Education
Introduction
Some areas in Ruapehu District lack early childhood education (ECE) and day care services, causing travel and wait time issues for parents. Local primary schools are valued but face challenges in teacher recruitment and retention. Many high school students go to boarding school outside the district due to dissatisfaction with Taumarunui High School or other reasons. Ruapehu College is well-regarded in the south, but schools in the district lack health and social services for complex needs. Post-school opportunities are mostly in primary industry or trades and were seen as scarce.
Key themes
- Ruapehu District has gaps in ECE and day care services
- Local primary schools struggle to attract and keep teachers
- Many high school students leave the district for boarding school
- Ruapehu College is respected in the south, but district schools lack support for complex needs
- Post-school opportunities are limited to primary industry or trades
In this section
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Kakahi
Kakahi is perceived as a great place to bring up children however there is no local early childhood care or primary school which closed due to a falling roll.
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National Park
National Park is considered a good place to raise children with a well-regarded primary school.
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Ohakune
Ohakune caregivers feel there is a good availability of early childhood education, playgroups and opportunities for parents of young children to connect in the township.
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Ohura
Limited formal and informal childcare, playgroups early and childhood learning opportunities is a key issue for Ohura and its surrounds.
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Owhango
Early childhood options are available nearby and are well regarded, as is the local primary school, although it experiences challenges accessing services to assist children who need extra support.
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Raetihi
The local primary school in Raetihi is well regarded however there are challenges working in a community with high levels of social economic disadvantage and the ensuing social and health issues.
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Taumarunui
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Waiouru
Waiouru is felt to be a very safe place to bring up children and this has an effect on how children operate in the community.
