Finding a home with good public schools nearby is a priority for many families, as well as couples who are planning for the future, and Matamata has a lot to offer.
Maea Fields is near education facilities for children of all ages, from pre-schoolers to high school seniors. The subdivision is just 2km from Matamata Primary School, Matamata Intermediate School and Matamata College, and in zone for all schools in the town.
The Maea Fields development is the start of big things to come for the south-eastern side of Matamata, with more modern housing planned for the growing community.
The town’s great schooling options make Maea Fields a great place to live and a sensible investment.
Early childhood
There are more than 10 early childhood education and daycare centres to choose from in Matamata.
One of the closest to the Maea Fields subdivision is Central Kids Mill Crescent Kindergarten, which is only about a 3-minute drive away. The early childhood education centre encourages children aged 2-6 to learn through play. Central Kids has a spacious outdoor area, large playground and activities that encourage children to gain confidence, including a water play area, climbing boxes and a mud pit. Curious children can also interact with and learn about animals at the centre’s bird aviary, fish tank and worm farm.
The Matamata kindergarten is part of the Enviroschools programme, teaching children about sustainability with its own vegetable garden, herbs, fruit and flowers. Walking excursions to the nearby Firth Primary School also help familiarise children with the primary school many of them will move on to.
Other options in Matamata: Matamata Playcentre, New Shoots Children’s Centre, Small Steps Early Learning Centre, Kids on Broadway, Kids Collective.
Intermediate school
Almost 400 students attend Matamata Intermediate School, which aims to provide opportunities for Year 7 and 8 adolescents to develop their talents, confidence and independence before starting college. The state school shares a site with Firth Primary School and a boundary with Matamata College, creating a tight-knit schooling community.
Principal Debbie Currie and the staff at Matamata Intermediate School aim to foster inspired learners who are empowered to achieve by celebrating success, progress and commitment. Students are encouraged to be perseverant, resilient and follow the school’s core virtues of Courtesy, Commonsense and Consideration.
At Matamata Intermediate, students are offered a range of academic, cultural and sporting activities. The school places a high value on academic achievement in core subjects English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Technology, Arts, Health & Physical Education, and Languages. Students have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities, including Kapa Haka. The school also offers learning opportunities in Te Reo and international languages.
There is a range of sporting opportunities at Matamata Intermediate. All students participate in P.E sessions and inter-class sports competitions. Pupils can also represent the school in sports including touch rugby, rugby sevens, netball, volleyball, basketball, cricket, tennis, athletics, cross country, football and softball. The Winter Olympics and AIMS Games are some of the most highly-anticipated on the school’s sporting calendar.
Other options in Matamata: Matamata Christian School and St Joseph’s Catholic School cater for pupils from Years 1 to 8, preparing them to go straight to high school when they are about 13 years old.
High school
Matamata College is a public coeducational secondary school that offers a range of learning programmes and opportunities to help all students reach their full potential. The high school, located on Firth Street, caters to all Year 9 to 13 students in Matamata.
Established in 1918, the school has a rich history. Notable former students include politician Judith Collins, former Silver Fern Casey Kopua, former All Black Warwick Taylor and cricketer Nicola Browne.
Now under the leadership of principal Alan Munro and acting principal Faye Mathews, the school has about 700 students.
Matamata College offers a range of pathway options for students, including English, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, Physical Education & Health, Languages, Media Studies, Arts, and Technology. In students’ first years, they study English, Mathematics, Physical Education & Health, Science and Social Studies. They also choose other subjects they want to pursue. When students reach their final years of high school, they have a wide range of pathway options, from agriculture to business studies, trades, hospitality, and media studies.
The college’s motto is Quality Education for All. To make sure they cater for everyone, the school established the Totara Learning Centre, which provides specialised education for learners aged 13-21 with complex needs.
Staff at Matamata College aim to help students grow into responsible, positive, contributing citizens who are confident and connected lifelong learners ready to take on the 21st Century. They promote values of Respect, Caring, Integrity, and Responsibility.
When it comes to sports, Matamata College offers something for everyone. From the classic rugby, football, basketball, netball and swimming to equestrian, lacrosse, clay target shooting, ki-o-rahi and motocross, the school has plenty of sporting options.
With all the benefits of living in a semi-rural town – including connected communities and peaceful living – combined with great schooling options, it’s easy to see why Maea Fields sections are selling quickly.
