2026 Apanui School Strategic Plan
(Update Dec. 2025)
Our Context
Apanui School sits within a rohe rich in history and identity. In the early 20th century, the tribe’s leading figure was Te Hurinui Apanui, the grandson of Apanui Te Hāmaiwaho. He died in 1924, and was the last of the direct male line of the house of Apanui.
Today, Apanui School is a vibrant and inclusive learning community in Whakatāne, grounded in strong relationships with Ngāti Awa, the tangata whenua of this rohe. Our kura nurtures tamariki through a holistic approach that strengthens identity and wellbeing, alongside high expectations for learning and achievement.
Cultural and Historical Foundations
We maintain an active partnership with Ngāti Awa, ensuring teaching and learning are grounded in local tikanga, pūrākau, and histories. This is reflected in our curriculum design, our school values, and daily practice. We create conditions for Māori learners to achieve success as Māori, while all ākonga grow their understanding and appreciation of Te Ao Māori.
Our kura reflects the bicultural foundations of Aotearoa. Te reo Māori me ōna tikanga are visible, heard, and practiced across school life. We also affirm the diverse identities of all whānau—tangata whenua and tangata tiriti—so every ākonga feels they belong and can thrive.
Our People
Apanui School is powered by a committed team of experienced and passionate educators. We value professional growth and leadership development, and we build shared practice through ongoing learning, coaching, and collaboration.
With stable and experienced leadership in place, we have strengthened our focus on improving classroom practice, using quality assessment and aromatawai information to understand progress, and lifting engagement and attendance so every learner can access the full breadth of learning.
Facilities and Environment
A significant new school build was completed in 2023, providing modern, flexible learning spaces that support connection, creativity, and strong teaching and learning. Our physical environment enables collaboration and purposeful inquiry, aligned to our Ake Runga vision.Our expansive outdoor spaces, play-enhanced environments, Makerspace, and Creative Arts programmes provide hands-on learning opportunities that build curiosity, resilience, and a love of learning.
Our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equitable outcomes for Māori
At Apanui School, giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi is not a separate initiative. It is the way we work, plan, teach, and partner. Our Strategic Plan strengthens the conditions for Māori learners to achieve success as Māori, while ensuring te reo Māori me ōna tikanga are visible, normalised, and valued by all.
Partnership | Mahi Tahi
We prioritise genuine partnership with Ngāti Awa as tangata whenua of our rohe, and with whānau Māori, so Māori voice shapes decisions that impact our tamariki. This is reflected through:
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Co-design and collaboration: Working with Ngāti Awa to shape localised curriculum, cultural initiatives, and policies so iwi aspirations are embedded across school life.
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Whānau engagement: Regular whānau hui and ongoing kōrero to inform learning priorities, wellbeing supports, and school direction.
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Strong conditions for learning: Strengthening leadership, relational trust, and consistent processes so whānau experience a kura that is calm, safe, and grounded in respectful relationships.
Protection | Tautiaki
We actively protect and promote Māori language, identity, and culture, and we protect learner success by naming and responding to inequity. This is reflected through:
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Embedding te reo Māori me ōna tikanga: Visible and lived across classrooms and school life, supported by ongoing professional learning and shared expectations.
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Strengthening Māori-medium pathways: Sustaining and growing Level Three biligual classes, with deliberate planning for future expansion.
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Accelerating Māori achievement: Using good quality assessment and aromatawai information to identify need early and target acceleration—especially in writing—where disparity persists.
Participation | Whai Wāhi
We strengthen equitable participation for Māori learners, whānau, and iwi by removing barriers to learning and belonging and ensuring access to the full life of the kura. This is reflected through:
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Removing barriers through wellbeing and learning supports: Strengthening PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning) and wrap-around supports, including the impact of key roles that help our most vulnerable ākonga engage and succeed.
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Māori learners as leaders and contributors: Ensuring Māori ākonga participate across cultural, sporting, and learning opportunities where Māori culture is valued and shared.
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Attendance and engagement as equity actions: Strengthening attendance and belonging, including deliberate transitions and pathways (such as cohort entry) that support calm starts, connection, and sustained engagement over time.