At Te Waka Kura o Mohua students prepare for the future by learning skills and knowledge, and developing the personal resources that are needed to live satisfying, balanced and responsible lives. 

​We cater for all students, whatever their needs. Part of our philosophy is to take into account the interests and abilities of each student. We devise individual program-mes to support maximum learning where necessary. 

Please contact us if you need any further assistance - we would love to hear from you. Ake Ake Kia Kaha.
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19 June 2025 - From the Principal, Jono Hay

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Mānawatia a Matariki
We are getting ready to embrace the warmth and wonder of Matariki, the Māori New Year! This significant time marks the appearance of the Matariki star cluster (also known as the Pleiades) in our morning sky. It's a time of reflection, celebration, and preparation for the year ahead.

Matariki is deeply rooted in ancient Māori traditions. Historically, the visibility and brightness of the stars indicated the success of the upcoming harvest. Today, it’s a beautiful occasion for whānau and communities to come together. It’s about remembering those who have passed, celebrating the present with kai (food), waiata (song), and kōrero (stories), and planning for the future.

At Te Waka Kura o Mohua | Golden Bay High School, we acknowledged Matariki with a hautapu at dawn on Thursday 19 June. This was a fantastic opportunity for all of our students and school community to learn more about Māori culture, traditions, and the importance of sustainability and community spirit.

Let’s all take a moment to look up at the night sky and connect with this special time of renewal and hope. Mānawatia a Matariki!

Trees for Survival
The school has recently signed up to a programme called Trees for Survival. This initiative will see 1000 seedlings raised on site in shade houses (built by the local MenzShed) in preparation for planting at an appropriate location. This will be an annual event facilitated by our student Environment Committee. We look forward to getting this new initiative underway and working to improve our local environment.

Pay it Forward
With the upcoming school holiday, I encourage all of our students to pay it forward. Most are in the fortunate position of having some time for rest and relaxation. Finding ways to help out around the house and support those that do not get a break, is an excellent way to show your appreciation and pay it forward.

Ake ake kia kaha
Jono Hay
Attendance and Winter Illness

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has published guidance on this topic:

“Knowing if your child is well enough to go to school
— guidance for parents and caregivers”.

This information helps you decide when it is okay
​to send your child to school,
​when you should keep your child at home and when you
should contact a health professional for advice.
2025 CALENDAR

20 June.................Matariki Public Holiday
24 June ................Uniform Shop open
24 June.................Yr7– 10 Student-Whānau-Teacher Subject Hui
27 June ................End of Term Two
14 July .................Start of Term Three
15 July .................Uniform Shop open
16 July .................Wednesday; school starts 9:45am
25 July .................Goldie
25 July .................Junior Disco 6:30pm
29 July .................Uniform Shop open
30 July .................Wednesday; school starts 9:45am
31 July .................School Cross country
1 Aug ...................Staff Only Day
6– 8 Aug ..............Yr 11 Rotoiti Camp
6– 8 Aug ..............Yr 12 Work Exploration
8 Aug ...................Yr 13 offsite (study day)
8 Aug ...................Goldie
12 Aug .................Uniform Shop open
13 Aug .................Wednesday; school starts 9:45am
15 Aug .................Yr 7/8 Junior Tournament
18 Aug .................Board meeting
26 Aug .................Uniform Shop open
2025 TERM DATES ARE HERE
Uniform Shop

The uniform shop will be open in Term 2 2025 fortnightly on the following Tuesdays: June 24. Ask office staff for directions.  ​You will need either cash, or phone internet banking and to show us the transaction before you may take the uniform.
Uniform Acc: 03 1354 0575666-01 and use student’s name as reference, please. Any uniform returns must still have tags on the clothing, and not have been worn, thank you. Any enquiries please speak to the new uniform co-ordinator Maki Reed, email [email protected]
GBHS Rebuild - Commercial Project Awards
The Golden Bay High School rebuild has recently been awarded a gold award and special award at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards. This is a huge achievement for the lead contractor, Naylor Love, and an acknowledgement of the huge amount of work, dedication and commitment demonstrated by a number of key staff and community members alongside the construction company, project manager (Noble) and architect (WSP).

The judges noted that “spanning 1,500 square metres, the Golden Bay High School rebuild delivers state-of-the-art facilities that reflect the community’s rich heritage. The project features new classrooms, a library, and administration spaces, all designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient materials, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and low-emission HVAC systems. Cultural narratives are woven throughout the design, with kowhaiwhai patterns by local artist Robin Slow celebrating the history of Mohua and strengthening the school’s connection to its community. This rebuild stands as a model of sustainability, cultural respect, and collaboration, creating a vibrant environment for learning and growth in Golden Bay.

Redeveloping a high school in a particularly isolated community presented a unique challenge for the Naylor Love Canterbury team. Immersing themselves deeply in the community ensured the design truly reflected the local culture and environment. The result is not only a vastly improved school, but a shared community asset.
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Collaboration was evident at every level, from the site planning to the incorporation of kowhaiwhai patterns by a local artist, telling the story of Golden Bay and its history. Despite supply chain challenges and the complexities of building in a live school environment, the project was delivered safely and sustainably, with strong recycling practices. This project is an example of what can be achieved
with exceptional commitment, care, and collaboration.”

These awards are testament to the exceptional buildings that we can be rightfully proud of and provide a fantastic learning environment for our students.
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Congratulations to Naylor Love - Gold Medal and Special Award. SpecAdvisor Education Project Award Results
​Recognition for the incredible work undertaken with the rebuild of Te Waka Kura o Mohua | Golden Bay High School and the cultural narrative embedded.