About Pongakawa School
Welcome to Pongakawa School, a vibrant and inclusive full primary education institution nestled in the heart of our beautiful Bay of Plenty region.
At this co-educational state school with an approximate roll size of 307 students, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing learning environment where every child is valued and encouraged to thrive. Our dedicated team under the leadership of Principal Michael Cunliffe ensures that our educational approach aligns seamlessly with New Zealand'devolved values.
Pongakawa School stands as a proud member of its community, located in Pongakawa itself—a town characterized by strong communal bonds and rich cultural heritage. The surrounding area offers an idyllic backdrop for our students to learn not only from books but also through real-world experiences that connect them deeply with their environment.
We are committed to preparing young minds, guiding them towards academic excellence while instilling invaluable life skills and a sense of responsibility. Our school's ethos is built upon respect, integrity, teamwork, resilience, compassion, innovation, trustworthiness, courage, and self-esteem—a reflection of the core belief that education extends beyond classrooms to shape well-rounded individuals.