Last year, Taieri Beach School and Waitahuna School were served with written notice of closure proposals.
One of the chief reasons for the proposed closures was their inability to attract the local school-aged populations to attend their schools.
For both schools, less than 50% of the local primary aged pupils living within their catchment areas attended, instead going to out-of town schools.
Despite this, both have been given a lifeline for the next 12 months.
Ministry of Education director of education for Otago and Southland David Tapp said Minister of Education Erica Stanford had decided to not close either school.
‘‘The ministry will continue to monitor the situation, and Minister Stanford has asked for a formal review to take place in 12 months’ time.
‘‘This approach recognises the ongoing decline in rolls at each school, while allowing time for any changes in circumstances to be considered.’’
Taieri Beach School’s role has had a steady decline since 2015, falling from a peak of 19 pupils to seven in 2025.
The ministry’s consultation memo — written in October 2025 — stated one of the main reasons for the proposal to close the school had come about was because 68% of the primary-aged pupils who lived in Taieri Mouth opted to attend out-of-town schools.
The school opened 163 years ago and provides a nature-based education programme.
After the proposed closure was announced, principal Gloria Penrice said it had a future because of its innovative, nature-based learning programme.
Waitahuna School and Taieri Beach School’s premises each have capacity for 50 pupils.
