Our school is a Primary school for Years 1 to 6 and is a signatory to the International Code of Practice. This means we are able to provide a New Zealand schooling experience to international children aged 5 years old through to 11 years old.

If you are considering emigration to live in New Zealand, or if you are moving to Taupō with your family to work and are trying to decide where your children should go to school, please contact us. We are always happy to help with information or arrange a school visit.

Our school also works in partnership with other local schools that are also signatories to the Code of Practice, Taupō Intermediate, Tauhara College & Taupō-nui-a-Tia College).

About our School 

Waipāhīhī School student roll sits between 360 to 420 students. All international students are fully included in regular classes. We offer a wide range of additional learning opportunities including cultural activities, kapa haka, and various sports teams and sporting opportunities.
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International students are guaranteed pastoral support to ensure they settle quickly and confidently into their New Zealand school experience. Parents are welcome to visit the school and get involved in school activities. The education we offer is Primary Education – which means our school-developed curriculum reflects the essence of the New Zealand Curriculum framework.

Our collaborative teaching and learning environments offer our children a wide range of learning opportunities within a broad and context-rich curriculum framework that reflects the uniqueness of our environment and school community. A key part of the learning resource across the school is the provision of both Chromebooks and iPads. This allows our teachers and students to use these learning tools appropriately across a range of learning situations.

Class sizes:

Junior classes each have approximately 18 to 25 students.
Senior classes have approximately 25 to 28 students.

2025 Fees for International Students fees:

• are GST inclusive

• subject to change at any time

Tuition per student
$500.00 / week
$4000.00 / term
$16000.00 / year

Administration per student
$850.00 per enrolment

Fees for camps, music, sports, stationery, and sundries are payable directly to the school if applicable

Uniform: No
Minimum Enrolment Period: 2 weeks
Entry Criteria: Minimum 5 years old

ESOL

As best practice, our classroom teachers differentiate learning to meet the needs of students. Support is provided in our teaching hubs with each teaching team of three teachers further supported by a full-time, in-class, Teacher Aide. This skilled assistant supports all learners across the team to access and understand the learning that they are a part of. This means our ESOL learners have in-class support from our teachers and a skilled teacher aide.

Please note: If you want your child withdrawn from class for further individual or small group ESOL Teacher Aide support than what is provided within the class programme then that can be purchased at $45.00/hour on request.

Homestay fees

• Available on request (and if available)

Useful linksResources to help education providers, immigration advisers, agencies, and professionals bring migrants to New Zealand.
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assist-migrants-and-students

Your place for information on life as an international student in New Zealand.
https://naumainz.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/

Helping international students resolve complaints with their education provider.
​https://www.istudent.org.nz/

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More information for international students

We welcome enquires and visits from parents considering sending their child to our school. If you would like to know more about studying in New Zealand at Waipāhīhī School, please contact our office: accounts@waipahihi.school.nz

Our Agent Agreement requests applicants must complete an application form and provide evidence of referees and current practice. Once appointed as an approved agent, the School will pay a fee for each student recruited by the agent and enrolled by the School, equivalent to 15% of the tuition fee payable by that student. 

Any request to be considered as an agent for our school must be made by emailing accounts@waipahihi.school.nz