WELCOME

Welcome to New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa, a school built for young people who are committed to excellence in both their education and their sport.

We exist to support student-athletes who are striving for high performance on and off the field. Our learners are motivated, disciplined, and future focused. They require a flexible, responsive learning environment that enables them to meet the demands of training and competition while achieving meaningful academic success. At NZPAA, they do not have to compromise one pursuit for the other.

We are a school first. Academic achievement, critical thinking, and strong future pathways sit at the heart of everything we do. Our students work towards nationally recognised qualifications and develop the knowledge, skills, and habits needed for life beyond school. Sport is not a substitute for learning. It is a powerful partner to it, strengthening resilience, time management, teamwork, and the pursuit of personal excellence.

Alongside education and sport, wellbeing and hauora are essential pillars of our high performance model. We recognise that sustainable success is built on balance. Students are supported to care for their physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing so they can perform at their best in all areas of life. We encourage young people to understand that while their sport is a passion, it does not define their identity. They are scholars, leaders, teammates, and community members first.

Character sits at the heart of high performance. Talent alone is never enough. We expect our students to show humility, respect, and integrity in how they carry themselves, recognising that true leaders lift others up rather than place themselves above them. Through our daily practice, students learn that discipline, gratitude, and service are as important as winning. We are committed to developing young people whose actions reflect strong values, both in sport and in life.

We also recognise the importance of mauri, the life force and inner vitality that each learner brings. Nurturing mauri means creating an environment where students feel energised, purposeful, and connected to who they are and where they come from. When mauri is strong, confidence grows, relationships strengthen, and learning flourishes. This understanding shapes our commitment to holistic development and to honouring the whole person.

Our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi underpins our practice and relationships. We strive to honour partnership, participation, and protection by valuing identity, fostering inclusive environments, and ensuring all learners are supported to succeed as

themselves. This commitment strengthens our school culture and enriches the learning journey for everyone.

Our high performance environment reflects real world expectations. Commitment, accountability, and perseverance are not optional. They are part of our culture. We support students to pursue excellence in their chosen codes while ensuring their wellbeing, character, and academic progress remain the priority. Success here is holistic and sustainable.

Our values guide this work every day.

Tuakiritanga affirms identity and belonging. We honour who our students are and create an environment where they feel grounded, confident, and connected.

Whakaohooho inspires growth and aspiration. We challenge students to push their limits, embrace opportunity, and strive for continual improvement.

Rangatiratanga fosters leadership and self-determination. We empower students to take ownership of their learning, their choices, and their future, leading with integrity and purpose.

These values shape a culture where students support one another, uphold high standards, and represent themselves and our school with pride.

Partnership with whānau is essential. When school and home work together, young people are best positioned to thrive. We value your aspirations for your young person and look forward to working alongside you.

Thank you for considering NZPAA. We are proud to offer a learning environment where education, wellbeing, character, and sport work together to unlock potential, cultivate discipline, and prepare young people to succeed in whatever pathway they choose.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Ryan Clark

Principal | New Zealand Performance Academy (NZPAA) Tumuaki | Te Kura Whakapakari Tākaro o Aotearoa