as we embraced the future of learning We were thrilled to expand our technology programmes with fantastic new equipment including a 3D printer JD Humanoid robots tripods for animation and more iPads to support digital creativity
A special highlight was the addition of our unique robotic dog the first of its kind in a New Zealand school which has revolutionised our coding curriculum and sparked curiosity Our students also excelled in creative problem-solving and
engineering during the EPRO8 challenges and House of Bricks sessions
Inside the classroom Maths Week transformed numbers into fascinating puzzles while our colourful Book Week brought beloved characters to life We prioritised hauora during Wellbeing Weeks and Life Education visits with Harold while our future leaders represented us with passion at the Youth Summit
Adventure called during our Junior and Senior camps pushing students out of their comfort zones to build confidence resilience and independence We displayed fantastic sportsmanship during the friendly Morningside School exchange but a standout moment of pride was undoubtedly Te Āhuareka o Hurupaki 2025
Our Kapa Haka festival was a beautiful showcase of talent and identity that moved us all
We end 2025 with deep gratitude for our dedicated staff enthusiastic students and supportive whānau We have built a wonderful foundation and look forward to all the new adventures 2026 will bring!
THE YEAR THAT WAS
TE KURA KAUPAPA MĀORI O PUKEMIRO
Celebrating
Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe
me he maunga teitei
This year has been one of connection, pride and purposeful growth at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Pukemiro
Every kaupapa, every haerenga and every moment together has reflected the spirit of our kura – where whānau, tikanga and the aspirations of our tamariki sit at the heart of everything we do
We have seen our tauira rise to challenges, step boldly into new
opportunities and carry the mauri of our kura with pride across Te Tai Tokerau and beyond From the marae and maunga that hold our stories to national stages where our rangatahi stood tall, this year has reminded us that when we walk together we move further, stronger and with purpose
Our successes have been driven not only by talent and hard work, but by wairua, whanaungatanga and the collective belief that our tamariki deserve the very best pathways Supported by dedicated kaiako proud whānau and a community that stands behind our kura, our students continue to grow into confident, grounded and culturally connected leaders of tomorrow
This has been a year of strengthening identity celebrating achievement and honouring who we are and where we come from And as we look to the new year, we do so with gratitude hope and excitement for the journey ahead
Mauri tū Mauri ora Pukemiro kaha tonu
One of our proudest moments this year was our participation in Tokihi ki Tua, the prestigious Kapa Haka competition for Years 8–13 Our rangatahi stood with strength, pride and unity, showcasing our kura values and talent on the regional stage Their performance reflected months of dedication, whakapono, and collective
wairua with whānau support echoing every step of the way
Our senior tauira also travelled to Invercargill to compete at the New Zealand Area Schools Association Sports competition Representing Te Tai Tokerau they demonstrated skill, discipline and mana both on and off the field This was a special moment for our kura highlighting our growing presence and talent in national sporting arenas
In July we proudly hosted a Hautapu ceremony to celebrate Matariki This kaupapa brought together tamariki whānau, kaimahi and the wider community to honour our tupuna, acknowledge the year passed and welcome the new one with aroha and intention It was a meaningful expression of our commitment to cultural grounding and collective wellbeing
Our Maara Kai continues to flourish as a space where our tamariki learn the importance of kai sovereignty kaitiakitanga and working with the whenua From planting and nurturing to harvesting and preparing our hands-on approach reflects traditional knowledge, science learning and whānau engagement working hand-inhand
Our Wharekura ākonga led a successful fundraising event in partnership with the Māori Women’s Welfare League / Ngā Pu Korero. The kaupapa supported
local whanau initiatives and allowed our students to gain valuable leadership, service and event-planning skills all while strengthening intergenerational connections in our community
Throughout the year, our kura engaged in authentic learning experiences grounded in our local stories and landscapes Highlights included:
• Climbing Whangatauatia
• Haerenga to Te Aurere and celebrating the legacy of Papa Hekenukumai Busby
These journeys deepened our understanding of our whakapapa, navigation traditions, and tūpuna who paved the way for future generations
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our kaimahi Our staff have worked tirelessly throughout the year, giving their time, energy and hearts to ensure our tamariki thrive From supporting learning in the akomanga to leading kaupapa in the community to planning preparing and showing up every day with aroha and high expectations their commitment has been unwavering Their mahi often happens behind the scenes, but the impact is seen in every confident step our tamariki take We acknowledge and thank each member of our team for the passion and māna they bring to our kura every day
Tokihi ki Tua Kapa Haka
Our rangatahi stand with pride and mana at Tokihi ki Tua, representing Pukemiro Kura with strength, aroha and unity
Maara Kai Tamariki planting peruperu, learning mātauranga Māori and kaitiakitanga through hands-on experience
Haerenga to Whangatauatia Students reaching the summit of Whangatauatia, learning local history and strengthening their connection to whenua and whakapapa
Te Aurere & Ta Hekenukumai Ngaiwi Puhipi Busby Waka Legacy Tauira visiting Te Aurere, learning about celestial navigation and honouring the legacy of Papa Hek Busby
Wharekura Fundraising Event Wharekura ākonga supporting the Māori Women’s Welfare League / Ngā Pu Korero at their annual community event, serving with aroha and mana
NZ Area Schools Sports Competition – Invercargill Senior tauira proudly representing Te Tai Tokerau at the NZASA tournament in Invercargill, showcasing athleticism, teamwork and resilience
Matariki Hautapu Ceremony Whānau, kaimahi and tamariki gather for our kura Hautapu, honouring our tūpuna and celebrating the rising of Matariki together
THE YEAR THAT WAS
Kaitaia Primary School: A Legacy of Learning, A Future of Opportunity
Celebrating 150 Years of Nurturing Bright Futures
This year, Kaitaia Primary School (KPS) marked a truly momentous occasion: our 150th anniversary This incredible milestone has been a time of joyful celebration, reflecting on a rich history that has shaped our community and looking forward with excitement to the future we are building for our students 2025 has been a year dedicated to celebrating our past and present, and embracing the bright journey ahead A Tapestry of History and Community
Our sesquicentennial celebration was a testament to the deep connections that bind our school We were honoured to have our wider whānau and community share treasured photographs and stories from generations past, weaving a vibrant
tapestry of our shared heritage
These precious memories have been transformed into new digital archives and history panels that now adorn our school, serving as a constant reminder of the foundations upon which we stand The school grounds themselves have been enriched with beautiful new murals and a serene Kauri grove, complete with a commemorativ chair creating an environment that is not only beautiful but also deeply rooted in our history and culture
Learning Without Limits: Adventures in Education
At Kaitaia Primary School we believe that learning extends far beyond the four walls of a classroom s year has been filled with an abundance of outdoor education experiences that have ignited the curiosity and imaginations of our students These adventures have
provided a powerful catalyst for learning, sparking countless classroom discussions and inspiring incredible stories written by our tamariki The final term in particular was a period of unforgettable experiences made possible by the dedication of our incredible staff and the unwavering support of the families oined us These ments are where ue growth happens ostering resilience, teamwork, and a lifelong love for discovery
A Community of Care: Our Commitment to Your Child
Our school is more than just a place of learning; it a community built awhi (support) manaakitanga (care) We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of our learning journey this year The partnership between our staff and our whānau is the cornerstone of our success It is
this collective spirit of encouragement and care that inspires our tamariki to pursue knowledge, to persevere through challenges and to always strive for their best We are immensely proud of our students who are moving on to their next chapter, and we wish them every success for the future Join Our Journey
As we close this chapter of celebration and reflection we extend a warm invitation to you and your family We encourage you to explore the vibrant life of our school through our website and Facebook page, where you will find more stories and images of the significant events that have defined our year
•www.kaitaiaprimary.school.nz
•www facebook com/kaitaiaprimary
We wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou!
Mr Brendon Morrissey
Principal, Kaitaia Primary School
THE YEAR THAT WAS
TE KURA TAKIWĀ O OPONONI
For Te Kura Takiwā o Opononi, 2025 was a rare and remarkable year
one defined by celebration renewal and the strengthening of longheld traditions It was a year in which past and future met as the kura honoured five decades of education in Te Wahapū o Hokianga while opening its first purpose-built building since 1975
Alongside these milestones, the school proudly hosted the 50th Te Tai Tokerau Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Festival welcoming thousands for a two-day celebration of culture heritage and whanaungatanga
In April, Te Kura Takiwā o Opononi marked its 50th Jubilee half a century of serving the ākonga and whānau of Te Tai Tokerau The celebrations opened with a pōwhiri on Friday 11 April, drawing generations of former students staff and community members home to reflect on the school’s legacy Old friends reunited, stories were shared, and a deep sense of belonging filled the school grounds The kura also acknowledges The Sands for their ongoing support and commitment to the community during the school events
The Jubilee coincided with another major milestone On 9–10 April
Opononi hosted the 50th Te Tai Tokerau Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Festival a non-competitive celebration of Māori performing arts that rotates annually among Te Tai Tokerau schools and returns to Opononi every decade
Twenty-eight secondary schools arrived to celebrate haka waiata and mātauranga Māori, creating a vibrant showcase of pride and cultural identity
Since its beginnings in 1976, the festival has connected thousands across the region
If April was a celebration of heritage, August marked a celebration of growth
After eight years of planning and delays caused by Covid, Te Kura Takiwā o Opononi officially opened its new purpose-built teaching block the first new building on the school site since 1975
The redevelopment responded to long-standing issues created by marine exposure, roof decay, and dampness within ageing structures With support from the Ministry of Education the project aimed to ensure all students and staff could learn and teach in warm, safe, and modern environments
Acting Principal Milton Ross said the atmosphere has been overwhelmingly positive “There has been a huge amount of excitement around the school and the community, with the completion of the new build,” he said Our rangatahi are very excited they are engaged in their new space, and seeing the teachers working alongside them is gratifying
A symbolic moment highlighted the opening ceremony: Matua Hone Klaricich one of the original committee members from 1975 joined the school’s youngest student to cut the ribbon It was a lovely full circle moment ” Mr Ross said
Construction began in January
2024 with demolition and asbestos removal followed by the main build from June 2024 to August 2025 The completed facility includes four large teaching spaces, a breakout room, a new resource library double glazing heat pumps modern toilets upgraded digital connectivity, and high-quality finishes
Beyond the new teaching block, the redevelopment upgraded the gym and hall important spaces for both school and community use The work included re-roofing, partial re-pitching, new cladding, and refurbishment of changing rooms showers and toilets Ministry of Education Delivery Team Manager Ridwaan Khan highlighted the wide-ranging benefits of the project, including improved comfort accessibility and strong support for positive learning outcomes Executive Officer Stephanie Craike also recognised Bay Builders for their excellent communication and responsiveness and ongoing support
This was truly a landmark year one that uplifted community, celebrated culture, and laid strong foundations for the next 50 years of learning in Te Wahapū o Hokianga
THE YEAR THAT WAS A YEAR OF TRIUMPH AND TEAMWORK AT AHIPARA SCHOOL
What an unforgettable year 2025 has been for the tamariki and staff of Ahipara School!
Reflecting on the past twelve months our school community has truly lived up to our values, embracing every opportunity for growth, learning, and fun It has been a year packed with sporting achievements, cultural enrichment, academic excellence, and exciting community initiatives
Our students displayed incredible commitment and sportsmanship across a vast array of sporting events From the splash of swimming to the intensity of basketball and netball, and the speed of touch and ripper rugby, our athletes gave their all The calendar was further highlighted by the endurance tests of cross country and our exhilarating fun run The spirit of competition and collaboration truly shone through during our wholeschool tryathlon, where students competed fiercely and fairly in their house groups
Beyond the sporting fields, Ahipara School was a hub of activity and learning We celebrated the bounty of the season with a vibrant pumpkin festival and literally jumped for joy during our high-energy Jumping June event Academically, our students proudly represented the school at the Lit Quiz and the Science Fair in Kerikeri, demonstrating impressive knowledge and curiosity The WeetBix Tryathlon saw many of our students achieve personal bests, and we honoured Māori culture through our special Matariki Games We were also captivated by the fantastic Strike Percussion Show a real treat for the senses that our Te Hiku Community Board funded for all our schools to attend in Kaitaia Community and well-being remained central to our focus A marae hui on vape use brought students staff and whānau together for important
discussions We celebrated our connection to the land and animals at our much-loved Pet and Ag Day Our involvement in the Te Hiku Film Festival and our vibrant Book Week showcased our students’ creativity and literacy skills Our talented kapa haka group shared the beauty of Māori performance at both Switzer Home and the Matariki Festival in Ahipara Infrastructure and new programmes have also marked this year The community welcomed the opening of our beautiful new library, a true sanctuary for reading, and we have made great strides in preparing to open our wonderful nature walk We initiated the impactful Shine for
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Y8 girls program and launched our fantastic new PB4L Surf Academy, teaching valuable life skills alongside wave riding Finally the school showcased its collective talent with a diverse Food Festival and the spectacular Ahipara’s Got Talent show The year is set to culminate with the return of our annual school production on 9 December a perfect finale to celebrate this truly extraordinary year
Well done, Ahipara School!
Ngā mihi nui,
Andrea Panther
Principal Ahipara School
KAITAIA
THE YEAR THAT WAS
BROADWOOD AREA SCHOOL
Te
Tau Kua Pahure Ake Nei
E kore e mimiti te puna aroha ki a rātou kua whetūrangitia; nā rātou i whakarewa mai ngā kaupapa e tū tōtika ai te kura nei Moe mai, moe mai rā
E huri te kanohi ki a mātou, ngā mahuetanga iho kia ū pai ki ā rātou i wawata ai mō te iwi; kia whai i te ara tika i runga i te aroha me te pono, hei painga mō te katoa
Ko Raetea te maunga
Ko Manganuiowae te awa
Ko Te Whiringa o te Muka Tangata te wharenui
Ko Maria te wharekai
Ko Te Kura Takiwā o Manganuiowae te kura
Tiheiwā mauri ora
And what a year it was! We started with our annual whole-school Whakawhanaungatanga camp this year in Mangamuka, where we learned more about each other, our rohe, our maunga Raetea and even a little bit of teatoweltanga!
This year also marked the beginnings of our new kapa haka kākahu with our kōtiro looking stunning in their new bodices, and the whole rōpū doing us proud at the 50th anniversary of the Te Tai Tokerau Festival at Te Kura Takiwā o Opononi
Our school motto is “Whakaara i te kākano – to challenge ourselves to reach our full potential,” and our ākonga were fortunate to have many opportunities to rise to that challenge To mention just a few: many students took part in waka ama, with some even travelling to Secondary School Nationals; Circability worked with our students throughout the year, developing performance skills; we competed successfully in Mathex and the Young Enterprise Scheme; we introduced a Senior Trades Academy (Primary Industries, Hospitality, and Construction); and we launched Microcourses for our middle school, including resin art, coding, mechanics, horse riding, and a specialist science class
Our senior ākonga were also invited to Auckland The Year 9 and 10s attended The Brain Trust at the University of Auckland, and our Year 11–13s visited a number of tertiary institutions and businesses, thanks to the amazing Moko Foundation
Local businesses, including The Boatshed Northscape Map Projects Manaaki Café MJs Te Hiku Sports Hub
Donna Doolittle’s, and Sandhoppers, were also incredibly generous in providing valuable work experience opportunities A group of keen athletes even travelled from Te Hiku, the tail of Māui s fish to the taurapa of his waka representing Northland in Invercargill at the National Area Schools Sports competition
One of the highlights of our year was welcoming three exchange students Rakuto Kotaro and Niko from Japan who came to learn and share with us
Another was the fabulous performance by the entire Kura Teina in their show Te Taniwhā o Manganuiowae
We are so proud of all our students: their academic success, much of which goes unsaid here but is the foundation of our daily mahi; their enthusiasm for new opportunities; and their determination not only to thrive themselves but to lift their mates up as well
Ngā manaakitanga o te wā, me ngā mihi maioha ki a koutou katoa
THE YEAR THAT WAS HUANUI COLLEGE
Huanui College maintained strong academic, cultural, and sporting performance throughout 2025
While IGCSE results were slightly lower than 2023 due to grade standardisation 91% of students achieved a grade D or higher with 30% earning A or A* At AS Level results improved with 81% achieving A–D grades and A2 results strengthened including a return of A* grades (7%) Overall 89% of Year 13 and 72% of Year 12 students gained University Entrance placing the school above national averages Individual academic highlights included Cambridge International “Top in New Zealand awards for Aston Plunkett and Indigo Tomlinson and Crimson Education global scholarships for Aston Plunkett and Olivia Tremain - an incredible double honour highlighting the dedication of both students
Students and staff demonstrated strong community spirit, raising nearly $10,000 for cancer charities through events like Relay for Life and Shave for a Cure, supporting Daffodil Day, ANZAC commemorations, and Rotary Interact initiatives The cultural year included participation in the Te Tai Tokerau Kapa Haka Festival, Pink Shirt Day, and the launch of Huanui Hine, empowering female students Choir performances at The Big Sing and local venues, along with preparations for the 2026 production School of Rock, enriched the arts programme
In literature, students achieved national writing awards, and The Huanuian magazine continued to thrive Sport participation exceeded 90%, with successes across athletics, badminton, basketball, equestrian, rowing, hockey, swimming, tennis, netball, and more Highlights included rowing gold medals at the Maadi Cup, national representation in hockey, football, and basketball, and a Premier Netball title
The year reflected the College’s balance of academic excellence, community engagement, cultural pride, and sporting achievement, underpinned by dedicated staff, committed families, and students who continue to perform with integrity, enthusiasm, and resilience on both national and international stages
Philip Coombe, Principal
THE YEAR THAT WAS ONERAHI SCHOOL
Much like jazz has been described as being about the notes you don’t play, writing a Year That Was summary requires missing a few items to fit into the word count
If you see an adult or student from our school community I encourage you to chat with them to get the full story of what life is like at Onerahi School In short, things are healthy
One sign of a healthy kura is having a diverse range of learning opportunities for tamariki to take part in Our Garden to Table programme has gone from strength to strength this year seeing tamariki out in our school gardens learning to care for the whenua as well as in our school kitchen preparing delicious dishes Our kapa haka groups continue to evolve and find ways to contribute to our community Their performance at a local aged care facility showed how our values of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga guide us both in and out of the school grounds
Another sign of a healthy school is its ability to connect with the world outside its boundaries This year has seen an absolute flurry of trips outside the school grounds for our tamariki Imagine being a kid at school these days one morning you are blasting into town on your school bike surrounded by your classmates another day you are
analysing art at our local art museum, and just when you though it couldn’t get any better, you travel to Russell and Waitangi on camp As always these events can’t occur without the support of our whānau and we want to acknowledge their commitment to our kura
Property, while not the most exciting of topics at times has been a huge area of development in our kura this year We had a range of general upgrades to the school grounds, the removal of two wellworn classrooms and the building of a brand-new teaching space The removal
of the classrooms was preceded by a whakawātea led by Matua Fred People who had experiences within these classrooms, both past and present were able to share their memories with others We even had a few teachers who were once students here reminiscing together
When the classrooms were removed in the Term 3 holidays they opened up a view on the beautifully built new home of Reorua (our bilingual class) It contains motifs in its design that help highlight its connection to our local whenua and make it a place of learning that belongs to Onerahi
At the time of writing this building has not found its name yet and we are working with local kaumatua and iwi to support this process Its name will be unveiled at a blessing and opening on November 17th
Thanks again to everyone who has supported and believed in our kura and kaupapa this year We can t wait to see how the plans for 2026 unfold and look forward to having you on our journey Have a great break
Our Reorua class performs for members of the Whāngarei Park Village
Student chefs preparing kai
Art enables students to find themselves and lose themselves at the same time
THE YEAR THAT WAS
TIKIPUNGA HIGH SCHOOL – A Year of Achievement, Growth and Celebration
2025 has been an exceptional year of progress, pride, and student achievement at Tikipunga High School Across academics, trades, culture, leadership, service, and future pathways, our ākonga have shown what is possible when talent, hard work, and community support come together This year truly embodied our school values: Connect, Achieve, Celebrate
Our kura has enjoyed success on local, national, and international stages In the arts, our whakairo and visual arts students contributed to a national exhibition at Te Papa, with one of our young carvers earning the top recognition in Toi Whakairo across Aotearoa Their work brought a prestigious taonga back to our kura for the year reflecting the strength of Māori arts and cultural identity at Tikipunga High School
Kapa Haka continues to be a powerhouse of excellence, with our performers leading with pride at both festival and competition level Students also played key taumata roles represented their whānau at tangihanga and hui across Te Tai Tokerau, and maintained strong connections through Hātea Kapa Haka Waiata Joy and marae involvement This year also saw international cultural success with our rangatahi performing overseas and contributing to a historic win for Aotearoa
In the vocational space, students in the Tai Tokerau Trades Academy excelled across Automotive Pre-Trades and Mana Marae programmes and work experience, demonstrating readiness for handson pathways Our Services Academy continued to build resilience and leadership, recognising students for exceptional progress and commitment
This year also highlighted the power of character and service Awards celebrating racial harmony community leadership positive attitude commitment and personal growth recognised students who consistently uphold the values of ako, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, tikanga, pono and ako, and pride in our kura and wider community Pathways into tertiary study and careers were strengthened through competitive scholarships First Foundation and The McDonalds scholarship, including accommodation awards for university study, engineering immersion programmes, industry partnerships such as the Fulton Hogan Cadetship Pilot, and international STEMM opportunities through Pūhoro Nooku Te Ao These initiatives ensure our students are well-prepared for futures in trades, sciences, engineering, arts, health, and beyond
Tikipunga High School ends 2025 with immense pride in the achievements of our rangatahi Their success is a testament to the hard work of students staff whānau and community partners who collectively support excellence and opportunity
He toa taumata rau – success has many peaks, and our students continue to climb them
THE YEAR THAT WAS MAUNU SCHOOL
As 2025 draws to a close, it is a pleasure to reflect on the opportunities, achievements, and shared moments that have shaped another special year at Maunu School.
Our kura continues to be a place where every child is valued every whānau is welcomed, and every learning journey is celebrated Creating a deep sense of belonging remains central to who we are With a beautifully diverse community we take great care to ensure that every tamaiti and their whānau feel embraced supported and connected
Each term begins with a warm welcome from our pōwhiri rōpū led with pride by our own students Their confidence respect and leadership set the tone for new learners and families as they join our school whānau One of the most cherished moments this year was welcoming our Greats Grands and wider whānau into school to acknowledge the significance of ANZAC Day This intergenerational gathering is always powerful offering tamariki the chance to learn from the stories memories and reflections of those who have lived through many changes in Aotearoa It is a reminder of how important it is to honour the past while preparing our young people for the future
Our overarching learning focus this year was Celebrating Northland Across the school, each class explored an aspect of
our region s unique identity its history, geography, people, and treasures Our teachers skilfully wove this theme into rich learning experiences culminating in a Term 3 exhibition shared proudly with our community Through the lens of the arts, tamariki expressed their understanding in creative and meaningful ways The quality and diversity of the artworks were truly remarkable from weaving and paint to digital art and soap making It was wonderful to see how deeply connected our learners feel to Te Tai Tokerau and how proud they are to call Northland home
We are equally proud of the academic progress our students have made this year Our results reflect significant growth across the school, and we know this success comes from the strong partnership between teachers support staff whānau and, of course, our hardworking tamariki Learning thrives when we work together, and 2025 has been a clear example of that
Our Kapa Haka rōpū continues to shine, with around one third of our learners performing with pride under the guidance of Lee Morunga and Reo Dunn Their commitment, discipline, and passion have enriched school events and seen them represent Maunu School beautifully across festivals and community occasions
We are incredibly proud of our kura its people its spirit and its achievements It is a privilege to share these successes with our community and to celebrate the vibrant learning culture that makes Maunu School such a special place to belong
Ngā mihi nui
Claire Turton Principal Maunu School 09 4388060 www.maunu.school.nz
THE YEAR THAT WAS TAURAROA AREA SCHOOL
2025 at Tauraroa Area School has seen exciting growth, achievement, and connection across our 13 year levels
From the completion of new facilities to success in the arts, academics, and sport, this year has been a celebration of progress and pride for our kura
Amajor milestone was the completion of our new whare a welcoming cultural space for gathering, learning, and celebrating A block of six high quality modern classrooms and a new artificial turf are soon to be completed
The arts have continued to flourish, with students enjoying our newly refurbished art facilities The standard of work continues to grow as seen in public exhibitions, competitions and assessments
Our Matariki Concert and Showquest performances were also standout highlights of the year
The junior and senior kapa haka roopu supported by our talented Matua Hohiri, have continued to grow in number and confidence playing an important role in festivals and school events
Sport at Tauraroa Area School continues to thrive, with students achieving success across a wide range of codes Our hockey, basketball, and shooting teams all performed strongly throughout the year, achieving excellent results in regional and national competitions
Students representing TAS at the AIMS Games, secondary school tournaments and the NZ Area school’s tournament returned with great results, rewarding the hard work by coaches and players Community, Mentorship, and Connection
One of the greatest strengths of being an area school is the connection between students across all age groups Our older students act as role models and leaders for our younger learners helping to create a supportive and inclusive school
culture
This year our Peer Mentorship Programme saw Year 12 students working alongside our intermediate students, supporting learning, building relationships, and developing leadership These connections reflect our values of Manaakitanga and Poutamatanga as students learn not only from their teachers, but from each other
Country Day was another recent highlight on the school calendar
Students proudly presented their lambs calves and kids and took part in flower day crafts and competitions
Learning beyond the classroom remained a key part of life at TAS
Camps and outdoor experiences took place across all levels of the school through experiences in mountain biking Duke of Edinburgh tourism
studies, art, and social sciences
Academic Achievement
Academic excellence continued to be a strong focus at TAS in 2025
Our senior students benefitted from a broad and flexible range of NCEA and trades-related subjects, our Gateway Programme continues to provide valuable hands-on learning experiences, with many student placements leading directly to apprenticeships and future employment opportunities Students also took advantage of Koutui Ako (online learning) achieving success and gaining top results at a national level across a range of subjects We remain committed to ensuring that every student is challenged and supported to achieve their best Music and Performance
Music once again played a key role in
school life this year Our bands and vocalists performed at school events and festivals across Northland and beyond impressing audiences with their talent and energy Looking Ahead
As Tauraroa Area School looks toward the future, 2025 will be remembered as a year of creativity achievement and unity With new facilities, a thriving arts and sports culture strong academic outcomes, and a deep sense of community our kura continues to grow from strength to strength
We are proud of what our students and staff have accomplished this year and look forward to building on that success in 2026- continuing to nurture confident capable and connected learners who strive to reach our vision - to be the best they can be
Tauraroa Area School offers a friendly, welcoming environment for Years 1-13. We have small class sizes, great facilities, a wide subject range with top NCEA results
Bus services from across the Whangarei district allow students to access and enjoy the many benefits of this popular school.
THE YEAR THAT WAS
Whau Valley School
It has been another very busy year at Whau Valley School 2025 has seen ongoing changes and improvements particularly in our junior area at school
What was formerly Whau Valley Mokopuna, was refurbished over the 2024 Christmas break and remodelled as our Foundation Room - Te Rito This room is set up to support transitions into school, with a combination of ECE and primary trained teachers working in our space The focus in this area has been the building of relationships settling into routines and structures and being well prepared for a successful time at school We are very lucky to now have a purpose built area that has a large fully enclosed fenced area that provides wonderful opportunities for tamariki to have a positive and successful transition into school
This is also the first full year of running the Learning Support CentreTe Pakau This specialist space was set up to cater to an increasing number of neurodiverse students with additional needs With 15 ORS (Ongoing Resource Scheme) students enrolled at Whau Valley School, a need was identified to support these students better Students are mainstreamed, but also have time in Te Pakau with a specialist teacher and teacher aide
The space includes a large sensory room specifically set up as a quiet space, with many sensory resources available to support individual needs
This space will see two specialist teachers working here in 2026 to meet a growing demand These students are an integral part of our school and our tamariki love supporting and growing with them, while also seeing the unique challenges that others face daily
Upgrades around the school this
year have seen a number of our school classes refurbished with new ceilings, acoustic ceiling panels wall linings carpets and new internal stacker doors This has made classes much quieter warmer and welcoming for our tamariki and staff A beautiful new school mural now wraps around our pool with local artists Josh and Quincy delivering a spectacular mural of our harbour and local sea life
Highlights this year has been seeing up to 100 tamariki at breakfast club each morning our inaugural Matariki Glow in the dark Art Exhibition, Bee Club programme, Trees for Survival and a community planting day School Fun Run, Disco, Sports events, Fire Service Visit, Woodwork Group, Class Trips to Whangarei Museum Cross Country, Duffy Assembly and the Duffy Show, as well as a number of other events Above all it is seeing our tamariki happy at school, engaging in their learning and modelling our
school values daily Our Tuakana/Teina relationships have seen senior students supporting our juniors in all aspects of school life, and buddy classes have been a real opportunity to see these relationships flourish
Having a welcoming, vibrant and well maintained school environment provides a secure place for our tamariki, where they have a true sense of belonging Our staff key focus is on building positive relationships with tamariki and whanau, setting them up for success in their time with us Relationships and a sense of belonging lay the foundations for learning and we are very proud of what we offer here at Whau Valley School Visitors frequently comment on the sense of calm and also openness of tamariki and staff when visiting, so to us, that says it all, aligning with our school vision of Learning as one Growing together as One - Kia ako tahi, Kia tupu tahi
THE YEAR THAT WAS RAURIMU AVENUE SCHOOL
Reflecting on the past year, I have had the opportunity to appreciate the hard work of staff and students while navigating the tides of change
Arefreshed curriculum has meant a renewed mindset about how we educate which in turn has developed a sense of enthusiasm amongst teachers, a sense of achievement for students, and a sense of collective growth as we hoe the waka together
Curriculum changes are not the only change for Raurimu Avenue School This year we established our first bilingual class that will lead the way to transforming our entire school into a reorua / bilingual school for the Onerahirahi community Our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi is unwavering, steadfast and grounded in what our community has asked us to deliver and what we know as educators best works for our students A year into this change, and I can already see, feel and hear
the germination of a seed sown with determination This is absolutely a space worth keeping an eye on as it takes off and grows
We have had a couple of other developments over the year, too We finally have a sports team that is enthusiastic to represent our school and participate in interschool tournaments This has been a long time coming for Raurimu and only possible by the hands and hearts of those who have invested in teaching our tamariki how to be team players be fair sportsmen and to really enjoy competitive sports A big thank you to Tuakana Teina Kaiārahi for setting the sporting foundations for our tamariki and to Mana Ake for taking a lead role in
coaching and supporting our tamariki but mostly to our tamariki for putting in the hard mahi, trusting those who shape their minds and skillsets and staying committed to their team!
We also welcomed Te Kura Rākau ā Tū, ā Rongo who have been teaching our students the sacred fundamentals of mau rākau Through mau rākau, students are taught the physical art form of self-discipline and self-awareness, focusing on strengthening the mind and body as students ground themselves and learn how to safely master their bodies, wield a rākau and tune into their environments and those around them Mau rākau fosters a deep sense of cultural identity, nurturing our tamariki
through kaupapa Māori and provides an understanding of how both Tūmatauenga and Rongomātane can work together for our wellbeing, and how each Atua play a role in our emotions and self-regulation I have watched our seniors thrive under this kaupapa and I am very grateful for the team who have spent years mastering their own skills and knowledge to share with others
To all who have supported our school over the past year, we wholeheartedly thank you for your commitment and dedication to our staff and students Nāku te rourou, Nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi Mauri Ora, Celia Paul Tumuaki / Principal
THE YEAR THAT WAS
MATARAU SCHOOL
Matarau School has enjoyed a very successful year, filled with rich experiences for our tamariki A significant milestone for our kura was the arrival of a new principal in Term 2, Tom Clarkson Tom brings a fresh lens and is proud to guide Matarau School into its next chapter
Matarau School is unique in that we have close to 300 students in a semi-rural setting, only eight minutes from Te Kamo As a full primary offering the Cambridge Curriculum we take great pride in the academic success of our learners, and this remains central to who we are and what we value
Most recently, the school has embarked on several substantial property projects
One of the most exciting developments is the creation of a specialist STEAM Room (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) This dedicated space will enable our students to engage in authentic, hands-on learning that encourages innovation and further ignites their curiosity
Other highlights of the year have included our Talent Show where students confidently showcased their diverse skills and creativity; the addition of our school beehives which are already enriching learning across science, sustainability, and environmental stewardship; and a variety of EOTC experiences such as sailing and visits to Kiwi North Our annual Mathex competition was another standout moment offering lively academic challenges and celebrating mathematical thinking across the school
We are also thrilled to share that two new murals have been added to our school environment Both artworks were codesigned with our students, ensuring their voices, creativity, and ideas are reflected in
spaces they use and value These murals bring colour, identity, and vibrancy to our kura, showcasing the pride our ākonga have in their place and community
Our Kapa Haka rōpū continues to grow in strength and popularity Next year we look forward to elevating this even further with the introduction of a specialist Kapa Haka tutor enriching opportunities for our ākonga to connect with te ao Māori
Ag Day We had an absolutely fantastic Calf Club Day this year Our students truly outdid themselves, proudly showcasing their calves lambs goats and a variety of other beloved pets
A huge thank you to all our whānau who attended and helped make this special day so memorable This year, we were thrilled to extend the festivities with a wonderful array of extra activities for our tamariki
The bustling markets, Book Fair, delicious BBQ and lively cake auction added to the atmosphere and were a tremendous success
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We are incredibly grateful to our supportive community and to everyone who contributed their time and energy It was a day of learning, laughter, teamwork, and many smiling faces
AIMS Games An outstanding effort from our 3-on-3 basketball team, who represented us proudly at the AIMS Games Their conduct, commitment, and work ethic were exceptional The team trained twice a week from 730–8 30am with Mr Clarkson demonstrating true dedication Their growth and development have been remarkable
Our Mixed Hockey Team also represented Matarau School with pride finishing an impressive 13th overall in a highly competitive field A huge thank you to our coaches Mrs Donaldson and Mr P and to our parents for their strong support
A special mention goes to manager Fiona Goodin for her outstanding mahi Both teams will carry this experience with them for life It is worth remembering that over 14,000 students from across Aotearoa take part in the AIMS Games, which is around 4 000more competitors than the Olympic Games
Enviro School We are incredibly proud to announce that Matarau School has been awarded the EcoSolutions Waste Wise Rākau Award for our dedication, leadership, and service in sustainable waste practices This award acknowledges the collective effort of our entire school community in reducing waste promoting responsible habits, and caring for our environment
Even more exciting we are the first school in Whangārei ever to receive this award
Ka mau te wehi, Matarau Let us continue to lead the way as kaitiaki of our environment
