Kristin School and Takapuna Normal Intermediate School are both in Auckland, about 7 km apart. Both schools follow an IB curriculum. Published annual fees are close, at NZ$500 - 29,056 for Kristin School and NZ$15,640 for Takapuna Normal Intermediate School. Kristin School takes pupils from 0 to 18, and Takapuna Normal Intermediate School from 10 to 13.
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Kristin School
Auckland, New Zealand
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Takapuna Normal Intermediate School
Auckland, New Zealand
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year NZ$500 - 29,056 | Fees / year NZ$15,640 |
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Age range
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Age range 0 - 18 years | Age range 10 - 13 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) | Curriculum IB (PYP) |
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Pupils
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Pupils 1,800 | Pupils — |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 15 | Typical class size — |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened 1973 | Opened — |
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Bus service
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Bus service No | Bus service No |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location 360 Albany Highway, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand. Based in Albany on Auckland's North Shore, the campus sits on a purpose-built 50-acre site set among native bush. A fleet of Kristin buses provides transport to multiple routes around Auckland. | Location 26 Northcote Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand. The school is located at 26 Northcote Road in Takapuna. It provides a designated Pick Up/Drop Off Zone to manage student arrivals and departures. Parking is limited at the site with traffic arrangements to reduce congestion around the school. |
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Stages
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Stages Early Learning to Senior School (Early Childhood Education 6 months–5 years; Kindergarten through Year 13) | Stages Year 7–8 |
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School type
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School type Independent, co-educational school | School type Intermediate |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix — |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support — | Additional learning support ESOL support for international students; MLS teacher; Literacy Support programme. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation New Zealand | Country affiliation New Zealand |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation non-denominational | Religious affiliation — |
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School day structure
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School day structure — | School day structure The school day begins at 8:45 a.m. The Pick Up/Drop Off Zone closes at 2:45 p.m. and reopens to cars at 3:20 p.m. The front car park is closed from 2:55 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. daily to enable learner egress. |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details Dedicated Kristin buses operate for Kindergarten through Senior School with routes across Auckland. Drivers know students by name. Route information is available by selecting AM or PM tabs on the bus route page. | Bus service details — |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application and Entrance Fees - Application fee (payable on submission; non-refundable): NZD 300 for Junior/Middle/Senior and International applicants. - Entrance fee (required to confirm acceptance; non-refundable): NZD 900 for Junior/Middle/Senior and International applicants. - Kristin Education Bond (non-interest bearing; payable on acceptance and repaid when the student leaves provided correct notice and accounts are clear): NZD 3,000 for Junior/Middle/Senior and International applicants. - Kindergarten-specific charges: Entrance Fee NZD 200 (non-refundable) and Kristin Education Bond NZD 500. Tuition fees — Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten (consolidated) - With 20 hours ECE funding (Full day 8:00am–4:00pm): Tuition Fee per term NZD 5,518; per month NZD 2,207. Activity fee per term NZD 90 (Total per term NZD 5,608; per month NZD 2,243). - Without 20 hours ECE funding (Full day 8:00am–4:00pm): Tuition Fee per term NZD 7,174; per month NZD 2,870. Activity fee per term NZD 90 (Total per term NZD 7,264; per month NZD 2,906). Tuition fees — Domestic students (2026) — annual and instalments - Junior School (Years 0–6): Annual tuition NZD 24,021. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 6,005.25 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 2,402.10 per month. - Middle School (Years 7–10): Annual tuition NZD 29,669. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 7,417.25 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 2,966.90 per month. - Senior School (Years 11–13): Annual tuition NZD 30,291. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 7,572.75 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 3,029.10 per month. Tuition fees — International students (2026) — annual and instalments - Junior School (Years 0–6): Annual tuition NZD 42,195. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 10,548.75 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 4,219.50 per month. - Middle School (Years 7–10): Annual tuition NZD 52,053. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 13,013.25 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 5,205.30 per month. - Senior School (Years 11–13): Annual tuition NZD 53,135. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 13,283.75 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 5,313.50 per month. Billing schedule and payment terms - Direct Debit over 10 months: due on the 20th of each month from February to November. Monthly amounts equal the annual tuition divided by 10. - Direct Debit termly instalments: four equal instalments due on 20 February, 20 April, 20 July and 20 October (term instalments equal the annual tuition divided by 4). - Single payment discount: a 1% discount on the annual tuition fee when the full year tuition is paid by 15 December of the prior year; to arrange payment via accountsreceivable@kristin.school.nz. - Credit card, Alipay or WeChat payments incur a bank surcharge of 1.4%. - Fees billed for incidental items (co‑curricular activities, camps, IB exam fees, etc.) are charged to the school account as they arise and are communicated to families in advance. Additional recurring and one‑off costs - Development Contribution (annual, per child): NZD 1,150. - Activity Fee (covers field trips and curriculum-related activities): up to NZD 699 (varies by year level). - Kristin Alumni Association Fee (one‑off on entry; lifetime membership; non-refundable): NZD 500. - Uniform (new students can expect approximate initial cost): NZD 1,100 for a full uniform; second‑hand options available through school sales. - Digital learning: Year 4–6 iPad lease (managed and owned by the school until student finishes Junior School, then transferred to family) estimated NZD 1,600. Years 7–13 bring-your-own-laptop. - Bus fares: dependent on route and distance; concession cards available for casual users. - International-specific extras: homestay accommodation NZD 410 per week; English acquisition lessons (if required) NZD 1,850 per term; medical insurance approximately NZD 650 per year. - Other incidental charges: co‑curricular activities, outdoor education (camp) charges and IB Diploma exam fees are billed to the school account when applicable. Sibling discounts - A sibling discount applies to tuition only: 10% off tuition for the third sibling attending Kristin Junior–Senior School (excludes Little Doves ELC and Kindergarten). The discount increases to 15% for the fourth and subsequent siblings. Refunds, transfers and fee protection - Entrance fees and the alumni fee are non‑refundable. Kristin Education Bonds are repaid when the student leaves provided the required notice has been given and all accounts are paid. - International students: prepaid tuition and certain annual fees must be paid in full by set deadlines for visa processing; fees are not refundable within the first 12 months if an international student gains permanent residence or a work permit and seeks to transfer to domestic fees. In later years, a full term's notice and evidence of change of status are required before a fee change will be applied. - Tuition Fee Protection: prepaid tuition fees are held in a reserve; at the beginning of each term a quarter of pre‑paid tuition fees are transferred from the reserve to the school's income account to ensure the pre‑paid portion can be identified at any time. Accepted payment methods and surcharges - Direct debit (termly instalments or over 10 months) and single upfront payments are accepted. Credit card, Alipay and WeChat are accepted but incur a 1.4% bank surcharge. Single upfront payments eligible for a 1% discount if paid by the specified deadline. Bank transfer and direct debit arrangements are used for regular instalments. Notes on incidental timing obligations - Certain categories of fees (for example, full-year tuition, homestay, alumni fee in the entry year, activity and development contribution, and medical insurance) are required to be paid in full by the deadlines set for international enrolment to permit timely visa issuance and renewal. | Fee details Application / Administration fees - Administration (application) fee: NZD 1,000 (non‑refundable) per enrolment. No additional administration fee is charged for a subsequent year or an extension of the enrolment. - Designated caregiver administration fee (when the student stays with an approved designated caregiver): NZD 345 (non‑refundable). Tuition fees (by enrolment period and per term) — International students - Full year (4 terms) tuition: NZD 15,640 (equivalent to NZD 3,910 per term). - Three terms tuition: NZD 11,730 (NZD 3,910 per term based on the school's term tariff). - Two terms tuition: NZD 7,820 (NZD 3,910 per term). - One term tuition: NZD 3,910. Note: The tuition amounts include the school education levy, basic stationery, school event buses, specified online learning programs and the Yearbook where these are listed as included. An offer of place is issued together with an invoice for the applicable tuition. Billing schedule and payment terms - An offer of place is issued and an invoice for tuition fees is raised; fees must be paid by the invoice due date to secure the place. The school issues a receipt when payment is received; that receipt is used together with the Offer of Place for immigration purposes where required. - Re‑enrolment for the following year must be completed by 30 September of the current year for continuing international learners. (Invoice issuance, payment-by-due-date requirement, receipt issuance and re‑enrolment deadline are part of the school's enrolment and invoicing procedures.) Boarding / accommodation fees - The school does not operate a boarding hostel. International students must either live with at least one parent in New Zealand or with an approved Designated Caregiver. The designated caregiver arrangement carries the non‑refundable administration/supervision fee of NZD 345. Other costs and typical additional fees - Designated caregiver administration/supervision fee: NZD 345 (non‑refundable). - Education outside the classroom (EOTC) / camp: approximately NZD 200 (payable in NZD; actual cost may vary by activity). - Uniform (approximate cost): NZD 330 (dependent on number and choice of items purchased). - Extra‑curricular activity fees (estimate): NZD 200 (varies by activity — sports, music tuition, dance, etc.). - Additional costs that may arise for particular students include specialist music tuition, some after‑school sports programme fees, specific trip or overnight camp charges, and any insurance purchased through the school if required. Refund information (summary of key points) - Refunds of international student fees are considered only on written request to the school and are processed under the school's refund policy. Requests must include student details, the circumstances, the amount requested and nominated bank account details for any eligible refund. - The following fees are non‑refundable: the Administration (application) fee, the Designated Caregiver admin fee, and a specified withdrawal administration fee (NZD 1,000) where applicable. The school may retain a portion of unused tuition fees to cover costs already incurred or committed. - If a student's visa application is declined, a refund of tuition fees is available less any non‑refundable administration fee, provided the school receives evidence of Immigration NZ's visa refusal. (Refund requests must follow the formal refund policy and supply the bank account details for the recipient account.) Fee payment options and how to pay school charges - The school uses a parent payment system (myKindo) for many day‑to‑day payments such as lunches, sports, trips, fundraising and other school activity charges. myKindo supports multiple payment methods including credit/debit card (processed via Stripe), POLi, Online EFTPOS and bank transfer top‑ups/withdrawals, depending on the myKindo configuration the family uses. - Tuition and international enrolment invoices are issued with payment instructions. Parents are required to pay tuition by the invoiced due date; the school issues official receipts when payment is received. For activity and school shop payments, use of myKindo is standard practice for families. Brief practical notes for parents (fees only) - All international fees and listed additional costs are charged in New Zealand dollars (NZD) and are GST‑inclusive where indicated. - Where a student will not be living with a parent, the Designated Caregiver fee applies and school‑approved arrangements are required. Important amounts (at a glance, NZD) - Tuition (4 terms / full year): NZD 15,640 (NZD 3,910 per term). - Tuition (1 term): NZD 3,910. - Administration (application) fee: NZD 1,000 (non‑refundable). - Withdrawal administration fee (where applied): NZD 1,000 (non‑refundable). - Designated caregiver admin fee: NZD 345 (non‑refundable). - Typical EOTC / camp: ~NZD 200. - Typical uniform purchase: ~NZD 330. - Typical extra‑curricular estimate: ~NZD 200. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements Homestay accommodation: Kiwi host families; international students usually live with a host family arranged by Kristin's International Services. Host families are carefully selected and police checked to ensure safety and welfare. The homestay provides a fully furnished bedroom with study facilities, three meals a day plus snacks, and transport to school and activities as needed. | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement Kristin has a formal uniform. An on-site uniform shop sells items with fittings by appointment; some items can be purchased direct from Argyle Online; secondhand uniform sales are held regularly. House colours are used in PE and in house T-shirts as part of the school's house system. | Uniform requirement The school has a uniform that must be worn to and from school each day, including the TNIS jacket. Shoes must be plain black and sit below the ankle, with navy or black socks; no Crocs are allowed, and hair length should be tied up if shoulder-length. Students bring their PE uniform for PE, sandals are allowed (black; backstraps optional) and bucket hats are worn for sun safety in Term 1 and Term 4. |
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Food options
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Food options For international students in homestay, food is provided by the host family: three meals a day plus snacks; breakfast typically includes cereal and toast, lunch is usually a sandwich, and dinner is typically meat with vegetables. | Food options — |
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House system
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House system The school uses a house system; house colours feature on PE shirts and House T-Shirts; House Deans oversee house matters in the Senior School. | House system — |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership Kristin School is owned by a charitable trust and governed by a Board of Governors comprising four Trustees and six Parent Governors. | Governance and ownership The school is governed by a School Board of Trustees; it operates as a public intermediate school within New Zealand's education system. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details The school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum World School with dual curriculums: IB and NCEA; senior students choose between the IB Diploma Programme and NCEA. | Curriculum details TNIS teaches the New Zealand Curriculum, supported by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. It uses an interdisciplinary, integrated approach to learning. The curriculum covers English, Mathematics, Technology, Te Reo Māori, Languages, Social Sciences, Health and Physical Education, Science, Visual Art, Food Technology, Performance Art, STEAM, and Material Technology. English literacy is defined as the study, use, and enjoyment of the English language and its literature, with learning across oral, visual, and written forms. Te Reo Māori is taught in all classes with three instructional lessons per week in Term 1, focusing on korero, and Te Reo is used in classes throughout the school year. Languages are integrated into everyday life to celebrate diversity and promote intercultural understanding; Social Sciences use six Transdisciplinary Themes; Health and Physical Education emphasizes Hauora, well-being, attitudes and values, and social action. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio Small class sizes; senior school classes have an average of 15 students. | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results The school has a 100% pass rate in the IB Diploma and 97% of students achieving University Entrance (UE) in 2024. | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression 97% of students achieved University Entrance (UE) in 2024. | Higher education progression — |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning The school emphasises intellectual and personal development through academics, experiential learning, service and leadership. It aims to develop students who are curious, caring and responsible global citizens within an environment that supports wellbeing. | Social & emotional learning The school places wellbeing at the center of learning. The Hauora Initiative provides a structured wellbeing program for staff and learners, addressing mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellness. The Wellbeing Model underpins the approach, based on the five ways to wellbeing and Te Whare Whā Wha. Learners keep a wellbeing journal to record tools, strategies, and goals as they progress. Wellbeing is integrated into units of inquiry and is complemented by explicit wellbeing lessons throughout the year. The school aims to foster resilient, connected learners and a positive school climate. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) — | Special educational needs (SEN) Literacy Support is offered through a specialised withdrawal programme with Teaching Assistants working one-on-one with ESOL learners. A team of Teacher Assistants supports learners with learning and behavioural differences so they can participate in classroom and specialist subject learning. The WordChain programme supports phonological awareness and language skills. Multilingual Support (MLS/ESOL Withdrawal Programme) provides in-class support, MLS classes and targeted Literacy Support for multilingual learners. The school integrates these supports with classroom teaching to enable participation and access to the full curriculum. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language — | English as an additional language English Language Learner support is provided through Multilingual Withdraw Programme (MWP) and MLS/ESOL Withdrawal Programme, with in-class support and targeted literacy work. All staff are English language instructors and play a role in language development for students. Literacy Support, International Literacy Support and in-class MLS support are available for multilingual learners. The programs are designed to help multilingual learners access the full curriculum in English. The school emphasises multilingualism and translanguaging within a supportive learning environment. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing — | Mental wellbeing The Hauora Initiative underpins TNIS's approach to wellbeing, guiding mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellness for staff and learners. The school uses a Wellbeing Model and resources based on the five ways to wellbeing and Te Whare Whā Wha. Learners maintain a wellbeing journal to track tools, strategies and progress. Wellbeing is embedded in learning through both inquiry units and stand-alone lessons, with explicit teaching of wellbeing concepts. The program aims to cultivate resilient, connected learners and a positive school climate. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding — | Safeguarding Policies are administered via School Docs, the central policy portal used by the school. The site provides a Concerns and Complaints Process for addressing safeguarding and child-protection matters. Access to the full set of policies requires login to School Docs. The school uses formal safeguarding procedures to protect learners and respond to concerns. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview The Kristin campus spans 50 acres of park-like grounds with modern facilities. It provides well-resourced classrooms and laboratories, complemented by an extensive library, auditoriums, a media studio, and sports facilities. The grounds include gardens, age-specific playgrounds and expansive natural spaces for exploration. The campus supports intellectual, physical and emotional development. It enables a wide range of learning experiences across the sciences, technology, arts and physical education. | Facilities overview Takapuna Normal Intermediate has extensive outdoor areas for sport and an adventure playground. The campus includes a renovated hall, a music practice room, a library, and a cafe serving hot and cold nutritious food. There are 24 classrooms and six specialist classrooms, including spaces for Science; Music, Dance and Drama; Food Technology; and Visual Art. All classrooms have high-speed internet and computers for learning. The Desmond Withell Auditorium was renovated in early 2023 and features retractable bleacher seating, heating, audio-visual equipment, a full kitchen, eight bathrooms (one accessible), and parking for about 25 vehicles; access is via the Taharoto Road entrance. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities Kristin offers a wide range of sporting facilities. The campus includes a competition-sized hockey turf with stadium lighting, rugby and football pitches, and multiple cricket pitches and football fields. There is a multi-purpose indoor facility named Tūrama for netball, basketball or tennis. The hockey turf is located at the rear of the Junior School and is equipped with stadium lighting. Kristin has two gymnasiums—the Roy Munn Gym in the Junior School and the Old Gym near Gate 1—and a rock climbing wall used in Outdoor Education. The Institute of Golf is nearby and provides a driving range with 10 undercover bays. | Sports facilities Takapuna Normal Intermediate has extensive outdoor areas for sport, including basketball courts and an adventure playground. The school offers a wide range of sporting codes across multiple levels for both boys and girls. Sports programs are supported by staff and volunteers with North Harbour partnerships. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities The Science and Technology Centre provides 16 teaching spaces and laboratories, arranged around a central atrium with social spaces, ample natural lighting, and energy-efficient heating and cooling. The Library and Information Centre (LIC) houses the library, Information Services, a Senior Study Centre, Senior School Administration, a public gallery and conference facilities. The Senior Study Centre includes a study room and a senior common room with an external courtyard. The Canon Creative Studio is the hub of media production, featuring a blackout studio, a nine-metre-wide green screen with ARRI lighting, Apple M2 Macbooks for editing and Canon cameras and lenses. | Academic facilities Six specialist classrooms are dedicated to Science; Music, Dance and Drama; Food Technology; and Visual Art. High-speed internet is available in all classrooms and students use computers for learning. BYOD is supported. The school provides a variety of technology to aid teaching. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities Arts and performing arts facilities include the Dove Theatre (approximately 200 seats) and the Auditorium (over 1,000 seats), with the Arts Centre connecting to music suites, drama and dance studios. The Canon Creative Studio supports media production for student projects. The LIC provides a public gallery and conference facilities for exhibitions and events. Kristin offers co-curricular opportunities in Performing Arts, Sports, Volunteer and Leadership, and Experiential Learning. | Extra curricular facilities The school offers a wide range of extra-curricular learning opportunities. A broad sports program covers many codes for both boys and girls. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History The school was founded in 1973 by a group of parents seeking quality, holistic education. It began with 42 students. The school is owned by a charitable trust and governed by a Board of Governors with four Trustees and six Parent Governors. Founding patrons remain active and valued members of the Kristin community, providing a direct connection to the school's origins. | History TNIS is a Normal School. Historically, Normal Schools were centres of excellence in teacher education and partnered with universities to provide practical teaching placements. TNIS continues this tradition by maintaining strong partnerships with Initial Teacher Education providers. Trainee teachers complete their practical placements in TNIS classrooms every year, observing experienced teachers and learning in a real world setting. |
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Community
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Community Service and the community have always been a vital part of Kristin. Getting involved with the school community connects families with daily life at Kristin. The Kristin Family and Friends (KFF) facilitates activities and events and serves as the parent body. Founding patrons remain active and valued members of the community, and former students frequently return to Kristin with their own children. The community includes international and cultural groups, with ethnic parent committees for Chinese, Korean, German, Russian, Japanese, Salaam and Hispanic communities. | Community TNIS is a learner-centred environment, with a safe, collaborative and supportive community. The ACE vision stands for Action, Connection and Excellence and guides learners' personal growth. The TNIS Way emphasises Ako, Wānanga, Kotahitanga, Manaakitanga, Mahi Tahi, Mana Motuhake, Ngā Whakapiringitanga, Whanaungatanga and Tangata Whenuatanga to build relationships and inclusive learning. Cultural responsiveness and strong relationships are central to school life with events such as PYP Exhibition, Performing Arts Showcases, Cultural Fortnight Food Truck Tuesday and interschool sports that involve families and the wider community. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association Kristin Family and Friends (KFF) is the parent body and facilitates activities and events on behalf of the school, providing opportunities for families to participate. Examples of events include the Summer Carnival, International Peace Night Concert, Wednesday Walks, and Second-Hand Uniform Sales. | Parent teacher association — |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual The school participates in mathematics competitions, including the European Girls' Maths Olympiad, Inter School Maths Olympiad, Auckland Maths Olympiad, Mathex, Calcex and the New Zealand Maths Olympiad. The co-curricular programme includes enrichment opportunities, workshops, futures evening and futures camp, and university visits to extend learning beyond the classroom. The school is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and offers IB Diploma pathways and international placements in line with its international curriculum. | Academic & intellectual TNIS runs a STEAM program focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math, with technologies and robotics integrated into design thinking to create solutions. The program emphasises collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving. TNIS offers an International Baccalaureate-aligned framework integrated with the New Zealand Curriculum. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative The Performing Arts program encompasses music, art, dance and drama for students in Junior through Senior School. The program includes award-winning productions and practical theatre experiences in a fully functioning theatre environment. Our musical productions include Disney's Lion King KIDS, Frozen JR, the Addams Family and Disney's The Little Mermaid JR, among others. There are choirs, orchestras, chamber music, contemporary ensembles and itinerant music tuition across more than 20 instruments. | Arts & creative TNIS provides cultural and performing arts opportunities through Cultural, Performance, Service, and Leadership groups. Cultural events include a Cultural Fortnight and activities such as Food Truck Tuesday. Photolife captures performances and groups to showcase their work. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Kristin offers long-term placements through its International Programme and short-term placements by arrangement. Language, cultural and service trips enrich language learning and provide immersive experiences, with the Dovetail Exchange Programme enabling Middle and Senior School students to live and study in other cultures. Kristin participates in the Global Alliance for Innovative Learning (GAIL), linking with partner schools and offering annual GAIL conventions. The International brochure is available in English, Korean, Japanese, Spanish and Italian. | Cultural & language TNIS provides international student support with an International Student Director and dedicated staff. The language of instruction is English with additional language acquisition support. TNIS offers resources for international learners through its International Learners Guides and IB alignment. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies Co-curricular opportunities include Performing Arts and Sports, with more than 20 sporting codes and top-quality facilities on-site. Performing Arts spans choir, orchestras, chamber music, jazz and other ensembles, and includes major productions such as Disney's The Lion King KIDS, Frozen JR, The Addams Family and The Little Mermaid JR. Dance programmes, theatre activities and theatre productions provide broad opportunities for creative and collaborative work, including Dance in the Dove and Theatre/Drama activities. Toastmasters and other clubs operate as part of Kristin's co-curricular life. | Social & hobbies TNIS offers after-school sports clubs and opportunities to compete in events such as Regional Zone Days and NZ AIMS. A wide range of sports codes are offered for both boys and girls, including athletics, cricket, hockey, football, netball, basketball, golf, table tennis, touch rugby, water polo and swimming. Cross country is offered with a competitive trial hosted by TNIS for the North Harbour Zone Championships. Team sports and activities are supported by volunteers and staff to enable participation. |
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Community & service
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Community & service Leadership and service go hand in hand at Kristin; as an IB World School, leadership and service are integrated to benefit the school and wider community. Through leadership roles and active community-minded groups, students learn to support peers and engage in service activities; programmes align with the PYP Exhibition, MYP Community Project and IB Diploma CAS. Kristin has ongoing partnerships with community organisations such as Ronald McDonald House, Restoring Rosedale Park and Wairau Special Valley School. Experiential Learning also includes service learning opportunities and overseas experiences. | Community & service Daffodil Day fundraising is conducted by TNIS to support the Cancer Society. HWOO Community Project invites Year 7 learners and families to participate in community advocacy projects. TNIS highlights community involvement through events and the existence of Cultural, Performance, Service, and Leadership groups. Whakatau kaupapa welcomes new learners and families into the TNIS community. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional Leadership and service roles are structured to provide learning and growth that complement the curriculum. Through ongoing partnerships with community organisations, students engage in meaningful service projects. The Senior School offers mentoring, enrichment opportunities, workshops, futures evening, futures camp and university visits to support career development and future planning. | Leadership & professional Cultural, Performance, Service, and Leadership groups operate at TNIS, providing leadership opportunities for students. The TNIS Way emphasises Ako, Wananga, Kotahitanga, Manaakitanga, Mahi Tahi, Mana Motuhake, Nga Whakapiringitanga, Whanaungatanga and Tangata Whenuatanga as values guiding collaboration and leadership. There are leadership and professional development opportunities embedded in groups and student experiences. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports are a core focus, with more than 20 sporting codes and top-quality fields, a high-performance gym, climbing wall, an all-weather hockey turf and covered tennis and netball courts. The school aims to develop lifelong physical activity through quality coaching across codes. Camp Week is a major outdoor learning experience for Years 7–13, designed to build teamwork, independence, resilience and personal development. Physical Education/Health/Learning for Life is a compulsory part of the Senior School, reinforcing wellbeing as part of Kristin's approach. | Lifestyle & wellbeing TNIS offers Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) experiences including kayaking, camping, trekking, cycling, Tree Adventures rope climbing and other activities. The school offers a diverse sports program across many codes to promote physical well-being and active lifestyles. TNIS emphasises healthy competition, fair play and the development of life skills through sport. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision Mandarin Chinese and Maori are taught throughout the Kindergarten and Junior School. Language classes for Middle and Senior School include Chinese, Spanish, French and Japanese. | Language provision The school has a bi-cultural commitment in Aotearoa New Zealand. Tikanga and Te Reo Māori Kaupapa guide daily practice, including a daily karakia to welcome the day and the use of waiata. A Māori Education Plan focuses on Te Aō/Te Reo Māori and cultural identity as a means to success, with aims to create positive learning environments, productive partnerships between students, teachers and home, and valuing people and the environment. All Māori words and phrases are pronounced correctly. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching — |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards — |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations — | Accreditations — |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions 1. Apply online: Applications take about 15 minutes to complete and require documents such as the photo page of the applicant's passport or NZ birth certificate; for non-New Zealand passport holders, a visa copy; a recent head-and-shoulders photo; two most recent school reports; and copies of any educational assessments if applicable. 2. Little Doves ELC and Kristin Kindergarten: Applications are open year-round; after submission, the child is placed in an Applicant Pool and will be contacted for an interview if a place becomes available; tours are invitation-only. 3. Junior School (Year 0 and Year 1): Applications are open year-round; selected candidates are notified for an entrance interview closer to when the child turns five; tours are offered by invitation. 4. Middle School (Years 7 and 9, 2026 entries): Applications for 2026 have closed; 2027 and beyond are open; due to high demand not all applicants will be selected for an entrance interview; those not selected will be placed in the Applicant Pool and may be contacted if opportunities arise. 5. Senior School (Years 11–13, 2026 entries): Applications for 2026 have closed; 2027 and beyond are open; due to high demand and limited places not all applicants will be shortlisted; shortlisted candidates and their parent(s) or guardian(s) must attend an entrance interview with the Senior School Principal or delegate. 6. International students: Kristin generally does not accept international students under 14 unless they live in Auckland with a parent permanently present; a copy of the birth certificate and passport must be provided with the International Student application. 7. What we look for: Kristin seeks students with real potential to be intellectual and independent learners and to contribute across the co-curriculum; selection considers academics, character, interests and personality. 8. Community connections: connections to the Kristin community (such as being siblings of current students or children of alumni) are considered as part of the process, but do not guarantee a place. 9. | Admissions 1. In-zone applications: Families living inside the school zone complete an online enrolment application using the form linked below. Upload two pieces of evidence of home address (e.g. utility bills or tenancy agreement), a student identification document (birth certificate or passport, with visas if applicable), and the latest school report. Complete all caregiver contact details, including an additional emergency contact. If uploading documents is difficult, send them separately to enrolments@tnis.school.nz. Enrolments for 2027 will open on 1 July 2026. 2. Out-of-zone applications: Out-of-zone applications for the 2027 Year 7 learners are now closed. The ballot will be held for any available places on 9 September and the results will be emailed within three school days. Priority will be given to siblings and children of past pupils in line with the Enrolment Scheme and Ministry of Education Guidelines. For queries please email enrolments@tnis.school.nz. 3. International Student Applications: For information on enrolling an International Student, contact our International Director, Sophia Yang, at studynz@tnis.school.nz. 4. Information evenings: Information Evening Slides are available and a Parent Orientation Evening is offered. 5. 2027 Enrolments: Enrolments for 2027 will open on 1 July 2026. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships Dove Scholarships are Kristin's main scholarship program for Years 9–13 and include four categories: Dove Sports Scholarships, Dove Performing Arts Scholarships, Dove Foundation Scholarships (for Alumni/Foundation families), and Dove Emerging Leaders Scholarships. Each category offers up to 50% of tuition fees and is renewed each year if scholarship requirements are met. Dove Scholarships open for 2027 entry; applications close 31 March 2026; applicants complete an online form and are notified by email about shortlisting. Eligibility requires New Zealand Citizenship or Permanent Residency; scholarships are for new students entering Years 9–13. Shortlisted applicants and their parents attend an interview; a financial disclosure may be requested; decisions are final; if no applicants meet criteria, Kristin may not award any scholarships that year. | Scholarships — |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist Applicants not selected for an entrance interview are placed in the Applicant Pool and may be contacted if an opportunity for an entrance interview arises at a later date. | Waitlist Out-of-zone applications are processed via a ballot for any available places. The ballot is held on 9 September for any available places with results emailed within three school days. Priority is given to siblings and children of past pupils in accordance with the Enrolment Scheme and Ministry of Education Guidelines. |
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