Our School

Kawerau South School is a contributing primary school situated in the township of Kawerau, in the Eastern Bay of Plenty of New Zealand. The school opened in June 1963 and has a current roll of approximately 320 students.

Our student population identifies as 87% Māori, 10% Pakeha New Zealand European, 2% Asian and 1% Pacific.

The school campus is set in very large grounds, with extensive open spaces for children to play.

Our school is proud of our valued partnership with mana whenua. Tūwharetoatanga influences the school values and local curriculum, promoting learner identity and belonging.

Kawerau South School is organised into two teaching syndicates: Junior (Years 1-3) and Senior (Years 4-6) Syndicates with currently 6 classes in each.
Within our 2 syndicates is a collaborative whānau group (Opunoke) made up of three kaiako, with classes ranging from Year 0-6. Opunoke is a Te Āo Māori focused group where 31-50% te reo Māori will be spoken.

We also have a special needs unit, Takiwatanga which caters for ORS Funded students as well as some learners who find it challenging to experience success in the mainstream environment.

The school has a number of other teaching specialists, including .6 Makerspace teacher and .4 specialist teacher of Reading (SPELD trained).

Strong family connections and traditions form an important part of school life. Many current students have whānau who attended South School, and they now in turn continue to offer strong support for the school.