School History

Omarama School was first established north of Omarama on Buscot Station in the 1930’s. It was moved to its present site during the 1940’s and grew to a four-teacher school in the late 1980’s, as a result of local hydro electricity development. Today’s two point six teacher school serves a wider area of the Upper Waitaki high country as well as the thriving tourist and service centre of Omarama. Omarama has a wonderful community, which fully supports the school and local ventures. This is shown in our new community hall, which opened in October 2012, and the Friends of the School fundraising organisation, which organises and runs multiple events to raise money for the school. The school occupies an attractive 11938 square metre site on State Highway 8 in Omarama Village.

We have two classrooms, library, one Funhub room for cooking and activities, covered solar heated pool, and an onsite School house. The school presently has a staff of two teachers with a teaching Principal. Support staff includes an office manager, a teacher aide, and a cleaner. Omarama School caters for new entrants to Year 8 children.

The school provides a balanced programme meeting the requirements of the New Zealand Curriculum and our community interests. Our programmes place special emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy development. We are committed to providing individual assistance for students who require extra learning support. Programmes in Science, Social Science, The Arts and Technology are purposefully integrated through an Inquiry approach, and are often school wide themes. We like to engage with the local community when planning and teaching these units. We run a strong EOTC, Health and P.E curriculum, which promotes outdoor activity and learning, this includes annual camps and a six week skiing programme. At the end of each term there is a Celebration of Students' Learning. The children of Omarama have regular contact with other schools with a busy calendar of sporting, cultural and academic events with other Upper Waitaki Schools. Omarama School receives considerable support from its community. The relationship between the school, its families and the wider community is mutually supportive and positive.

Our Cultural Story

Omarama School is located in the heart of Omarama, under the great Aoraki / Mount Cook and alongside the Ahuriri River. This land belongs to Ngāi Tahu, and we honour their connection to the whenua (land), the wai (waters), and the traditions passed down through generations.

We remember Te Maiharoa, a Ngāi Tahu leader who cared deeply for his people and strengthened their bond with this land. His story reminds us how important it is to care for our community, respect our environment, and look after one another.

At Omarama School, students learn about our local iwi history, te reo Māori, tikanga (customs), and the special stories of landmarks like Aoraki and Ahuriri River. We also explore traditional ways of life, such as mahinga kai (food gathering), to understand the deep connection between people and the land.

Our school celebrates both Māori and Pākehā histories, helping learners grow confident, connected, and proud of their heritage. We encourage all students to respect others, care for our environment, and be active members of our whānau and wider community.

Our Māori Heritage

Omarama School sits on land that has been cared for by Ngāi Tahu for generations. Māori have lived in and travelled through this area for hundreds of years, moving with the seasons to gather food, maintain resources, and uphold cultural traditions.

The name Omarama means “Place of Light” or “Place of Moonlight,” reflecting the clear skies and open landscape of our region. The mountains, rivers, and lakes surrounding us were important to our ancestors for mahinga kai (food gathering), travel, and spiritual connections. Aoraki / Mount Cook is especially significant, linking people to their tūpuna (ancestors) and forming part of Ngāi Tahu whakapapa.

A key figure in our history is Te Maiharoa, a Ngāi Tahu leader who cared for his people and strengthened their connection to the land. His leadership and values of whanaungatanga (strong relationships), manaakitanga (care for others), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land) continue to inspire our school community today.

At Omarama School, we celebrate this heritage by learning te reo Māori, exploring local stories and tikanga, and understanding the special places around us. By connecting to our past, students develop respect for the land, for each other, and for the traditions that shape our community.

Who are we?

Omarama School is a small rural Year 1–8 primary school located in the Upper Waitaki/Mackenzie region. It is recognised for providing a nurturing, inclusive and personalised learning environment where every child is known, valued and supported to achieve success. The school's vision, "Learning and Thriving in the Place of Light" (Ki te Whei Ao, Ki te Ao Mārama e), reflects its commitment to developing confident, connected, lifelong learners within a caring community.

Key Strengths

Strong relationships and family atmosphere
Students are well known as individuals and benefit from positive, respectful relationships with staff. ERO has noted that students describe the school as "like a family," with a strong sense of belonging and wellbeing.

Positive school culture
The school's LIGHT Values—Leadership, Inclusion, Growth - Mindset, Honesty and Teamwork - are embedded throughout school life and underpin behaviour, learning and relationships. These values create a safe, respectful and supportive environment where students thrive.

High-quality personalised learning
Small class sizes allow teachers to tailor learning programmes to individual strengths and needs. Students requiring additional support receive timely interventions, while extension opportunities are provided for high-achieving learners.

Rich local curriculum
Omarama School makes excellent use of its unique rural setting, incorporating authentic learning experiences through environmental education, local history, outdoor learning, agriculture, science, and community partnerships. Learning is connected to the local environment and reflects the identity of the Mackenzie Country.

Community partnerships
The school enjoys strong support from parents, whānau and the wider community. Local organisations, volunteers and the Friends of the School contribute significantly to enriching learning opportunities and supporting school initiatives.

Inclusive and equitable practice
Students with diverse learning needs are fully included in all aspects of school life. The school places a strong emphasis on equity, ensuring every learner has opportunities to succeed academically, socially and emotionally.

Commitment to wellbeing
Student wellbeing is a priority, with a strong focus on positive behaviour, resilience and social-emotional learning. ERO identified a positive and inclusive culture where students feel safe, valued and engaged in learning.

Effective leadership and continuous improvement
The school demonstrates reflective leadership and a commitment to ongoing improvement. Collaborative practices between leadership, staff and governance support strategic decision-making and continued enhancement of teaching, learning and student outcomes.

Overall

Omarama School offers a well-rounded education that combines strong academic foundations with authentic local learning, positive relationships and a genuine sense of community. Its strengths lie in its personalized approach, inclusive culture, committed staff, supportive families, and the ability to provide rich learning experiences that connect students to their place, culture and future. These qualities create an environment where children are encouraged to grow as confident, capable and compassionate learners.