Whether you are moving to Tasman District or already a local and looking to move from your current location you may well want to find out what schools you have to choose from.
We are very fortunate here in Tasman and Nelson that our quality of schools are very good and it is near impossible to make a bad choice.
Here is a list of schools in Tasman District Council to help you with your decision making.
Tasman District Schools
Tasman District Council is a very large area with Richmond being the main town but stretches to St Arnaud, Murchison and Golden Bay. If you are already a local and you are traveling and people ask you where you are from, most people answer with “Nelson”. This can be a little confusing sometimes so I have written an article about that here.
This is a full list of schools in Tasman District Council although the schools in Richmond can be found on the link below
A list of schools in Nelson can be found here: List of Schools in Nelson
A list of schools in Richmond can be found here: List of Schools in Richmond
A list of school zone maps can be found here: School Zone Maps
Ranzau School
111 Ranzau Road, hope
Primary School
Years: 1-6
Approx School Roll: 147
Decile: 9
Not Zoned
“Our school is well supported by the local community and we always strive to develop strong relationships. We currently have an enthusiastic Parent Community Liaison Group and Board of Trustees. We have a committed and hard working teaching and support staff who share the vision and values of the school and community. They participate actively and willingly in all aspects of school life.”
Hope School
316 Paton Road, Hope
Primary School
Years: 1-6
Approx School Roll: 77
Decile: 9
Not Zoned
“Hope School is a small rural school situated in the Tasman District south west of Nelson. It is four kilometres from Richmond on the Waimea Plains.
We are a modern, well resourced school with a feeling of being one big family. Our school caters for students from Years 1 to 6 in four different classes. Children learn in a well managed, spacious learning environment. They have access to a range of modern information and communication technologies that are used in daily classroom activities.
We have a current roll of 78 students. We offer a variety of learning experiences and a supportive, friendly environment.
“Hope School has wonderful children, friendly staff, and it is a great place to learn”.”
Brightwater School
106 Ellis Street, Brightwater
http://www.cloud.brightwater.school.nz/
Primary School
Years: 1-6
Approx School Roll: 282
Decile: 9
Zoned – List of school zone maps
“At Brightwater School we take great pride in creating a learning environment where all children are valued and given the opportunity to develop academically, socially and physically in a safe and caring manner.
All school programmes and activities are aimed at meeting the needs of all children, giving them the opportunity to extend their learning and to provide them with a wide range of educational experiences both at school and in the wider community.”
Wakefield School
66 Edward Street, Wakefield
http://www.wakefield.school.nz/
Primary School:
Years: 1 – 6
Approx School Roll: 247
Decile: 8
Zoned – List of school zone maps
“We are located in the centre of the village of Wakefield, 30km from Nelson City and 14km from the growing retail and service centre at Richmond. It is situated on just over one hectare in pleasant rural surroundings sharing its boundary with Faulkner’s Bush reserve.
Wakefield School has enjoyed modernisation of existing rooms and the building of new facilities over recent years, including a school hall and learning centre. The school hall is used by various community groups such as a gymnastic group, a karate teacher, and the youth section of the local drama group, the Wakefield Country Players. The Learning Centre includes a well stocked library enjoyed by both students and pre-enrol children, and a computer suite.
The school has access to a covered, heated two pool swimming complex, the larger pool being 25 metres by 8 metres. This is a fine school and community asset well utilised by the school and community.”
Appleby School
Moutere Highway, RD1, Richmond
Primary School
Years: 1 – 6
Approx School Roll: 121
Decile: 9
Not Zoned
“The school has witnessed many changes to its management, infrastructure and environment over the years. While embracing progress, Appleby School has maintained its standing as the focal point of the community. It provides families with a sense of belonging through their involvement with the school.
In 2009 Appleby School celebrated its 150th anniversary. Jacqui Pestell wrote the wonderful book ʻLessons from the Past” to record the school’s history.
Today, Appleby School is a decile 9 contributing school with a roll of around 120-130 Year 1-6 students. On site there are six classrooms, an administration block, a school hall and a well equipped library. The school is well placed to help the students to become confident, connected lifelong learners.”
Mapua School
4 Stafford Drive, Mapua
https://mapuaschool.wordpress.com/
Primary School
Years: 1 – 6
Approx School Roll: 270
Decile: 10
Zoned – List of school zone maps
“Mapua School has 13 classrooms with about 260 students from 5 to 13 years of age.
We offer many opportunities to our students, including sporting, music, arts, a range of academic areas and community events.
A comprehensive programme of EOTC has evolved, taking full advantage of the immediate seaside locality of Mapua, as well as the proximity to the three National Parks, Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi.
Residential camps in Years 5-8 aim to give first hand experiences in learning by exploring the environment, developing social skills, and providing challenging and new experiences. In Y7-8 camps will alternate between an urban and an outdoor experience.
A two year cycle of camps involve the Year 5/6 classes having a four day and Year 7/8 having 5 day residential camps at various locations. Activities may involve abseiling, kayaking, tramping, outdoor cooking, studying the historical aspects of the area and exploring the area on horseback, mountain bikes and trucks or exploring opportunities within a city environment.
Years 3 and 4 have a Big Day Out and alternate between using the local environment and travelling further afield for the day.”
Mahana School
15 School Road, Mahana
Primary School
Years: 1-6
Approx School Roll: 80
Decile: 9
Zoned – List of school zone maps
“Mahana School is located about 30 minutes from Nelson city. Our school is a rural full primary (ages 5–13) with a roll of about 60-80 students and four classrooms.
There are three full time registered teachers, including the principal, and one part-time teacher. The Principal and the part time teacher share the teaching in the Kotuku classroom.
To assist each child to reach his/her potential learning levels the school funds a Special Needs Teacher Aide to work with individuals and small groups in remedial and extension activities, such as the GATE (Gifted and Talented) programme.
Children requiring reading recovery are supported by a Reading Recovery teacher through our cluster involvement with Upper Moutere School.
The school has a music teacher available all year round to provide individual tuition for those who would like it.”
Tasman Bay Christian School
6 Williams Road, Tasman
http://www.tasbaychristian.school.nz/
Primary/Intermediate School
Years: 1 – 8
Approx School Roll: 51
Decile: 6
Not Zoned
“Tasman Bay Christian School is situated in a beautiful rural location 11 km on the Nelson side of Motueka. We have modern facilities and plenty of room for children to learn and play both inside and outside. We currently have three classrooms (complete with teachers!), as well as Teacher Aides, a Secretary, and other support people.
We “teach Christianly,” which means that we integrate Christian beliefs, values and standards into every aspect of our school life. We use the New Zealand Curriculum to deliver a high quality education from a Biblical perspective and undertake not to compromise our Christian beliefs in the process. We strive to help students integrate the Christian faith with their wider education so they can go into the world as good ambassadors of Christ.”
Tasman School
417 Aporo Road, Tasman
Primary School
Years: 1 – 6
Approx School Roll: 101
Decile: 9
Zoned – List of school zone maps
“This school has a strong active community, fantastic students and a superb staff. We constantly reach for the stars and often touch them!
We think our school family provides the best of both town and country and we know children learn best when they feel valued, and engaged in their learning.
We build strong positive relationships with our students and their families – and our small class sizes allow us to plan for learning that is relevant and personalised for each individual.
We enjoy using our superb environment for fun and learning.
We learn from our past and look to our future in a range of vibrant and innovative ways.
We would love to show you what it looks like in action if you are passing by.”
Upper Moutere School
Main Road, Upper Moutere
https://www.uppermoutere.school.nz/
Primary School
Years: 1 – 6
Approx School Roll: 130
Decile: 8
Not Zoned
“For 157 years Upper Moutere Schools focus has been on learning, the way this has happened has evolved considerably over recent years and will continue to do so at quite a rapid pace.
Our students have greater responsibility and therefore ownership of their learning. They are expected to be leaders of their learning supported by teachers who work alongside them to meet their learning needs using an increasingly diverse range of learning tools to engage and challenge them.
We are proud of our students and we are proud of their achievements across the whole curriculum. Our Learning Lights empower and guide our students to achieve within a positive, supportive community environment.”
Tapawera Area School
Main Road, Tapawera
http://www.tapawera.school.nz/
Primary/Intermediate and Secondary School
Years: 1 – 13
Approx School Roll: 191
Decile: 4
Not Zoned
“Nestled in the fertile Upper Motueka Valley, Tapawera provides the greater valley area with basic services and schooling from ages 5-18 years – we also welcome Adult students.”
Dovedale School
RD 2, Wakefield, Nelson
Primary
Years: 1 – 6
Approx School Roll: 36
Decile: 5
Not Zoned
“Dovedale is a small rural school, 50 kms from Nelson at the top of the South Island, New Zealand. Our school is nestled in a beautiful valley, dominated by an outstanding view of our guardian Mt Arthur.”
Ngatimoti School
4 Greenhill Road, Ngatimoti
http://www.ngatimoti.school.nz/
Primary
Years: 1-6
Approx School Roll: 88
Decile: 5
Not Zoned
“The BOT and staff work hard to ensure our students have a range of learning experiences, but a lot of learning is really about people. When we enroll a child we like to think that we are enrolling a family, welcoming parents and extended families in to our school. It is by having lots of interactions, varying perspectives and a mix of experiences that the adults at school also learn from one another, in order to provide the best possible learning experiences for the students. If you are interested in what is happening here at school, please don’t hesitate to make a time to come in. If you are interested in enrolling your child, we will be especially pleased to see you!”
Lower Moutere School
8 School Road, Lower Moutere
http://www.lowermoutere.school.nz/
Primary
Years: 1 – 6
Approx School Roll: 168
Decile: 5
Not Zoned
“A very warm welcome to our present and prospective parents and caregivers. At Lower Moutere School we have a wonderful learning environment providing a first class education for children from Years 1 – 8. Lower Moutere School draws its student population from the closely populated rural Moutere Valley and Mariri coastal region, the Lower Moutere settlement as well as from some families in the Motueka Township. We welcome your interest and participation in your child’s education and provide a variety of opportunities for you to be involved in our school life.”
Lake Rotoiti School
State Highway 63, St Arnaud
Primary
Years: 1 – 6
Approx School Roll: 29
Decile: 8
Not Zoned
“Lake Rotoiti School welcomes all learners! We are a small school with big ideas. Here at Lake Rotoiti we all aim to be ‘Courageous Learners,’ and we are always looking for new opportunities for our children. Our website aims to give you a brief taste of our school and what we are all about. We always welcome visitors to our school – please use the contact information on the site to make an appointment.”
Murchison Area School
61 Waller Street, Murchison
http://www.murchison.school.nz/
Primary/Intermediate/Secondary
Years: 1 – 13
Approx School Roll: 139
Decile: 4
Not Zoned
“At Murchison Area School we are committed to providing the very best education that we can for our students in a caring environment. Pastoral care at our school is paramount to enabling students to develop academically, physically, socially and personally. We place a high value on the 3 A’s: Attitude. Application. Achievement.
The school recognises the unique nature of our area in terms of life style, tourism and friendliness. We are able to offer a variety of learning opportunities which cater for the needs of all students from Year 0 to Year 13.
Our Primary syndicate has small class sizes and a low teacher/pupil ratio, currently 15. This allows us to have great relationships and focus upon raising achievement for all our students. We employ highly qualified and experienced staff who place a high value on education and the wider , whole person.”
Motueka Rudolf Steiner School
480 High Street, Motueka
http://www.motueka.steiner.school.nz/
Private Primary
Years: 1 – 6
Approx School Roll: 72
Decile: 5
Not Zoned
“We are a community owned independent Waldorf school and farm in the Nelson-Tasman region of New Zealand. About 100 children attend our playgroups, kindergarten and primary school. We invite you to join us. Come as a family or join us as a Friend of Farm School. Learn about our project to build a new eco-campus on our farm where students will have outdoor classrooms, gardens, orchards, fields, animals and nature areas.”
Motueka South School
450 High Street, Motueka
http://www.motuekasouth.school.nz/
Full Primary
Years: 1 – 8
Approx School Roll: 253
Decile: 4
Zoned – List of school zone maps
“Motueka South School is Full Primary catering for Year 1 to 8 students. It is a family school where caring for each other occurs in an environment that promotes, respect, consideration, co-operation and courtesy.
We have high quality staff committed to providing first class education for your child. The whole staff is an experienced group of professionals who make up an excellent team. In all classes, programmes are designed to meet the individual learner’s needs.”
Motueka High School
Whakarewa Street, Motueka
http://www.motuekahigh.school.nz/
Secondary
Years: 9 – 13
Approx School Roll: 725
Decile: 5
Not Zoned
“Motueka High School sits at the heart of the Motueka community and is a vibrant and lively school. With a roll of nearly 700 students and growing, students at Motueka High School enjoy diverse programmes full of opportunities both within and outside the classroom. We are very proud of outstanding and sustained student achievements in academic, cultural, sporting, outdoor education and leadership areas and know that this school has much to offer.
A distinctive feature of Motueka High School is the strong sense of belonging of students, whanau and community. This is evident all throughout the school in the way that students care for each other and take on roles which support fellow students through their time at school. This helps maintain an environment which is safe and secure for all students and makes Motueka High School a great place to be. This is further enhanced by active support from the wider community.”
Brooklyn School
256 Umukuri Road, Brooklyn
http://www.brooklyn.school.nz/
Full Primary
Years: 1 -8
Approx School Roll: 97
Decile: 5
Zoned – List of school zone maps
“Brooklyn School students participate in a wide variety of activities and enjoy a healthy atmosphere where students, working TOGETHER, get ACTIVE in sports and unstructured play, explore new ideas and situations with encouraged CURIOSITY — pushing each learner to discover more, all the while SHARING their encouragement and support of and with each other.”
St Peter Chanel School (Motueka)
423 High Street, Motueka
http://www.spcmotueka.school.nz/
Full Primary
Years: 1 – 8
Approx School Roll: 65
Decile: 4
Not Zoned
“Welcome to St Peter Chanel Primary School, where we are family.
What can our school offer your children? A strong sense of community and caring, excellent education and values we live and reinforce everyday. Our children are able to learn and grow with a strong sense of identity. Our smaller size offers children the opportunity to take on responsibilities and grow as leaders.
We welcome you to visit and see what SPC is all about. I look forward to meeting you and your whanau.”
Parklands School
9 Pah Street, Motueka
Full Primary
Years: 1 -8
Approx School Roll: 228
Decile: 3
Not Zoned
“Parklands School is in the heart of Motueka township, handy to community facilities and to the region’s rivers, beaches and national parks. “Parklands”, as the name suggests, is set in a pleasantly park-like environment, with large grassed areas, established shade trees and landscaped gardens. The School has extensive sports fields and playground facilities, including new courts and a new 25m heated swimming pool. Teaching spaces include modernised classrooms, a school library, multi-purpose room and technology centre.
Also located on our grounds are the Community Oral Health Clinic, Family Works Hub, the Motueka Family Service Centre, the Motu Weka Neighbourhood Centre Day Care Facility, Motueka Playcentre and the Ministry of Education Special Education Centre.
Parklands School encourages high achievement in academic, cultural and sporting activities. Significant features of the School programme include programmes for students with special learning needs or abilities, opportunities for students to learn Te Reo Maori and educational experiences outside the classroom.
As you develop your association with the school you will become aware of the attractive, physical environment, a very supportive Board of Trustees, dedicated teachers, children with a strong community spirit and parents who work closely with the school. We promote the concept of “Partners in Learning”, with everyone working closely together to provide the best possible education we can for children.”
Riwaka School
School Road, Riwaka
Full Primary
Years: 1 – 8
Approx School Roll: 204
Decile: 5
Zoned – List of school zone maps
“Our students will develop a lifelong love of learning and have the skills that enable them to confidently and competently paddle their own waka.
Mission Statement
The mission for Riwaka School is to develop the child’s full potential so that each is happy and confident in their abilities, are caring and tolerant toward others and are able to lead full lives in an ever changing global and technological world.
Values
Riwaka School students recognize the following values as the schools 4 R’s:
- respect for ourselves
- respect for others
- respect for property
- respect for the environment”
Golden Bay
Motupipi School
435 Abel Tasman Drive, Motupipi
Primary
Years: 1 – 6
Approx School Roll: 87
Decile: 7
Not Zoned
“Set amidst Golden Bay’s green rolling countryside, with spacious playing fields and mature trees, Motupipi is a friendly, go-ahead school which values its children and offers stimulating learning programmes.
At Motupipi we use the teachable moment and our school community supports this, inviting us to make the most of exciting learning opportunities as they arise.
Staff interact with the children at breaks and our Principal is usually to be found on the sportsfield, joining in games and encouraging fair play.”
Central Takaka School
44 Central Takaka Road, Takaka
http://www.centraltakaka.school.nz/
Primary
Years: 1 -6
Approx School Roll: 35
Decile: 6
Not Zoned
“Central Takaka School is a U1 Decile 6 primary school catering for Year 1 to 6 students in two multi-level classes. It has a teaching principal, a part and full-time teacher, an office administrator, a part-time teacher aide/librarian and a caretaker/cleaner. The school attracts a variety of families from all over Golden Bay and the common reason for enrolling at Central is the school’s acknowledgement that all children are unique and have strengths and creativity to be shared and celebrated. There is a focus on nurturing the individual learning of each child so that they can achieve to the best of their ability in a caring environment. We strongly believe in empowering students to lead their own learning. We believe in doing this by developing a sound foundation in Literacy/Numeracy with students being self-aware of the learning process. This is also done by developing inquiry skills and fostering a real love for learning through having rich contextual experiences where students get to make meaningful decisions about their own learning.”
Takaka Primary School
9 Wadsworth Street, Takaka
http://www.takakaprimary.school.nz/
Primary
Years: 1 -6
Approx School Roll: 139
Decile: 6
Not Zoned
“Welcome to our vibrant place of learning, where we place children and their learning front and centre.
Our school is a diverse and happy place; we prioritise student wellbeing and engagement, knowing that progress and achievement will follow when both motivation to learn and student agency is high.
Our committed staff work in partnership with students, families and one another to create learning opportunities that engage, excite and encourage our learners to lengthen their stride and reach the potential they deserve.
Our children, staff, support staff, and families are on the waka as we journey, grow and evolve to develop a learner-centric curriculum and place of learning that is student driven, teacher powered, and well supported by whanau.
Takaka Primary is situated on 4 hectares of land with the local Kindergarten and High School just steps away. Our beautiful grounds back onto a forest and the community gardens, and we are a short walk from Takaka town. We get the best of both worlds, being able to access the library, playcentre and other amenities, while still being close to nature.
We are committed to developing our local curriculum to cater for our 21st century learners with innovative learning practice at the core.”
Golden Bay High School
12 Waitapu Road, Takaka
Secondary
Years: 9 – 13
Approx School Roll: 360
Decile: 6
Not Zoned
“At Golden Bay High School students prepare for the future by learning skills and knowledge, and developing the personal resources that are needed to live satisfying, balanced and responsible lives.
We cater for all students, whatever their needs. Part of our philosophy is to take into account the interests and abilities of each student. We devise individual programmes to support maximum learning where necessary.”
Collingwood Area School
Lewis Street, Collingwood
Primary/Intermediate/Secondary
Years: 9 – 13
Approx School Roll: 129
Decile: 7
Not Zoned
“Welcome to Collingwood and our local area school. We are located in a beautiful part of the country which provides a stimulating backdrop for learning to take place.
As an area school we have students from Years 1 to 13 which means we can offer education for all children without them facing the challenges of having to adjust from one school to another. We have a positive, family atmosphere with regular interactions between all year groups. These include buddy reading, tabloid sports, performing arts and Show Day to name a few. Our school vision is Creative, Collaborative, Connected, Confident. We aim to instil these attributes in our students through all the different opportunities we can offer.
We offer a wide range of subjects for senior secondary qualifications. The traditional ones such as Mathematics, English and Social Sciences sit alongside more specialised ones such as Tourism, Building and Forestry. We endeavor to have our students direct the structure of the senior secondary school by working with them to develop individual programmes. As a result, we are open to exploring other subject options than are traditionally offered if a student shows an interest in them. Our teachers work hard to keep up-to-date with the latest ideas in teaching and learning. We have excellent computer facilities with modern equipment, high speed internet access and the ability to offer lessons through distance learning.
We also make use of our local environment with a range of outdoor activities for all year levels. Key areas of focus include camps at Totaranui, Ski Trips to Hamner and class groups walking the Heaphy and Abel Tasman tracks. All classes at some stage have field work on the local beach, Farewell Spit and marine areas. The Kahurangi National Park ecosystem is also another area well explored by students.”
Back to Schools in Nelson-Tasman Directory
Brent Palmer – Professional Real Estate Consultant
About the Author: The above information on Schools in Tasman District is provided by Brent Palmer, a local leader in the field of Richmond and Nelson Real Estate sales, marketing, advanced technology for home selling, and social media. You can contact Brent Palmer here, or at 027 544 9921.
He has helped many people buy and sell homes in the Nelson, Stoke and Richmond areas for years, and would love the opportunity to help you as well.
Thinking of selling your home? I have a real passion for helping people sell their homes in our Nelson and Tasman Region, as well as the marketing, social media & advanced technology for home selling that goes along with it. I’d love to have the opportunity to sit down with you discuss how we can work together to get you the best price.
I help people buy and sell real estate in the following Nelson and Tasman towns & neighbourhoods: Wakefield, Brightwater, Hope, Appleby, Redwood Valley, Mapua, Stoke, Tahunanui, Atawhai and of course, Richmond and Nelson City. Connect with Brent on Facebook and pretty much everywhere else.
Know someone who needs help with real estate? Be rewarded and REFER them here
