Make a smart move Study in Taranaki
Auckland
New Plymouth Right in the middle of the North Island of New Zealand.
Wellington
Christchurch
Dunedin
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Welcome Kia ora and welcome to Taranaki - the region like no other. International students need opportunities to gain internationally recognised qualifications, gain valuable life skills and have meaningful experiences to establish strong, successful futures. It can all be achieved right here in Taranaki! A vibrant, active region with a range of options to suit all students – from lively city schools and colleges in the heart of New Plymouth to more rural options offering real kiwi experiences in the central township of Stratford. The Taranaki region is well known for its diverse events calendar, its surf, café scene and of course hiking and walking upon our majestic mountain – Mount Taranaki. A decision to study in Taranaki is a very smart move! To find out more about the region www.taranaki.info
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Intenational Education Taranaki is a collective of education providers facilitated by the Regional Development Agency, Venture Taranaki Trust, as part of the Study Taranaki initiative. The group comprises seven secondary schools and two higher education colleges.
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Quality Institutions All our secondary schools offer the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level courses across a wide range of academic, cultural and sporting subjects. Our tertiary providers offer both bachelor degrees and diplomas across a range of subjects e.g. nursing, hospitality, IT, business management and more. All our education providers are experienced and knowledgeable about the needs of international students and their families, and provide the best care and support for those choosing to move to Taranaki to study.
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What’s On? Taranaki boasts a very busy and diverse events calendar. Over the year students are sure to find something to keep them entertained outside of school. Here’s just a small selection of events that have taken place in recent times: Sting & Paul Simon concert, Get-Up Street Art festival, FIFA U20 Football, WOMAD music festival, All Blacks rugby matches, WSL Surf Festival, TropFest film festival and Mamma Mia - the musical.
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Sunshine Capital Taranaki has a temperate climate with the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand. Temperatures are pleasant and mild all year round, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities. Average winter temperatures range between 6°C and 14°C, and summer temperatures a comfortable 13°C to 22°C, with the highest temperature recorded as 30°C.
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Kiwi Culture
Cultural Heritage
Our region is proudly diverse, but still uniquely kiwi. Our schools have small numbers of international students meaning their experience here is a true representation of the New Zealand school life. From the excitement of swimming sports to the discipline of Kapa Haka (Maori performing arts), our schools offer a real kiwi experience.
Our region’s history is diverse and colourful. According to Maori mythology Mount Taranaki sat in the centre of the North Island with the other mountain gods, but was banished by Tongariro, as he had fallen in love with pretty Pihanga. Taranaki moved away, and it’s said that when it rains, he’s crying for his lost love. In 1865 the Taranaki settlement of Parihaka was created by Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi as a place of refuge, and is now known as the birthplace of the passive resistance movement.
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Lifestyle From the vibrant and busy city of New Plymouth in the north of the region to the outdoorsy vibe of the south - the lifestyle in Taranaki is legendary. A great cafĂŠ scene, a multitude of world-class museums and art galleries, expansive beaches, awesome hikes and friendly people.
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Social Scene Outside of school hours many students like to watch movies, play sport, shop, swim, dance, skate or sing – and excellent facilities and clubs for a wide range of hobbies can be found right around the region. If students want to grab a bite to eat with friends then our diverse collection of eateries will impress. From American style milkshakes to gourmet burgers, vegan, Indian, Thai, Italian, Dutch, Chinese, Tex-Mex, Japanese and more. Plus an impressive collection of cafes with award winning coffees, decadent cakes, patisserie, sweets and ice-creams – Taranaki has a diverse range of eateries to suit most tastes. 10 I Study Taranaki
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The New Zealand Education System “You can be confident that any school you’re considering in New Zealand will meet the highest educational standards. The standards our schools adhere to are rigorously monitored and tested by the government, providing a consistently high level of education, wherever you choose to study. Strong quality controls are in place to ensure New Zealand qualifications and schools meet the highest educational standards”. – Education New Zealand Website: www.studyinnewzealand.com
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Travel With a great cycle and walking network, and well managed national highways, getting around the region is relatively easy. But if you are without personal transportation, the Taranaki regional council operates City Link, School Link and South Link bus services – connecting the region. National intercity bus services also operate daily.
Just a short direct flight from the three major New Zealand cities, Air New Zealand services the domestic route into Taranaki with regular flights each week to New Plymouth Airport from: Auckland (47 flights – 45mins), Wellington (32 flights – 50mins), Christchurch (5 flights – 1hr 25min)
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Opportunities Many students stay in the region following their studies and start successful careers. Taranaki has a wealth of opportunities for employment across a range of careers including oil and gas, farming, food technology, nursing, engineering, agri-tech and tourism. These careers can be combined with an affordable lifestyle.
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New Plymouth
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Inglewood
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Taranaki 9
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Stratford
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New Plymouth Boys’ High School
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New Plymouth Girls’ High School
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WITT
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Francis Douglas Memorial College
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Map data © 2015 Google
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Sacred Heart Girls’ College
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Spotswood College
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Puke Ariki Museum & Library
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PIHMS
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Bell Block Library
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Inglewood High School
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Inglewood Library
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Stratford Library
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Secondary Francis Douglas Memorial College Inglewood High School New Plymouth Boys’ High School New Plymouth Girls’ High School Sacred Heart Girls’ College Spotswood College St Mary’s Diocesan School
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Francis Douglas Memorial College Type: Catholic Integrated Boys’ High School Current roll: 800 Website: www.fdmc.school.nz Current international students: 8 Accommodation: Boarding and homestay Location: New Plymouth Email: office@fdmc.school.nz PH: +64 6 753 6149 Francis Douglas Memorial College has a reputation for providing personalised education focusing on academic excellence. Our NCEA pass rates are consistently well above the national average. Our school is committed to creating a strong academic purpose and will do everything to ensure that the academic, co-curricular and social aspects of school, hostel and homestay are as rewarding as possible. We have very high expectations for all of our students, and with small class sizes we monitor progress very closely. In addition to regular classes, all boarding students have two hours of supervised homework each night. Parents receive four reports per year. We welcome international students as part of our school community and offer a caring and friendly atmosphere. The presence of international students at the college enriches the school community and we value this cultural diversity. Students have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of extra-curricular activities including music, sport, drama and an excellent outdoors programme. photo rob tucker - Study Taranaki i 17
Inglewood High School Type: Co-Educational High School Current roll: 455 Website: www.inglewoodhs.school.nz Current international students: 6 Accommodation: Homestay Location: Inglewood Email: principal@inglewoodhs.school.nz PH: +64 6 756 8148 Inglewood High School is first and foremost a family school; our students are nurtured and encouraged in a caring, positive environment. We have high expectations of both staff and students and the school is committed to providing each student with a first class education that will equip them for the challenges of adulthood. Inglewood High School is a place where excellence is not only an aspiration, we all work together to make it a reality in all our endeavours. Our motto, constantia vincit- constant effort ensures success, underpins everything we do and every opportunity is taken to celebrate student success whether it be academic, sporting or cultural. We are a community school and, because of this, believe in the importance of serving our community and actively look for ways to be involved beyond the school gates.
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New Plymouth Boys’ High School Type: Boys’ High School Current roll: 1300 Website: www.npbhs.school.nz Current international students: 17 Accommodation: Boarding Location: New Plymouth Email: office@npbhs.school.nz PH: +64 6 758 5398 NPBHS is a traditional yet modern high school of 1300 boys, set in a parklike environment in the centre of New Plymouth. We believe in a holistic education for our students. Our mission statement states: “In an environment of integrity and respect, NPBHS engages and prepares confident, welleducated young men”. We have a New Zealand wide and international reputation for excellence, service and achievement. Our students show pride in their school and uniform and are engaged in class to succeed. Twice monthly engagement reports ensure students remain on task in class and additional tuition is always available. NPBHS has well qualified teaching staff, superior facilities and sports grounds, a boarding hostel on site (up to 200 students), a wide choice of academic programmes, sporting activities and opportunities for leadership and cultural activities abound. Study Taranaki I 19 photo rob tucker - Study Taranaki i 19
New Plymouth Girls’ High School Type: Girls’ High School Current roll: 1,343 Website: www.npghs.school.nz Current international students: 13 Accommodation: Boarding and homestay Location: New Plymouth Email: reception@npghs.school.nz PH: +64 6 757 3899 The school is based on traditional values with innovative approaches to teaching and learning supported by modern information communication technology. We have a proud tradition of academic excellence and a proven record of outstanding achievement in sport, visual and performing arts and the Young Enterprise Scheme. Our students consistently achieve above the national average in national qualifications. New Zealand Scholarships were awarded to students across many subjects in 2014. Personal development is given high priority and leadership opportunities abound at all levels throughout the school. We also have outstanding programmes and support services delivered by our staff out of our careers centre, Awhina the learning support centre, Wai Ora the wellness centre and the special needs unit Waimarie. New Plymouth Girls’ High School undertakes to ensure that the young women entering its gates will receive an education that enhances learning and is responsive to individual needs. Our platform of traditional values encourages respect, responsibility and positive relationships. We offer a unique opportunity to be educated at one of New Zealand’s oldest, most prestigious state girls’ schools that is committed to the education of young women. 20 I Study Taranaki
Sacred Heart Girls’ College Type: Catholic Integrated Girls’ High School Current roll: 677 Website: www.shgcnp.school.nz Current international students: 0 Accommodation: Homestay Location: New Plymouth Email: admin@shgcnp.school.nz PH: +64 6 758 5023 At Sacred Heart Girls’ College, New Plymouth, we care for our students personally. Staff are highly qualified and our Vertical Form and House systems ensure that students have the opportunity to relate to all groups. Their academic, physical and spiritual growth is developed and nurtured. We are proud of our academic achievements, the wide variety of sporting activities in which our girls participate and the family atmosphere throughout the college community. The college buildings are well maintained on an attractive, spacious site. Since the college was established, its motto “Age Quod Agis” (whatever you do, do to the best of your ability), has been one that we are proud to live by.
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Spotswood College Type: Co-Educational High School Current roll: 750 Website: www.spotswoodcollege.school.nz Current international students: 14 Accommodation: Homestay Location: New Plymouth Email: admin@spotswoodcollege.school.nz PH: +64 6 751 2416 We are a co-educational school with learning as our focus. We are diverse, inclusive and caring. All the teaching staff are university educated and teacher trained. Spotswood College has been open for 55 years and involved in international education since 2000. We are the only co-educational secondary school in New Plymouth and have an excellent reputation for meeting the needs of our international students. Spotswood College prides itself on providing the very best pastoral care for its students and all families with a dean. A dedicated international team are available at all times to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students. This school is a winner of the Education New Zealand award for Excellence in International Student Support. All homestays are police vetted and provide a welcoming and caring family environment. Spotswood College is located 4km from the city centre on the bus route, and covers 16 hectares of well cared-for grounds incorporating a swimming pool, beach volley ball courts, sports fields, library and music suite with recording studio. Spotswood College International students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of individual and team sports, orchestra and jazz band, Te Reo Maori – Kapa Haka Performance, surfing tuition and hiking. 22 I Study Taranaki
St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls Type: Anglican Girls High School Current roll: 135 Website: www.stmarysstratford.school.nz Current international students: 5 Accommodation: Boarding. Homestays for exeat weekends and holidays. Location: Stratford Email: office@stmarysstratford.school.nz PH: +64 6 765 5333 St Mary’s Stratford is a boutique school for girls. Established in 1914, the school has a fine reputation for being safe and friendly, with a family atmosphere. The garden setting of the school, on the edge of Mount Egmont National Park, is peaceful and expansive. We are only 30 minutes away from the coastal city of New Plymouth. Academic expectations are high and the girls’ results in national examinations are excellent. Teaching staff are passionate about their subjects and encourage each girl to reach her full potential and excel. Our international students successfully gain entrance to universities of their choice. Extra-curricular opportunities include dance, drama, music, cultural performances, sports teams, camps, outdoor education, volunteering opportunities and an International Committee. Our region is strong in basketball, golf and hockey. School clubs are also important including a Young Farmers Club, a Glee Club and a Young Writers Club.
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tertiary Pacific International Hotel Management School Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki ( WITT )
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Pacific International Hotel Management School Type: Private Training Institute Current Roll: 300 Website: www.pihms.ac.nz Current international students: 150 Accommodation: On site Qualmark 4*Hotel accommodation. Homestay accommodation is available for English Language students Location: New Plymouth Email: marketing@pihms.ac.nz PH: +64 6 968 1421 PIHMS offers NZQA qualifications from Diploma through to Masters in Hotel & Tourism Management. The learning environment includes lecture style delivery and operational training, whereby students will be involved in running all departments of the hotel school, from food & beverage, rooms division and managerial roles. The programmes at PIHMS also include paid internships (minimum six months) in leading hotels throughout New Zealand. Internship success leads to 97% of PIHMS graduates securing career positions on, or soon after, graduation. PIHMS is also part of the ‘Leading Hotel Schools of the World’, forming strong networks with other international schools and industry. Together we are developing quality benchmarking systems, sharing information and resources, researching, publishing and convening industry conferences, as well as providing career and education pathway options for our students. Study Taranaki i 25
(WITT) Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki Type: Higher Education Current Roll: 5194 students and 1854 EFTS Website: www.witt.ac.nz Current international students: 128 international students / 140 EFTS (2014 EOY) Accommodation: Homestay and student hostel on campus Location: New Plymouth Email: info@witt.ac.nz PH: +64 6 757 3100 The Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) is a quality government-owned tertiary education institution based in New Zealand’s cultural and surfing hub. WITT is the only state tertiary institution in Taranaki and offers courses from certificate to degree level across a wide range of areas, including business, nursing, hospitality, Maori, humanities, media, art, electrical, engineering, automotive, welding, carpentry, architecture, computing, fitness, hairdressing, beauty therapy, make-up artistry, early childhood education, social sciences and agriculture. WITT also specialises in English language tuition and foundation programmes for overseas students. The campus contains a cafeteria, art blocks, computer labs, engineering workshops, hospitality facilities (including a training restaurant and cafe) and most recently, two student accommodation blocks offering modern and affordable living. WITT focuses its courses particularly on vocational outcomes, and seeks to ensure that graduates are able to enter the workforce successfully or to advance their careers through further education or training. Our well qualified staff are dedicated to helping our students achieve positive learning outcomes. Our qualifications are well regarded both regionally and nationally. WITT’s strong relationships with industry ensure that the technical skills and knowledge students learn in the classroom meet the needs of employers. 26 I Study Taranaki
PHOTO PETER FLORENCE
To find out more about the region www.taranaki.info Email: study@venture.org.nz Phone: +64 6759 5150 While every attempt has been made to ensure accurate information at the time of going to press, the publishers accept no responsibility for supplied information or omissions. All images supplied by schools were done so under the understanding that all necessary permissions were obtained.