Ōpiki School

Inspiring students to be the best they can be!

Welcome to Ōpiki School

Ōpiki School is a rural, full primary school that is located on the border of Horowhenua and Manawatū on the intersections of State Highway 56, Tane and Poplar Roads,  and is just a 15 minute drive from Palmerston North City. 

We have a stable roll that sits around 135 students, which is governed by an Enrolment Scheme managed by the Board of Trustees.   We celebrate our cultural makeup of 74% European, 18% Māori, 7% Asian and 1% Pacifika students.  

Being geographically positioned among strong agricultural and horticultural roots, we pride ourselves on our rural history and culture.  We also pride ourselves on the strong relationships we build with whānau and our wider community and are appreciative of the ongoing support and commitment they provide our school.    

The school is well resourced and set across six, attractive and modern classes all with TV screens, iPads, desktops, laptops and Chromebooks, to support learning.   We have many learning spaces including a library, multi-purpose learning centre and a purpose built technology HUB (Hangarau Utility Building)  which includes flexible learning areas, green screen for digital work, a modern kitchen and technology space.   Although we have individual classroom spaces, our teachers and learners/ākonga enjoy working collaboratively together across these spaces when appropriate.

We have large playing fields, two all weather multi-sport turf, a bike pump track, skateboards, jumps and protective gear, gymnastics equipment, and a school and community swimming pool and hallAll these spaces are well utilised by the teachers and large numbers of students involved in various sports codes.

Our vision is to 'Inspire students to be the best they can be - Kia whakamana i ngā tauira mō te eke ki ngā taumata ō rātou mahi.'  

We are focused on our learners/ākonga developing the skills, values and competencies that will fully equip them to fulfill our vision and be 'Future Ready Learners.'   This is supported by our Bridge to Life Values which consist of; Respect, Communication, Lifelong learning, Contribution and Self-worth.

At Ōpiki School, we equip learners/ākonga with the confidence, experience, skills and mindset to Self-Guide and have ownership of their learning and behaviours.

We have high expectations of all our learners/ākonga to achieve well academically and offer a variety of opportunities in leadership, sport and cultural activities within our school environment as well as across our region and even nationally.

We have a hard working, professional and highly skilled staff who place learning and learner well-being at the center of everything we do.  This is also supported by our dedicated Board of Trustees and Home & School Committee.

If you are considering enrolling at our school, please explore our website further and  call us or come and visit.

Tracey Gurney - Principal

2024 Out of Zone Enrolments

Enrolment at Ōpiki School is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available from the office.  The board has determined that places are likely to be available for out-of-zone students this year.  The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school's home zone.

This year there will be four enrolment periods.  The first enrolment period for Term 1, 2023 was held in Term 4 of 2023.  

For students seeking enrolment in any of the remaining three enrolments periods, the deadlines are listed below.  

If the number of out-of-zone applications exceeds the number of places available for any of the following enrolment periods, students will be selected by ballot.  If a ballot for out-of-zone places is required, it will take place the day after the deadline for receipt of applications.  Parents are informed of the outcome of the ballot within three school days of the ballot being held.

Parents of students who live within the home zone and intend enrolling their child at any time during the year should notify the school as soon as possible to assist the school to plan appropriately for each term.  Pre-enrolments for home zone and out-of-zone places can be made on our website under the 'Links and Forms' tab.

Details relating to the 2nd enrolment period are as follows:

Details relating to the 3rd enrolment period are as follows:

Details relating to the 4th enrolment period are as follows: