About

Located in the beautiful limestone area in the west of the King Country,  North Island of New Zealand stands Piopio College.

We serve an extensive area as shown on the map. The College is a state co-educational secondary school for students in Y7 to Y13. It is a small school with 150 students, which enables staff and students to get to know one another very well.  We provide a positive, safe, supportive, caring family environment which promotes quality learning.  We have a strong focus on meeting the needs of individual students.  Our small class sizes, well qualified staff and support services help us to achieve this.  The College is set in a well-developed, multi-level, park-like environment of 6.5 hectares.  A raised bank with deciduous shade trees provides good spectator viewing for our sports fields.  There are rugby, football and hockey pitches, cricket wickets, netball and tennis courts, a 400m athletic track and a 25m swimming pool.

Many of our classrooms are being updated to modern learning environments  which will include large open plan spaces with break away rooms, smart TV’S and interactive whiteboards with facilities for students to bring their own devices.

We also have:

2 science laboratories A wharekura Visual art room and photography Multi purpose hall/gym

Hard materials workshop Food and fabrics technology room recently updated Well stocked library also serving the community.

The College provides a quality education.

We measure this in part, by the number of students who:
 

continue their education in tertiary institutes and universities  secure employment both in New Zealand and overseas  perform well in external examinations, regional competitions, tests and events

continue their participation in sport and cultural activities after leaving school.

We value the support we receive from whânau and families, and the wider community.
 

Wharekura

Standing at the front of the College since 1993, our Wharekura, “Whakaara kia Mataara” catches the first rays of morning light in the east as the Sun rises over our maunga, Kahuwera.  The term wharekura derives from the original whare runanga or wananga.  Our whare symbolises our kaupapa (or purpose) which is education.  The wharekura is our school’s learning centre for Tikanga Mâori and Te Reo Mâori.   The pôwhiri (welcome) for new students, staff and whânau takes place in front of the wharekura.

 

Nga kete mâtauranga

One of the carvings on the maihi of the Wharekura illustrates the three Baskets of Knowledge. This reflects their importance in Mâori mythology and their significance for the College, symbolising it as a centre for learning.  Te Kete Tuaatea For us, this kete represents the knowledge and understanding students bring with them as they enter the College. Te Kete Tuauri This kete represents the knowledge and understanding students gain as they move through the College.  Te Kete Aronui This kete represents the knowledge and understanding students take with them as they leave the College and move on to the next stage of their life.

If you would like to know more about the meaning of the carvings on the Wharekura, please ask for a copy of our booklet