Western Heights High School International

It’s been a busy and rewarding few weeks here in the Western Heights High School International Department!

We were delighted to welcome agent guests from Hamburg, Germany, Nagoya, Japan, and Nanchang, China. They enjoyed exploring our school and discovering the many opportunities available here at Heights and within Rotorua. We’re also pleased to share that Shigakukan High School, Nagoya will be hosting two of our Heights students in September for a two-week exchange - the first time our local students will participate in this program. We look forward to strengthening this wonderful partnership.

In addition, we welcomed two Chinese students who studied with us for two weeks. Alongside classes in ESOL, Science, and Mandarin, they enjoyed a special day exploring Rotorua, visiting the local thermal pools, and receiving a historic tour of Ōhinemutu, run by our student leaders.

A special shoutout to our Heights students who led the World of Wearable Arts Competition, with two of our international students proudly taking 2nd place in the Kiwiana category for their incredible Kiwi costume! It was incredible to see the creativity of our ākonga on display.

We also had the pleasure of hosting students from our sister city Beppu for two afternoons this week. Sponsored by the Beppu Council, their visit focused on studying the education systems of both Japan and New Zealand. During their stay, they learnt some waiata & Māori greetings alongside our Te Akoranga students, enjoyed a friendly game of badminton with our Year 10 students , and visited several classes including Fabrics and Music.

It’s been wonderful to see many of our long term international students stepping up as buddies and taking on leadership roles when welcoming visitors into our school.

Thank you to everyone who has made these experiences so enriching and we look forward to more cultural exchanges and connections ahead!

Last week we had the immense honour of welcoming students and staff from our sister school and city, Beppu Shosei for a week-long visit - a relationship that has flourished for 24 incredible years. This year, we hosted 39 students, Principal Mr Obata, and his committed staff, as well as a JTB representative. This partnership continues a legacy of deep cultural connection, shared learning, and lifelong friendships.

The visit began with a truly special moment: a Pōwhiri led by our Western Heights Te Akoranga students, warmly embracing our guests in the spirit of manaakitanga. It was a powerful reminder of the values that underpin our partnership — respect, hospitality, and
unity between Aotearoa New Zealand and Japan.

Throughout the week, our Japanese students were immersed in unforgettable experiences, including a Pōwhiri visit with Rotorua Mayor Ms Tania Tapsell. From walking among the Red Woods, to learning Māori songs, participating in Dance, Animation and ESOL classes, and enjoying a traditional hāngī prepared with heart by both staff and our outstanding student volunteers — every day was filled with connection, discovery, and joy.

While students explored life here at school, the visiting staff were also treated to the best of Rotorua’s hospitality, with time to relax at the Polynesian Hot Pools, capped off with a celebratory buffet dinner. These shared experiences helped deepen professional ties and friendships between our two schools and cities.

We'd like to extend our deepest gratitude to our wonderful host families, whose generosity and warmth brought the week to life. You not only opened your homes but your hearts - offering our guests unforgettable sights, care, and a true sense of belonging.

We would also like to give special mention to our incredible Western Heights staff and student buddies, who played a key role in making the visiting students feel welcome, supported, and connected. Your kindness, leadership, and enthusiasm helped create an environment where friendships could truly flourish.

This visit was more than a cultural programme - it was a celebration of shared values, mutual respect, and the enduring strength of our ongoing partnership with Beppu Shosei High School and the city of Beppu. We are proud of this mahi and very much look forward to visiting your wonderful city once again with our students in 2026.
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

Wonderful to see the school's house colours out last Friday and well done to our new international students who competed!

A fantastic start to the Western Heights High School annual swimming carnival with our Te Maru students first off the podium!

An amazing start for our new international students at WHHS! Our orientation week was filled with memorable experiences, including visits to Rotorua’s stunning Redwoods Forests, the historic Ohinemutu Village, and the scenic Rotorua lakefront.

A huge thank you to our dedicated Western Heights HS buddies, whose support during orientation and beyond has helped our new students feel welcomed and truly part of the Heights whānau!

Very happy to welcome Mr Colin Phipps and Mr Kengo Nishimoto from Shigakukan High School, Nagoya who joined us for a visit to WHHS and Rotorua late last week.

I spent time at their beautiful school last October and was impressed that we share many similarities such as an incredibly strong dance department!

We look forward to working alongside you and Evakona Agency, and are excited to welcome new international students from your school later this week!

A very big warm Rotorua welcome to the newest members of our international student whānau - Osuke from Japan and Jōao from Brazil! We look forward to getting to know you in the coming days and weeks!

It's been an awesome time of summer programme activities alongside our buddies from Taupo nui-a-tia College, and bittersweet farewells these past few weeks. There have been so many highlights this year for our International Department - including our WHHS visit to Beppu Shosei in October.

Back at home, we farewelled two long term international students Tom & Stine, who were with us for two years. Both achieved outstanding results in NCEA and contributed so much to our school life here at Heights. We wish all our departing students safe travels and a Happy Christmas and wonderful 2025!

To all our agents, WHHS school staff, and host families, thank you for your ongoing support and care of our students! We look forward to working again with you in the new year as we welcome our new international students.

A fantastic week of activities for our Western Heights HS international summer programme!

Thank you very much to Whaea Nadia and her student led team for arranging the awesome cultural day today at WHHS! We were lucky to have the international department from Taupo College join us today. The students were able to learn the haka, some cool Māori games, and how to make chocolate pudding. For some of our students it was also their first time tasting a real hangi!

Yesterday the students had a wonderful trip out to the land of the Hobbits with Kris - the weather being perfect for the trip.

Days 4 and 5 of the WHHS annual summer programme alongside Taupo College...what a great week it's been.

Yesterday the students enjoyed a wonderful tour at our local Te Puia - Rotorua, NZ followed by Skyline Rotorua and luging. Today the students created some incredible dishes for the Masterchef challenge.

Thank you Taupo College for hosting us today, and thanks everyone for your beautifully creative dishes from a array of countries! They were absolutely delicious!

An amazing start to our international summer programme today with Rotorua Rafting today alongside the international students from Taupo College.

Thank you guys for an awesome trip down the Kaituna :)