Information for International Students

We are pleased that you are considering studying in New Zealand. Before you proceed with your application, you should read the information contained here. It will help you to decide if the New Zealand Education system and Paeroa College are right for you and your chosen career path.

About Paeroa College

Paeroa College is a co-educational, state secondary school with approximately 320 students. We accept international students from Year 9 – 13.

The school is located in Paeroa. This is a small town (the population is around 3,800) that lies in the Hauraki district in the North Island. It is approximately 1 hour from Hamilton city and 1 hour 30 minutes from Auckland if traveling by car. Paeroa is at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula which is a popular tourist destination. 

Our school offers a full academic programme, a wide range of sporting and cultural opportunities, and a safe, supportive learning environment. We have very well qualified and experienced staff who are dedicated to ongoing professional development to ensure that they are kept up to date with the latest developments in teaching and learning. Their focus is on our learners and making sure that they have everything they need to succeed. At Paeroa College, our school motto ‘Mahi tahi kia kaha’ expresses our core value that is through hard work and collective effort that great things are achieved. 

Facilities

• School nurse onsite and available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
• Two school counsellors onsite Tuesday and Thursday
• Careers advisor 
• Sports co-ordinator 

Academic Programme

Paeroa College is fully accredited to the New Zealand Qualifications Framework to deliver most unit standards and achievement standards as well as trade-related unit standards. The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) qualifications are offered at senior levels (Years 11 -13) to enable students to gain entry level qualifications into New Zealand Universities and Polytechnics. 

Our Junior Programme is broad-based and nurtures a diversity of learning opportunities for all students. In Years 9 and 10 all students study mathematics, literacy, science, physical education and health, and social studies and English. Additionally, there are eight art and technology subjects. In year 9, students rotate through all eight subjects (two per term), and in year 10 students choose four subjects. They run for half a year each.

In our senior school we offer a range of subjects. On a Friday we have academies, and these run all day as a single subject. The options are as follows:

• Creative Cats
• Design & Make
• Fashion Industry
• Garden to Plate
• Gateway
• Māori Tourism
• Outdoor Education
• Wearable Arts

Uniform

We expect all students to wear the correct school uniform to and from school, during school hours, and when representing the school. Uniform can be purchased directly from the school. Please click on the link below for prices. Short-term International Students may be eligible to wear the uniform of their home school.  Uniform Price List 2024

Extra-curricular Programmes

Paeroa College is well-known for is sporting and cultural success. Students of all abilities, interests, and cultures are encouraged to take the opportunity to develop special talents and learn new skills. We have number of cultural and sporting activities available including rugby, touch, football, basketball, netball, lacrosse, chess, and Kapa Haka. 

Accommodation

All international students wishing to study in New Zealand must have suitable, supervised accommodation for the entire time they are enrolled. At Paeroa College, the Homestay Coordinator, Lyn McHugh in conjunction with the Deputy Principal/Assistant Principal responsible for International Students, organises high quality homestays with Paeroa families to provide a caring and supporting environment.  Regular contact is made by Mrs McHugh with homestay carers to ensure the well-being of students. Regular contact is also made with the students’ home school and agency to give assurance that the students’ pastoral needs are being met.

Reporting

Parents of international students can expect to receive academic or progress reports twice a year. We welcome contact with parents and encourage them to meet us if they are able to visit New Zealand. It is important to notify us of any change in contact details to maintain regular and unhindered communication. We also have a parent portal on the school website. This enables parents to follow their student’s progress while studying at Paeroa College. A parent portal login can be obtained by contacting the student centre. 

Support Services

Paeroa College will endeavour to make students feel as comfortable and secure as possible when they are away from home. Our aim is to create learning success for every international student who comes through our doors. 

We have a school counsellors and deans available to assist all students. We also have a nurse available at school from Tuesday and Thursday if students require health support or information. 

For international students specifically, we have a Deputy Principal/Assistant Principal in charge of overseeing International Students and Mr Udy who works directly with the international students. These two individuals are responsible for our International Student’s welfare and provide overall guidance and contact between home, agencies and school.

Motor Vehicle 

International students enrolled at Paeroa College are not allowed to own or drive a car. 

Health and Travel Insurance

Most International Students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you require medical treatment during your visit, you will liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website at: http://www.moh.govt.nz

As such, all international students must have medical and travel insurance for the duration of their stay in New Zealand as well as for their travel to and from New Zealand. You can organise this with your agency.

You will not be able to complete your enrolment with Paeroa College if you have no evidence of a health and travel insurance policy. 

Accident Insurance

The Accident and Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at https://www.acc.co.nz/

Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students

Paeroa College has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the NZQA. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the NZQA website at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz