Live to LEARN, LEARN to Live

Inclusion
We celebrate the inclusion of all key stakeholders: students, staff, community, local iwi, board of trustees, to create the new and exciting future for Waiau Area School. We acknowledge benefits of forming a positive working relationship with local iwi and the commitment we need to make to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Our Environment

Waiau Area School is a Year 1 to 13 co-educational, composite Area School located in Western Southland; 81km west of Invercargill. It is the only Area School in the Southland Region.

Andrew Pardoe-Burnett is the Principal.

2026 Stationery Lists (ALL Classes)

Learning By Doing

At Waiau Area School we work hard to ensure that learning happens for all students, that learning is accurately measured, that evidence is gathered, and most importantly that students and their parents know where they are going next in their learning. Students relish the chance to experience success. It helps establish a desire to learn and builds important learning skills like persistence.

The staff of Waiau Area School have developed curriculum schemes from Year 1-13 that reflect the diverse needs of our students.

What's happening at Waiau Area School?

Upcoming Events in April

Mon 13

Area Schools Leadership Course

13 Apr 2026 - 17 Apr 2026

Sat 18

Jingo @WTCC (PTA Fundraiser)

18 Apr 2026

Thu 23

KSOM Music Sessions start

23 Apr 2026

Tue 28

Velodrome visit - 11 primary students

28 Apr 2026

Latest Notices

Parents/Caregivers of Y9-13: Important Notice re Food & Drink

26 Mar 2026

26 March 2026

Dear Parents and Caregivers

We are writing to inform you of an important reminder regarding food and drink brought onto school grounds.

Recently, we have noticed an increasing number of students arriving at school with energy drinks and high-sugar foods, particularly in the mornings. These types of products can have a negative impact on students’ concentration, behaviour, and overall readiness to learn. As a school, we are committed to supporting the wellbeing of all students and ensuring they are set up for a successful day of learning.

As such, energy drinks are not permitted on school grounds. We ask that you please support us by ensuring your child does not bring energy drinks to school. We also encourage families to promote healthier food and drink choices, especially at the start of the day, to help students maintain energy levels and focus throughout their learning.

We appreciate your support in reinforcing this message at home. If you have any questions or would like guidance on suitable options, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Kind regards

Miss Quinn & Mr Bennett
Associate Principals
Waiau Area School

Very Short Survey - We need your input please!

24 Mar 2026

Dear WAS Parents/Caregivers

We would really appreciate your input as soon as you can via this very short survey (should take less than 5 minutes). Please click the link below:

https://forms.gle/eNYRZUs63YwwVvXA8

Many thanks in advance!

Chrissy