Learn, belong and thrive in the heart of Pāpāmoa

Nau mai, haere mai. Welcome to Te Manawa ō Pāpāmoa School.

Te Manawa ō Pāpāmoa is a modern, inclusive New Zealand primary school welcoming international students in Years 1–6.

We welcome students and their families for short-term and longer-term study and provide a genuine New Zealand school experience where every learner is known, included and supported.

At Te Manawa, we care for, connect with and know every learner. They are at the heart of all we do.

Principal’s Welcome

Nau mai, haere mai

Choosing a school in another country is an important decision.

Families want to know that their child will be safe, happy, included and well supported, while also receiving a high-quality education.

At Te Manawa ō Pāpāmoa, relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

Our kaiako take the time to understand each learner's strengths, interests, culture, language and learning needs. We work in partnership with families to create a responsive, one-size-fits-one pathway for every child.

Our international learners participate fully in the life of our kura. They learn alongside New Zealand students, build friendships, experience te ao Māori and enjoy the unique lifestyle of our beautiful coastal community.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Te Manawa.

Ngā manaakitanga

Shane Cunliffe
Principal | Tumuaki
Te Manawa ō Pāpāmoa School

Why Choose Te Manawa?

More than a school — a place to belong

When an international student joins Te Manawa, they become part of our whānau.

Students participate fully in their learning community (āko hapori) alongside New Zealand students.

One Size Fits One

Every learner arrives with different strengths, experiences, interests and English language needs.

Our collaborative teaching model allows kaiako to respond to individual learners through flexible grouping, targeted support and differentiated learning opportunities.

Strong Foundations for Learning

Students develop their knowledge, skills and confidence in:

  • Reading

  • Writing

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Technology

  • The Arts

  • Health and Physical Education

  • Te reo Māori

  • Inquiry and conceptual learning

English Language Support

International students receive English language support according to their individual needs.

Support may include:

  • Classroom language support

  • Small-group teaching

  • Individual support

  • Visual and vocabulary scaffolds

  • Additional learning assistance

  • Regular progress monitoring

Modern Learning Environments

Our purpose-built school provides modern and flexible learning environments designed to support different ways of learning.

Students have access to:

  • Collaborative learning spaces

  • Quiet breakout spaces

  • Digital technology

  • Creative and practical learning areas

  • Outdoor learning environments

  • Specialist opportunities in Music, PE, The Arts, Science and Forest School.

A Genuine New Zealand Experience

International students learn alongside local children and experience the everyday life of a New Zealand primary school.

They can participate in:

  • Sport

  • The Arts

  • Cultural activities / clubs

  • School trips

  • Outdoor education

  • School events

  • Environmental learning

  • Clubs and activities

  • Celebrations and community events

 Our Heart, Identity and Values

Te Manawa - the Heart

Our name, Te Manawa ō Pāpāmoa, reflects the heart of our school and our community.

Our identity is grounded in our relationship with mana whenua, Ngā Pōtiki, our connection to Te Houhou and our unique place within Pāpāmoa.

Our school values — Manawatanga — guide the way we learn, connect and contribute.

Manawa Manaaki

We care.

We care for ourselves, others and our environment.

Manawa Taruna

We connect.

We build strong relationships and understand that learning happens through connection.

Manawa Pākiki

We are curious.

We ask questions, investigate and develop a love of learning.

Manawa Kaha

We are courageous.

We demonstrate resilience, strength and a willingness to challenge ourselves.

Manawa Auaha

We are creative.

We think differently, create, innovate and explore new possibilities.

Ignite. Navigate. Thrive.

At Te Manawa we support every learner to:

Ignite their learning.

Navigate their pathway.

Thrive in our community and beyond.

 English Language Support

Building confidence and communication

We recognise that international students arrive with different levels of English language experience.

During the first weeks at Te Manawa, teachers get to know the learner and identify their strengths and areas where additional support may be helpful.

Support may include:

  • English language assessment

  • Classroom language scaffolds

  • Individual or small-group support

  • Vocabulary development

  • Reading and writing support

  • Visual learning supports

  • Buddy support

  • Additional learning assistance

  • Regular wellbeing check-ins

  • Communication with parents and caregivers

Our goal is to help international students develop the confidence to communicate, participate in learning, make friendships and become an active member of our school community.

ORIENTATION & ARRIVAL

Helping your child and family feel at home.

Orientation starts before your child arrives and continues throughout their first days,  weeks and months at Te Manawa.

Before starting school, families receive information about:

  • School routines

  • School hours

  • Uniform

  • Stationery

  • Attendance

  • Communication

  • Behaviour expectations

  • Student wellbeing

  • Health and safety

  • Emergency procedures

  • School activities

  • Important contacts

  • International student support

  • Complaints procedures

Your first day.

On your child's first day, we will:

  1. Welcome your family to Te Manawa.

  2. Introduce key members of our team.

  3. Show you around the school.

  4. Introduce your child to their teachers.

  5. Introduce classmates and a buddy (Go to person / Tuakana).

  6. Explain classroom and school routines.

  7. Help your family connect with school communication systems.

  8. Make sure your child knows who they can talk to if they need help.

We continue checking in with students and families as they settle into life at Te Manawa.

International Student Fees

International Student Fees — 2027

Study Period Tuition Fee

Full Year — 4 Terms NZD $14,500

Two Terms NZD $7,250

One Term NZD $5,000

Less than 9 Weeks Contact the school

Administration Fees

Fee Cost

Initial Enrolment Fee NZD $400

Re-enrolment Fee. NZD $400

Administration fees are non-refundable.

Approximate Additional Costs

Families should also budget for some additional school costs.

Item. Approximate Cost

School Uniform NZD $300

Stationery NZD $70

School Camp Up to NZD $300

Sports or Music NZD $15–$150 per term

  • Tuition fees are based on the length of study (10 weeks per term).

  • The Registration Fee is paid only once when applying for enrolment.

  • The Administration Fee applies on enrolment and each time a new Offer of Place or tuition extension is required.

  • International students studying in New Zealand for less than one term may enter on a Visitor Visa, NZeTA, or Student Visa, depending on nationality and circumstances. Students studying for longer periods will generally require a Student Visa.

  • Students must hold the appropriate visa for study in New Zealand, and the school will request copies of passports and visas before study begins.

  • Medical and travel insurance is required for all international students while studying in New Zealand.

  • For current visa requirements, please refer to: Immigration New Zealand

Important Information

International Student Team

Shane Cunliffe

Principal/ Tumuaki

Shane leads Te Manawa ō Pāpāmoa School and works alongside our international team to ensure students and their families feel welcomed, supported and connected.

Kris Metcalfe

International Student Director / PRIS

Your primary contact for international student enquiries, enrolments, orientation, pastoral care and ongoing family support.

Ange Hall

International Enrolment Administration

Supports applications, documentation, invoices, visas, insurance information and communication with families and education agents.

Contact Us

Step 1 — Enquire

Complete our online enquiry form.

Please tell us:

  • Your child's name

  • Date of birth

  • Current country

  • Current school year or grade

  • Proposed start date

  • Proposed finish date

  • English language experience

  • Whether a parent or legal guardian will live with the student in New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions