Why Ōtūmatua?
Join our former ākonga as they take you on a tour of our kura...
I did not want to be here at first, but when I got to know the kaiako and made friends I felt like I belonged and then I did not want to leave.
I enjoyed hanging out with Ally, Bailey, Frank, Pinot and Tilly – the staff dogs, sometimes they bring them in. I got to hang out with lots of cool people here that I will miss.
I am better at playing basketball and I am better at controlling myself, but I still need to work on my calming strategies. I used to break my stuff when I was upset, but I have been trying really hard to use the strategies that I have learned here at HRC.
I loved everything here at HRC, and I was sad to leave. I am going to work hard and one day return to HRC as a staff member like Jessie.
- Oliver
Former student Christian left HRC in 2015 and gained full-time employment in Christchurch, and earn his restricted licence. Both are awesome achievements. Christian completed the Christchurch ANZ Marathon in 2021. This was his first marathon and he ran the 42km course in an impressive time of 5:44.53 (with no training!). Long term, Christian has his sights set on the Rotorua Marathon.
Former students Taylor (left) and Jordan (right) share their experiences on how HRC has helped them.
News
Education Review Office
ERO Report 2025
Key strengths of Te Otu Matua HRC:
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The college demonstrates a strong and effective approach to supporting learner achievement and wellbeing.
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Leadership is effective, demonstrating a clear commitment to continuous improvement and alignment with strategic priorities.
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The curriculum is highly responsive to the diverse needs of learners, providing targeted interventions that foster engagement and personal growth.
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Strong organisational conditions support inclusive learning, wellbeing and curriculum delivery across the school and residential settings.
To see the full report click here
SAMS Evaluation
Standards and Monitoring Services (SAMS)
In 2025 we invited SAMS to evaluate the services provided at Halswell Residential College.
The review involved meeting with staff, students, whānau, and community connections, as well as reviewing an extensive list of documents and procedures.
The evaluators commented on our following strengths:
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Ākonga and whānau were at the heart of all they do; there are high levels of consultation and transparency supported in a trusting and caring environment.
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Highly skilled staff embed Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles in how they work. Specifically, the principles of Person Centered, Mana Enhancing and Ordinary Life Outcomes.
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Consistent approaches, strategies and language across HRC in both the learning and residential spaces.
Netsafe Schools Programme
We are proud to announce we are an official Netsafe School. Netsafe Schools is a nationally recognised programme supporting New Zealand schools to create a safer and more positive online experience.
To view full details click here.
Seizure Smart School
We are proud to be recognised as a Seizure Smart School, awarded by Epilepsy New Zealand
Student J
When I came to HRC I needed to learn
how to make friends.
At HRC I learned my pepeha and how to get along with people.
My nana says that I come home with a smile on my face.
Student R
When I came to HRC I needed to learn to respect people. At HRC I learned how to be kind to others, helpful, and more respectful.
At HRC I never thought I would go ice skating,
hiking and fishing.
My family say they are proud of me.
HRC was the most wonderful place for our moko.
The magazine is a brilliant reflection on life at HRC. Lovely to see all those familiar faces and some new ones, and the smiling tamariki.
Arohanui.
- Former student's kuia, 2021
Student L
When I came to HRC I needed to learn life skills and how to communicate with others.
At HRC I learned how to care for myself better.
At HRC I never thought I would be so good at games, or my school work.
Student C
When I came to HRC I needed to learn how to attend school more regularly, and to get better at math, reading and writing. Other kids my age could do more than me.
At HRC I learned about friendships, my emotions,
and going to my safe place for a break.
At HRC I never thought I would be achieving stuff and being
told I had achieved stuff. And also feeling like 'I can do it'.
My mum said that I'm not getting in to as much trouble
as I used to, and my dad said he is proud of me.
"My time at HRC was a game-changer for me"
- Nicholas E
Nicholas proudly reported to us that he has his own car and he will soon be sitting his full driver's licence test, and he is also starting a new job!
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Words from a student's whānau:
It is with such genuine heartfelt thanks to the team at HRC that we write this final comment.
HRC has been our son's home away from home over the last two years, and we have been so delighted to see him learn and thrive there.
Of particular note is his increased ability to manage his own strong emotions, particularly his frustration and anxiety. He has learnt mindfulness, calm-down and other strategies that help him get through difficult moments, and assist him in rationalising his feelings. He has grown in independence, from using an EFTPOS card to managing his own daily routines, to organising his own timetable (and that of others 🤣). He is confident to use his voice, and has better emotional articulation. He has tried a huge range of experiences, and is always up for a new challenge.
We are so proud of our son's progress, and know that this builds a strong foundation for future learning and life. Our grateful thanks to the team at HRC for the stunning provision of school and living environments.
Student T
When I came to HRC I needed to learn how to control my anger.
At HRC I learned skills for controlling my anger.
I learned to apologise on
my own after I had time to
think about it.
At HRC I never thought I would go on all the obstacles at the Adrenalin Forest.
My family say I get along better with my brother now.
Student R
When I came to HRC I needed to learn self-management and healthy eating.
At HRC I learned to self-manage by choosing a good attitude and sticking to things. I learned breathing strategies, and brain breaks which help me calm down.
At HRC I never thought I would be able to go to the supermarket and buy ingredients to cook a meal,
cook it, and stick to a budget. I also never thought I would enjoy sport as much as I have.
My family say that I look a
lot happier and do great self-managing.
Student R
I never thought I would like it at HRC, but I did and I will be sad to leave.
Student J
When I came to HRC I needed to learn how to ignore other people's behaviour and not get angry.
At HRC I learned deep breathing and how to walk away from bad behaviour. My math and reading also got better because I got to practice more.
At HRC I never thought I would go on an overnight tramp; or become a tuakana.
My family say my behaviour has improved and I don't get so angry when I am losing.