School History

Establishment

Rangiora New Life School was established with a roll of 16 students, with classes held on the premises of Leigh Camp in Loburn.

Becoming RNLS

The school relocated to modest new facilities, built on 4 hectares of land purchased by the church in Southbrook, Rangiora.

Integrated State School

During Brian Seatter's ten years as principal, the school became an Integrated State School. A specialist high school block was built that year to meet the terms of integration.

Strachan Block

Continued roll growth meant new buildings were needed, and a library, music, computing and classroom block was built, allowing the roll to increase to 250 students.

School-wide Expansion

An Administration block and a third new classroom block followed, along with a Technology and Visual Arts block.

Primary Expansion

Two new classrooms were added to accommodate the growing number of primary students.

Curriculum Development

From 2003 to 2011, under principal Gregg Weaver, further changes were made, particularly in curriculum development, along with the addition of two more secondary rooms.

Outdoor Developments

The grounds were substantially developed with new secondary hard courts, a soft court, cricket nets, a 400 metre grass athletics track and a fitness trail.

Events Centre

A 1,600 sqm Events Centre was completed, comprising a large gymnasium/hall with a stage and drama facilities, classrooms and other amenities, alongside a roll increase to approximately 350 students.

Science Block

Two new science laboratories and classrooms were opened to cater for a further increasing roll.

Leadership

Stephen Walters was appointed as principal, bringing a comprehensive history of restorative practices and BYOD, and reaffirming the place of one teacher, one classroom, within a modern learning pedagogy. The roll increased to a maximum of 420 students.

40th & Technology block

Rangiora New Life School celebrated its 40th Jubilee with a maximum roll of 470 students plus international students, with ongoing building work including a new technology block.

Admin & Primary Block

New Stewart Block built for primary and the redevelopment of the Admin Block was completed. The roll increased to a maximum of 570 students.