Overview#

The purpose of an enrolment scheme is to:

• assist the school board to manage the risk of overcrowding
• provide a fair and transparent process for enrolment
• make sure we are making the best use of schooling facilities across the network of local schools.

The Education and Training Act 2020 sets out the purpose and principles of an enrolment scheme.

Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation

A key part of an enrolment scheme is the home zone.

The current enrolment scheme home zone boundaries have not been updated for a long time. They are unclear and do not account for residential developments in the area.

There are currently several areas where the home zone of Ōhoka School overlaps with those of neighbouring primary schools. These include:

• Fernside School
• Swannanoa School
• Clarkville Te Kura ki Waimātao.

Overlaps with a large number of students present a significant risk. Changes in parental preference could result in very rapid changes to school rolls, placing pressure on school facilities. It is preferred that these overlaps are minimised.

Following engagement with the Ōhoka School Board, we recognise it may be appropriate to keep some of these overlaps, where the risk of overcrowding is not significantly increased.

The proposed changes#

The proposed change to the enrolment scheme is the removal of areas B to F. You can see details of this on the map below. We want your feedback on keeping or removing each of these areas.

We have identified several 'areas of interest' to support discussions about potential changes to the home zone:

• Area A is the core Ōhoka School area, which is proposed to stay in the school’s home zone.
• Areas B to F have overlaps with neighbouring schools and are being considered for removal from the zone.
• Areas B to F are within the home zone of a neighbouring school.

When you complete the survey, tell us which area or areas you are giving feedback on.

Feedback is also welcome on the proposed commencement date of 1 January 2026.

Information to read before you complete the survey#

It is important that we hear and understand community perspectives before we establish this amendment to the enrolment scheme at Ōhoka School – especially the design and practical implications of the home zone amendment.

Have a look at the maps, information and frequently asked questions (FAQs) below before you give us your feedback.

The amended enrolment scheme is proposed to commence from 1 January 2026.

The written description will also be updated, following the determination of the final home zone. The enrolment scheme wording will be updated to reflect the Education and Training Act 2020.

Enrolments#

All ākonga | learners who live within the home zone of Ōhoka School will be entitled to attend the school. Those who live outside the home zone may be accepted if there are out-of-zone places available.

To be able to do this, boards of state schools keep an eye on the number of applications received from in-zone students. This helps them determine the places they might have available for out-of-zone students once all in-zone enrolments are accepted.

All students who are already enrolled at Ōhoka School before the enrolment scheme amendment commences are entitled to stay at Ōhoka School. Siblings of current students who reside outside the home zone will have priority access to any out-of-zone places offered by the school.

Any siblings of current students currently residing in the withdrawal area may be able to enrol at the school under the 'additional entitlement to enrol' provision. This is also known as 'grandparenting'.

The document below has more information on this.

Have your say#

You can have your say by filling in the survey below.

Ōhoka School – Amendment to Enrolment Scheme Survey