Nelson-Marlborough-West Coast

The Nelson Marlborough West Coast Region is a diverse, geographically spread area, or both rural and urban communities, located at the top of the South Island. It is comprised of 7 education catchments.

Nelson, Marlborough, and Tasman have become even more diverse communities over the last few years and our communities want a network that reflects their culture and identity and given more choice of provision where possible. 

Throughout our region, 18 percent of our population identify as Māori and this is increasing. We strive to work closely with schools and Kāhui Ako to support the vision of Ka Hikitia so that Māori achieve success as Māori. Alongside this, via our Māori medium network work, we are focusing on new provision so that many students in the region can choose this type of schooling.

Key local issues which will impact on schooling in the future include the recent downturn of tourism affecting employment opportunities especially on the West Coast and in Kaikōura. Continuing secondary tertiary partnerships in these areas is of particular significance. There are also issues of future coastal inundation in several areas which Te Puna Hanganga are keeping in mind for future planning of school property.

Size and growth

Population growth is mostly stable with 1 catchment, Buller, in decline. This means that we need to work to balance the network equitably. There are catchments expecting growth and we continue to predict and monitor this and plan accordingly. The Nelson Tasman Future Development Strategy identifies land for development up to 2050 allowing us to plan well ahead in these catchments.

Education network plans

There are 7 education network plans in the Nelson-Marlborough-West Coast region.

Nelson-Marlborough-West Coast region education network plans

Catchment plans within the National Education Growth Plan

The Nelson-Marlborough-West Coast region does not have any catchments included within the National Education Growth Plan.

Have a say

Our communities are changing all the time. When we work with school boards to come up with options to meet the demand of students in particular areas, we look at the whole network rather than individual schools.

Join the conversation

Find out what consultation on enrolment schemes is happening in your region.

Consultation on enrolment schemes

To participate in other Ministry consultations, visit the Consultation hub(external link).

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