Most Unusual House Guests 🦜🦜
Kia ora koutou, as many of you know, it was our Founder John Simister's love of birds that first inspired the creation of Staglands more than 54 years ago.

So, it's rather fitting that John is now sharing his home with some feathered friends -  Oscar and Lola, our new Eclectus parrots, are currently enjoying life as Staglands' most unusual house guests.

Eight-year-old Oscar came to us after his previous owner was no longer able to care for him. He is now settling in alongside 6-month-old Lola as the pair get to know one another, learn new skills and enjoy John's hospitality.

When the weather warms in spring, Oscar and Lola will join their Australian feathered neighbours. in the Pond Aviary, until then, they're making themselves right at home and delighting everyone who meets them.

We can't wait for visitors to get to know this colourful new duo.
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Identical Twin Boys 🐏🐏
🐷 Guess what? We welcomed the first of our spring babies this week with the cutest of new additions to our Dorset Horn sheep family! 

They may be just a few days old but are already full of personality. We think these photos say it all!    

You can meet these little cuties at the Barn Pens.
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Father's Day Gifts 🎁
Searching for the perfect Father's Day gift?

Our Gift Shop is packed with unique ideas for dads who are tricky to buy for, from handy multi-tools and BBQ accessories to traditional shaving sets and novelty soaps guaranteed to raise a smile.

Skip the shopping mall and enjoy a great day out at Staglands while discovering something special for Dad.

Visit soon and find the perfect Father's Day surprise!
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Photo Competition Winner 📷
Congratulations to our latest Photo Competition winner, Emma Raymond! 🎉

Turns out Mum's head makes a pretty good pillow! 😂🐑💚

Emma captured this irresistibly cute moment of one of our Dorset Horn lambs taking relaxation to the next level and enjoying the sweetest spot to rest.

Think you've captured a magical, funny, or heart-melting moment at Staglands? 

Then why not enter it in our next competition? Judging takes place again in October!

To enter, simply email your photo to HERE along with the photographer’s name, contact details, and the names of anyone featured in the image.

🏆 The winner will receive a Staglander Annual Family Pass!
 
Photo Competition

 
 
Bird Flu Update
You may have seen recent reports that HPAI H5N1 (bird flu) has been detected in New Zealand.

We want to reassure visitors that it's business as usual at Staglands, with all areas currently open to the public.

The health and wellbeing of the animals in our care is always our highest priority. Following guidance from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Department of Conservation (DOC), we've implemented additional biosecurity measures while continuing the strong animal health and hygiene practices that are part of our everyday operations.

The risk to visitors remains very low, and our team is closely monitoring the situation.

Thank you for your support as we all do our part to help protect New Zealand's wildlife.

For more information, visit the MPI and DOC websites.
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Christmas Party Planning Starts Here!
Mid-winter has come and gone, which means Christmas is closer than we think!

If you're in charge of organising this year's work Christmas function, now is the perfect time to secure your preferred date.

Whether you're planning an intimate team gathering or a larger festive celebration, Staglands offers unique venue options, flexible catering packages, beautiful natural surroundings, and even a visit from Santa if required.

Beat the end-of-year rush and start planning a Christmas party your team will remember for all the right reasons.

Enquire now to secure your preferred date. 🎄✨

Hei konā mai
The Team at Staglands
Christmas Parties
 
 
Bird Flu 
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild birds and is caused by avian influenza (AI) viruses.

If you encounter sick, injured, or dead wild birds, please do not handle them.

Instead, report them to MPI or DOC and follow their advice.
Department Of Conservation (DOC)
 
 

Kia ora e te whānau
We are just letting you know about an important update regarding our proposed enrolment scheme.

Firstly, thank you so much to all who attended our hui on Tuesday night - we had an impact!
The Ministry of Education has received an overwhelming response to the consultation process (nice work everyone!). Due to the significant volume of feedback to analyse—and the time required to adjust the scheme and potentially undertake further consultation—the commencement of the enrolment scheme has been moved to early 2027 (after the school year has already started).

What this means for our families:

No zone this year: There will be no enrolment zone put in place for the remainder of 2026.
I know this timeline adjustment will bring a welcome sigh of relief to many, particularly those who have children about to turn 5 and already have siblings attending our kura.

Ministry Survey Extended: To ensure everyone has the opportunity to share their thoughts, the Ministry survey has been extended to Friday, 7 August. If you have not done so already, I strongly encourage you to get online and make your voice heard.

https://www.education.govt.nz/have-your-say/te-kura-o-hau-karetu-proposed-new-enrolment-scheme/details

Thank you all for your ongoing support and engagement. Have a fantastic end to the week and a relaxing weekend ahead!

Ngā mihi nui from Karen and the Team.

Kia ora e te whānau,
Following our recent update regarding school zoning in Upper Hutt, I want to reassure you that enrolment for Te Mataahae will remain largely unaffected.
Because Te Mataahae has a special character, our Board of Trustees will apply to the Ministry of Education for a "special programme" assessment within our enrolment scheme.
What does this mean for you? Regardless of where you live, top priority for enrolment will be given to children who:
Have attended an immersion kura or kōhanga reo for more than one year, and
Have whānau actively engaged on their own reo learning journey.
If you have any pātai (questions), I’m more than happy to discuss this with you at our Whānau Hui this Tuesday, or beforehand via phone call or meeting.
Ngā mihi nui,
Karen Wellington
Principal / Kaihautū
Te Kura o Hau Karetu

Applications for roles with the Electoral Commission have opened today – so we are on the search for somewhere around 300-400 kaimahi (employees) to work with us in delivering the General Election in the region.

EC0090Recruitment-Flyer.pdf