The Whānau house system is at the heart of One Tree Hill College and is the foundation of our holistic approach to student education.

Our Whānau System – The Heart of One Tree Hill College

The whānau system is at the heart of One Tree Hill College and forms the foundation of our holistic and pastoral approach to student education. It is a “school within a school,” where every student belongs to a smaller community of approximately 350+ students. This structure ensures every young person is known, supported, and connected throughout their time at the college.

A Supportive Extended Family

Students are placed into a whānau where they become part of an extended family of teachers and peers across all year levels. They remain with this whānau for their entire schooling journey, fostering strong relationships, continuity of care, and a deep sense of belonging. Wherever possible, siblings are also placed within the same whānau, strengthening home–school connections.

Purpose-Built Learning Environments

One Tree Hill College is designed around four whānau hubs. These hubs surround the central Student Services Centre and Knowledge Centre, placing wellbeing and learning resources at the heart of the campus. Each whānau contains:

• Specialist learning rooms
• General teaching classrooms
• A shared common area for student use
• Spaces designed for collaboration, recreation, and connection

The layout is informed by current educational research to ensure a smooth transition for Year 9 students entering secondary school for the first time. The common area acts as a “home away from home,” offering a welcoming space to study, relax, eat, and gather during breaks. It also includes a kitchenette and serves as a venue for whānau assemblies where student successes are celebrated.

Strong Pastoral Leadership

Every whānau is led by two Whānau Leaders (Deans) who oversee the pastoral care, academic progress, wellbeing, goal setting, and behaviour of all students in the whānau. They are the primary point of contact for families.

Supporting them are the whānau teachers, who work on the frontline with students—checking attendance, mentoring individuals, monitoring progress, and building meaningful relationships. Whānau teachers stay with their group of students for all five years at One Tree Hill College, ensuring long-term guidance and stability.

Building Leadership, Contribution, and Character

Students make a meaningful contribution to their whānau and the wider college community. Through involvement in co-curricular programmes, cultural and sporting events, service opportunities, and whānau competitions, students strengthen leadership skills and develop pride in their identity and community.

• Miro Whānau - Danielle Keresoma and Connor Felise 
  Deputy Principal in charge - Christine McKnight
• Kowhai Whānau - Louise Luxton and Ken Fale 
  Deputy Principal in charge - Meredith Raukura
• Hinau Whānau - Heather Blakeborough and Megan Youngman 
  ​Deputy Principal in charge - Terry Kimiangatau
• Tawa Whānau - Emma Eliason and Scott Davies 
  Deputy Principal in charge - Sheldon Revell