Life at Te Kamo High School: The Authentic New Zealand Experience

Find balance, build friendships, and discover your potential in Northland.

The "Kiwi" Lifestyle: Work-Life Balance:

The New Zealand (Aotearoa) lifestyle is world-famous for its balance. At Te Kamo High School, we encourage you to focus on your academic qualifications while taking the time to grow as an individual.

New Zealanders, or "Kiwis", are known for a laid-back, friendly approach to life. In Northland, things move a little slower. People take the time to connect, learn, and enjoy the environment. You will find a community that values "time for you" just as much as time in the classroom.

Your Home Away From Home: Homestay Living

Living with a New Zealand host family is the best way to immerse yourself in our culture. Most homes in Whangārei are traditional New Zealand homes, ground-level houses with gardens, fruit trees, and outdoor living areas. Many of our host families live rurally with pets and require a bus ride to school which offers a rural living experience.

What to expect from your Host Family:

Inclusion: You aren't just a guest; you are a member of the family. They will provide a comfortable home environment
Support: Families involve you in daily conversations, trips, and Kiwi traditions.
Safety: All our families are vetted and follow the NZ Ministry of Education Code of Practice for Pastoral Care to ensure your wellbeing.

Your Role in the Family: Homestay is a two-way relationship built on respect. We ask our students to:

Be polite, considerate, and maintain high standards of behavior.
Join in and take part in family living and lifestyle (or something like that - ie don’t hide in your room)
Join in with common household tasks (like helping with dishes).
Stay focused on your schoolwork and attendance.

Budgeting for Your Adventure: Living Costs

Planning your spending in the "Winterless North."

New Zealand offers a high quality of life, and Whangārei is generally more affordable than larger cities like Auckland or Wellington. Because most of your big expenses (like food and housing) are covered by your homestay fee, your weekly spending will mostly be for "the fun stuff."

What is already covered?

If you are staying in a Te Kamo High School Homestay, your fees cover:

Your own furnished bedroom.
Three meals a day (including a free school lunch, or you may prefer a packed lunch).
Laundry facilities.
Utilities (electricity, water, and basic internet).

Personal Spending: How much do I need?

For "pocket money," we recommend students budget between $50 – $100 NZD per week. This varies depending on how often you go to the movies, buy extra snacks, or go shopping with friends.

Estimated Costs for Daily Life (NZD): Item & Estimated Cost

Mobile Phone Plan $20 – $40 per month (data & calling)

Bus Fare (with Student ID) $2 – $4 per trip

Café Coffee or Hot Chocolate $5 – $7

Movie Ticket $15 – $20

Takeaway Meal (e.g., Fish & Chips) $12 – $18

Sushi $15 – $20

A meal out $20 - $30

Trips or activities $50 - $200

Casual Clothing (Hoodie/T-shirt) $20 – $80

Pastoral Care & Support

We understand that moving to a new country can lead to "Culture Shock." New Zealand’s unique bi-cultural heritage and relaxed pace can feel different at first.

Our dedicated International Team and your Homestay Manager are always available to support you. We carefully match students with families based on shared interests—whether you love sports, music, or quiet study—to ensure you feel at home from day one. To help you improve your English quickly, we generally aim to place students in homes where they will be encouraged to speak English daily.

Explore Whangārei & Beyond

While the city centre is 10 minute drive from the school, and Kamo village is just a 2 minute walk, the great outdoors is never too far away, Although Whangarei is not within walking distance to the open sea, it is located close to the coast and there are multiple beaches and salt water ways for pleasure or sporting activities. Experience the enjoyment of lying on white sand, bouncing in the surf waves or touring islands on a boat. Weekend pleasure or if studying over the summer, these are activities available during the long evenings of sunshine.

Climate and Weather

Te Kamo is based in the sub-tropical North of New Zealand. Due to this, we experience warm weather all year round, with it never dropping below Zero. Our lush green environment blossoms due to the hot and wet weather conditions. Our average temperature are:

Spring: (Sep-Nov) 17°C high, 10°C low

Summer: (Dec-Feb) 24°C high, 14°C low

Autumn: (Mar-May) 21°C high, 11°C low

Winter: (Jun-Aug) 16°C high, 07°C low

Address: PO Box 4137, 1 Wilkinson Avenue, Te Kamo, Whangarei 0141

Phone: +64 9 435 1688 Email: international@kamohigh.school.nz

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