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"Happy, Confident Learners"

About Us

Wakari School is a Contributing Primary School located in the hill suburbs of Dunedin. We cater for children from ages 5 – 11 (Years 1 – 6). The School has a Roll of around 300 pupils which increases as new entrants join us throughout the year.

Our Values

At Wakari School we promote our values of

Honesty, Manners, Respect, Cooperation & Kindness.

As a Family orientated school we promote and encourage parental involvement. This assistance is vital for the children’s education during their time with us. School Camps, trips, swimming and School Fairs would simply not be possible without the assistance that Whanau offer. Our school has a proud tradition of community involvement stretching back to 1858!

Our Vision and Aims

Wakari prides itself on developing its Vision with our pupils; “Happy, Confident Learners”. We look to achieve this through a Co-operative Approach to Teaching and Learning. We have Three Syndicates across the School which operate in Learning Hubs. We aim to provide our pupils with the means to achieve their best in a caring, safe and secure environment. Wakari School benefits from a true team approach.

What We Offer

Experienced and well qualified teachers
Dedicated support staff
Forward-looking and innovative school
Positive, respectful environment
Flexible learning environment
Effective learning support programmes
Large grass areas
Great playgrounds
Swimming pool
Community support

What's happening at Wakari School?

Upcoming Events in June

Thu 11

Peanut butter collection in Hall

11 Jun 2026

Thu 11

Little Learners

11 Jun 2026

Fri 12

Bookclub orders close

12 Jun 2026

Mon 15

Board of Trustees Meeting

15 Jun 2026

Mon 22

Parent Teacher Interviews

22 Jun 2026 - 23 Jun 2026

Thu 25

Little Learners

25 Jun 2026

Fri 26

School Assembly

26 Jun 2026

Latest Notices

Peanut Butter Collection

11 Jun 2026

Thanks again for your support with the Peanut Butter fundraiser. We were able to raise over $1700!

There are still a number of orders waiting to be collected from the Hall kitchen.

Could we ask that all remaining orders be picked up tomorrow. Orders can be collected from the Hall between 3.00-3.30pm Friday 12 June.

Peanut Butter Collection: This Thursday

9 Jun 2026

Thank you all for your support of our peanut butter fundraiser. It has been a huge success.

You can collect your order from the side entrance of the school hall this Thursday 11th June between 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Enjoy your peanut butter!

School Photos - Free delivery closes midnight tonight!

7 Jun 2026

Heritage Productions recently visited our school to take our annual school photos.

An order card has been provided for each child who was present on photo day. This card includes:

A photo proof
A unique passcode to view and order your child’s images online
QR code and website details for easy ordering
To place an order, simply scan the QR code or visit the website listed on the order card. The website includes full details on package options and pricing. All payments are made online using a credit or debit card.

Sibling Photos: Your sibling photo will then be available to view and purchase online under your eldest child’s unique passcode.

Orders qualify for FREE delivery to the school if placed by 7 June 2026 at 11:59pm. Orders placed after this deadline will be delivered via courier, and shipping charges will apply.
You will receive an email confirmation once your order has been placed.

Reporting in 2026 and 2027

26 May 2026

The Ministry has provided new reporting guidelines to align with the revised New
Zealand Curriculum.

Please see the attached document.

New-Reporting-Statement-for-Schools-May-2026.pdf

Statement from the Ministry of Education

26 May 2026

Statement from the Ministry of Education to Support Schools with Reporting to Parents and Whānau

Please see document attached.

Statement-to-Support-Schools-2.pdf