Linwood-based Te Pā o Rākaihautu is the South Island’s only kura ā iwi (a state school mandated by local hapū or iwi).
It has been operating out of a temporary site at the previously closed down Linwood Intermediate.
Its conditions have caused health and safety concerns from school leaders.
In May 2023, the school identified a new 8ha site near Diamond Harbour, and last year the city council agreed to sell the land at the junction of Hunters Rd and Whero Ave to Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, subject to negotiations with the Ministry of Education.
Ministry chief executive of school property Jerome Sheppard said the Te Pā o Rākaihautū board was advised in mid-August that the ministry’s focus would instead be on remediating the existing Linwood buildings.
City council head of property and facilities Bruce Randall said it is continuing to work with the school and Ngāti Wheke on the situation and next steps, including potential future decisions by elected members.
