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Welcome to

Our School

Te Akatārere Woodlands School is a welcoming, semi-rural full primary school near Ōpōtiki, providing education for tamariki in Years 1–8.

Guided by our vision, “A Love of Learning Opens Many Doors,” we nurture confident, connected and capable learners who are proud of who they are and ready to contribute positively to their communities.

Surrounded by native trees, birdsong and wide-open spaces, our kura offers a unique environment for learning and growth. Te taiao extends our classrooms, creating rich opportunities for exploration, creativity, play, discovery and hands-on learning.

Enrolments are Now Open

We warmly welcome enrolment enquiries from in-zone and out-of-zone families who are considering Te Akatārere Woodlands School for their child.

In-zone students are entitled to enrol at our kura.

Out-of-zone enrolments are currently being accepted for some year levels and classes. If demand exceeds the number of places available, the school will follow the Ministry of Education's out-of-zone enrolment process, including a ballot if required.

We encourage prospective whānau to get in touch to discuss enrolment, arrange a visit to our school, and learn more about what Te Akatārere Woodlands School has to offer.

To enrol or find out more, please contact our school office:

Phone: (07) 315 7633

 

What Makes Our Kura Special

A personalised transition to school
We work alongside parents and whānau to develop a transition programme that responds to each new entrant’s strengths, needs and readiness for school.

A balanced approach to early learning
Our new entrant programme combines explicit teaching with purposeful play, exploration, creativity and opportunities to develop social skills and independence.

Positive Behaviour for Learning
As a PB4L school, we explicitly teach our values and behavioural expectations. Clear, consistent routines help create safe, positive and predictable learning environments.

Restorative practice
When difficulties or conflict occur, we support tamariki to understand the impact of their actions, repair relationships, take responsibility and make positive choices.

A proactive approach to preventing bullying
Tamariki learn how to build respectful relationships, recognise bullying, seek help and act as upstanders when others need support.

A beautiful natural environment
Our spacious semi-rural grounds, native trees and open areas provide opportunities for creative play, outdoor learning, exploration and connection with te taiao.

Learning support for diverse needs
Our SENCo coordinates targeted and individualised support for tamariki and works alongside teachers, whānau and specialist services to remove barriers to learning and participation.

A culturally responsive learning environment
We value te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori and seek to ensure the culture, language and identity of every tamaiti are recognised and strengthened.

Sport and outdoor education
Our kura is well resourced for sport, physical activity and outdoor education, providing tamariki with varied opportunities to participate, develop confidence and experience success.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

What's happening at Woodlands School?

Upcoming Events in September

Mon 14

Te Wiki o te Reo Mãori

14 Sep 2026 - 20 Sep 2026

Fri 25

Delamere Cup - Te Kura o Te Whānau a Apanui

25 Sep 2026 - 26 Sep 2026

Latest Notices

Dress Rehearsal Update
16 Sep 2026

Mauri ora, whānau,

Due to the weather forecast for this Friday, the Middle School and Senior School performances have been postponed until Monday, 21 September, from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm.

We hope to hold the performances on the field. However, if it is raining, they will take place in the hall, which has been reserved for this time.

The Junior Rōpū performance will go ahead as planned this Friday, as parents and whānau have already arranged time away from work to attend. The performance will begin at 12.00 pm.

Junior teachers will send a pānui home today with further information for parents and whānau.

Ngā mihi

Kapa Haka Dress Rehearsal – Friday
14 Sep 2026

Kia ora e te whānau,

Our kapa haka dress rehearsal is currently scheduled to go ahead this Friday. However, the weather forecast is predicting rain.

We are closely monitoring the forecast and will confirm if the rehearsal needs to be postponed. If postponement is required, we will advise whānau of the new date as soon as possible.

Attendance Updates
14 Sep 2026

Kia ora whānau,

You may receive a text or email updating you about your child’s attendance. The Ministry of Education requires schools to send regular attendance notifications and to include all days absent in a child’s overall attendance total—even when the absence is explained or due to illness.

We continue to recommend keeping tamariki home when they are unwell. We also appreciate whānau letting us know the reason for an absence so our records remain accurate.

For further information, please view our Attendance Management Plan on the school website or pop into the office to read a copy.

Thank you for working alongside us to support the wellbeing and attendance of our tamariki.

Senior Kapa Haka Noho This Weekend
10 Sep 2026

Kapa Haka - Important Information about Media Coverage
4 Sep 2026

Kapa Haka Whānau – Important Pānui

Please take a moment to read the attached pānui regarding media coverage and filming of our kapa haka, including a Pūkāea Media visit on Monday for all kapa haka students – junior, middle and senior rōpū – and media coverage at the upcoming Delamere Cup.

Please read the pānui carefully and contact the school if you have any concerns about your tamaiti being photographed, filmed or recorded.

Have a great weekend!

Whaea Kristy

Kapa-Haka-Media-Coverage-Information-for-whnau.pdf

Supporters and Sponsors

Parents, please support our local businesses

SEEKA Healthy Ears EBOP OfficeMax Ōpōtiki District Museum
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