Enrolment
Whakaurunga
Learning without limits
Tēnei te mihi o Kura Toa e tau ana,
We’re excited to share in this journey together, investing in our very own Kura Toa grounded in the mātauranga, histories, tikanga, and aspirations of Ngāti Toa. With tikanga as the anchor and future-focused learning tools, Kura Toa looks to enable choice for all learners within our rohe.
Kura Toa is established under the charter school | kura hourua model and operates in accordance with the education and training amendment 2024 act and charter school agreement. Our kura is committed to delivering high-quality education outcomes while upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the aspirations of Ngāti Toa.
At Kura Toa, education is designed to ensure every rangatahi is known, supported, and able to succeed as both a confident learner in te ao Māori and a capable participant in the wider world.
Our identity | Ngāti Toa foundation
Guided by the tikanga and mātauranga of Ngāti Toa, our curriculum, environment and expectations are grounded in:
Whakapapa and identity
Tikanga te ao Māori, values and tikanga
Our local narratives, connection to whenua, moana, and community
Place-based learning, relational and anchored in the lived experiences of our iwi
Our vision
Kura Toa grows confident champions who stand strong in their identity and honour 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, finds their place in the world, and steps forward with confidence - leaving no one behind.
Our mission
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 philosophy | Know • Do • Be
At Kura Toa, learning is guided by our know, be, do approach—supporting champions to build knowledge, grow in who they are, and apply learning in meaningful ways.
Know | acquisition of knowledge, literacy, numeracy, and mātauranga Māori
Do | application of knowledge through project-based, real-world learning
Be | development of identity, values, leadership, and character
This model looks to steward rangatahi in the tikanga of Ngāti Toa. It is important to articulate that our learning philosophy satisfies charter school performance expectations for academic achievement, student engagement, and preparation for future pathways.
Our values
These values, as guided by Ngāti Toa tikanga, underpin all teaching, learning, and relationships within Kura Toa.
Whanaungatanga| 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.
Auahatanga | encouraging creativity, innovation, and the courage to think differently.
Mauri ora | ākonga led learning
Our mauri ora pathway prioritises holistic development through a mauriora approach to teaching and learning, nurturing all aspects of the rangatahi and what is needed to flourish in life. We will achieve this through recognising the lived experience of each rangatahi and centering them as active contributors to their whānau, hapū, iwi and wider hāpori
Curriculum design
Kura Toa delivers the New Zealand curriculum and NCEA levels 1–3 through an integrated, culturally grounded approach. The following demonstrates our learning philosophy in practice:
Know (curriculum pou)
Te reo me ngā toi - language and creative expression
Language and creative expression are vessels for mātauranga, identity, and connection. Communication preserves whakapapa and strengthens community relationships.
Pūtaiao me te pāngarau - science and mathematical thinking
Understanding patterns, relationships, and mauri in the natural world. Western science and mātauranga Māori together reveal interconnected systems.
Tikanga ā-iwi me te ao tangata - social systems and human society
Exploring how communities function, our shared histories (including te Tiriti), and collective responsibilities to build equitable and thriving societies.
Kaitiakitanga me ngā mahi ā-ringa - environmental guardianship & practical skills
Practical skills applied in service to whānau, community, and environment. Making and doing with care for present needs and future generations.
Blended delivery model
Learning at Kura Toa is purposeful and engaging, where Monday to Thursday learning is on site and Friday is self-directed off-site, at home or at another place of learning, relevant to the rangatahi mauri ora plan.
Every Kura Toa champion will experience:
A strong sense of belonging
Practical, hands-on learning
Consistent routines that build confidence
Flexible timetabling that supports independence
Culturally grounded learning environments
Safe spaces to ask questions and take risks
Real-world and industry-connected opportunities
Strong support for wellbeing
All of Kura Toa rangatahi will be issued a student id card that will serve as essential photo identification as well as a printer key at kura. In particular, we encourage rangatahi to have their id card on their person when out in community on Friday.
Whānau partnership
Kura Toa operates a partnership model where whānau are active participants in the learning journey. We expect whānau to:
Participate in hui and engagement opportunities
Contribute to learning goals and pathways
Receive regular updates on progress and wellbeing to actively support rangatahi in their mauri ora
This aligns with charter school requirements for community engagement and student support.
Rangatahi outcomes
Kura Toa is accountable for delivering:
Strong cultural identity and wellbeing
Clear pathways to tertiary education, training, or employment
Improved attendance and engagement
Achievement of NVEA qualifications
Enrolment process
1. Learn about Kura Toa
2. Submit initial information via expression of interest
3. You will be contacted by Kura Toa to arrange a time for hui
4. Hui to meet with Kura Toa and complete enrolment forms together
5. Offer and enrolment confirmed
Enrolment principles
Kura Toa enrolment is inclusive and non-discriminatory. Enrolments will be considered in alignment with the distinctive character of Kura Toa. This will be considered on the basis of your rangatahi and whānau commitment to the kaupapa of the kura, the tikanga of Ngāti Toa and our learning approach.
Enrolment confirms a commitment from both Kura Toa and the whānau to work in partnership to support rangatahi success.