Aupaki means “sloping hillside”, a geographical feature that connects all kura in our community.

"Au" also means waves and "paki" translates to crashing together which symbolises the important role the ocean and waterways continue to play in connecting our kura.

Aupaki has its origins in the Bays Cluster which was an independently formed collection of full primary schools in the South East of Christchurch established in 2007. Since that time, the Bays Cluster Schools have worked very closely together at all levels. This has included students and whānau coming together for a broad range of learning activities, staff engaging in shared professional development and Boards of Trustees working together for a common purpose.

Aupaki consists of 10 early childhood centres, 6 primary schools, 1 high school and one parent school.

Our ECEs include:

Busy C's Preschool, Lyttelton
Ferrymead Preschool and Nursery
Heathcote Valley Montessori Preschool
Kidsfirst Kindergartens; Lyttelton, Sumner and The Bays
Moa Kids Community Early Learning Centre
Pebbles Montessori Sumner
The James Street Preschool

Our primary schools include:

Heathcote Valley School
Lyttelton Primary School
Mt Pleasant School
Our Lady Star of the Sea School
Sumner School
Te Raekura / Redcliffs School

Our high schools include:

Kimihia Parents' College
Te Aratai College

We are continuing to develop a strong partnership with our local Rūnanga, Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāti Wheke.