About Us
Kura Toa has been created to enable choice for rangatahi to experience success in their education journey
About Kura Toa
Kura Toa has been created to enable choice for rangatahi to experience success in their education journey.
The foundation of Kura Toa is part of a broader Ngāti Toa-led vision to reshape education so it better supports whānau and rangatahi. In 2015, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira created Te Puna Mātauranga, an iwi-led education hub offering wraparound support for rangatahi from Years 0–13. Through out-of-school programmes, culture and identity workshops, secondary support and strong whānau engagement, Te Puna Mātauranga has supported many learners over the years. It also works closely with schools, community organisations, and international partners to improve outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi.
Kura Toa emerged from this journey - shaped by years of working closely with secondary students who were seeking more from their education experience. Our kura is focused on creating meaningful pathways and real choice so rangatahi can succeed in ways that reflect their individual strengths and aspirations.
Founded on the belief that education can be done differently, Kura Toa prepares learners for life beyond school.
Over the past 11 years, this commitment has driven innovative, culturally grounded approaches to learning that empower rangatahi to thrive and contribute positively to their communities and beyond.
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Kura Toa grows confident champions who stand strong in their identity and honor the legacy of those who have gone before them. Our learners lead with integrity, think deeply, and contribute with purpose to their whānau and communities.
Together, we are shaping a future where every champion thrives, knows their place in the world, and steps forward with confidence.
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To grow champions through a Ngāti Toa grounded education that builds knowledge, strengthens identity, and applies learning in meaningful ways - preparing every learner for success beyond school.
Our Values
Whānaungatanga
Building strong relationships and a sense of belonging with each other and our wider community.
Mana Motuhake
Growing independence, confidence, and pride in who we are and where we come from.
Manaakitanga
Showing care, respect, and responsibility for others and ourselves.
Āuahatanga
Encouraging creativity, innovation, and the courage to think differently.
Timeline
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2015 – Te Puna Mātauranga Established
Te Puna Mātauranga is established by Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira as an iwi-led education support hub, working with 60 students (Years 0–13) and their whānau to provide wraparound support.
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2017 - Programmes Begin
Te Puna Mātauranga begins delivering culturally responsive professional development - strengthening relationships with schools.
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2018 - Expansion
The programme expands and relocates to 22 Te Hiko Street to accommodate growing demand.
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2019 - Hurihanganui
Hurihanganui is launched, a national education initiative focused on addressing racism in schools. Puna Mātauranga becomes one of six community providers across Aotearoa and launched Ūpane - an iwi-led professional development group.
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2021 - Environmental Education Introduced
Development of an environmental education component begins, reconnecting rangatahi with te taiao, strengthening place-based learning.
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2023 - Ako Pānui
Continued programme growth leads to the launch of Ako Pānui, a literacy initiative supporting tamariki and their whānau with reading foundations.
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2024 - Satellite School Begins & Opening of Puna Mātauranga ki te Tauihu
A pilot satellite school begins in partnership with Te Kura Pounamu and the Ministry of Education, with an initial enrolment of 6 students. Work also begins on scoping a dedicated service to better support neurodiverse learners and whānau experiencing barriers to accessing support. In this same year Puna Mātauranga expands to Te Tauihu.
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2025 - Enrolments Grow
Satellite school enrolments grow from 6 to 18 students. An application to establish a charter school is submitted and approved.
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March 2026 - Te Pikau o te Rangi
Te Pikau o te Rangi, a specialist learning support service officially opens to support learners and their whānau.
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February 2027 - Te Kura o Toa Officially Opens
Te Kura o Toa officially opens.
Interested in Kura Toa?
If you would like to enroll your rangatahi or learn more about the kura, we encourage whānau to register their interest.
Our team will be in touch with further information about enrolment, information sessions, and next steps.