Te Matauru Primary is a full state primary school (Y0-8) in West Rangiora, located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, bordering Christchurch city, North Canterbury.
We opened at the start of the 2020 school year. Our school name was gifted by Ngāi Tūāhuriri (our local hapū - Māori Community), meaning “eyes to the west”, describing our positioning towards the Southern Ranges of the South Island. This is reflected in our school logo and our vision:
Ekea Kā Taumata Ki Te Uru – “look to the peaks of the alps and ascend to great heights”.
We are a community focussed school who pride ourselves on developing strong relationships with whānau (family).
Nestled in the tranquil west of Rangiora, Te Matauru Primary provides a nurturing environment for students. Our school boasts excellent facilities, including our innovative Maukatere technology centre, and a supportive staff committed to the success of our international students.
Find out more about Rangiora, and the local district Waimakariri, here: visitwaimakariri.co.nz
Te Matauru Primary is dedicated to providing a high-quality, safe, and enriching experience for all our international students. We are proud to be approved signatories to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (the Code). This ensures that we meet stringent requirements for the care and support of every learner, giving students and their families peace of mind.
We believe in fostering global citizenship through active international engagement.
Since 2020, we have maintained a rewarding partnership with a school network in the Chengdu province of China. Our senior students participate in annual Zoom exchange lessons with a partnered class, building bridges between cultures and developing digital communication skills. This initiative is a core part of our ongoing commitment to international learning.
In 2025, we were thrilled to host our first group of International Students from China. Their experience was filled with unique cultural immersion:
Warm Welcome: Students were formally welcomed to our school community with a Mihi Whakatau (a traditional Māori welcome ceremony).
Immersive Learning: They enjoyed time integrating directly into our classrooms, participating in daily lessons alongside our local students.
Kiwi Life: Students experienced life with host families, learned local skills like Kiwi cooking, and went on unforgettable adventures, including a visit to a working farm and a scenic trip to Akaroa.
We look forward to continuing to build these meaningful, fun, and educational experiences for all future international visitors.