Our Community
Kaiapoi, the North Canterbury river town, is a rapidly growing town of 12,000, located 18 kilometres north of central Christchurch. Originally the town’s economic basis was food production and gathering for Ngai Tahu. This was followed by developing trade, as the river port and railway came into use. For many years the freezing works and woollen mill provided most of the employment, but recent rapid change has seen these two industries disappear from Kaiapoi. With new commercial and residential developments, the community is seen as an attractive location to live. There is a strong community identity, characterised by loyalty and pride. A number of students attend Kaiapoi High School by bus from other parts of our community, such as Belfast, Ouruhia, Brooklands, Clarkville, Pines Beach, Woodend and Rangiora.
The September 2010 earthquake significantly affected Kaiapoi, but the community is resilient and the rebuild of the town is well underway with a new library and community centre, shops and cafes all being built. Fortunately there was very little damage to the buildings and grounds of the school and it has continued to serve the community by providing a safe and caring environment for all.