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Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that the Ko Taku Reo co-location will raise many questions, and we are committed to being as transparent as possible throughout this process. Below is a list of questions and answers compiled to date. This page will be updated regularly as more information becomes available. In the meantime, if you have a question that isn't answered here, please get in touch:

Email: whanaufeedback@kotakureo.school.nz

About the move

Why the decision was made, what's confirmed vs still being planned, and who made the decision.

  • Our school entered the Ministry of Education's Christchurch Schools Rebuild Programme (CSR) which was established to rebuild and repair schools following the 2010 and 2011 Christchurch earthquakes.

    As the Ministry own the land/site they reviewed our campus as part of the CSR Programme and proposed that Ko Taku Reo move into a purpose-built school on a site in Halswell, where two other schools, BLENNZ and Southern Health, will also be located. The three schools will operate independently while sharing some common spaces, where appropriate.

  • The Ministry of Education presented the co-location proposal to the Ko Taku Reo Board this year. The Board has agreed, in principle, to relocate our Sumner campus to the site in Halswell, subject to final planning.

  • The Ministry of Education owns the Christchurch Sumner site and holds decision-making authority over its future use. The Ministry of Education presented this proposal to the Ko Taku Reo school board who has agreed in principle, to relocate the Sumner campus to a more central site in Halswell, subject to final planning.

  • Ko Taku Reo, BLENNZ, and Southern Health are working with an architect to design the new school. To ensure that our new campus responds to the needs of our students, families, staff and community and retains the special character that makes this place unique, we will seek to provide input into the design of the new campus. There will be opportunities for you to share your feedback with Ko Taku Reo during this process.

  • The decision-making process is led by the Ministry of Education; Ko Taku Reo does not control or drive it. The Ko Taku Reo Board does, however, retain the right to accept or decline the Ministry's proposal, and will do so with the best possible learning outcomes for our students front of mind.

    While the decision to relocate has been made in principle, there will be opportunities for everyone to feedback on:

    • The design and feel of the new buildings
    • How the history and identity of Christchurch Campus is honoured and carried forward

  • The Ministry of Education advised that rebuilding on the Sumner site is not considered a viable option for two key reasons: location and cost.

    The Sumner site sits at the edge of the city and rebuilding there would not resolve the everyday challenges this creates for our students, residents, and staff. Significant investment in a site that remains disconnected from the city centre would not deliver the outcomes our students deserve.

    The Ministry of Education's proposal for a central location better reflects where that investment should go, and would mean:

    • Shorter journeys for students
    • Better public transport, more bus stop routes that are close by
    • Closer to community life, shops, services, and events that provide independence and wellbeing
    • Staff have easier commutes and better access to professional networks and support

  • We don’t have that information yet, and we won’t share dates until we have something confirmed and reliable to give you.

    What we can tell you is that this process involves careful planning in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, and firm timelines will only be set once key planning decisions have been made.

    As soon as we have dates and timelines to share, you will hear from us directly.

  • Yes, this is something that Ko Taku Reo wants to make happen, as we know how much it would mean to so many people.

    After 146 years, this site holds memories, milestones, and a deep sense of belonging for generations of students, staff, and whānau. The opportunity to come together and farewell this place in a meaningful way is something Ko Taku Reo is committed to exploring.

    Conversations about how this happens are ongoing, and we want to get it right. When plans are in place, Ko Taku Reo will share the details with our community as widely as possible.

    We encourage anyone who wants to be kept in the loop to email: whanaufeedback@kotakureo.school.nz

History and heritage

Acknowledging the history, the students who lived here, and the opportunities to mark the significance of the place before leaving.

  • Yes! Ko Taku Reo has consistently and strongly emphasised the cultural and historical significance of the Sumner (van Asch) site in all discussions with the Ministry of Education, and this has been acknowledged.

    There is a shared expectation between Ko Taku Reo and the Ministry of Education that:

    • The mana and legacy of the site are acknowledged
    • Its history and identity are carried forward
    • Heritage elements (including the steps) are protected and reflected in future planning

  • The steps are important to us, and we want to reassure you that their significance has not been overlooked.

    The Ministry of Education has appointed a dedicated person within their team specifically to focus on the protection and preservation of the steps. This is a priority, not just for our school community, but for everyone involved in this process.

    As soon as we have more to share, we will.

Community engagement

The site's future and how people can stay informed.

  • Updates will be shared on the school website under “News & Events > Ko Taku Reo co-location".

  • Email: whanaufeedback@kotakureo.school.nz