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Matarau School

New Zealand, Whangarei

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$12,000
Ages 5 - 13 years
Pupil numbers 300
Type Co-educational
Opened 1877
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary)
Taught languages Tetum
Typical class size 15
Strengths Outdoor Education, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Primary School
Introduction

Matarau School is a rural New Zealand primary welcoming students aged 5 to 13. Located at 124 Matarau Road, Whangārei, the school offers a Bespoke Curriculum with Cambridge for Year 7/8, including the Cambridge Secondary 1 Programme introduced in 2016 to prepare students for secondary education. Personalized learning sits at the heart of the approach: writing development uses Writer's Toolbox and students work in differentiated groups, supported by digital technologies that extend learning flexibly. A focus on Multiple Intelligences and critical thinking helps students identify strengths and think creatively. The Cambridge Pathway provides a clear route into secondary schooling. Facilities include a solar-heated swimming pool used in Terms 1 and 4. The school links learning with community through Education Outside the Classroom, using bush, streams, farms, and cultural trips to Auckland, developing real-world understanding. Te Reo Māori is central, with a specialist Te Reo teacher and regular Kapa Haka participation.

124 Matarau Road, RD1, Kamo, Whangarei 0185, New Zealand

The Essentials

Matarau School has 300 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
124 Matarau Road, RD1, Kamo, Whangarei 0185, New Zealand

Stages
Years 1-8

Country affiliation
New Zealand
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Homestay options apply to foreign fee paying students. Years 1–6 must reside with a parent during enrolment; Years 7–8 may reside with a designated caregiver during their term. In special circumstances, Year 7–8 students may be placed in homestay, with monitoring by the school.

Uniform Requirement
The uniform is optional but encouraged and available from the school office. It must be worn on special trips away from school. All international students are issued with a uniform on enrolment, and the cost of this uniform is covered by the international student fee.

Food Options
Lunch orders are handled via the ezlunch platform (formerly LunchOnline) with orders placed through the ezlunch or Kindo apps, and a 9:00 AM Thursday cutoff; the delivery day remains the same. Food technology is included in the curriculum.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board is responsible for governance of the school and meets twice a term.
Fees

Annual tuition at Matarau School ranges from NZD 12,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- No separate application fee is listed. A deposit equal to the first term's tuition (NZD 3,000) is required to secure a place and functions as the initial payment.

Tuition fees by year group (per term and per year)
- Years 1–8 (all international fee-paying pupils): NZD 3,000 per term. NZD 12,000 per year. All prices quoted in NZD and include GST. The tuition fee is a flat rate and does not vary by year group.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Deposit: First term's tuition (NZD 3,000) must be paid to secure placement. Deadlines specified include payment prior to 15 December of the previous year to secure placement (or by 15 June if enrolling for terms 3 and 4). For other cases the deposit is to be paid within one month of acceptance.
- Ongoing term billing: Term fees (NZD 3,000) are to be paid prior to the commencement of each term or before the end of the preceding term for the term which follows. For periods shorter than a full term full-term fees are required in lieu of a deposit.

Boarding / Homestay fees
- The school does not operate on-site boarding. Students in Years 1–6 are required to reside with a parent or legal guardian while enrolled. Year 7–8 students may, in exceptional circumstances and with approval, be placed in approved homestay accommodation. Homestay fees (where applicable) are charged and administered separately by the homestay provider or agent and must be paid in accordance with that provider's conditions.

Other costs and what tuition covers
- The international tuition fee covers the following at no extra charge: a uniform issue for international students (T-shirt, sweater and track pants), stationery on enrolment, photocopying, transport costs connected with educational excursions, fees for camps and outdoor education experiences, and extra‑curricular activity fees. Any ongoing personal items, optional extra-curricular activities outside the normal programme, and homestay agent fees (if used) are additional and handled separately.

Refund information and fee protection
- Full refund of tuition and homestay fees is made where a student withdraws prior to commencement, less general administrative expenses and any processing costs (commonly an administrative charge of around NZD 500). Where a student withdraws during the first term a refund of that term's fees is unlikely. Withdrawal within 7 days after commencement of a second, third or fourth term may entitle the family to a refund for that term less administrative and tuition costs up to the withdrawal date; withdrawal more than 7 days after term commencement normally does not attract a refund for that term. Applications for refund must be submitted in writing to the Board of Trustees. A fee protection policy operates so fees paid in advance are held and applied only to the term for which they were paid.

Fee payment options
- Fees may be paid by direct bank transfer to the school's account (account details are provided by the school on request). No alternative payment methods (such as credit-card payment portals) are specified in the fee documentation; homestay fees follow the payment methods required by the homestay agent.

Administrative and timing notes relevant to fees
- A deposit (first term's fee) secures placement and is handled as described above. Completed application/enrolment forms must be received by stated cut-off dates (for example: completed international enrolment documentation is required by published application deadlines for term intake). Administrative or processing charges may be applied when refunds are processed.
Academics

Matarau School teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary) for students aged 5 to 13.

Curriculum
Personalized learning is a core focus at Matarau School. The curriculum emphasizes writing development through Writer's Toolbox and opportunities to explore writing in authentic contexts. Differentiated instructional groups meet diverse learning needs, enabling smaller groups for targeted support. Digital technologies are used to add value to learning and help students access learning in flexible ways. A focus on Multiple Intelligences and critical thinking supports students to identify their strengths and think creatively. The Cambridge Pathway provides a Cambridge Curriculum for Year 7/8, including the Cambridge Secondary 1 Programme introduced in 2016 to prepare students for secondary education.

Exam Results
The Cambridge Programme for Year 7/8 focuses on Maths and English and fosters critical thinking. Data shows our students consistently achieve the highest average scores in secondary placement tests and secure outstanding placements in secondary schools, continuing to excel there.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates typically progress to secondary schools, with the Cambridge Curriculum providing preparation for Year 9 and beyond. The data shows our students achieve strong secondary placements and continue to excel in their secondary education.

Gifted and Talented
Gifted and talented development is supported through a focus on Multiple Intelligences and personalized learning, with opportunities for extension in areas of personal ability and interest. The Cambridge Pathway for Year 7/8 also supports advanced thinking and independent learning.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Whanaungatanga (Community) and Manaakitanga (Respect) foster belonging and supportive relationships at Matarau School. Manaakitanga describes care for others, respectful listening, inclusion of everyone, and responsibility for shared spaces. Hiranga (Excellence) supports high expectations, pride in learning, and persistence through challenges. Manawaroa (Resilience) emphasizes perseverance, learning from mistakes, and mutual support during difficulties. Identity, resilience, and growth are core aims, with strong whanaungatanga guiding student voice and personal pathways. The school provides opportunities to develop social and emotional skills through Hillary Outdoors, the Sports Academy, interschool debating, performing arts, and service to others.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school hosts international students and provides English language support. The number of international students is limited to around 5% of the roll to ensure mixing with NZ students and to learn English. Dedicated ESOL staff are employed. An ESOL teacher aide visits international students daily to monitor integration and provide curriculum support. International students participate in cultural experiences and benefit from the rural–urban mix of New Zealand schooling. The school maintains strong links with local secondary schools to support transitions to secondary education.

Mental Wellbeing
Education at Matarau is about identity, resilience, and growth. Strong whanaungatanga and a sense of belonging empower tamariki to know themselves, make informed choices, and contribute to their community. Student voice and personal pathways are central within small, supportive classes. Leadership is fostered through authentic opportunities. Experiences beyond the classroom, including Hillary Outdoors, the Sports Academy, interschool debating, performing arts, and service to others, contribute to students' wellbeing and personal development.

Safeguarding
The school has a Code of Practice For Pastoral Care of International Students and agrees to observe the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education. The International Students Prospectus notes that the school monitors the emotional well-being of international students. A Pastoral Care Co-ordinator (Mrs Pol) oversees wellbeing. An ESOL Teacher Aide visits daily to monitor integration and provide curriculum support. Homestay arrangements are supervised, with parents advised and ongoing monitoring. Any issues of concern are promptly brought to the attention of parents to resolve matters.
Parent Experience

History
Matarau School was founded in 1877, with early lessons held in the Ruatangata Church. The district was later divided into Ruatangata East and West, and the schools became focal points of community life administered by a joint committee. In 1927 the school was renamed Matarau School after a local Māori history of Matarau Pa; the name meaning many spears. To avoid confusion with Matarau near Kaikohe, the district was named Te Matarau and Matarau Road School was used in 1933. In 1952 Otakairangi School pupils were relocated to Matarau; a new block was built in 1955, a teachers' residence in 1957, and a swimming pool was added in 1962. Throughout this period, Matarau School has been a focal point of community life and remains rural with strong community support.

Community
The school fosters a connected community through Tuakana-Teina buddy relationships, where juniors read with and learn from senior students. Senior students take on leadership roles, such as coaches, house captains, or senior buddies to guide younger learners, helping foster a sense of belonging. Whānau involvement is valued; families are encouraged to engage in goal setting and open discussions about their children's learning. Whānau Teams organize students into groups with unique colours for events, promoting belonging and school spirit.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Matarau School Parent Support Group (PSG) – aka the PTA – is a group of whānau who work together to support the school through fundraising, working bees and community activities. Our mission is to support and connect the school community, guided by values of Kids First, Community, Inclusiveness, Collaboration and Sustainability. Regular annual events include the Matarau School Trail Ride in March and Quiz Night in August/September. We are always open to new members and welcome involvement of any amount of time. An active executive committee leads the PSG, with roles including Chairperson Jody Partridge, Secretary Emma Adair, Treasurer Samantha Bennett, Volunteer & Community Co-ordinator Nicola Ringer, and Fundraising Co-ordinator Sarah Frazer.
Facilities

Extra Curricular Facilities
Drama productions for Years 7 and 8, including dress rehearsals and production shows.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Education Outside the Classroom is a vital part of the curriculum, enriching learning through real-world experiences. The program uses the local environment—from native bush and streams to farms and community hubs—to create authentic, hands-on opportunities for our children, deepening understanding across the curriculum and strengthening connections with our whenua and whānau. Regular trips to Auckland provide cultural experiences, museums, science centres, and team-based adventures that broaden horizons and build confidence in unfamiliar settings.

Arts & Creative
Marimba Festival is part of class trips. Cultural experiences during Auckland visits broaden musical and artistic exposure.

Cultural & Language
Regular trips to Auckland provide cultural experiences, including visits to museums and science centres. Te Reo Māori plays a key role in learning, with a specialist Te Reo teacher visiting regularly. The school offers opportunities to participate in Kapa Haka performances at assemblies and with neighbouring schools.

Social & Hobbies
Every week, junior classes embark on nature visits to the ngahere, fostering teamwork and social development. EOTC experiences include team-based adventures and group activities during camps and class trips. Sports are integrated into EOTC, with WPSSA events and interschool competitions.

Community & Service
Class trips connect learning with nature, culture, and community. Some trips include service projects as part of the learning journey. This emphasis strengthens connections with local communities and encourages social responsibility.

Leadership & Professional
Students have opportunities to join the Kapa Haka group, perform at assemblies, lead term pōwhiri, and connect with neighbouring schools. The Virtues Programme teaches leadership-like values such as respect, responsibility, kindness, and honesty. These elements support personal growth and leadership within the school community.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Students participate in a wide variety of sports through EOTC and WPSSA events, with interschool competitions across Northland. The solar-heated school swimming pool supports swimming in Terms 1 and 4, and annual Ruakaka Surf Lifesaving trips teach water safety. Weekly Ngahere visits promote outdoor activity and social development, while Year 3–4 and Year 5–6 camps include kayaking, fishing, surfing, and adventure challenges.
Languages

Language Provision
Te Reo Māori plays a key role in learning and is woven into daily activities. A specialist Te Reo Māori teacher visits regularly to support language learning. All students have opportunities to join the rōpū group, which connects weekly with the kapa haka kaiako. The rōpū group performs at school assemblies, leads termly pōwhiri, and has opportunities to connect with neighbouring schools.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Out-of-zone enrolment places are available at Matarau School each year. For 2027, the closing date is 14 October 2027. An online out-of-zone enrolment form is available via the 'out-of-zone 2027 – closing 14th October' link on the school site. The school is a rural school located seven minutes from Kamo.
2. If the number of applications exceeds the number of places, a ballot is held in mid to late October. Successful applicants are advised within three days of the ballot. Ballot outcomes determine admission when oversubscribed.
3. For international fee paying students, download the Foreign Fee Paying Students Prospectus and the Conditions of Entry & Enrolment Form. The school will meet with parents or agents to discuss how to meet the needs of their students during their stay. Refunds and Cancellations information is also available.
4. International students are hosted in small numbers (around 5% of the roll) to ensure integration with New Zealand students, and ESOL staff provide dedicated support. The program includes cultural experiences and trips to places of cultural, geographical or historical importance.
School Events
The school has not added events
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