Sport & teams
Play, compete, train or simply have a go. Joining a team helps turn classmates into friends.
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HAEATA INTERNATIONAL / BELONG
Find your people. Find your place.
Studying in Christchurch, New Zealand, is more than joining a new school. It is making friends, finding trusted people, discovering everyday Kiwi life and knowing you have a community around you.
At Haeata Community Campus, international students in Years 1–13 are welcomed into one connected whānau.
Learn, Lead, Belong.
Arrive as a student.
Become part of our community.
Known by name
Real relationships and trusted adults
Regular check-ins
Space to talk about how you are settling in
A Kiwi home
Homestay and everyday family connections
Friendships that grow
Sport, culture, clubs and shared experiences
PEOPLE FIRST
Good support begins with relationships. Haeata’s International team takes time to know each student: what they enjoy, how they are settling in, and who they can turn to when something feels unfamiliar.
Our approach centres on trusted adults, student friendships and regular wellbeing conversations, so that care is personal and concerns can be addressed early.
Five trusted adults. Three friends.
A personal network of connection.
A relationship-building goal for every international learner, supported by the wider Haeata community.
You should always know who you can turn to.
A CONNECTED SUPPORT NETWORK
Support does not depend on just one person. It comes from a connected network of people who notice, listen, guide and help you feel at home—at school, in your homestay and beyond.
A clear contact point and regular pastoral check-ins.
Learning, friendship and everyday wellbeing connections.
Care, routines and support beyond the school day.
WELLBEING & PASTORAL CARE
Settling into a new country affects more than the school day. At Haeata, pastoral care pays attention to your friendships, learning, attendance, health, homestay experiences and sense of belonging.
Check in
Regular opportunities to share how you feel.
Notice
Early attention to changes or concerns.
Listen
Your questions and experiences matter.
Respond
Support and practical next steps when needed.
Haeata International is developing a wellbeing check-in app and monitoring approach designed to help the team understand students’ experiences and respond proactively.
PLANNED SYSTEM — NOT YET A LIVE STUDENT SERVICE
Technology should support relationships, not replace them. Students can speak directly to the International team or trusted staff whenever they need help.
A PLACE TO CALL HOME
Homestay is much more than somewhere to sleep. It is where students share meals, talk about their day, discover family traditions, practise English and experience everyday life in Aotearoa New Zealand.
For eligible students, homestay adds another circle of relationships beyond school. Accommodation suitability and arrangements are discussed individually with families and the International team.
Not simply accommodation. A sense of family.
Homestay & Parent Information →
Become part of everyday New Zealand family life.
Share routines, conversations and meals together.
Learn about the culture of your host community.
Know who to contact if something does not feel right.
FRIENDSHIPS ARE MADE BY JOINING IN
A friendship might begin on the sports court, at lunchtime, in a rehearsal, at a club or while helping at an event. At Haeata, being part of school life means finding ways to participate, contribute and connect.
EXPLORE ŌTAUTAHI TOGETHER
International student trips provide opportunities to explore Christchurch and Canterbury while making friends outside the classroom. New experiences become shared stories—and shared stories become a sense of belonging.
Photos show examples of possible experiences. Excursions depend on student age, programme, dates, availability, weather and individual arrangements; they are not guaranteed inclusions.
CULTURE & CONNECTION
At Haeata, manaakitanga is expressed through care and hospitality; whanaungatanga through relationships and connection. Students from many backgrounds are encouraged to share their cultures and learn from one another.
Belonging is not about becoming the same as everybody else. It is knowing your language, perspective and identity matter—and that you can contribute to the community around you.
Explore Haeata’s Values →
Ask questions. Share ideas. Tell us what is going well—and when something is difficult. We want to hear about your experience so we can help and keep improving.
You do not need to wait until somebody else notices. Speak with the International team, a trusted adult or your homestay contact.
YOUR FIRST DAYS AT HAEATA
You do not have to know everything on day one. We will help you become familiar with the people, places and routines—and give you time to settle in.
01 / YOUR JOURNEY
Start settling into Christchurch and your new surroundings.
02 / YOUR JOURNEY
Get to know your International team and trusted adults.
03 / YOUR JOURNEY
Learn the school routines and where to go.
04 / YOUR JOURNEY
Meet your teachers and classmates.
05 / YOUR JOURNEY
Try activities, have conversations and build friendships.
06 / YOUR JOURNEY
As places and people become familiar, confidence grows.
A PERSONAL POINT OF CONTACT
Director of International Students
Ronan Bass works alongside students, families, teachers, homestay providers and the wider school to help each international student feel known, safe and supported.
With over 30 years in teaching and educational leadership, including 7 years as a New Zealand secondary school principal, Ronan brings a relationship-centred approach to student care.
Email Ronan →
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A few practical answers for international students and their families.
You can speak to the International team, your teachers, a trusted adult or the relevant homestay contact. You do not need to wait until a concern becomes serious.
International students join regular classes and are encouraged to take part in suitable sport, cultural activities, clubs and trips, depending on age, availability and the programme.
Homestay may be available for eligible international students. Accommodation, supervision, suitability and pastoral arrangements are discussed with families before a placement is confirmed.
The wellbeing app and dashboard described on this page are planned. Students can access support directly from staff now; the International team can explain the current check-in process.
No. The photographs show examples of potential experiences. Activities and excursions vary according to the individual programme, age, season, availability and any additional quoted costs.
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