Principal's Korero

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Principal’s Korero

Tumuaki – Emma Leyland 

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā iwi o te motu, tēnei te mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa. Ka mihi hoki ki ngā mana whenua o tēnei rohe – ko Ngāpuhi, ko Ngāti Hau – mihi nui ki a koutou.

Nau mai, haere mai ki Tikipunga High School.

It is with aroha and a strong sense of privilege that I welcome you to our kura. As tumuaki, I feel honoured to lead a school that stands proudly in our community, with the creativity, passion and determination to be the very best educational institution in Whangārei.

Tikipunga High School is a school like no other. A place where innovation meets heart. We are deeply connected to our community, responsive to the needs of every learner and united by the belief that every student can succeed. Whether your child is starting their journey in Year 7 or preparing for NCEA success, we are here to meet their needs, nurture their strengths and help them flourish.

We are a small school with a big heart and that’s our strength. Every student is known by name, not by number. Our dedicated Kaiako and Kaimahi work tirelessly to create a learning environment where students are inspired, challenged and celebrated. We offer a valuesbased, restorative, student-centred approach to learning, grounded in Ako, Manaakitanga, Pono, Tikanga and Whanaungatanga.

What Makes Us Unique 

• Small class sizes with strong pastoral care
• Early access to senior curriculum from Year 7
• A culturally inclusive, localised curriculum
• Restorative and student-centred practices
• Experienced, passionate and creative staff
• Strong partnerships with whānau and community

Our Students Thrive 

Our learners are: 

• Happy, confident and achieving success
• Known and supported as individuals
• Nurtured to build self-belief and mana
• Provided with personalised pathways and clear goals
• Prepared for life beyond school with skills and qualifications

We are a kura that thinks differently and dares to lead. Our staff are innovative, passionate professionals who bring learning to life. Our whānau are active partners in their children's learning. Our curriculum reflects our local identity and honours both Māori and Pākehā worldviews, helping students feel proud of who they are and excited about where they’re going.

We are building something special here at Tikipunga High School. Our vision is bold: to meet the needs of all the learners in our community. To ensure that every whānau sees this kura as the best choice for their child. To grow great people who are confident, capable, culturally grounded and ready for whatever future they choose.

If you are looking for a school where your child will be seen, supported and stretched, where fun and challenge go hand in hand, and where every student is part of something bigger, then come and join us.

He kura mō te katoa. He kura mō āpōpō.

A school for everyone. A school for the future. 

He waka eke noa, we’re all in this together.

Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.