At Tahatai Coast School we are descendants of explorers, discoverers and innovators.  We are ‘Tahatai Explorers’ who are on a learning journey that acknowledges that learning is life-long and does not move in a straight line - it is like ‘Riding the Waves of Learning’ in that we pass through ups and downs along our way.  These challenges can be met individually or with the help of other people paddling the waka together with us in the same direction.  

Te Aihe o Tahatai guides us and represents the bringing of new knowledge and a kaitiaki (guardian) of our people.  We at Tahatai are all guardians of our environment and our people. As we move through our kura, we gain knowledge and skills that will help us, our whānau, and our communities in the future.    

The Tihi o te Ngaru (Peak of the wave) is our iwi/graduate profile.   While we have worked towards the ‘tihi’ of our wave at Tahatai Coast School, there are always others to catch, ride, and try to reach the top of.  While one wave rises and falls, we are continually challenged in unfamiliar places, to be the best that we can be.

Our learning vision is for our tauira to be enthusiastic and excited about learning - eager to do their personal best and make connections. Where our previous knowledge, values/beliefs, and cultural identity are valued and celebrated. Our ākonga experience learning that is inclusive and equitable, acknowledging global views and the values/beliefs of our tamariki, kaiako and whānau.  We use our knowledge and competencies to search, discover, investigate and inquire in order to learn and grow.  

Ultimately, we are wanting to empower our tauira to become stronger, confident, creative and connected, so that they can thrive in today’s society and into the future.  We see differences as something, we can learn from to become more open and knowledgeable.   Our learning empowers us to take action, progress, and look to the future so that we can help our whānau and communities to thrive.  In order for us to thrive, we believe there needs to be a healthy balance between our taha tinana (physical), taha hingengaro (mental & emotional), taha whānau (family & social), taha whenua (land & roots) and taha wairua (spiritual).     

At Tahatai, our staff understand the importance of creating and nurturing positive and meaningful relationships with akonga and whānau. They are creative and highly collaborative in their delivery of the curriculum. As a large team, we collectively bring a diverse and rich array of talents and skills. These are put to good use with many extracurricular opportunities on offer. Making life at Tahatai fun while also creating special lifelong memories. 

Please feel free to explore our website or pop in to organise a visit to see first hand our wonderful school.

Nga mihi nui

Matt Skilton
Tumuaki/Principal