Our Approach to Care and Wellbeing is Unique
Through our student care and development network we deliver services and programmes that ensure every student is given the guidance, support, tools and environment they need to understand their place in the world and to succeed.
Pastoral Care
Our wrap-around, holistic approach to pastoral care allows us to call on all of the expertise within the care and development network to support us with directions and solutions. This network includes the pastoral team, Learning Centre, Te Ara, health and student development and leadership teams; through their programmes and initiatives, we are able to provide opportunities, a strong sense of connection and targeted support for our people.
The pastoral team consists of tutors and deans who move through the school with their year level and therefore really get to know each individual; the International Dean, school psychologists and nurses, Wellbeing Programmes Coordinator and boarding staff have a much broader knowledge of the students and apply their special lens and expertise to the health and wellbeing of the students. A common understanding and regular communication ensure we are covering all bases so each student knows they have at least one person who will be their champion and/or guide.
We offer a ‘personalised’ approach to learning. By getting to know and understand each and every student, we are responsive to their individual learning needs, alongside their interests, goals and abilities, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Wellbeing
At the heart of Rangi Ruru is our commitment to supporting and enhancing the wellbeing of our students. We embrace the whakatauki Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai (Nurture the seed and it will bloom) and Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu (Adorn the bird with feathers so it may soar), as guiding principles for our approach to wellbeing. These values inspire us to nurture and empower our students, allowing them to flourish in an environment where they feel secure and inspired to reach their full potential.
We believe that a student’s sense of wellbeing is fundamental to their growth and success, and our school-wide approach reflects this belief in every aspect of school life. Our approach is guided by our pillars, culture, and values, empowering our ākonga with the knowledge and awareness to prioritise their wellbeing in all its forms.
We foster social and emotional wellbeing through meaningful relationship-building opportunities, nurturing connections across our school community. These relationships are central to creating an environment where every student feels supported, valued, and understood. In addition to social and emotional wellbeing, we integrate spiritual, cultural, mental, and physical wellbeing into our daily routines. Regular opportunities for reflection, celebration, and connection help to build a holistic approach that supports each student’s journey to thrive.
At Rangi Ruru, we stand by our belief in Whāia tō te rangi (Seek the highest), encouraging our students to aim high in all areas of their lives, knowing they have the support and foundation to flourish.
Student Safety
We are committed to student safety and actively work to provide a safe environment for all of our students. Our student safe policies and guidelines can be found here.

Brooke’s Story
“The 10-year-old Brooke with dyslexia and anxiety who started at Rangi Ruru would never have believed how far she could come. I was the Year 13 Student Leader of the Learning Centre, studying Calculus, Chemistry, Biology and English.”