Correspondence School since 1922
A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa
Journey since 1 Feb 1922 when sole-charge teacher wrote lessons by hand and posted to students
Correspondence School, Te Kura, Schools, Education, Mail, Teachers, Radio, Broadcasts, Online learning, Courses
The New Zealand Correspondence School (NZCS) began operating on 1 February 1922 from Wellington by the Department of Education as a distance education postal service. Since 1989, NZCS has been governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Minister of Education. In 2009, NZCS became known as 'Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu' or 'Te Kura' and offers courses from Early Childhood to NCEA Level 3 through a combination of online and face-to-face learning.
The following revisits the journey since the first sole-charge teacher based in Wellington wrote lessons and letters by hand which were posted to over 100 primary-age students up to Standard 6 (Year 8) living in isolated rural areas, including lighthouses. Over the decades, the range of students has increased to include from Early Childhood to adult students. Currently, there are over 10,000 students in NZ and overseas, and over 900 staff organised into four wāhanga (areas): Chief Executive’s Office, Curriculum; Learning Delivery with regional and national teams; and Systems and Support staff.
Initiatives over the decades have included radio broadcasts, taped material, online lessons, reading app, school clubs and societies, week-long and month-long residential courses, and Summer School. Correspondence resources were also provided when schools closed during the polio epidemic during 1948, after the Canterbury earthquake in 2011, and during COVID-19 disruptions in 2020/21.
For the current online and face-to-face services provided and eligibility criteria, see: Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu: https://www.tekura.school.nz/
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A. Summary overview of the New Zealand Correspondence School
B. Backstory: Key developments over the decades, 1920s - 2020s
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A. Summary overview of the New Zealand Correspondence School
On 1 Feb 1922, Dept. of Education's New Zealand Correspondence School began preparing lessons for primary-level pupils
Adverts were placed for children in remote areas. (Image: Mailed lessons at Arapito Nelson, 1965)
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
25 enrolments were expected by sole-charge teacher Miss Janet MacKenzie who handwrote the lessons but she received 107
When roll rose during 1922, office staff & 2d teacher were appointed (Dec roll: 347). In Aug 1923, a Headmaster started.
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
The free lessons were posted monthly for completion fortnightly & were returned by reply-paid post for marking
Image: Pupil Kathryn Stirling hangs up a mailbag containing completed lessons for collection from a farm in Mt Cook area
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Parents were to be involved with the teaching of their child & were given a "Superviser's Booklet"
Image: Cape Palliser lighthouse keeper’s wife supervises her daughter’s correspondence school lessons, 1958
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
![Image: [Government Buildings, Wellington]](https://images.digitalnz.org/K0OWicFZvDq-BSw3NW2Kq03knjk=/368x0/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tepapa.govt.nz%2Fcollection%2F487616%2Fpreview "[Government Buildings, Wellington]")
NZCS office was on 2d floor of Government Buildings (see image); then shifted to 156 The Terrace in 1923 as staff grew
NZCS shared the house on The Terrace with Geological Survey Dept for next 7 years, during which teachers increased to 12
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
During 1928, NZCS opened its library & reading material also included the 'School Journal'
(Image: 'School Journal' pub. by Dpt of Ed since 1907)
Thames Museum
From 1928-2004, 'The Postman' magazine brought students into contact with each other by submitting articles & letters
Also introduced was the Correspondence School badge with the motto "Kimihia Te Matauranga" - "Seek Knowledge"
Thames Museum
In Feb 1929, secondary-level students could enrol, & 2 teachers & 2 typists began. By Dec roll = 98 sec & 795 primary.
Sec. staff initially used geologists' room as they were away on fieldwork; & then moved to 168 The Terrace later in 1929
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
From July 1931-1997, NZCS broadcast sessions on the radio, & first course in te reo Māori held in 1949
Image: Student listening to radio. Includes link to audio of 1st Māori language lesson for 4th Form in 1956 (37 secs)
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
In 1935, NZCS began to include part-time adult students in NZ & Pacific Island nations
eg Public Service staff, inmates & new migrants. Later, other groups became eligible. (See: NZ Film Unit: 1956: 2 min)
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
In Sept 1935, student visits to Wellington began, & the first exhibition of their work was held at NZCS in May 1936
Further exhibitions were held over the years, including at the Wellington Public Library (See image: 1947)
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
During 1936, the Ex-Pupils' Association, Parents' Association & the Special Education Service were formed
Image: The NZCS Parents Association held its golden jubilee in 1986
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
In late 1930s, "Visiting Teacher" scheme initiated & first woman teacher to visit families was Catherine Forde in 1940
Image: NFU "A letter to the teacher" (1957): Excerpt (49 secs): Forde visits family of 8 children
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
As NZCS staff grew, they moved in 1930 to temporary premises & then shifted to Clifton Terrace in 1936-37
(Stayed 2 yrs at Fitzherbert St & 3 yrs at Teachers Training College in Kowhai Rd.) Image: NZCs on Clifton Terrace, 1971
Wellington City Libraries
In 1939, 'Vacation School' began with visits to New Plymouth's Girls' & Boys' High
170 students aged 5-21 visited New Plymouth on 8-20 May 1939 during which they stayed at hostels
Auckland Libraries
Visits became known as 'School Week/s' & students wore NZCS uniform & were billeted for 1 or 2 weeks by pupils' families
Aims of school visits included social interaction & practical instruction. (Image: Cookery class at New Plymouth, 1939)
Auckland Libraries
Film (1940) "The Royal Mail" looks at the New Zealand Postal Service, including delivery of Correspondence School mail
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
In 1949, first annual residential course was held for one month at Massey College each year until 1994
Boys & girls alternated each year until 1972 when mixed-gender. (Image: Music lessons at Massey College, Nov 1959)
Palmerston North City Library
In 1950s, NZCS enrolled unwell pupils away from school for 2 or more wks & adults whose primary schooling was curtailed
Image: Correspondence School lessons for a patient in the Wellington Public Hospital
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
In July 1954, the NZ Crippled Children's Society made arrangements to enrol children with NZCS
(National Film Unit documentary on caring for children born with disabilities includes correspondence lessons, 1972)
NZ On Screen
In 1957, the National Film Unit produced "A letter to a teacher" on the support provided to students (25 mins)
The film by NFU's Kathleen O'Brien was shown in theatres in NZ & nominated for inclusion in the Berlin Film Festival
NZ On Screen
In 1962, NZ Commission on Educ. praised special needs service & US educators visiting NZ during 1969 were also impressed
US educators recommended to US Congress to adapt for US rural areas. (Image: NZCS office on Clifton Terrace, 1969)
Wellington City Libraries
During 1970s, NZCS students continued to receive lessons & books to read by mail
Image: Children working on their lessons at Tiritiri Lighthouse, Oct 1972
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
From 1975, Early Childhood (3-5 years) included as NZCS students
Image: Grandmother & 4-yr old grandson with magnifying glass & shells during NZCS 'Let's Explore Science Day', 1993
MTG Hawke's Bay
In late 1978, NZCS headquarters moved to larger building at 11 Portland Crescent, Thorndon in Central Wellington
The Executive & Wellington staff had been occupying 11 small offices. In addition, 5 teachers were based in 5 regions.
Alexander Turnbull Library
Under Education Act 1989, NZCS governed by Board of Trustees appointed by Min of Ed & called "The Correspondence School"
(In Aug 1988, Govt's "Tomorrow's Schools" had drawn on Taskforce's report "Administering for Excellence" in NZ schools)
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
12 Dec 1997: RNZ audio - The last Correspondence School programme broadcast on National Radio (21:10 mins) after 66 yrs
Alexander Turnbull Library
In 2001, e-learning pilot began with 300 students & first fully online courses were launched in 2011
In March 2002, TCS news [electronic resource] was produced until May 2009; then "Link Up Te Whakahononga" began in July
Canterbury Museum
In 2009, ‘The Correspondence School’ name changed to 'Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu' (Te Kura) & regional services develop
First issue of the quarterly electronic newsletter "Link Up Te Whakahononga" began in July 2009
National Library of New Zealand
During 2010s, developments included: student management computer system, a reading app, & "Authentic Learning" approach
(Te Kura's strategic directions & areas of focus were summarised in a briefing for new Minister of Ed in Nov 2017)
National Library of New Zealand
From mid-2012, Y11-13 students could study NCEA & tertiary courses on trades in partnership with Open Polytechnic
Students could also top up NCEA credits & UE at "Summer School" introduced in Jan/Feb 2016 (See RNZ article)
Radio New Zealand
During 2022, centennial celebrations were held & the book "Going the distance' was written by Gael Woods
RNZ interview (18 Nov 2022) with author Gael Woods (20:55 mins)
Radio New Zealand
Currently over 900 staff, including c.500 teachers & 250 specialist & support staff/kaimahi, for a roll of over 10,000
Staffing is organised into 4 areas: Chief Executive's office; Curriculum; Learning Delivery; & Systems & Support Teams
Digital Public Library of America
On 25 Feb 2025, Min. of Ed. published updated "Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura) enrolment and dual tuition policy"
Students study through a combination of online & face-to-face tuition, including transitions to tertiary study & careers
Department of Internal Affairs
B. Backstory: Key developments over the decades, 1920s - 2020s
The 1877 Education Act stated free, secular & compulsory education to be provided, but not all had access to schools
Parents campaigned for their children who lived in isolated areas, including backcountry farms & lighthouses
National Library of New Zealand
1920s
Trial of lessons by mail for primary-level children up to Standard 6 (Y8) in remote areas
In 1921, the Minister of Education announced a lessons by mail trial with primary school-aged children in remote areas
Initiative to be modelled on 'backblocks children' service provided from Melbourne to children in Victoria, Australia
National Library of New Zealand
In Aug 1921, the Education Board was directed to place adverts in local papers for parents to apply for information
Parents had to contact the Secretary of the Education Board for forms & details about the scheme which was free
National Library of New Zealand
Nov 1921: Education Dpt advertised for a certified teacher, preferably female, with country school experience
The position would be based in Wellington & the salary would range from £250–£270
National Library of New Zealand
On 1 Feb 1922, the successful applicant, Miss Janet McKenzie, began drafting lessons for anticipated roll of 25 students
Janet (aged 43) was born in Edinburgh on 3 July 1878 & lived in NZ since 1880. Her teaching career had begun in 1897.
Alexander Turnbull Library
On 28 Feb 1922, the Evening Post announced the appointment of "Miss J. C. Mackenzie" who'd begun preparing instructions
The instructions were for the children & parents who were to supervise their child's study
National Library of New Zealand
107 enrolments were received & Janet handwrote letters & lessons in her office on 2d floor of the Government Buildings
Lessons were posted monthly; completed fortnightly by students; & marked by Janet who kept a register of their progress
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
To assist Janet, an office assistant, office-boy & part-time typist started during 1922
(Image: Staff at the Government Buidlings cafeteria, Wellington)
Alexander Turnbull Library
Janet received the following grateful letter from a parent:
"Thank you very much for your kind interest in my girlie. I was beginning to despair of her ever doing anything with her lessons, as she never seemed to take the slightest interest in them. Then your letter came and did more than I ever could. The tears were very near the surface when she finished reading it… it is really wonderful how the correspondence scheme has taken on, and it certainly fills a long-felt want, as education has been the one great drawback in the backblocks.”
Source: Education Gazette (14 Oct 2021), "Warm, rich memories from long history of Te Kura" (Vol 100, No. 13)
On 1 Sept 1922, Min. of Education reported 209 had enrolled & that Post Office to put up notices to promote the scheme
The scheme had also uncovered that some 12 & 13 year olds were unable to read or write
National Library of New Zealand
Min. of Educ proposed a 2nd teacher to aid an "overworked" Janet, & Ruth Lynn was appointed c.6 weeks before end of 1922
By Dec 1922, the roll was 347. Janet & Ruth would work into the evenings & on Saturdays to draft & mark lessons.
National Library of New Zealand
In Aug 1923, a Headmaster (Stanley Mills) started at the Correspondence School
Stanley began teaching 20 years earlier at age 18 & was headmaster at Ongaonga School, Hawkes Bay
National Library of New Zealand
During 1923, NZCS shifted to 156 The Terrace for 7 years. It shared the house with the Geological Survey Dept.
When its staffing numbers grew, NZCS changed its location several times including shifting to Clifton Terrace in 1936
Alexander Turnbull Library
Janet's recollections thirty years later on the students' experiences during the first year the Correspondence Scheme operated:
“Plenty of difficulties you see, and too much that was dull, both for the pupils and for their mothers. But how they worked, those girls and boys and mothers! By the end of the first year, they had shown that children could learn, and could make satisfactory progress, through lessons by post.”
Source: Ibid
Janet became the 'first assistant' & wrote graded English textbooks for Std 1-6 posted with lessons until 1940s
Additional teaching staff were gradually appointed beginning with two temporary teachers & a cadet
Auckland Libraries
In March 1924, Minister of Education reported the correspondence course was highly successful & key was parents' support
National Library of New Zealand
12 Sept 1924: Minister reported Chief Inspector found in many cases students making better progress than school pupils
In some cases the children had passed the Sixth Standard & were now at high school
National Library of New Zealand
In March 1925, the roll was capped at 500 which was removed year later
(In Aug 1925, the MP for Waipawa had asked for the capping to be raised from 500 following requests from parents)
National Library of New Zealand
28 April 1928: Evening Post described subjects, posting & marking system; library had opened, & exams held July & Nov
Lessons were sent at least fortnightly to over 600 students on the roll
National Library of New Zealand
From 1928-2004, 'The Postman' magazine brought students into contact with each other by submitting articles & letters
(Headmaster Mills had begun a school paper at Ongaonga School which was printed by local printer)
Thames Museum
A description of "The Postman' was included in an article by the Evening Post (24 Dec 1929)
National Library of New Zealand
Also introduced was the Correspondence School badge with the motto "Kimihia Te Matauranga" - "Seek Knowledge"
Flaming torch represented torch of learning & the pen and ink, the medium of instruction
Alexander Turnbull Library
Secondary school aged children included from 1929
By Jan 1929, twelve teachers were employed for the 720 students & plans were underway to cater for secondary level
Children gaining their Standard 6 certificates may carry straight on with a post-primary course, free of charge
National Library of New Zealand
In Feb 1929, secondary division with 2 teachers & 2 typists began & student roll by Dec was 98 secondary & 795 primary
The Evening Post (11 April 1929) provides a description of the 1 - 4 year course options on offer
National Library of New Zealand
Initially, the secondary division was also at 156 The Terrace in a room used by geologists who were on fieldwork
When the geologists returned later in 1929, the secondary division moved to 168 The Terrace
Alexander Turnbull Library
1930s
Roll growth, staffing changes & introduction of further initiatives
Evening Post (27 Feb 1930) described the courses & that the roll also included "a few invalid boys and girls"
Three extra staff had been appointed for agriculture & bookkeeping (secondary) & weaving (primary level)
National Library of New Zealand
In June 1930, the Director of Education, Mr Theophilus Strong, reported that 150 secondary-level students had enrolled
When reaching Standard VI, "they were conveyed to a school for examination, and they stood well in their proficiency"
National Library of New Zealand
From Dec 1930 – Dec 1931, roll grew from 860 to 973 primary students & from 166 to 286 secondary students
By Dec 1931, staffing included: Headmaster, 14 primary, 10 secondary (all univ graduates), & 8 office assistants
National Library of New Zealand
In July 1931, Headmaster Stanley Mills gave first of a series of radio talks on Radio 2YA to Correspondence students
Broadcasting Co. had enabled Education Dept's "Broadcasts for schools" from 2-3pm on Tues & some slots used by Mills
National Library of New Zealand
In early 1930s, a two-way postal system was introduced where an address card was flipped over in a canvas envelope
Imge: Group of children studying on bank overlooking Ihumoana Island & Bethells Beach (No date)
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
In Dec 1931, Janet Mackenzie, aged 53 years, retired from NZCS & continued to live in Wellington
During 1938, she visited Scotland & became involved in war work; returned to Wellington in 1945, & died on 14 July 1962
Auckland Libraries
During 1934, Min of Educ presented a favourable annual report on NZCS' study programme & pass rates for year ending 1933
Roll of almost 1700 students included some urban students with physical disabilities unable to attend school
National Library of New Zealand
In March 1935, Dr Arthur Butchers became new Headmaster after Stanley Mills resigned to become a School Inspector
Butchers (b.1888) had joined Correspondence School in 1930. By end of 1934 there were 45 teachers & 1800 students.
Alexander Turnbull Library
On 16 March 1935, Evening Post announced Butchers' appointment & that he'd been senior secondary assistant for 4 years
Article summarises his teaching career which began in Australia in 1906; and then in NZ from 1925
National Library of New Zealand
9 July 1935: Evening Post summarises NZCS' annual report, including c.2000 roll, 59 staff, subjects & group activities
Groups: Girl Guides; Boy Scouts; and clubs & societies for philately, photography, meccano, native bird & plant life
National Library of New Zealand
Butchers initiated CS pupil visits to Wellington to view sights & socialise. (See: Evening Post, 7 Sept 1935)
During his holiday, he visited pupils in Wairarapa & southern Hawkes Bay, which later led to 'Visiting Teachers" scheme
National Library of New Zealand
On 12 May 1936, an exhibition of students' work held at NZCS was opened by Minister of Education Peter Fraser
The Evening Post (12 May) described range of artefacts on display from NZ & the Pacific Islands where 7 pupils live
National Library of New Zealand
Parents & pupils were invited to view the displays of lessons, Nature studies, artwork, hobbies etc exhibited for a week
Image: Children admiring a doll's house included in the displays from Correspondence School students
National Library of New Zealand
During 1936, the Ex-Pupils' Association, Parents' Association & the Special Education Service were formed
(Article: Evening Post (18 May 1936): When visiting the exhibits, parents took opportunity to form Parents' Assoc.)
National Library of New Zealand
During 1936-37, NZCS shifted to Clifton Terrace after occupying temporary premises since leaving The Terrace in 1930
Temporary locations had included 2 years at Fitzherbert St, & 3 years at the Teachers Training College in Kowhai Road
Alexander Turnbull Library
25 Aug 1937, the 2d annual exhibition of students' work at NZCS was opened by Gov-Gen, Viscount Lord Galway
The exhibition marked coronation of George VI, & the gathering included current and former pupils, parents & staff
National Library of New Zealand
In 1938, 1st International Conference of Correspondence Educators held in Canada & Butchers chaired research committee
Findings included students able to set own pace; encouraged learner agency; & developed self-confidence & motivation
National Library of New Zealand
NZCS pupils continued to receive lessons by mail
Image: Pupil at construction camp on the route of new Haast Pass Highway between Otago & South Westland, 9 March 1938
Auckland Libraries
Butchers initiated 'Visiting Teachers" scheme where families were visited by a teacher at home & local meetings held
Image: Headmaster Butchers with NZCS pupils (No date)
Tairāwhiti Museum Te Whare Taonga o Tairāwhiti
Another initiative was "Vacation School" where students visited a school to socialise & receive practical instruction
The aims of the "Vacation School", NZCS staffing arrangements & funding were reported by Evening Post (19 April 1939)
National Library of New Zealand
The first vacation school was held at the Girls' and Boys' High Schools, New Plymouth, from 8-20 May 1939
Image: Pupils attend course held at New Plymouth Boys' High School, where stayed in hostels
Auckland Libraries
170 students attended ranging in age from 5-21 years (included "those completing matriculation or higher leaving")
See article in Evening Post, 8 May 1938
National Library of New Zealand
The vacation course held in-school activities & events/visits in the wider community
The range of the first week's activities were described in the Evening Post (13 May 1939)
National Library of New Zealand
Image: Physical drill held at New Plymouth, 17 May 1939
Girls receive their first instruction in physical drill
Auckland Libraries
Image: Eating snacks from the school's tuck-shop, 17 May 1939
After a visit at the tuck-shop
Auckland Libraries
Image: Students constructing models, 17 May 1939
Boys in their element - constructing models with educational toys
Auckland Libraries
"School weeks" were also introduced during which students were usually billeted by the families of pupils at the school
Students would wear the Correspondence School's uniform on courses. (Image: Two sisters wearing uniform at New Plymouth)
Auckland Libraries
In Dec 1939, NZCS students had a 3-day visit to the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition in Wellington
The Exhibition, held from 8 Nov 1939 - 4 May 1940, celebrated the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi
National Library of New Zealand
In Dec 1939, Assistant Director of Education, Dr Clarence Beeby, reported on overseas enquiries on Correspondence School
“Only a few weeks ago the department had an enquiry from Finland [for] refugee children from Spain"
National Library of New Zealand
NZCS had 200 staff & nearly 3000 students, including 300 adults, by end of 1939
During the opening of an exhibition of students' work in Wellington in December 1939, it was reported the school had nearly 3000 students, including 300 adult pupils.
...[T]he Education Department’s Correspondence school has become one of the largest educational institutions in New Zealand and today has nearly 3000 pupils. Students are trained from the beginning of their school days to the standard required for the Higher Leaving Certificate....The activities of the school extended from North Cape to the Bluff, and at the beginning of February three travelling teachers would again take the field. During the first term one would work in the North Auckland district, another in Hawke’s Bay, and the third in Central Otago. In addition to children, said Dr. Butchers, the school had 300 adult pupils, some of them inmates of prisons. Next year, additional facilities would be available for boys wishing to learn woodwork, joinery, carpentry, home building, and similar subjects. The girls already had an extensive range of classes, including home management, cooking, needlework, and dressmaking, at their disposal...
Source: Papers Past: Dominion (6 Dec 1939), "Educating children in the backblocks: Correspondence School's progress", p.5
On 14 Dec 1939, NZCS teachers held an end of year break-up ceremony at the Town Hall
NZCS had 200 staff (including 3 travelling teachers), & c.3000 students including 300 adults, some of whom were inmates
National Library of New Zealand
1940s
Expansion in groups of adults receiving lessons by correspondence by 1940
At the end of year break-up ceremony for Correspondence School staff held on 10 December 1940, Headmaster Dr Arthur Butchers described the number and categories of students receiving lessons which was reported by the Evening Post (10 Dec 1940):
"At the end of the second term this year the enrolment in the primary department was 1780 and in the secondary department 1251, giving an aggregate roll of 3031. Dr. Butchers reviewed various aspects of the school's activities, referring to improvements that had been made and to the necessity of reorganising the secondary department because of its development. The number of pupils enrolled on the ground of physical disability was 317; the number of part-time students was 553 (as against 347 for last year); and the number of part-time adult students was 495 (as against 302 last year). Other groups comprised 202 junior officers of the Post and Telegraph Department, and 58 teachers of grade I and Native schools. Smaller groups included 8 inmates of prisons and 18 inmates of hospitals. The new service to other post-primary schools continued to develop, courses during the past year having been provided for pupils in 16 of these schools."
10 Dec 1940: NZCS teachers held an end of year break-up ceremony which was broadcast to students
(The adult students also included 202 Post & Telegraph Dpt junior officers, & 58 teachers of Grade 1 & Native schools.)
National Library of New Zealand
Activities continued to be held during WWII
In 1940, NZCS pupils knitted & sewed garments & quilts etc for the Red Cross Society for refugee children in Gt Britain
Image: Evening Post (17 Aug 1940) reported the garments were on display at NZCS
National Library of New Zealand
In Oct 1940, NZCS Headmaster Butchers addressed the Womens' Study Circle on the lessons mailed & radio broadcasts on 2YA
Activities included woodwork, needlework, typing & commercial studies. See: Evening Post, 18 Oct 1940, p.11
National Library of New Zealand
Jan 1941: c.220 girls & boys attended a special vacation course in Oamaru at Waitaki Boys' High School
Auckland Libraries
Headmaster Arthur Butchers & 20 staff organised the activities for the students at Waitaki Boys' High
Auckland Libraries
By July 1943: NZCS had 3500 primary & secondary pupils, 100 staff, & library of over 10,000 volumes & 18,600 text books
Evening Post article (14 July 1943) also stated that students included prisoners
National Library of New Zealand
On 24-25 July 1943, the Correspondence School Parents' Association held a conference which other groups also attended
Image: The Conference was opened at NZCS by Mrs Janet Fraser (wife of Prime Minister Peter Fraser)
National Library of New Zealand
Resolutions included restoring teacher visits, providing arts & crafts for boys; & having month-long residential school
National Library of New Zealand
In 1940s, Elizabeth Riley grew up at Timaru Creek Station & recounts her childhood, including correspondence lessons
Liz was eldest of 6 children & recalls her daily life. (Audio: Heritage Central Otago: Meet Elizabeth Riley, Sept 2020)
Heritage Central Otago
April 1944: Parents' Assoc Conf. expressed appreciation for 4 visiting teachers, boys' woodwork, & 2 broadcasts weekly
Resolutions included: extra visiting teachers & CCS teachers, 2 more rooms for staff, & a residential course of 1 month
National Library of New Zealand
In 1944, Sunlight League of New Zealand held a painting competition for 6 - 16 yr olds which NZCS students also entered
Exhibitions of the paintings on courage, endurance, loyalty, & self-discipline were held in Christchurch during Nov 1944
National Library of New Zealand
Difficulties experienced during World War II
At the NZCS break-up ceremony held on 12 December 1944, the Headmaster, Dr Butchers, described the difficulties experienced during World War II:
"Both we, at the school's headquarters in Wellington, and you, studying, at home throughout the length and breadth of the country," said Dr Butchers, "have had to face and overcome many wartime difficulties—for us, difficulties of staffing, accommodation and supplies of text books, stationery, and craft materials; for you difficulties due to the absence on war service of fathers, brothers, and sisters, too, and the added responsibility and work you have had to shoulder on the farms in order to maintain and increase the production of the primary needs of our servicemen and civilian population alike."
In touching upon the extent of the duties carried out by the staff, Dr. Butchers expressed keen appreciation of the devotion of all to that work which, within recent years, had rapidly expanded beyond the mere marking of the fortnightly scripts sent in by pupils. "I wish you could all see the mail vans arriving at our door and discharging their load of mail bags every morning and afternoon," he remarked in commenting on the work of the "silent service" (the clerical branch). A matter about which all would be delighted was that the Department had arranged to have two large additional rooms erected at the school, with the necessary work rooms, to house all the teachers of arts and crafts and their equipment and stores. 'You may not yet have realised it, but from the beginning of next year," he added, "all pupils must include some form of craft work—needlecraft, woodcraft, whatever it may be—in their course. So, all our arts and crafts teachers are to be housed in this new department and we are all looking forward keenly to getting this branch of our service adequately provided for."
Source: Evening Post (12 Dec 1944): "Expanding work: Correspondence School", (Vol CXXXVIII, Issue 141, p.6)
12 Dec 1944: At NZCS break-up ceremony, Headmaster stated 104 prim & 181 post-prim students passed exams despite WWII
From 1945, pupils to include some form of craftwork (needlecraft, woodcraft etc) & 2 workrooms were erected for staff
National Library of New Zealand
On 21 Dec 1944, a Christmas party was held in Wellington for 70 physically handicapped pupils & parents
The event was organised by the Wellington district branch of the Correspondence School Parents' Association
National Library of New Zealand
June 1945: The NZCS Ex-Pupils' Association met for the first time in Lower Hutt & began "Ex-pupils" magazine in 1946
1st issue was of classmates who'd served in WWII: 40 women & 230 men (21 had died & 8 had been prisoners of war)
National Library of New Zealand
23 Aug 1945: Advert for a Governess to supervise Correspondence School lessons for 12 yr old boy living in "the country"
National Library of New Zealand
On 11 Dec 1945, NZCS held it's end of year ceremony which was broadcast to students on the radio
Parents’ Association’s address reiterated plans for a month long residential course which needed Minister's approval
National Library of New Zealand
By Dec 1945, NZCS provided 6 visiting teachers, library with 6000+ books & broadcasts (c.60-70) annually for 4600 pupils
Clubs & societies included: Junior Red Cross, Lone Guides & Scouts, Naturalists' & Museum Club, Model Building Club, etc
National Library of New Zealand
In 1947, NZCS held its Silver Jubilee to celebrate 25 years in operation. Cover has school badge with motto.
(Booklet: C. S. Forde, “The Correspondence School Silver Jubilee: 1922 – 1947”, published by the Jubilee Committee)
Wellington City Libraries
Exhibitions of students' work at Wellington Public Library
June 1947: Exhibition of work by past & present pupils of NZCS held at Wellington Central Public Library
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Correspondence School
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Correspondence School
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Correspondence School
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Correspondence School
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Correspondence School
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Correspondence School
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
June 1948: Exhibition of work by NZCS pupils at the Wellington Public Library
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Part of the 1948 display at Wellington Public Library
Correspondence School
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Part of the 1948 display at Wellington Public Library
Correspondence School
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Correspondence lessons provided during polio epidemic when schools closed
During the 1948 polio epidemic, schools closed during Term 1 & NZCS provided lessons to homes & radio broadcasts
The radio broadcasts were held from January to mid-April 1948
Radio New Zealand
Cartoon (1948): Children did lessons from the Correspondence School at home, supervised generally by their busy mothers
Alexander Turnbull Library
Former students & teachers recollect the school closures during 1948 polio epidemic & Correspondence lessons
RNZ audio (1952): "Correspondence School (9:53 min)
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
Late 1940s: Correspondence School teachers sorting mail, Wellington
Alexander Turnbull Library
Initiatives included first te reo Māori lesson & month-long residential courses
In 1949, the first course in te reo Māori was launched
Image: RNZ: Audio of lessons for 1956 (22:17 mins)
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
In 1949, first annual residential course was held for one month at Massey College - boys & girls alternated each year
In 1972, residential course became mixed-gender. (Image: Physical education for girls at Massey College, Nov 1959)
Palmerston North City Library
1950S
New services for children & adults
In 1950, Eric Le Petit became the Correspondence School's Headmaster. Two new services offered by the Correspondence School for unwell children and adults whose primary schooling had been curtailed were reported in the Press on 10 July 1951:
"Tuition to children who are compelled by illness to stay away from school for period as short as a fortnight and tuition to adults whose primary education has been curtailed are two services now made available by the Correspondence School. The headmaster of the school (Mr E. N. le Petit) told this to members of the Wellington School Committees and Educational Association last night. He said he did not think the services were generally known. Some children who so profited returned to their schools to be told they were farther ahead with lessons than before they became ill. Adults took advantage of the service when they found that better opportunities would await them if they completed their interrupted educations. At present about 60 were working for primary certificates."
Source: Papers Past: Press (10 July 1951): "Correspondence School pupils" (Vol LXXXVII, Issue 26469, p.6)
A 1956 film about The Correspondence School featured a range of adult students who studied with the school, including public service employees, residents of Pacific Island nations, new migrants and prisoners.
1950: Headmaster was Eric Le Petit & services began for adults whose primary schooling was curtailed & unwell children
RNZ (1951) Teacher talks about visiting a disabled student. By 1952, 5 teachers were based in cities to visit students.
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
In April 1950, the third International Conference for Correspondence Education (ICCE) was held in Christchurch
NZCS Director Butchers had made arrangements for the ICCE conference to be held in NZ & was President from 1950-54
Lincoln University
1950: Staff at NZCS pack exhibits for an exhibition in Christchurch
Alexander Turnbull Library
1953: NZCS children's party
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
1953: NZCS children wearing party hats with Father Christmas's party
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
July 1954: NZ Crippled Children's Society reported arrangements made to enrol children with NZCS
An NZCS teacher was also taken by a welfare officer to visit children in their homes in Wellington
National Library of New Zealand
During 1954, NZCS students & teachers visited Massey Agricultural College
Palmerston North City Library
During 1955, NZCS radio programmes continued to be broadcast on the YA & YZ stations
See Radio schedule in the Listener, 18 April 1955
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
1957: NZCS students with their parents who were invited to visit Wellington
Wellington City Council Archives
21 June 1957: NZCS students with parents and staff on the steps of Parliament Buildings
Alexander Turnbull Library
Dec 1957: Presentation of books to NZCS
Alexander Turnbull Library
Students continued to learn by radio, written lessons & 'School Days'
For 12 years, since the age of five, Rosetta Schroder was a Correspondent School student living near Mount Turiwhate on the South Island’s west coast:
“Rosetta resolutely kept at her lessons, switching to a battery radio and kerosene lamp when the family's moody generator failed, and her teachers soon came to know her as well as if she had a front-row desk in their classrooms. She got a prize for written composition at eleven, and last year she graduated from high school with an armful of honors—one of the few New Zealanders to make it all the way through radio school, and the first of the group to be accepted for teacher training.
Source: Time Magazine (23 March 1959), “Learning by radio”, (V.73, Issue 12, p.52)
NZCS teachers continued to visit pupils at their home or at a local gathering which became known as 'School Days'
At start of school year, up to 80 families would also be visited by each teacher. (Image: Visiting teacher, 1958)
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive
16 Dec 1958: Geoffrey Sanderson from NZCS inspects a student's camera
Alexander Turnbull Library
Nov 1959: Correspondence School pupils visiting the 'Manawatu Evening Standard'
Palmerston North City Library
1960s
In 1960, new NZCS Headmaster was Albert (Bert) O'Reilly - former 22 Battalion Commander & Military Cross recipient
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
![Image: AC 9 Collecting the mail [Kiwi Colour Slides]](https://images.digitalnz.org/y8I79ID3dHm-ZDwIQIv867x1R4A=/368x0/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fpastperfectonline%2Fimages%2Fmuseum_58%2F203%2F2021005083.jpg "AC 9 Collecting the mail [Kiwi Colour Slides]")
NZCS students continued to receive posted lessons
Image: NZCS pupil Kathryn Stirling collecting mail delivered by Mount Cook & Southern Lakes Tourist Company bus, c1960:
South Canterbury Museum
1960: Correspondence School A Association football team which played against Freyberg High School team
Palmerston North City Library
Dec 1960: NZCS students listening to the end-of-year session broadcast on the radio
(Video: Children listening in 1960: 35 secs)
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
In 1960, the Minister of Education set up a Commission on Education in NZ (the Currie Commission)
During 1960, the Minister of Education, Phil Skogland, visited children in the Mackenzie Country
Alexander Turnbull Library
The Commission's 1962 report praised the work of NZCS with rural children with special education needs
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Students visited local areas & those studying School Certificate could have a 'Study Week' in Wellington to prepare
Image: NZCS children from the Gisborne district spent a few days visiting places in Gisborne in April 1963
Gisborne Photo News
Gisborne Photo News (16 May 1963): NZCS has appointed a resident teacher to visit rural students
The new teacher, Mr H. Intemann, was introduced to students & parents by the Headmaster Mr A.W. O' Reilly
Gisborne Photo News
In 1964, during visit to Rakino Is, Shirley Maddock meets the only child - 12 yr old girl who is a correspondence pupil
Documentary includes correspondence lesson being studied. (NZOnScreen: Islands of the Gulf - Rakino and Kawau)
NZ On Screen
June 1966: 'Te Ao Hou' announced Margaret Orbell was farewelled after 4 years as editor to join Correspondence School
Margaret taught te Reo Māori at the Correspondence School whilst studying the language at Victoria University
Alexander Turnbull Library
Margaret continued to write for 'Te Ao Hou', send items to 'School Journal' & wrote book "Māori folktales" (1968)
(Image: Pictured with her husband whom she married in 1963 & they had a child in 1969; then moved to Auckland)
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
In 1967, Hector McVeagh was appointed Headmaster of the Correspondence School
(Image: He was former headmaster of Te Karaka School & attended meeting of pupils & parents of eastern branch of CS)
Gisborne Photo News
In 1969, US educators visited NZ & recommended to US Congress to adapt NZCS special needs services to US rural areas
Image: NZCS headquarters on Clifton Terrace (1955) visited by US educators during 1969
Wellington City Libraries
1970s
1971: View of the NZ Correspondence School on Clifton Terrace
During 1971, San Sebastian Road was excavated out to form part of the main motorway trench
Wellington City Libraries
May 1972: NZCS held its Golden Jubilee in Wellington in the last week of May
(Article about 5 children & their parents who travelled from Kawau Island for the event, Te Ao Hou, July 1973)
Alexander Turnbull Library
![Image: The Correspondence School; golden jubilee history, 1922-1972, written and edited by John Garner [and] Catherine Forde](https://images.digitalnz.org/IzeEYUz6mgZAngik1NIi70lAGNY=/368x0/https%3A%2F%2Fcollection-api.aucklandmuseum.com%2Frecords%2Fimages%2Fmedium%2F684811%2Fe46fc545a310f5914f43ea850a994372ea877e7c.jpg "The Correspondence School; golden jubilee history, 1922-1972, written and edited by John Garner [and] Catherine Forde")
Over the last 50 years, services had expanded, including the library which had 30,000 titles for study & recreation
Five 'resident teachers' were based in cities to visit allocated areas & 'visiting teachers' went outside those areas
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
In 1975, early childhood students (aged between 3 & 5) unable to attend a playcentre or kindergarten could enrol
Critieria included: distance, illness, disability or itinerancy (Image: Early childhood Information guide, 2009)
Howick Historical Village
Oct 1977: Correspondence School field trip held at Rakaia in Canterbury
Group of students at one of the Rakaia River Valley Farms
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Teacher with students at one of the Rakaia River Valley Farms
Education - Correspondence School
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Natural Study group at the Salmon Trap on the Rakaia River
Education - Correspondence School
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Natural Study group at the Salmon Trap on the Rakaia River
Education - Correspondence School
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
NZCS larger building officially opened at 11 Portland Crescent in 1978
In 1976, Ormond Tate became the Principal/Director of the Correspondence School. As the Wellington staff were located in eleven buildings in Thorndon and Te Aro, plans were made for a larger office In Wellington to open towards the end of 1978. The Wellington staff comprised the Executive and teachers who worked with students in the Wellington area.
The Correspondence School also had five “resident teachers” stationed in Auckland, Hamilton, Gisborne, Blenheim and Dunedin who worked with students in the surrounding region and sent progress reports to the Wellington teachers. Areas that did not have a resident teacher were visited once a year by the Wellington-based teachers. "The idea of Correspondence School “outposts” is under discussion. Christchurch and Auckland are likely sites for subsidiary branches of the school, with the aims of providing regional resource centres and much closer teacher-pupil contact."
Source: Papers Past: Daryll Hutchison (4 Sept 1978), "A school which serves far-flung pupils", The Press, p.18
In 1976, Ormond Tate became Principal/Director & a larger NZCS office opened at 11 Portland Crescent in Thorndon in 1978
Executive & Wellington-based teachers were in 11 offices in Wellington, & 5 teachers were stationed in 5 other regions
Wellington City Libraries
Staff posted assignments & tape recordings; & held radio broadcasts & a month-long annual residential school
During 1978, the Correspondence School had a roll of c.12,000 students. "Children are enrolled for a variety of reasons, distance, health and social difficulties. Adults are able to study part-time for qualifications or personal development. While the majority of students live in New Zealand, many are the children of New Zealand parents working overseas. Inmates of prisons and similar institutions also receive correspondence education."
The staff posted assignments to the students and held morning radio broadcasts. Tape recordings were also made available. "The majority of students, particularly in the secondary department, have access to cassette recorders, and are able to receive tapes of plays, music, or material being studied. Tape recordings of broadcasts are sometimes sent to students, and, where appropriate, students return portions of their work on tape."
An annual residential school was also held for one month, usually at Massey University: "In a month of group and class instruction and discussion for those who attend, the school attempts to provide the social and educational experiences often missed by correspondence students."
Source: Ibid
Staff sent assignments to c.12,000 students & provided tapes (eg plays, music), radio broadcasts & a residential course
Students could also return tape recordings of their work, where applicable. (Image of a recorder/player)
Cromwell Museum
1980s
During the 1980s, the New Zealand Correspondence School continued to support students from Early Childhood to adults with varying learning needs. An article about the Correspondence School and its services was featured in the New Zealand Geographic. See: Raewyn Mackenzie (Oct-Dec 1989), "The country is my classroom", New Zealand Geographic (Issue: 004): https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/the-country-is-my-classroom/
Towards the end of 1986, NZCS introduced its first computer system to keep a record of its 20,000 students and the 2000,000 lessons sent, returned and marked by the 400 staff each year.
The 20,000 New Zealand students who receive their lessons in the mail have just caught up with the computer age. The Correspondence School has installed a 32bit AWA Sequel 9200 series super minicomputer to keep track of the students and the 200,000 lessons which are marked every year by the school’s 400 full-time teachers.
The Sequel will replace a manual paper system and give the school instant access to every lesson that, has been sent out and returned as well as to records on every student, teacher and resources used in the school. The system has a megabyte of RAM, 260 megabytes of hard disk storage, 32 ports, 25 terminals, a laser printer, and a dot matrix printer. The school has also bought the awa programming development tool, ALL (Applications Language Liberator) and will develop its own software progressively over the next few months...Other systems will be developed progressively and by 1988 Mr Tate says the school hopes to be able to expand the system to introduce computer managed learning.
Source: Papers Past: Press (9 Dec 1986), "Correspondence School buys AWA and 4GLPress", (p. 43)
'Tomorrow's Schools' reforms & Correspondence School governed by BOT, 1989
The Labour Government's "Taskforce to Review Education Administration" was announced in June 1987. Led by Brian Picot, a review was conducted of the management of schools in NZ. The Taskforce's report "Administering for excellence" (also known as the Picot report) was released in April 1988. The re-elected Labour Government published "Tomorrow's Schools, the reform of education administration in New Zealand" in August 1988, which accepted most of the Picot Report's recommendations.
Under the Education Act 1989) assented on 29 September, the Department of Education was replaced with the Ministry of Education. The regional Education Boards were abolished and schools became autonomous entities, managed by elected Boards of Trustees. The New Zealand Correspondence School became known as "The Correspondence School" and was also managed by an elected Board of Trustees, as mandated under the 1989 No 3: School Trustees Act. New government agencies included the Education Review Office to monitor schools, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), and the Special Education Service (SES).
In Aug 1988, Govt's "Tomorrow's Schools" accepted most of Picot's recommendations for schools becoming more autonomous
Under Education Act 1989, Dept of Education replaced with Ministry of Education & regional Education Boards abolished
National Library of New Zealand
![Image: Annual plan [electronic resource] / The Correspondence School.](https://images.digitalnz.org/4b1zn_rNl-tFNsoaApaEAurcvzc=/368x0/https%3A%2F%2Fndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz%2FNLNZStreamGate%2Fget%3Fdps_pid%3DIE746478 "Annual plan [electronic resource] / The Correspondence School.")
Schools, including NZCS, to be governed by a Board of Trustees, & NZCS became known as "The Correspondence School"
New govt. agencies included Education Review Office to monitor schools & New Zealand Qualifications Authority
National Library of New Zealand
Some parents chose to home-school their children & could also opt to arrange for NZCS to provide lessons
Inage: Home-schooled children who also received correspondence lessons, 1989
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
During 1980s, two children on Ben Nevis Station were NZCS students & attended camp & activities with other families
Their mother recounts teaching them at home. (Audio: Heritage Central Otago - Meet Sandy Brown, April 2025)
Heritage Central Otago
1990s
1990s: CD-ROMs, student information database (Xtend) & interactive teaching sessions with audiographics introduced
Bar-coding used across the school to record the movement of student work & resources
National Library of New Zealand
1992: TV's "Heartland - French Pass" includes a parent who helped her 9 children study through NZCS
Heartland host Gary McCormick visited the French Pass in the Marlborough Sounds & included the interview with the family
NZ On Screen
May 1993: Education Minister appointed 2 parent representatives to the Board of Trustees after 6 year absence
The Parents' and Supervisors' Association would have preferred parents to be elected rather than appointed
Radio New Zealand
Secondary Learning Centres trialled during Aug 1993 - Aug 1994
A 12-month trial from August 1993 was held by NZCS in partnership with Te Puni Kōkiri and parents to set up Learning Centres for secondary students with a resident supervisor at Matahiwi (Whanganui River Valley) and at Ruatāhuna (Te Urewera). The students' course of study and associated teaching were supplied by the Wellington-based Correspondence School staff, while the supervisor provided assistance to the students and Wellington staff and organised extra-curricular activities. During 1994, nine students attended at Matahiwi and 26 students at Ruatāhuna. he trial led to the establishment of the Correspondence School's first Secondary Learning Centre at Ruatāhuna in 1996. Another outcome of the trial was the Correspondence School establishing the Board of Trustees advisory iwi group, Te Hautanga-a-rohe.
Find out more: Lois Amaru et al (1995), "Tangata Whenua in Distance Education: An Emerging !Model for isolated Maori Secondary Students in the Correspondence School", Journal of Distance Learning (Vol 1), URL: https://jofdl.nz/index.php/JOFDL/article/view/176/138
Aug 1993: 12 month trial of Secondary Learning Centre & supervisor at Matahiwi (Whanganui River Valley) & Ruatāhuna
Trial led to a partnership with Te Puni Kōkiri to establish the Learning Centre at Ruatāhuna (Te Urewera) in 1996
NZ On Screen
12 Dec 1997: RNZ audio - The last Correspondence School programme broadcast on National Radio (21:10 mins) after 66 yrs
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
In 1999, Correspondence School's Student Resource Centre opened in Petone, Lower Hutt
Barcodes were used to keep track of resources sent to & from the Student Resource Centre
National Library of New Zealand
2000s
Introduction of e-learning pilot
In 2001, Correspondence School's e-Section began the first e-learning pilot with 300 students
Collaborations with MOE produced "Learning Communities Online Handbook" (2002) & the Virtual Learning Network (VLN)
National Library of New Zealand
From 1 April 2001, NZCS Board of Trustees to be appointed & co-opted by Minister & elected by staff, parents & students
Parents' Association was renamed Parents’ and Supervisors’ Association (TCSPSA) & 'The Friends' became branch in 2002
Department of Internal Affairs
In March 2002, TCS news [electronic resource] began to be produced by the Correspondence School until May 2009
National Library of New Zealand
And the student prizewinners are!
The Correspondence School awarded prizes for academic excellence and outstanding achievement to primary, secondary and adult students living throughout New Zealand and overseas. A list of 65 prizes won in 2002 was announced by Mark Beach, Director of Teaching, in Scoop (17 Dec 2002): "Correspondence School Prizewinners Announced"
Chief Executive appointed & Board of Trustees underwent changes
From 6 July 2004, a new Board of Trustees to be appointed by Minister of Education following budget deficit of $6m
Board to consist of Chairperson & six members; & none to be elected by staff, parents & students
Department of Internal Affairs
From 1 Oct 2004, NZCS Board of Trustees Chair & "up to six" members to be appointed by Minister of Education
Department of Internal Affairs
Types of courses available for students
2003 - 2008: The Correspondence School's "Programme selection guide" was produced
Subtitle: "For school-aged and adult learners at secondary level"
National Library of New Zealand
2005: Correspondence School booklet: "Student guide to primary" for new students
Page 1 states "...contains useful tips and guidance for existing students"
National Library of New Zealand
2005: Correspondence School booklet: "Student guide to secondary" for new students
National Library of New Zealand
2006: Correspondence School booklet: "Early childhood information guide"
National Library of New Zealand
2006: Correspondence School booklet: "Special education information guide"
National Library of New Zealand
2006-09: Correspondence School booklet: "Student guide to national certificates"
Correspondence School enrolments were up to 27,000 a year with more Māori & 'at-risk' students than previously
National Library of New Zealand
Correspondence School extends programmes & restructures into regional model
In Aug 2006, Mike Hollings was appointed Chief Executive of the Correspondence School
(In 2007, Hollings was one of first two alumni of the Leadership Development Centre's Executive Leadership Programmme)
National Library of New Zealand
During 2007, NZCS received Ministry funding for ICT PD Schools Cluster programmes
NZCS also allocated places in nationwide Gateway programme & integrated programme 'Te Ara Hou' was introduced for Y7-10
Social Investment Agency
NZCS restructured to develop a regional model to strengthen connections with its students & their whānau & communities
Teachers were organised into teams for specific communities called rohe & Form teachers renamed learning advisors/kaiako
Radio New Zealand
Regional offices established in Christchurch (2008), Auckland (2009) & Hamilton (2009), with Wellington for lower Nth Is
Regional relationship coordinators were appointed to support dual students & their schools.
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
From 1 May 2009, the Board of Trustees could also comprise one elected staff member
The Minister of Education still appointed the Chairperson & "up to" 8 members for a term not exceeding 3 years
Department of Internal Affairs
In July 2009, first issue of the quarterly electronic newsletter "Link Up Te Whakahononga" began
Content includes successes & achievements of students & staff, current events & initiatives
National Library of New Zealand
In 2009, "Choice" [electronic resource]: course selection guide began publication
National Library of New Zealand
March 2009: Article on student completing 1st year of correspondence lessons, support from IHC, & winning a school prize
Won the Elizabeth Boraman-Barrell Memorial Prize (named after former teacher) for disabled or disadvantaged students
National Library of New Zealand
The Correspondence School renamed Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura) in 2009
During 2009, following consultation with staff, the Correspondence School became 'Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu'
The new name refers to connecting ākonga /students with learning
National Library of New Zealand
2010s
Learning Advisor based for 3 days a week in Whanganui, May 2010 -
From May 2010, NZCS Learning Advisor based 3 days a week at Gonville Centre, Whanganui for face-to-face student support
Image: (Far left): The Centre on Tawa St was used in partnership with the Whanganui Regional Primary Health Organisation
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
Authentic learning approach developed
During 2010, Te Kura developed its authentic learning approach based on the Big Picture model founded in the United States in 1995. Big Picture learning, which placed students at the centre of their own learning, was developed by Dennis Littky and Elliot Washor and led to first The Met high school opening in Rhode Island in 1996. The intent was that the students "would spend considerable time in the community under the tutelage of mentors and would not be evaluated solely on the basis of standardized tests. Instead, students would be assessed on exhibitions of learning and demonstrations of achievement." (Source: Big Picture Learning: What we're about - Who we were)
Authentic Learning at Te Kura "is an approach to learning that focuses on your passions and goals for life beyond school. It uses these as the basis for a learning plan that is unique to you". (Source: Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu: Guide to Te Kura - Authentic learning, p.8)
2010: Authentic learning approach developed based on Big Picture model where students placed at centre of the learning
RNZ (25 May 2010: 15:43 min) interviewed one of the Big Picture founders who'd opened The Met high schools in the US
Radio New Zealand
Te Kura supported schools in Christchurch area after Feb 2011 earthquake
In 2011, after magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Canterbury on 22 Feb, Te Kura aided students to continue their schooling
Many resources were made available for 1st time online & booklets sent to learning hubs while schools assessed or closed
Radio New Zealand
Te Kura's first completely online courses launched during 2011
During 2011, Te Kura launched its first completely online courses using its new online learning environment
MOTAT
2012: Te Kura produced "National certificates student guide"
National Library of New Zealand
Trades and vocational studies from mid-2012
During 2011, New Zealand's first Trades Academies were opened for Years 11 to 13 secondary school students. "The Academies are based on partnerships between schools, tertiary institutions, industry training organisations and employers. They enable students to earn both NCEA credits and a tertiary qualification, while gaining practical skills in the workplace. " (See: Beehive.govt.nz (17 Aug 2010): "Nine Trades Academies confirmed for 2011") .
Later in September 2011, Education Minister Anne Tolley announced that additional Trade Academies would commence in 2012, including 'Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu Kuratini Tuwhera' from mid-2012. (Kuratini Tuwhera is the Māori name for The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand.) "The Correspondence School is the lead provider, in conjunction with the Open Polytechnic, offering 100 students across the country access to courses in engineering, service sector, agriculture and business services." (See: Beehive.govt.nz (7 Sept 2011): Ten new Trades Academies confirmed.)
In 2011, Te Kura & Open Polytechnic partnered to form a new Trades Academy which commenced operation in mid-2012
Y11-13 students could study both NCEA & tertiary courses in engineering, service sector, agriculture & business services
Radio New Zealand
New student management system & review of Te Kura's operations
March 2012: $12 million student management system was installed at Te Kura & experienced technical glitches
RNZ (28 Aug 2012): Some of the 14,000 students were unable to receive school work for up to 10 weeks (22:22 mins)
Radio New Zealand
June 2012: Ministry of Education to review Te Kura as teachers say they have concerns over its leadership
RNZ (8 June 2012): Morning report relays concerns over computer issues & CEO being away on a secondment (3:07 min)
Radio New Zealand
RNZ article (24 June 2013): Teachers at Te Aho o te Kura Pounamu report ongoing computer issues
Radio New Zealand
In 2013, the Education Review Office's report called for improvement at Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu
The report found poor student achievement & participation, & a lack of skills & motivation to work by themselves
Radio New Zealand
RNZ (25 July 2013): Chief Executive Mike Hollings responded to ERO's report (3:47min)
Radio New Zealand
New programmes developed & regional offices expanded, 2013 -
In 2013, Te Kura's 1st music production created online for the "Keep Moving" song composed online by 2 students
Sung by 40 students online in NZ & overseas; & arranged & videoed by 2 students. See Youtube: keepmovingtekura (4:13min)
MOTAT
In 2014, Te Kura began its Authentic Learning Pilot Programme, a $2.7m four-year initiative with Ministry of Education
Initially, it was to focus on up to 80 at-risk full-time students in Year 9-11 who did not have face-to-face support
Radio New Zealand
Since 2016, Te Kura's "Summer School" programme has been held for students to top up NCEA credits & University Entrance
(Article: Enrolments in 2017/18 summer period had jumped to 1238 from 746 in the 2016/17 summer period)
Radio New Zealand
In 2016, Te Kura launched its first reading app for children aged 3+ which was developed with Kiwa Digital Ltd
The bilingual "Ngake and Whataitai, the legend of Wellington Harbour" was developed with Te Atiawa ki Taranaki Whanui
Radio New Zealand
4 Oct 2017: RNZ - Checkpoint: Graduation Day for inmates at Rimutaka Prison (Video: 2.42 min)
About 12 inmates graduated from the New Zealand Howard League's literary programme & Te Kura's correspondence courses
Radio New Zealand
By 2018, offices in the regions expanded to 8 more locations
New locations: Whangarei, Tauranga, Rotorua, Hastings, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Nelson & Dunedin
Tauranga City Libraries
In 2019, the Government allocated $2.6 million to fund 80 places in the Big Picture Authentic Learning Programme
The intent was to support learners who are at risk of disengaging from education
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
2020s
Sept 2020: Cabinet approved $2.7m to expand Te Kura's services to Auckland NCEA students during COVID-19, Level 4
In 2021, a new emergency enrolment gateway was created to support students affected by the COVID-19 disruptions
Radio New Zealand
In 2021, Te Kura updated its "Enrolment and Dual Tuition Policy" & also introduced its local curriculum "Te Ara Pounamu"
Te Ara Pounamu incorporates NZ/Aotearoa aspects in Big Picture learning to engage students in learning relevant to them
Department of Internal Affairs
18 Nov 2021: Former student talks about how radio played a major part in her correspondence school education
(RNZ audio: 100 years of radio, listeners' memories" (7:40 mins)
Radio New Zealand
RNZ article (25 Nov 2021): ERO report states that a rapid increase in at-risk students impacting on Te Kura's services
More than 70% of its full-time students have been referred by the Ministry, Oranga Tamariki & Dept of Corrections
Radio New Zealand
2021: Eric Le Petit, "The correspondence system of teaching primary school children in New Zealand" (MA Thesis)
Eric Le Petiti was Headmaster of the Correspondence School from 1950 unti 1960 when Albert (Bert) O'Reilly was appointed
Victoria University of Wellington
During 2021, 500 of 23,000 students lived in remote areas like Arapawa Island in Marlborough Sounds & Chatham Islands
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
2022: "Braemar Station: celebrating 50 years of Mackenzie faming life" includes the chapter "Correspondence school days"
Book is wriitten by Duncan Mackenzie
South Canterbury Museum
"Today, just 500 out of a total 23,000 pupils live in remote locations like Arapawa Island in the Marlborough Sounds and the Chatham Islands. Te Kura’s transformation over the past 100 years has taken it from The Correspondence School, largely responsible for the education of students in remote locations, to Te Kura, an online distance educator, where half the roll is ākonga Māori, and many full-time students are considered to be at risk of disengaging from education."
Source: Education Gazette (14 Oct 2021), "Warm, rich memories from long history of Te Kura", (Vol 100, No 13)
13 June 2022 (RNZ: 24:26 mins ): Roll of 10,000 at Te Kura included 2,500 children who had not enrolled at their school
Disengaged students, along with those expelled or excluded, may be referred to Te Kura by the Ministry of Education
Radio New Zealand
Celebrating 100 years in operation in 2022
In 2022, Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu celebrated its 100th anniversary. NZ Post also recognised the occasion by issuing four stamps on 1 June 2022 with photographs of students from 1930s - 1970s. See images at StampsNZ: 2022: 100 years of Te Kura: https://stampsnz.com/2022_100_years_te_kura.htm
On 1 June 2022, NZ Post issued four stamps with historic photographs of students from 1930s- 1970s
Image: One of the stamps featured this photograph of lighthouse lessons at Tiritiri Matangi, 1970s
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
RNZ (4 Feb 2023): The Detail's Long Read: "The School Away From School" celebrating 100 years
Story written by Bill Morris & published in 'New Zealand Geographic' (Jan/Feb 2023) was read on RNZ (23:46 mins)
Radio New Zealand
Te Kura's roll (early childhood to young adult learners) has continued to grow
"As New Zealand’s largest school and the largest state provider of online distance education in the compulsory education sector, Te Kura has a unique place in the country’s educational – and social – history. It currently provides high-quality learning programmes to a hugely diverse group of learners ranging from early childhood to young adults. It teaches New Zealanders who live overseas, young parents, gifted and talented students, prisoners, young adults who need qualifications, students from other schools – known as “dual students” who come to Te Kura to do subjects not offered by their home schools."
Source: Otago Daily Times (20 July 2023), "Te Kura helping young adults succeed"
By 2023, Te Kura's roll had increased to 30,000 & CEO Te Rina Leonard started in August after Mike Hollings retired
(RNZ interview (3 Aug 2023) with CEO Mike Hollings (12:59 mins) who retired on 31 July 2023)
Radio New Zealand
On 17 Oct 2024, RNZ reported on concerns on the productivity of students, & that ERO intended to review Te Kura in 2025
Radio New Zealand
On 29 Oct 2024, RNZ reported issues raised by Te Kura teachers & parents on the level of engagement of students
Radio New Zealand
On 30 Oct 2024, RNZ reported positive & negative feedback from parents on distance learning received by their children
Radio New Zealand
Te Kura's strategic directions
Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura) is governed by a Board of Trustees (BOT) appointed by the Minister of Education in accordance with section 122 of the Education and Training Act 2020. Te Kura's Senior Leadership Team, led by its Chief Executive Te Rina Leonard, has responsibility for the overall leadership and strategic direction of the school. It comprises the Chief Executive (CE), Deputy Chief Executive (DCE) Curriculum, (DCE) Learning Delivery, Chief Advisor Strategy, Chief Information Officer, Chief People Officer – People and Capability, and Chief Financial Officer.
On 27 November 2023, Erica Stanford was appointed as the 49th Minister of Education. Te Kura forwarded "Briefing to Incoming Minister, December 2023" which summarised the Education Review Office's 2021 review of Te Kura; and Te Kura's strategic direction, current state and opportunities for development, and its organisational structure. Te Kura's overall mission and intended key outcomes are outlined in its Strategic Plan (see: Te Kura: Our Strategic Plan) and actions for the coming year are set out in it's implementation plan (see: Te Kura: Our Annual Implementation Plan) which are reported on in its Annual Report (see Te Kura: Our Annual Report).
Te Kura is governed by BOT appointed by Min. of Ed. (Current Minister is Erica Stanford who was appointed 27 Nov 2023)
Te Kura forwarded "Briefing to Incoming Minister, December 2023" on its current state & strategic direction
Department of Internal Affairs
Current organisational structure
The number of staff employed at Te Kura has grown since 1922 when there was a sole-charge teacher for 100 pupils, to over 900 staff, including c.500 teachers/kaiako and 250 specialist and support staff/kaimahi for a roll of over 10,000 students.
Te Kura is organised into four wāhanga (areas):
Chief Executive’s Office: Communications, organisational performance, planning and reporting, and support for the Board of Trustees.
Curriculum: Curriculum, assessment and qualifications and Creative Services team.
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Learning Delivery with regional and national teams:
(a) Regional managers and teams: Northern region (with offices in Auckland and Whangarei); Central North region which is currently being trialled as two areas: Te Kāhui Hauāuru (Hamilton, Rotorua and Tauranga) and Te Kāhui Rāwhiti: (Hastings, Gisborne and Wairoa); Central South region (Wellington, Palmerston North and New Plymouth); and Southern region (Christchurch, Nelson, Dunedin, Invercargill and Queenstown).
(b) National teams: (i) Overseas and Early Childhood Regional Manager and staff (based in the Wellington office); (ii) Te Aka Taumatua National Manager and staff who are responsible for the national provision for immersion and bilingual learning in te reo Māori (based in the Hamilton office); (iii) National Lead for Youth Transitions offers opportunities for Years 11-13 students studying fulltime and young adults aged 16-19 years studying fulltime equivalent, to explore career opportunities and tertiary qualifications (e.g. Gateway, STAR courses, Huarahi Trades Academy, and Tertiary Link); (iv) National lead for Leaving to Learn and Learning Support; and (v) Programme Manager Student Journey.
Systems and Support: Ākonga and Whānau Support, Information Technology Resourcing Group, Finance, Facilities and Procurement, and Human Resources.
Sources: Te Kura: About Us, Te Pūrongo ā-Tau 2024 Annual Report and Te Kura: Leaving to Learn;
![Image: [Map of NZ]](https://images.digitalnz.org/z_8hXQk7PLsi6EAZot36sDFadoY=/368x0/https%3A%2F%2Fcollection-api.aucklandmuseum.com%2Frecords%2Fimages%2Fmedium%2F519869%2F7a1003108ec62eeff5bab5e0c9f68cb9ddb0178e.jpg "[Map of NZ]")
Staffing is organised into 4 areas: Chief Executive's office; Curriculum; Learning Delivery; & Systems & Support Teams
There are over 900 staff, including c.500 teachers & 250 specialist & support staff/kaimahi, for a roll of over 10,000
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Online & face-to-face tuition
Eligibility criteria to enrol as a student/ākonga is listed on Te Kura's website: https://www.tekura.school.nz/about-us/who-we-are/about-te-kura/
A learning advisor/kaimanaaki works with a student and their supervisor (usually from their whānau) to develop a personalised learning plan. If studying for NCEA, subject kaiako (teachers) are also assigned.
Being located within communities means our kaimahi can work alongside ākonga and their whānau; they also work closely with local schools/kura, agencies and community groups which support learning. We partner with schools and other education providers, including those in the Realm countries of Tokelau, Niue and the Cook Islands, to offer dual tuition in a range of subjects. Ākonga remain on the roll of their school and are supported by Te Kura kaiako.
Students study through a combination of online and face-to-face learning with Te Kura's staff/kaimahi. The online courses comprise interactive modules (audio-visual resources, quizzes and other online activities) and individual activities using a platform called My Te Kura.
Face-to-face group sessions (called huinga ako/advisories), event days and tutorials offer opportunities for ākonga to connect with their kaimanaaki, kaiako and other ākonga in their area. These face-to-face opportunities help Te Kura ākonga develop their practical work, social and relationship-building skills in a community of learning and within a local context.
Source: "Briefing to Incoming Minister, December 2023", p.10
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FIND OUT MORE
Beryl Hughes. "Mackenzie, Janet Craig McKutcheon", Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, first published in 1998. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, URL: https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/4m20/mackenzie-janet-craig-mckutcheon
Bill Morris, "The school away from school", NZ Geographic (Jan/Feb 2023): https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/the-school-away-from-school/
Education Gazette (2 Feb 2022), "100 years on – Te Kura is as relevant as ever", (Vol 101, No 1)
Education Gazette (14 Oct 2021), "Warm, rich memories from long history of Te Kura", (Vol 100, No 13)
Lois Amaru et al (1995), "Tangata Whenua in Distance Education: An Emerging Model for isolated Maori Secondary Students in the Correspondence School", Journal of Distance Learning (Vol 1), URL: https://jofdl.nz/index.php/JOFDL/article/view/176/138
Otago Daily Times (29 Jan 2024), "Te Kura helping young adults succeed"
Raewyn Mackenzie (Oct-Dec 1989), "The country is my classroom", New Zealand Geographic (Issue: 004)
Seah Naomii (30 Oct 2023), "Te Kura: Not just a correspondence school", School News New Zealand
Te Kura: Our history, URL: https://www.tekura.school.nz/about-us/our-history