About Kōwhai Specialist School 

Based in Hastings, we are an exciting and innovative school for students aged 5-21 years with ORS funding who have specialist learning needs. We provide individualised learning pathways to support each student to achieve to his/her full potential.

Our school curriculum is based on the New Zealand Curriculum with a particular focus on the development of the Key Competencies. All students have individual goals to ensure our teaching and therapy programmes meet their specific needs. Learning experiences, resources and strategies are relevant, motivating and individualised. Parents, whānau and caregivers are welcomed as an integral part of their child's learning journey.

Our school provides students with a pathway through their schooling from primary and intermediate to secondary settings. In 2014 we extended this pathway further to include a tertiary option. Kowhai Tec, which is for our 18-21 year old students, has a focus on preparing students as they transition towards post school opportunities.

"Celebrating our students"

Kōwhai Base School welcomes our new entrant students and some of our senior students.

Most of our students are in purpose built satellite classes within mainstream host schools. These classes are staffed by our specialist teachers and teaching assistants, and allow students to enjoy supported interaction and learning experiences with their mainstream peers.

Our satellite classes are located at Hastings Central School, Kimi Ora School, Raureka School, Heretaunga Intermediate and Flaxmere College. Our therapy team comprising speech language therapists, occupational therapists, music therapists, physiotherapist and psychologist, work across all areas of our school to meet individual student therapy needs.

"Kōwhai School is well placed to continue to sustain ongoing improvements in teaching and student progress. The board, principal and staff are working collaboratively to improve students’ learning and well being. A strong platform for growing professional practice is in place."
ERO 2014

Kōwhai School is a positive,
enriching and fun place to be!