611 Temuka-Orari Highway , Temuka
View on mapERO reviews of private schools are significantly different in process and more limited in scope and reporting than those for state and state-integrated schools, focusing as they do on the Criteria for Registration set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020.
Clause 9, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Secretary for Education on whether each school meets the criteria for registration.
More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website Private and independent schools | Education Review Office (ero.govt.nz)
The criteria for registration are that the school —
When an ERO report identifies an area within the criteria for registration that is not meeting the criteria at the time of the ERO review, that will be reported, the Ministry will be informed, and the Ministry will follow up the issue with the school.
a) The school has premises that are suitable as described in clause 3, Schedule 7
b) The school usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years
c) The school has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school
d) The school has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school
e) The school has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents
f) The school has suitable tuition standards as described in clauses 2(e), (f) and 5, Schedule 7
g) The school has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7)
h) The school is a physically and emotionally safe place for students
A safe place is one in which risks to student safety are regularly assessed and evaluated with a view to eliminating, or at least reducing, harm. A safe place is one where clear policies exist and are acted upon to eliminate or minimise harm.
ERO’s judgement is based on the quality, intent and regular review of the school’s policies and procedures.
Please refer to conclusion below.
During the onsite phase of the review process, ERO identified the following non-compliances
In relation to the criteria that the school is a physically and emotionally safe place for students (clause 2(h), Schedule 7).
The school management attested to having policies and procedures in place to safeguard the physical and emotional safety of all its students. However, ERO found that some school procedures and practices did not adequately ensure health and safety.
Local river: Of concern, is the level of risk involved in allowing Year 8 students to swim unsupervised at a local river. Trips to the river usually occur at the weekends. Parents sign a consent form. ERO is not assured this practice meets the criteria for providing a safe physical environment and are concerned that parents receive insufficient information about the level of risk in this activity. The school’s safety action plan places too much responsibility on unsupervised students in the event of an emergency,
Mowing Squad: Some students complete in-school training and obtain a school licence to operate machinery to mow the school lawns. This machinery includes a push mower, a ride-on mower and a tractor. The risk level for this activity is high. Although there is some level of supervision initially, the board should reconsider if the task is appropriate for students of this age or if they are adequately supervised.
While these practices continue, ERO considers that Waihi School does not meet the criteria that the school must provide a safe physical environment as required under clause 2(h), Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020 as noted above.
In order to meet registration criteria, ERO recommends that the Waihi School managers and principal review and amend their health and safety policies, procedures and practices in relation to students swimming unsupervised at the local river and using machinery to mow the school lawns.
Since the onsite phase of this review and in discussion with ERO, the headmaster and board have provided evidence to show that they:
The board has reviewed the addendum to the boards policy for Mowing Squad Supervision. This now states that:
The hostel manager and the hostel owner have attested in the Hostel Assurance Statement that they meet the requirements of the Hostel Regulations 2005.
Boarding is central to school life at Waihi School with over half of the school’s students living onsite. Boarders live with their peer groups in well maintained facilities. They are provided with a range of leisure and social activities after school hours which include access to school facilities.
Pastoral care is prioritised to support student wellbeing. Expectations and procedures are clear, consistent and well understood. The hostel is inclusive and welcoming.
Student and whānau voices are sought regularly and appropriately actioned. Learning is supported by supervisors during structured study time and boarders are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the academic, sporting and cultural life of the school.
Sharon Kelly
Acting Director of Schools
7 March 2025
The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement. educationcounts.govt.nz/home
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Waihi School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.
The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand.
ERO reviews of private schools are significantly different in process and more limited in scope and reporting than those for state and state-integrated schools, focusing as they do on the Criteria for Registration set out in section 35C of the Education Act.
Section 35I of the Education Act 1989 requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for registration. The schools are privately owned and the legislative requirements are significantly different to those for state and state-integrated schools. Private schools are not required to follow the National Education Goals or National Administration Guidelines.
What does apply in place of the legislation imposed upon state schools by the Education Act is the contract between the persons paying for the tuition of the child at the school – the parents – and the school authority. Those are matters between the parent and the school’s governing body. More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website www.ero.govt.nz/Reviews-Process
The criteria for registration are that the school —
a) has premises that are suitable, as described in section 35D; and
b) usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years; and
c) has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school; and
d) has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school; and
e) has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and
f) has suitable tuition standards, as described in section 35F; and
g) has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in section 35G) to be managers of a private school.
Waihi School is a private preparatory school located in South Canterbury. It currently caters for 98, Years 5 to 8, boarding and day boys. The school is owned by the Waihi School Trust Board. Christian values are a key part of the school’s special character.
The school’s managers have attested that they comply with the provisions of section 35G of the Education Act 1989 in respect to their being fit and proper persons to manage the school.
The premises and equipment are suitable.
Since ERO’s 2011 review, a new purpose-built boarding hostel, Pyne House, has been opened to accommodate boarders.
The board takes a considered approach to planning and upgrading school buildings and ongoing maintenance. They have continued to upgrade premises and equipment within the school including kitchen redevelopment in the hostel, teaching spaces, library, and school vehicles.
The school grounds are well maintained to accommodate a wide range of sporting and recreational activities. There has been a recent addition of land made available for the school to use and develop, particularly for outdoor education and pursuits.
The board maintains five houses on-site for teachers. These arrangements support teachers in their supervision duties and contributions to the wider life of the school.
All classrooms are well equipped, including a wide range of specialist rooms and equipment available for students to use. These are bright, stimulating and the furniture is progressively upgraded.
The school has suitable staffing.
Since ERO’s 2011 review, there have been significant changes to staffing. New appointments include the headmaster, deputy headmaster, head of learning support, classroom teachers, head matron and housemaster and groundsman. Staff are well qualified with curriculum strengths to cover the curriculum learning areas. Specialist subjects are taught by teachers with appropriate skills and knowledge.
Teachers participate in a new appraisal system that is consistent with the Teaching Council expectations. Local and national professional development opportunities enable teachers to maintain and build their professional knowledge and continue to implement modern teaching approaches.
Teachers have high expectations for every learner. Assessment practices are appropriate. Students are confident, articulate and show genuine enjoyment in all aspects of school life.
Classroom tone is positive. Boys' independent learning is evident through a personal inquiry learning approach. Students are actively engaged in all aspects of the school.
The broad and rich curriculum is suitable for teaching, learning and assessment. Since ERO’s 2011 review, there has been an intentional shift to align key curriculum areas with the New Zealand Curriculum.
The wide range of subject areas provides many opportunities and experiences for the boys. Specialist learning areas across the school include social science, health and physical activity, art/technology, education outside of the classroom, science and music.
The board, headmaster and staff have high expectations for all new and current students. Student leadership is encouraged and valued. Achievement at all year levels is celebrated.
Teachers work collaboratively and share ideas and information throughout the school. Teachers are improving their use of assessment information to make appropriate judgements about students’ achievement. For ongoing improvement, a next step is to further investigate and analyse at a school wide level, individual students’ achievement and progress against curriculum expectations.
Learning support is used purposefully to respond to the identified learning needs of students at risk of not meeting the expected curriculum expectations.
At the time of the on-site stage of this review, the process for assuring the workplace safety of staff and adults who have unsupervised access to students was not sufficient. Waihi School should ensure that it maintains up-to-date policies and procedures for workplace safety of all staff.
There are good systems in place for the school’s managing body to be assured that its other statutory obligations are met.
The school hostel, Pyne House, accommodates 55 students, 56% of the school roll. It is owned by the Waihi School Trust Board. The hostel owner has attested that all the requirements of the Hostel Regulations are met.
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Waihi School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.
Lesley Patterson
Director Review and Improvement Services Southern
Southern Region
19 July 2019
| Location | Temuka | |
| Ministry of Education profile number | 4147 | |
| School type | Private School (Years 5 to 8) | |
| School roll | 98 | |
| Gender composition | Boys 100% | |
| Ethnic composition | Māori NZ European/Pākehā Other | 7 88 3 |
| Special Features | Hostel and Chapel | |
| Review team on site | May 2019 | |
| Date of this report | 19 July 2019 | |
| Most recent ERO report(s) | Private School Review Private School Review Private School Review | June 2011 June 2008 June 2005 |