Raroa Intermediate

What Raroa Intermediate does

Rāroa Normal Intermediate School is a state intermediate school (Years 7–8, ages 11–13) located at 37 Haumia Street, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037, New Zealand. Established in 1971, the school operates under a Board of Trustees governance model and holds Normal School status — one of only 22 such designated schools in New Zealand — giving it a formal affiliation with Victoria University of Wellington for initial teacher education. The school serves a roll of 690 students representing over 25 nationalities (71% European including 65% NZE, 6% Māori, 7% Chinese, 5% Indian, 3% Pasifika), and is part of Te Kāhui Ako o Tarikākā, a 10-school Community of Learning across northern Wellington suburbs.

The school's core academic programme is built around the New Zealand Curriculum with a specific focus on the developmental needs of emerging adolescents. Distinctive programmes include Design Production Education (DPE) — a design-based technology curriculum incorporating laser cutting and 3D printing, anchored by the 2016-built Learning Street hub — Whakareinga Enrichment (23 Thursday-afternoon offerings), GATE extension (Mathletes, Ext(Extreme) Writing, Philosophy, Springfire, Manaakitanga), and a Positive Education & Wellbeing framework grounded in Martin Seligman's positive psychology. Technology platforms include Google Workspace, Seesaw, Mathletics, Education Perfect, HERO (parent communication), and SchoolDocs (policy management); students participate in an optional BYOD programme using Chromebooks.

Revenue is a hybrid of NZ government per-pupil funding, voluntary tax-deductible donations (annual $270/student + $70 DPE + $20 Education Perfect), international student tuition with homestay, pay-as-you-go enrichment and elective fees, and BYOD device sales through the Kindo online shop. Domestic enrolment is restricted to a defined home zone; international students aged 11–13 are recruited via direct email enquiry managed by International Director Dave Gillies.

Name

Raroa Intermediate

Legal name

Rāroa Normal Intermediate School

Website

https://raroa.school.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Rāroa Normal Intermediate School is a New Zealand state intermediate school (Years 7–8, ages 11–13) in Johnsonville, Wellington, serving 690 students across 25+ nationalities. It holds Normal School status with Victoria University, runs Design Production Education and Positive Wellbeing programmes, and operates zone-locked domestic and international enrolments.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Wellington

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Annual School Donation: Voluntary tax-deductible annual donation of $270 per student. The donation enables the school to provide a wider range of resources and activities than are covered by state funding, including additional staffing, age-specific technology resources, turfed areas, counselling services, extension opportunities, and additional resourcing for performing arts, Library, DPE and sport.
2. Design Production Education (DPE) Donation: $70 per student per year donation covering some costs of take-home materials used in DPE programmes.
3. Education Perfect Technology Fee: $20 per student annual fee for Education Perfect online platform providing students access to learning anywhere, anytime.
4. BYOD Device Sales: Chromebook devices sold directly through Rāroa's Kindo online store. Options include HP Chromebook 11MK G9 at $370 and Asus Chromebook C204 at $380. Direct purchase from school ensures device works out of the box with school filtering controls.
5. International Student Fees: International student fees covering tuition, with dedicated homestay accommodation provided. International Director Dave Gillies manages enrollment and support.
6. Whakareinga / Enrichment Programme Fees: Various enrichment classes charged separately. Tennis & Squash at KTSC costs $42; some electives range from free to $135 (e.g., Vertically Challenged $135, Golf Academy $135).
7. Electives Week Fees: End-of-year Electives Week charges varying by activity. Some electives are free (Coding Camp, Board Games) while others range from $15-$135 (Golf Academy $135, Up & Go $120, Waterworks $100, Netball Pre-Season $75).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Rāroa Normal Intermediate provides state-funded intermediate education for approximately 690 students aged 11-13 (Years 7-8) in Johnsonville, Wellington. The school delivers the New Zealand Curriculum through classroom programmes alongside distinctive specialist offerings including Design & Production Education (DPE) with laser cutting and 3D printing, The Arts, Languages, GATE extension, Positive Education & Wellbeing, Whakareinga enrichment, and Electives Week. International students are enrolled via a dedicated programme with homestay accommodation, visa support, and ELL classes.

Product overview

Raroa Normal Intermediate is an intermediate school (Years 7-8, ages 11-13) in Wellington, New Zealand, offering a comprehensive educational programme centered on emerging adolescent development. The core offerings include the Our Classrooms core programme, Design & Production Education (DPE) for technology and design, The Arts (visual and performing arts), and Languages (Te Reo, Mandarin, and elective languages). Additional specialized programmes include Whakareinga Enrichment (23 Thursday afternoon options), GATE Extension programme, Sport & PE, Positive Education & Wellbeing, and Electives Week. The school also produces The Rāroan newsletter and The Rāroa School Podcast. An International Student Programme supports students from overseas. All programmes are underpinned by the ASPIRE values framework and focus on the three strategic pou: Ako (People Learning), Whakapuāwai (People Thriving), and Whanaungatanga (People Connecting).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Our Classrooms (Core Programme) The core classroom educational programme based on the New Zealand Curriculum, focused on emerging adolescents with contemporary learning environments featuring flexible spaces for collaborative, quiet, creative, and individual work. For Years 7-8 students at Rāroa.
• Design & Production Education (DPE) Specialized technology and design programme integrated with classroom learning. Students work analytically and creatively to solve authentic problems through toolsets, skillsets, and mindsets, including Art & Design, Edible Design, Industrial Design, and Digital Design. Includes laser cutting and 3D printing via the Learning Street hub.
• Whakareinga (Enrichment Programme) Enrichment classes running Thursday afternoons offering exposure to experiences outside the standard curriculum. Over 20 offerings including languages, arts, STEM, sports, and life skills, with students participating in two 5-week rounds per term.
• The Arts (Visual & Performing Arts) Visual and performing arts programme including Visual Arts, Drama, Music, and Dance. Features annual Performing Arts Showcase, Rock/Stage Band, Orchestra, Te Rangatahi Kapa Haka group, and Talent Quest.
• Languages Programme Language learning including Te Reo Māori (embedded daily), Mandarin (offered as optional weekly class), and additional languages through Whakareinga including French, German, Spanish, Arabic, and Japanese.
• GATE (Extension & Opportunities Programme) Gifted and talented programme offering specialized classes including Mathletes, Ext(reme) Writing, Philosophy, Springfire, and Manaakitanga. Includes access to outside programmes such as Tournament of Minds, NIWA Science Fair, and AIMS games.
• Sport & Physical Education Physical education and competitive sports programme including WRISSA events, netball, basketball, athletics, and national competitions. Facilities include three Astro Turfs, a football field with goals, rugby field, basketball court, and multi-purpose hall.
• Positive Education & Wellbeing Wellbeing programme based on positive psychology with the Rāroa Wellbeing Model (ASPIRE framework). Focuses on six areas: actively involved, skilful thinking, persistence, independence, respect, and enjoyment.
• Electives Week End-of-year tradition offering intensive week-long programmes including coding, sports academies, arts, cooking, and adventure activities. Designed to develop lifelong interests and provide experiences outside normal curriculum.
• International Student Programme Programme for international students aged 11-13, including academic excellence focus, wellbeing support, homestay accommodation arrangements, visa and insurance assistance, and ELL support. The school complies with the NZ Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.

Quantifiable outcome

• Roll of 690 students representing over 25 nationalities (71% European, 6% Māori, 7% Chinese, 5% Indian, 18% total Asian, 3% Pasifika)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Te Kāhui Ako o Tarikākā (Northern Cluster of Schools)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 June 2024Rāroa is part of Te Kāhui Ako o Tarikākā, a Community of Learning comprising 10 schools across northern Wellington suburbs from Crofton Downs to Churton Park and Amesbury. The cluster works on four shared achievement challenges: cultural identity and belonging, hauora and wellbeing, student agency, and equitable outcomes for all. Schools: Crofton Downs Primary, Ngaio School, Cashmere Avenue School, Khandallah School, Rāroa Normal Intermediate, Onslow College, Johnsonville School, St Brigids School, Churton Park School, and Amesbury School.
• Wellington Victoria University (Victoria University of Wellington)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRāroa holds Normal School status and maintains a positive, collaborative relationship with Wellington Victoria University. The school hosts many initial teacher education (ITE) students throughout the year for teaching practicum placements. The school is committed to ITE and hosts student teachers from the university's Master of Teaching and Learning programme.
• KindocoreTechnology or IntegrationKindo is the school's preferred online payment and shop platform. It enables families to view accounts, pay fees and donations, purchase BYOD Chromebooks, order sushi lunches, and manage school payments online 24/7. The platform is integrated with school records.
• Study with New Zealand (NZ Ministry of Education)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe school references the Study with New Zealand government portal (naumainz.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz) as a resource for international students considering education in New Zealand.
• Onslow CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary secondary school destination for Rāroa graduates. As a cluster partner in Te Kāhui Ako o Tarikākā, Onslow College works with Rāroa on shared achievement challenges and student transitions.
• Wellington Girls' CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSecondary school destination for Rāroa graduates. Part of the cluster network, both schools are Google apps schools.
• Wellington CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSecondary school destination for Rāroa graduates. Part of the cluster network. Recommends Chromebooks for Year 9/10 and laptops from Year 10 onwards.
• MetlinkminorOthersMetlink provides public transport information and services for students. Students use Snapper cards (permanently loaded with child concession) for trains and buses on the Johnsonville line. Rāroa Station is a short walk from school.
• Khandallah Tennis and Squash ClubminorOthersPartner venue for Whakareinga Tennis & Squash enrichment programme. Students travel to Khandallah Tennis and Squash Club for professional coaching sessions.
• Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeputy Principal Matt Boucher developed lesson plans for Waka Kotahi's Safe Speeds Around Schools campaign. Rāroa students featured in promotional materials. The unit of work is available on the Waka Kotahi Education Portal for use by schools nationwide.
• HERO (by Linc-Ed)coreTechnology or IntegrationHERO app is used for communication with home including day-to-day school communications, sharing student progress and digital reports with whānau. Reports are published digitally through the app and can be downloaded and printed from home.
• Queen Margaret CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual school exchange programme with Queen Margaret College for cultural and educational exchange activities between students.
• Wellesley CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual school exchange programme with Wellesley College as part of the school's exchange activities.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Wellington College: Premier Wellington boys' secondary school and a documented cluster/transition partner for Rāroa graduates. Overlaps indirectly as a downstream destination in the same Wellington education ecosystem.
• Onslow College: Co-educational Wellington secondary school identified as a primary Rāroa graduate destination and Te Kāhui Ako o Tarikākā cluster partner. Comparable Wellington-cohort positioning with shared community initiatives.
• Wellington Girls' College: Major Wellington girls' secondary school and documented Rāroa cluster/transition partner. Shares the Google Apps school model and acts as a downstream destination in the same education pathway.

Emerging players

• Queen Margaret College: Wellington private school with an annual student exchange programme with Rāroa. Operates a different funding model (private tuition) but competes for the same international student segment in the Wellington market.
• Samuel Marsden Collegiate School: Wellington private school with a strong international student focus. Competes with Rāroa for fee-paying international enrolments in the Wellington market while serving a broader age band.

Direct peers

• Hataitai School: Wellington primary/intermediate school serving a comparable age band with a focus on holistic education. Overlaps with Rāroa in its Wellington catchment competition and curriculum positioning.
• Tawa Intermediate School: Wellington intermediate school serving Years 7–8 in the Tawa suburb. Comparable student age band, curriculum model, and co-curricular offerings for Wellington families seeking intermediate-level education.
• Karori Normal School: Wellington-based Normal School sharing Rāroa's Normal School status, university ITE partnership role, and best-practice teaching mandate. Closest comparable peer in terms of designation, governance model, and curriculum philosophy within the Wellington market.
• Kelburn Normal School: Another Wellington Normal School with a comparable Wellington Victoria University relationship. Operates a similar integrated curriculum with the same Normal School pedagogical positioning in the Wellington market.
• Northland School: Wellington area school with similar zone-based enrolment dynamics. Competes for the same pool of Wellington families seeking an intermediate-level education in the northern suburbs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/RaroaInt
• Facebookfacebook.com/raroaschool

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Raroa Intermediate