Arataki School

Kia ora koutou, nau mai ki te kura o Arataki.

A warm welcome to Arataki School.

There’s something special about our school and you can feel it as soon as you walk through our doors. Perhaps it comes from our name. Arataki means “to lead” or “guide” and we are committed to empowering every child to become the leader of their own educational journey.

For over 50 years, our dedicated staff have focused on preparing tamariki for success in their education and beyond. From academic challenges to sporting competitions, the diversity of our community to the changing world around us, learning opportunities are everywhere.

Pastoral care is a priority and all students’ needs are met within a physically safe and emotionally secure classroom and school environment. Here, everyone is important and respected for who they are.

We would love to discuss how we can offer your child the best. Please contact the office about a visit and we look forward to showing you around our wonderful school.

Mā te wā!

Our School

Found in the heart of Arataki, our school is a proud member of the Mount Maunganui community. Our curriculum is designed to help every child reach their full potential, and our staff take an active role in guiding them to become confident, courageous and resilient.

The Arataki School community is diverse, and individual culture, identity and language are celebrated. This is a space where children are safe and secure, respected and valued.

We cherish partnerships between our school, extended whanāu and local community. We encourage family involvement – the best learning outcomes for tamariki come from strong relationships between home and school.

Our Values

Whakatipuhia ngā manawa me ngā hinengaro - Growing hearts and minds.

We promote a culture of self-belief because we know children come to school with an abundance of knowledge, skills and potential. It is our job to support them as they tap into these precious resources, becoming the leader of their own educational journey.

Our values are embedded throughout the school, from teacher relationships to classroom environments to playgrounds.

Every day, we live, learn and lead by our values of :

kawenga (responsible learner)
whakaute (respect)
manaaki (caring)
whakahii (pride).

Our History

Principal Peter Densem first opened the doors to Arataki School on 4 February, 1963. Back then, it was called Omanu Number 2 and there were six classrooms. It was born out of the need to provide Mount Maunganui’s growing population with a space for children to learn.

The name changed to Arataki (“to lead”) later that year on the advice of an iwi elder and to this day leadership remains a cherished trait among our teachers, tamariki and community.

Arataki School has grown from a small regional school into a school that caters to over 500 students with a diverse population, a modern approach to education and both Reo Rua (bilingual) and Montessori programmes.