Nau mai, Haere mai
Welcome to Gate Pā School
Gate Pā School is a special place where competence, culture, and character sit at the heart of every child’s journey.
Our vision “Empowering Rangatira to Value the Past to Create the Future” reminds us that building a bright future begins with honouring the past and its people. This vision, together with our lived values, creates a kura where all learners feel safe, valued, and ready to thrive.
Our dedicated team and high-quality facilities support every student to develop the knowledge, skills, and values they need for full, satisfying lives. We believe strong home-school partnerships are key to success, and we look forward to working with you to provide your child with the best possible educational experience.
Nau mai, haere mai ki te kura i Pukehinahina
It’s my absolute pleasure to welcome you to Gate Pā School — where every child’s learning journey is at the heart of what we do.
We believe every student deserves to thrive as a confident, capable learner. Our kura (school) is known for its warmth and strong sense of belonging, felt the moment you step through our gates. This comes from the deep relationships we build with parents and whānau, and our respect for the rich history of Pukehinahina (Gate Pā), which reminds us daily of the importance of manaakitanga (care) and aroha (compassion).
Learning, wellbeing, and character development guide every decision we make. When students feel happy, safe, and connected, they engage, grow, and achieve their best. Our dedicated staff set high expectations for learning and behaviour, ensuring each child develops resilience, confidence, and a positive mindset.
We are proud of our multicultural community and weave diversity throughout our learning. We honour the unique place of Māori in Aotearoa by providing opportunities for all students to grow te reo Māori me ōna tikanga (language and customs), building cultural competence and respect. Our school offers Māori immersion and bilingual pathways, reflecting our commitment to embracing all cultures and supporting each tamaiti’s identity.
At Gate Pā School, we nurture, challenge, and inspire every child to love learning and strive for excellence. We support each student to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally through evidence-based, culturally responsive teaching. We prepare our ākonga for an ever-changing world by fostering critical thinking, digital fluency, and future-ready skills, so they leave Gate Pā as competent, confident learners with strong character.
Gate Pā School is a special place where learning, culture, and wellbeing go hand in hand. Nau mai, haere mai, come and see how we can support your child to be their very best.
Nau mai, haere mai.
Rochelle Jensen
Principal/Tumuaki
Term Dates 2025
Term 1
Monday 3rd February - Friday 11th April
Important Dates:
School Starts Monday 3rd February
Waitangi Day - Thursday 6th February (School Closed)
Meet the Teacher - Thursday 20th February
Whānau BBQ- Thursday 6th March - 3:30-5pm
Staff Only Day - Wednesday 12th March (School Closed)
Term 2
Monday 28th April - Friday 27th June
Important Dates:
Kings Birthday - Monday 2nd June (School Closed)
Matariki - Friday 20th June (School Closed)
Term 3
Monday 14th July - Friday 19th September
Important Dates:
Staff Only Day - Monday 18th August (School Closed)
Term 4
Monday 6th October - Tuesday 16th December
Important Dates:
Learner Led Conferences - Friday 10th October
Labour Day - Monday 27th October (School Closed)
Tuesday 16th December - School finishes at 12pm
Gate Pā School Hours
Staff
Deputy Principal
Leader of Learning Support
Leader of Learning
Karewa / Senior Syndicate
Taumata-Ōhane / Junior Syndicate
Kopurererua / Māori Medium
Specialists
Learning Support
Administration
Grounds Staff
Board of Trustees (BOT)
Gate Pā School’s Board of Trustees are elected for a three year term. The BOT comprises of five parent representatives, the Principal, and a representative of the staff. Meetings are held twice a term. Parents/whanau are welcome to attend any of the meetings. Please contact the school office for a schedule of meeting times.
Board of Trustees
Our Charter, Policies and Annual Report
Strategic Plan 2023-2025 
2025 Annual Plan 
Annual Report 2024 
Policies
All our school policies and procedures are available for you to view online.
Families and whānau are welcome to review and provide feedback on our policies and procedures.
To view policies:
1. Go to schooldocs.co.nz
2. Click 'Search for your school'
3. Start typing the school’s name and select it from the dropdown list.
4. Enter your community username and password.
Username: gatepa
Password: gatepa