Wairarapa College (founded 1923) is a state, co-educational school located in Masterton, New Zealand, which blends tradition with innovation as it seeks to develop the full potential of each student. Set in spacious and beautiful grounds, the College contains a mixture of old and new buildings. It presents an attractive learning environment for students.

Location:
Masterton is a traditional rural town that serves as the hub of the wider Wairarapa region. Its rural focus is evident in events like the world famous Golden Shears shearing competition but it also boasts a rich cultural and sporting life. Masterton has an excellent recreation and swimming centre, several gyms, a movie theatre and amateur theatrical groups, indoor sports venues, numerous sports grounds and three superb golf courses within ten minutes of the town centre as well as cafes, restaurants, parks and vineyards. Several schools, both public and private, make this an educational hub as well.

In close proximity is the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, the Tararua Forest Park, Stonehenge Aotearoa and two magnificent swimming, surf and fishing beaches less than one hour away. Contact with major centres is easily maintained with a daily direct flight to Auckland and regular train connections to Wellington.

We have the best of both worlds – the rural heartland with a city on our doorstep.

Academic Programme: This is tailored to meet individual needs. Language support and ESOL tutoring is available and, as we deliberately keep our programme limited in numbers, our international students are quickly absorbed into the daily life of the school. This total immersion promotes fast language development. All students are expected to strive to attain the highest grades possible and can enter NZ national qualifications [NCEA Level 1-3 and Scholarship] as and when their skills allow.

Sports and Cultural Activities
All international students are expected to participate in at least one sporting or cultural activity. The college offers a wide range of sports including rugby, soccer, netball, basketball, canoe polo, hockey, athletics, tennis and dragon boating. Many students enjoy success at regional and national levels in their chosen sports. Wairarapa College also has an excellent reputation for high quality dramatic, musical and dance productions; an award winning choir as well as an all-comers choir; jazz bands, student rock bands and orchestra.

Student Welfare
International students have a close relationship with the International Dean as well as having access to the Year Level Deans, the College Guidance Counsellor, the School Nurse, Careers Advisor, senior staff and vertical form teachers. In addition, those who choose to stay in the College Hostel have access to an excellent support staff of matrons, hostel leaders and College teaching staff and tutors who are attached to the hostel. Agents or parents are contacted if there are any concerns about a student's wellbeing. The school aims to make the students feel comfortable and secure while they are away from home and offers easy access to fax and email to help them stay in contact with their families.

Accommodation
College House is the co-residential boarding hostel of Wairarapa College which caters for 165 students. Staff strive to create a caring environment where students are comfortable and feel part of the greater hostel family. Students who opt to board in the College hostel will find they join an instant family. As the hostel is situated within the College grounds they have easy access to all school facilities as well as excellent recreation facilities.

Homestay accommodation is organized by the homestay co-ordinator. Students will be met at Wellington airport or at the Masterton airport on arrival. Students will be assisted with travel arrangements, visas and other requirements.