Kura Toa will open at Titahi Bay’s St Pius X School site on 1 February 2027, giving local rangatahi a new Years 7–13 education option.
Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira has confirmed the Tuki Street location for the iwi-led charter school, keeping the property in educational use after St Pius X closes at the end of this year.
The site has been home to St Pius X since 1954. Generations of pupils and their whānau have been part of the Catholic school, which held a farewell gathering on 31 October ahead of its closure.
Kura Toa tumuaki Kathleen O’Hare said the new school would honour that history while building its own relationship with local rangatahi and whānau.
“We’re excited to have found a home for Kura Toa in Titahi Bay. We look forward to honouring the history of this place while creating something special for the rangatahi and whānau who will become part of Kura Toa.”
The kura will offer bilingual learning in te reo Māori and English, alongside flexible learning pathways and opportunities connected to careers and entrepreneurship. Its approach focuses on learners’ identity, confidence and strengths, as well as preparing them for life beyond school.
The transition has brought together the Ministry of Education, Our Lady of Hope Catholic parish, the Archdiocese of Wellington, St Pius X School leadership and the Rūnanga.
St Pius X principal Dr John Young welcomed the continued use of the buildings for education.
“We wish Kura Toa all the best for the future. We will be working as hard as we can over the next few months to ensure the transition is smooth and effective.”
For former St Pius X board chair Geoff Hayward, the new use for the site follows a difficult period for the school community.
Hayward paid tribute to the staff, students and whānau for the way they had handled the closure news. He said he had worried about what would happen to the property if it no longer had a purpose.
“I had worried that the school would fall into ruin if there was no role for the property. This is a school with a proud history that would not be reflected if the space became run down.”
He also welcomed O’Hare’s appointment, having known her through her work at Maraeroa Primary School and, more recently, Ngāti Toa School.
Titahi Bay School tumuaki Matt Tiley welcomed the additional secondary pathway for local young people, describing Kura Toa as “a fantastic addition to our local educational landscape”.
Work will take place over the coming months to prepare the Tuki Street site for the new school.
Whānau interested in Kura Toa can register their interest at kuratoa.school.nz ahead of its 1 February 2027 opening.